2010 edition of Speedshow a roaring success

The Expo Group

Re: Speedshow 2010, 24-25 July 2010, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, New Zealand

Media release

30 August 2010

2010 edition of Speedshow a roaring success

The fourth running of Speedshow, New Zealand’s premier automotive and motorsport expo, proved even more successful than previous editions with just over 20,000 people visiting this year’s two-day show.

Speedshow took place at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland over the weekend of 24 and 25 July. Keith Sharp, who developed and organises the popular event, says he’s been flooded with positive feedback from show visitors and exhibitors.

“We’re very happy with how this year’s show ran – of course, there are always things we think we can do better in the future – but this year’s show reached a whole new level,” says Sharp.

“A visitor number of just over 20,000 people across the two days represents an 11% increase over the 2009 show results. With the economy still regarded as being challenging, we’re delighted to see that Speedshow continues to build on its appeal to a wide range of car and motorbike fans.”

The 2010 edition of Speedshow featured the first New Zealand displays of numerous vehicles such as Peugeot’s curvaceous new RCZ coupe, the magnificent Bentley Mulsanne, Ducati’s 1198 superbike and Kawasaki’s new KX250F motocross bike. Enduro motocross star Chris Birch was a star attraction as was two-time New Zealand V8 racing car champion John McIntyre who revealed new livery for his race car with the help of Auckland Mayor, the Hon. John Banks. Alongside the three sold-out halls of displays and trade exhibits, the show incorporated a busy live action arena, sponsored by Ezybuy Car Auctions, with 4WD and motorcycle trials displays and stunt ute action, as well as an indoor kart racing track which featured a prize for the weekend’s fastest competitor of a trip for two to the Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercar event.

“The feedback has been phenomenal from our exhibitors and many show attendees,” says Sharp. “Many visitors came to this year’s show knowing there would be fantastic products and services on sale for car and bike fans just like them. Numerous exhibitors report excellent sales at the show with several more now busy following up pages of keen prospective customers.”

One exhibitor told Sharp he had 14 pages of orders while another confirmed $180,000 worth of sales at the show.

“It was great to have Auckland Mayor John Banks at the show. We know he’s a real car enthusiast, so we welcomed his involvement to unveil the new Peugeot and Johnny Mac’s new-look race car. Mr Banks then joined us to welcome Gareth and Jo Morgan as they launched their latest motorcycle adventure book ‘Up the Andes’.

“We’ve had phenomenal feedback from the new car companies involved with this year’s Speedshow with at least one looking to increase their space at the 2011 show. The Meguiar’s Car Crazy display area was very popular with some absolutely amazing cars on display.”

Sharp says the success of this year’s show was the result of a combination of factors. “Certainly having a diverse, yet linked mix of exhibitors who really embrace the Speedshow concept has played a key role in lifting the show’s profile. We also pay credit to key partners like The Radio Network which utilised the many interesting people, cars and facts about Speedshow on their stations Radio Sport, Hauraki, Classic Hits and ZM. Our own team, while small, punches above its weight in putting together and promoting an international standard show.”

Sharp says Speedshow is booked for the same third weekend in July in 2011, which means next year’s show takes place on 23 and 24 July. “The planning starts now,” says Sharp with a smile.

ENDS/