The tyre screeching, gunning of engines, coloured smoke billowing excitement that was to be the annual Central Motor Speedway burnout competition has been postponed – for now.

Heavy Trax Hire Central Motor Speedway club president Andy Erskine says the event is always a popular pre-season event – the burnout to beat all burnouts. Postponement of the event due to Covid Alert Level 2 restrictions had been a practical decision.

“The committee agreed the extra efforts and costs involved in holding the burnout under Delta Level 2, or even the unknown of Delta level 1 restrictions, would be better focused on working towards making Labour Weekend’s season opener something really special for everyone.

“We’ll plan to run the burnout competition during the season instead,” he says.

Andy explains drivers come from throughout New Zealand for the competition, and with alert level 4 still in place in Auckland a number of high profile drivers would be unable to enter. 

Postponing now, rather than waiting for the next government announcement also means South Island drivers have the chance to change accommodation bookings and make plans for a mid-season date.

Andy says the committee is now working hard to put systems in place so events can go ahead as future alert levels allow. 

If we stay at Alert Level 2 for any length of time, he says, it then becomes the norm and they are committed to following Speedway New Zealand guidance while developing new ways to hold events.

“We need to do the right thing for our drivers, spectators and sponsors, but it’s much more than that.

“Speedway is well supported by the wider community. Whole families enjoy the fun, local volunteer efforts help make events happen, local businesses sponsor events; everyone recognises that speedway brings thousands of people to the region throughout the season.

“Finding solutions so we can continue to hold events is something that will be good for everyone.”

It all comes down to the ability to adapt, Andy says.

“Taking the time to plan now means we can look at how to adapt and run events for this season and into the future.”

For more information and updates see the Central Motor Speedway website and Facebook page.