Classic cars and racing enthusiasts from around New Zealand will being making the journey south over the next few days in anticipation of next week’s George Begg Festival in Invercargill.
Based at the famed Teretonga circuit- the Southern most racetrack in the world- the festival will feature a number of on track and off track activities over a four day period beginning on Thursday March 30.
The exclusive George Begg Long Lunch launches proceedings into action and is followed by Beggs Barmy Rally that evening. Starting in central Invercargill, the procession will tour Southland from 6pm with classic and historic cars aplenty registered to take part.
On track entertainment begins early on Friday morning with Historic Touring Cars, Pre-1978 Classic Saloons and Historic Formula Fords among many, many others competing in a series of races over the weekend.
Whilst the on track entertainment pays homage to days of racing gone by, the off track experience will also bring back the party vibes of the 1960s and 1970s.
Attendees are encouraged to dress to the part with a number of awards to be presented to those who embrace the theme best. There’ll also be a vintage beauty parlour, retail precinct and Friday night retro disco to create a truly immersive experience.
TW Events & Incentives are one of the hosts of the festival, with their commercial events manager Marie Kolasinski recognising the 2023 edition is shaping up to be a roaring good time.
“We’re thrilled at the response we’ve had from the public,” she says. “We have more than 100 vehicles racing, with competitors including motorsport greats like Greg Murphy, Paul Radisich, and David Oxton, with many of them coming from out of town. Spectators are also travelling from throughout New Zealand to be here, and we’d love for as many Southlanders as possible to come along to be part of the fun.”
Already the All Access Pass and Track & Hospo Pass – 3 Days ticket types are sold out, with others getting close to capacity as well, she says.
“There’s been a mammoth team effort behind putting the festival together, and we’re really in the thick of things now,” Kolasinski says. “With so many elements involved in the George Begg Festival, across multiple days and multiple locations, it’s a big job. But we are really excited about creating an event, which is going to bring motorsport fans, families, and people who just want to be part of a great buzz, together to have a great time.”
Invercargill businessman Scott O’Donnell says the long-term vision is to create a carnival-like atmosphere similar to Goodwood in the United Kingdom: with a twist.
“George Begg took on the world from Southland, and our plan is to run a world-class event here in Southland. We want it to be a real highlight on the calendar, not just for visitors to our region but for Southlanders too,” O’Donnell says.
“People really got into the retro swing of things at the first George Begg event and we know they’ll be just as keen to do it again next week.
“When there’s an event like this, that encourages people to get dressed up in outfits from that period of time, there’s great food, fast cars, a good buzz in the air, it’s easy to get swept up in the fun of everything. We’re really looking forward to bringing the George Begg Festival back to town,” he says.
George Begg is a motorsport icon throughout New Zealand but held of particularly high regard in his hometown of Southland. His career started out through racing motorcycles at world-renowned events, including in the Isle of Man.
Following his return to New Zealand Begg got to work in a shed on his farm, building 18 racecars over a period of just nine years. Some of these cars went on to big things, including the 1972 FM5 (#18) which won two Gold Star Championships in the hands of David Oxton.
All those achievements will be celebrated next weekend when the George Begg Festival returns in a display of motorsport not to be missed.
Additional reporting: Supplied
Images: George Begg Festival
