Motor Supershow To Blow Your Ears And Then Your Mind

Newcastle Herald

Saturday July 3, 2004

By BRENT DAVISON Motoring Writer

NEWCASTLE Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Association has kicked off a new commercial venture, giving the green light to its first National Auto Supershow to be held over the October long weekend.

In a bold move set to bolster the association's coffers, the supershow will bring together mainstream vehicle and accessory retailers, car and motorcycle clubs and motorsport groups.

Launching the event to the industry and enthusiasts at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre yesterday, association president Robert Saddington described the show as a unique event for Newcastle and the Hunter, which will increase the use of the showground.

The three-day supershow will host a wide range of events, with custom cars and motorcycles rubbing shoulders with new cars and bikes from local dealerships in one part of the showground, while show'n'shine competitors compete in another.

At the same time rally cars, motorkhana and khanacross machines will compete in the main arena.

A demolition derby will round out the motorsport aspect.

Other competitions include a car audio sound-off and a dynamometer shoot-out to determine the most powerful engine.

At yesterday's event launch, attended by representatives of the motoring industry and about $5 million worth of exotic cars, supershow organiser Scott McKelligott said a large amount of interest had been shown in the show ahead of its official launch with the society "fielding a huge number of calls".

Mr McKelligott said the show's layout covered three main areas with an outdoor section from the Entertainment Centre to the Hall of Industry for car and motorcycle club sites, and the Entertainment Centre's main floor for retailers and show'n'shine competitors. The main arena will be a dedicated motorsport venue.

Association secretary-manager David Helmers said the National Auto Supershow had been created to cater for the needs of a wide range of special interest groups, vehicle retailers and after-market component suppliers, and to increase the use of the showgrounds.

"We have our annual Newcastle Show that lasts for four days and after that the grounds are basically sitting idle for the rest of the year which is not a good situation," he said.

The supershow will run from October 2 to 4. It will be open between 9.30am and 8.30pm on October 2 and 3 and 9.30am and 5pm on October 4.

© 2004 Newcastle Herald

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