Revheads have been putting the finer touches and tune-ups to their cars this week, as the Annual Cromwell Street Sprints gets ready for the green light on Sunday. 

The unique event sees motorsport enthusiasts from across the country pit their cars against the twists and turns of Cromwell’s industrial streets. 

Central Otago Motorsport Club’s Street Sprint Convenor Garry Morton says the event is unique, with only a handful of similar races in New Zealand. 

“It is a unique event and there are very few street races that are held in South Island,” Garry says. 

“Ashburton, Waimate, Blenheim and us are the only ones I can think of. 

“So to see cars racing against the clock, with speeds up to 140kms around local industrial area streets is pretty amazing. 

“Also to be able to see and talk to the drivers of the race cars through the day.”

Garry says the planning for the day has had its challenges. 

“Everything is going to plan, this will be the 8th street sprint that has been run by Central Otago MotorSport Club. 

“Would like to say it gets easier but with new buildings popping up it does create its challenges. 

“The red tape involved is also a bit of a hurdle but we have a system which seems to work. Just a matter of refining as we go. 

“The big job is about to start with 400 round bales of hay being carted into the circuit to create safety barriers for both drivers and spectators.”

Garry says it is largely the same as previous years, with a wide variety of race cars coming from Christchurch south. 

“This is a chance for race car owners to bring their cars out of the shed to have some fun,” he says. “It is also a free event for spectators.

“We have a maximum of 55 cars that we can run on the day, this is due to making sure that every entrant gets three runs and leaves us enough time to run the top 10 shootout. 

“We also have 28 cars on the waiting list in case someone pulls out. 

“This is encouraging as it means drivers enjoy what we are offering.” 

Anything from 100 to over 500 spectators are expected to cycle through to witness the event throughout the day. 

“We have three areas designated as spectator areas, Farmlands corner, end Cemetery Rd and end Gair Ave ( pit area),” Garry says. 

“The Pit area is also where you can view the start line and finish line as well as checking out all race cars. 

“We will have trucks and trailers set up in each of these positions to enable spectators to view racing at a higher level.”

Garry encourages anyone looking for a bit of excitement or simply with an interest to drop down and have a look at what is a unique and exciting community event. 

“Come join us for a fun day out,” Garry says. 

The Central Otago District Council is warning residents that the annual Motorsport NZ sanctioned street sprint will be taking place in the Cromwell industrial area on Sunday, February 28. 

The following roads will be closed between 6am and 6pm: 

• Wolter Crescent. 
• Hughes Crescent. 
• Pinot Noir Drive from Chardonnay Street. 
• Chardonnay Street. 
• Cemetery Road from 50m west of Chardonnay Street. 
• Gair Avenue 60m from Wolter/Hughes Crescent toward McNulty Road. 
• Connelly Way.