One of the most popular motorbike & car festivals in the US is now coming to New Zealand. GMS.Group Inc., the concert & event marketing company that has brought a number of top music artists to New Zealand, has announced that Bikes, Blues & Hot Cars will be held in Taranaki 28 February – 2 March 2013.

The event will be open to all makes & models of cars, trucks & motorbikes at a multi-venue festival with activities and attractions for both motoring enthusiasts and the general public. In 2011, the US event drew more than 500 automobiles, over 10,000 bikes and was attended by over 80,000 patrons during the 3-days.

Speaking from his US office, GMS director Dan Allen said it was a natural to bring the event to New Zealand. “I spend a good bit of time there and know that Kiwis love their cars & motorbikes. With the breathtaking natural surroundings, the unique locations and great roads in Taranaki and the historical success of Americarna it’s a great area to host this wonderful experience.” Elaborating on the classic American car show held bi-annually in New Plymouth, Allen explained the crew at Americarna will be instrumental in the operation of Bikes, Blues & Hot Cars. “John, Toni and the whole Americarna team are heavily involved in our event and with their track record I have no doubt BBHC will be well received.”

Some of the activities planned for Bikes, Blues & Hot Cars include an organized ride to Opunake Beach and around Mt. Taranaki, a poker run with cash & prizes, live exhibitions from StuntNZ (the country’s most famous stunt motorbike team), vendors & exhibitors, live music, food & beverages, RC car & truck racing, biker games, helicopter rides, a judged car & bike show with trophies & prizes, kids attractions on Saturday and appearances by celebrities in the bike & car world. “We’re working to bring in a few big name celebrities and unique attractions that you’ll only find at our event,” Allen commented.

The family-friendly event will also involve some yet-to-be-named restaurants, bars, hotels and retail outlets in the Taranaki region. Allen said that he anticipates great participation from the area’s merchants that will enjoy the huge influx of tourists to New Plymouth and surrounding towns. He also hopes to engage the local schools with an art contest as well as bike & car-themed movies in the local cinemas leading up to the event.

“On my last trip to Taranaki we received unbelievable support and enthusiasm for our festival. I think its going to be bigger than I initially anticipated; our plans are coming together smartly with more details being confirmed weekly”, Allen said.
As of early July the website at www.bikesbluesandhotcars.com has some initial information posted along with a link to the US rally site which shows all the activities and photos of last year’s American BBHC. Allen anticipates the full NZ website along with registration forms, a complete schedule of events and vendor applications to be running by mid-July.