Air 2 There car and road safety show at Kapiti

Promoting safe driving skills with young drivers is the main aim behind a car show with a difference at Paraparaumu this weekend.

Young and not so young drivers – especially owners of high performance or ‘racer’ type vehicles are being given the chance to test their skills in the safe, controlled environment of a timed sprint course at Paraparaumu Airport on Sunday, 14 March. All cars that register must be street legal with current WOF and registration.

The event is organised by the Kapiti Coast District Council, Kapiti Mana Area Police, with the support of Paraparaumu Airport Limited, Kapiti Car Club, Repco and Mag and Turbo Warehouse. Registrations for the 1/8 mile timed sprint can be made in advance at Repco Kapiti and from 9am on the day for the Show and Shine.

More than 50 cars have already entered the timed sprint which is being run by the Kapiti Car Club. Further registrations are expected along with entries for the show and shine.

Sue Johnson, Kapiti Coast District Council Road Safety Coordinator, says the event is a follow up to the information day held last year, shortly after the ‘boy racer’ legislation was passed.

“The feedback was so supportive we just had to run another,” she says. “It’s a chance for owners to show off their cars, but more importantly to learn about safe vehicle handling techniques, what vehicle inspectors look for in signing off warrants of fitness, and a reminder of the road rules.”

Kapiti Youth Support and the Kapiti Youth Council are helping out on the day, with the ‘gold coin entry donations’ going to Kapiti Youth Support. This is an event for young drivers and the proceeds will go to further supporting youth in our community says Selena Greig, Youth Development Coordinator for Kapiti Coast District Council.

Sue Johnson says safety is the key consideration in the timed sprints with Vehicle Testing New Zealand, providing a five point car safety check before participants get to drive.

Senior Sergeant Derek Chapman, Kapiti Mana Police, says the police involvement in the event provides officers with a good opportunity to discuss in a positive way road safety issues with young drivers.

“Throughout the day the emphasis is on safety – promoting driving safely to the conditions, wearing seat belts and of course no drinking alcohol if you’re going to be driving.”

Police will have a patrol car fitted with a radar positioned on the sprint course, and other police vehicles at the show site.

The order of events is:

9am registrations for Show n Shine

10am open to the public

10am to 12 noon safety checks for vehicles entered in the sprints

11am judging starts for the show and shine

12 noon show and shine winners announced

12.15pm safety briefing for sprint drivers

12.30 – 4pm timed sprints

Entry to the Airport is signposted off Kapiti Road.