Due to the 3M sponsored visit of internationally renowned automotive customizer Chip Foose, this year’s CRC Speedshow was set to go off the hook. There were so many attractions to the show which kept the increased public numbers entertained all day. The CRC Speedshow has become the must do event for anyone with the slightest interest in all things automotive. We attended the show on two levels – one as a trade vendor with GMS Hot Rods and two as a car show entrant with four cars displayed in the Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show. From our perspective it was a successful and positive weekend all round.
This year’s Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show was well supported with a lot of new builds which made for a refreshing looking show and in some cases the judging was very difficult with fierce competition in some classes. Chip Foose was impressed with the quality and was asked to select his pick which was Royce Everett’s 1932 Ford roadster with its unique bespoke styling. Ian Neary’s Plymouth GTX also attracted Chip’s attention which between these two cars, it speaks volumes for New Zealand’s modified car hobby in general.
If this year’s CRC Speedshow and associated show’s within a show are anything to go by then the future is in great shape. It is hoped and many people said it that this show has strong potential to be “the show” where people will always debut new builds much like Australian and American shows do. I for one support this totally as aside from what the CRC Speedshow offers there is no other quality indoor hot rod and custom car show running. So we all need to collectively support this moving forward.