The Pukekohe Lions club inaugural “wheels of fortune” vehicle display on May 8th at Pukekohe racecourse was billed as a massive vehicle extravaganza for the whole family, and they delivered. The Lions gathered a diverse selection of vehicles which they described as “past & present”, “original & modified”, “slow & fast” and “classic & unique” and they certainly gathered some of each. Add the other entertainment on the day with fantastic food on offer and it made for a great day out.

There was a huge line up with over 1200 cars and special interest vehicles around the track and in the pit areas with displays from numerous clubs and organisations including Franklin Street Rodders, the American Muscle Car Club, Iron Sands Rod & Custom, HSV Club, Zephyr and Zodiac, Mini, MG, Military vehicles, Coast Guard, Fire Service, St John and many more. There was also part of Dave Parkers amazing car collection, with 11 of his 18 classic cars on display.

In addition to the fine line up of cars there was a good selection of food and beverages, music by Tuakau country variety music club and the Sunset coast big band and several VIP guests including Auckland mayor Len Brown, TVNZ’s Mark Sainbury, and local MP Paul Hutchison wandering around and being interviewed over the P.A.

The police were offering rides around the track and St John had several promotional vehicles taking children for rides too. The Westpac emergency chopper flew in for an hour giving everyone the chance to give it a good look over, a very serious bit of kit at $4 million to buy and then another $1million to fit out.

Other highlights apart from the fine display of vehicles were the military vehicle club demonstrating a 50 calibre machine gun which seemed quiet compared to the ‘Roaring Forties’ display team, who are the ‘Flag bearers’ of New Zealand War Birds, flying ex-RNZAF Harvard trainers and performing precision aerobatics for our entertainment.

The day was a huge success with over 5000 people through the gates and more than $35,000 raised for local emergency services including the Pukekohe Volunteer Fire Brigade, Police, Coast Guard, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and St John Ambulance service.

Check out photos from the day in the gallery below.