The Cars and Bikes for Canterbury show held in Hamilton last weekend went off well despite some last minute changes due to wet conditions.

Whilst the wet weather resulted in a number of exhibitors cancelling at the last moment, and had an effect on public numbers, the spirit of the dedicated crew was far from dampened.

The team effort resulted in a fantastic show which featured cars and motorcycles from all disciplines of motorsport, – Drag Cars and Bikes, Hot Rods. Classic and Custom Cars, Classic Bikes, Trikes, Modern and Classic Road Race Bikes, Speedway Bikes/Sidecars, Speedway Saloon and Stock Cars, Vintage Cars, Sports cars, street machines, motorcycles, along with Trade stands, and great entertainment.

The rumble brought together a number of  well know Motorsport people including NZ’s Superbike Champion Andrew Stroud, who was one of the celebrities at the Rumble with his Suzuki having just recently celebrated his 9th win in the NZ Superbike series Title.

Cars and Bikes for Canterbury was the brainchild of Tracey Sherwin (New Plymouth) and Alan Thoresen (Hamilton).  Both are members of the New Zealand Drag Racing Association (NZDRA) and have friends and colleagues in the quake devastated region of Christchurch. 

“Watching the earthquake devastation on the news was just heartbreaking, and we feel so helpless being so far away” says Tracey.  A few phone calls were made, and the idea of a car and bike show encompassing all aspects of New Zealand Motorsport, Hot Rodding and Classic and Vintage cars took hold.

Email’s then went out to the New Zealand Hot Rod Association (NZHRA) and the National Street Rod Association (NSRA) for their assistance. This was be the first time in all three Associations history that they have all worked together for a common cause.

Alan Thoresen has been the man on the ground in Hamilton, emailing, handing out flyers, putting up posters and getting local businesses involved.

“Many of the members of these associations had family, friends, or business associates affected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch and wanted to do something to help out the people of Christchurch, and by becoming involved in the show showing a car or bike which they had a great passion for, this passion could be shared with the public for a great cause.”

Whilst the date selected for the event was during the V8 Weekend in Hamilton, it was felt the show would compliment the other activities in the area and also attract those who wanted a break from the days racing. – Hamilton was certainly a place to be for Petrol heads that weekend with various activities being promoted around the city.

Whilst it could be said Alan and Tracey and their great team of volunteers and supporters. have run a great show for a great cause……..there are already murmurs about plans for some thing bigger and better for another charitable “Rumble” for next year.

Check out some images from the Cars and Bikes for Canterbury show in the gallery below.