The annual CRC Speedshow has become New Zealand’s premiere automotive event which caters for all things automotive related and everything in between. This year’s event is sure to be a very memorable one with the guest appearance of renowned USA automotive designer Chip Foose.
If that name sounds familiar you would have seen him on the highly popular Overhaulin’ TV series. Chip is regarded as an all-round good guy and is highly regarded in the automotive design world for his clean lines and elegant designs. Thanks to 3M and CRC Speedshow, New Zealand fans of Chip Foose will get the opportunity to meet the man behind so many exquisite hot rod and custom car designs.
The photograph’s here are the author’s from a couple of visits to the USA where Chip was present. He is a second generation hot rodder to his late Dad, Sam Foose who was also a renowned hot rod and custom car builder. After a varied career including a stint at Hot Rods by Boyd, Chip and his wife Lynne founded Foose Design in 1998 based in Huntington Beach, California. Often described as a human dynamo, Chip never sits still. He and the crew at Foose Design are the go to guys for full on show cars to compete in America’s Most Beautiful Roadster at the Grand National Roadster Show or the Ridler Award at the Detroit Autorama. In addition to this Chip turns out design work commissioned for clients and other builders and of course there is the production of Foose custom wheels. The Overhaulin TV series ran from 2004 to 2015 and is due to kick off again soon.
“It had been a dream of mine to bring Chip to NZ ever since we had his Overhaulin co-host, Jessi Combs at CRC Speedshow back in 2015. Jessi introduced us to Chip at SEMA 2016, which started the wheels in motion. Earlier this year we were able to put a deal together with 3M to bring Chip to NZ exclusively for CRC Speedshow (Chip is the Global ambassador for 3M Automotive)”, says Ross Prevette of the CRC Speedshow. Make sure you visit the 3M stand during the show where Chip will be mingling with fans, signing autographs and drawing cars live. Chip’s tie in with the hot rod and custom car world globally is a good fit with the Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show held each year at CRC Speedshow.
The Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show has become the popular indoor show for hot rod and custom car enthusiasts around New Zealand and this year is special with a great number of new builds and projects being displayed for the very first time. “Chip will be picking a car of his liking from the line-up in the Grand National Rod & Custom Show hall and then presenting the 3M – Chips Choice award. I l also understand that he will be picking a car of his choice from the show, and will doing a Foose rendering of that car live during the weekend”, says Ross. With Chip at the CRC Speedshow and the Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show, these are just two aspects of what the show is all about.
This year also includes the Sound FM Custom Motorcycle Show, The Classic Cover Insurance Wild and Whacky Car Showcase, The Petrolhead Retro-O-Rama Retro & Vintage Market and the Wendy’s Live Action Arena. It’s a jam packed weekend with something for everyone of all ages and its an event not to be missed at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland. The show runs between 9am and 6pm on Saturday 20th July and between 9am and 5pm on Sunday 21st July. Admission is $25 per adult and $15 per child and under 10 years are free or a family pass is $60 at the gate (online tickets are cheaper). Visit www.speedshow.co.nz for further information.