Fireworks proved a big draw at the speedway on Saturday night with a record crowd turning out.
Alan Luoni, president and promoter of Oceanview Speedway, said it was the most people the Wanganui circuit had ever had.
"It was bloody marvellous - you would just put it down as incredible," he said.
Mr Luoni estimated that between 7000 and 8000 people had come through the gates for the stockcar, sidecar, saloon and quad bike racing - plus, of course, the fireworks display. "Our capacity in the place would be probably 9000 people - and we weren't far off filling it."
He put the turnout down to the low ticket prices - $5 for an adult and $10 for a family, with a donation from the proceeds going to Hospice Wanganui.