Ten years old this month, and the thriving Central Otago Motorsport Club is still keeping to its roots.

In 2011, an advert appeared in the local paper, asking for motorsport enthusiasts interested in forming a motorsport club to attend a meeting.

Ten years on, the Central Otago Motorsport Club (COMC) is thriving with over 150 financial members.

Secretary of the COMC, Matthew Shand, says they’ve grown, but they’ve always stuck to the roots of motorsport.

“That first meeting had a good turnout, and from that night the club was formed. 

“Some of the original people who signed up the incorporation documents are still members today.

COMC autocross days are very popular, and a wide range of both cars and drivers turn up.

The club provides events for the community, Matthew says, that enable people to try their cars and skills in a safe environment.

There’s plenty of friendly competition, in a safe and legal environment.

“The club sticks to grassroots motorsport, which include our famous Street Sprints, timed track days, gravel sprints and paddock events.

 “Most events are run under club sport basic so they don’t require a dedicated race car.” 

Reflecting back on the past ten years, Matthew  says the club’s greatest achievement has been to get the Cromwell street sprints back up and running.

“It’s now a greatly sought after event to enter.”

And there have been other achievements and high points, he says.

“Helping CODC run their young driver of the year competition.

“Starting a Novice Training Day, aimed at anyone thinking about or new to motorsport able to come along and get a better understanding of aspects of the club, events etcetera, and being able to try it out.”

What of the club’s future plans?

“To continue to be grassroots and provide our members with events they enjoy both for the road/track and the camaraderie.

“Central Otago has some of the best roads: gravel and tarmac. 

“We hope to find new events to keep our members happy and enjoying life and motorsport.”

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