Listen to the fun – it's petrol-head heaven

Colin Reese thinks this year's V8 street races will be better than last year's, although he's advising earplugs for novice spectators. Photo / Alan Gibson

For the uninitiated it was a full-on assault on the senses. For thousands of motorsport fans, it was the closest thing to petrol-head heaven.

New Zealand's biggest sporting event, the V8 400 series exploded on central Hamilton's streets yesterday.

And although it was only a practice day, nearly 38,000 people made the pilgrimage and the truly dedicated started queuing early in the morning.

For Colin Reese, a 63-year-old engineer, who went to his first motorsport event at Ardmore in the 1950s, the New Zealand round of the V8 Supercars Series ranked as one of the best events in international sport.

"It's right up there. It needs a little bit of fine tuning, but it is a magnificent event."

The Holden fan was among hundreds of people, who left last year's event early because of the poor views from the Mill St grandstand, said the organisers had done "a much better job" this year.

"Still, I think they should chop that tree down over there," he said pointing at an oak tree blocking his view.

Visiting Korean student Taeki Park said the ear-splitting noise of the V8 cars ripping around the city's 3.2km circuit and the smell of oil and burning rubber was a bit too much.

He had never been to a motorsport event.

"I didn't realise it was going to be so loud," he said, his hands over his ears as the cars roared past.

But Mr Reese's advice for first-time spectators was simple: "Wear ear plugs".

"If you don't your ears will ring for days - it's like being at a heavy metal concert but probably worse."

The number of fans watching yesterday was down on last year's inaugural event, but promoter Dean Calvert said it was still very pleasing for a Friday.

He said there had been no complaints about the view from fans sitting in the grandstands.

Most fans spoken to were picking Team Vodafone's Jamie Whincup to take the title, the Ford driver had to settle for the 21st fastest time after yesterday's practice sessions.

Local drivers featured strongly in the practice runs - Jason Richards finished second fastest and the four other New Zealanders finished in the top 12.