Despite the huge amount of motorsport events to choose from at this time of the year, choosing to go to the Tokoroa Street Rodders’ Shady Showdown — held on February 28 at Amisfield Dragstrip in Tokoroa — was a no-brainier. The event was a no-pressure day for the racers who were able to have some genuine fun, and provide a great spectacle for those who came from near and far to check out the action.
The day started with a few practice runs, a burnout comp down the track, and then on to eliminations followed by a meal and entertainment provided by a live band for those who wanted to make a weekend of it.
The flag-drop runs started, which involved two racers deciding for themselves who won their race at the other end of the quarter-mile. If you couldn’t agree, no problem, simply race again.
It was great to see Mike Carlton’s nine-second street-legal Corvette out there having some fun. Word has it he’s got his sights set on running an eight-second quarter-mile pass. Although this event was not the day for serious racing like that.
This nicely tubbed Holden ute has been kicking around for a few years now, but still looks great. Full credit to whoever built it.
This old flathead was working hard all day to keep up with the competition.
It was great to see some competition cars turning up as well.
This nicely set-up twin-turbo Dodge Challenger always seemed to have a crowd gathered around it.
Rules for the crowd favourite — the burnout comp — were simple: no sitting still. You had the whole quarter-mile if you and your ride could make it.
Big thanks to Tokoroa Street Rodders for putting on an excellent event. Bring your race car or bike, or even the daily driver to one of their next events, and have an awesome day tearing up and down the runway — truly a unique event and a fun day.
