Whenuapai Wings and Wheels.

28 February - 1 March 1998.

Just in case the Auckland members weren't already sick of each other (this was our 4th event in 2 months) we arrived at Whenuapai Air Force Base early on Saturday morning with three cars to start with, Steve's Turbo, Ade's SC and my Mk1 NA. Soon to follow was Mark Robson with his Turbo and then the stage was set for anyone with an MR2, club member or not, to come and park their cars with us.

We initially got really excited when a member of the airforce wandered up and suggested that the club required a convertible to complete the display. After chatting it became clear he was talking about an SW20 turbo targa top rather than the considerably rarer TRD prepared, normally aspirated SW20 convertible. The addition of the black targa turbo was welcomed as was the appearance of a Kingfisher blue, normally aspirated late model MR2.

The crowd was fairly light on the Saturday which gave us plenty of opportunities to watch the racing and practice air display but Sunday was much busier. As with the Ellerslie Concours, membership forms went faster than an MR2 through the Manawatu Gorge. I just hope they weren't all used as napkins.

The racing was up to the usual high standard for classics with some extremely valuable cars doing speeds the insurance companies don't know about, including a satanically quick Bentley Turbo R. My personal highlight on the track was Mark Parsons in his V8 powered Triumph TR7 performing some spectacular sideways action that Carlos Sainz would be proud of, but Mark was doing it all on a dry racetrack.

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MR2s on display at the Wings & Wheels

Although no MR2s were to be seen racing four did take part in the car club parade. Steve took the opportunity to scrub in his new tyres.... well the rear ones anyway.

The airshow was well done by NZ standards and the Vampire and Venom jets were most people’s favourites, although the Skyhawks were definitely the loudest.

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Cars lined up for the parade around the track, Steve's car on the left, Mark's on the right
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Lined up for the parade with the race car

Just to do a bit of name-dropping our club display was visited by one of the great motor-racing journalist, Eion Young, who just happens to own a supercharged MR2. He was after an ash tray cover.... anyone like to give their's away?

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A fine line-up of impressive cars

By my count we had about ten MR2s on show throughout the weekend which must be something of a record for us. Let's hope the trend continues.

Malcolm Cambridge.