Muscle cars ready to set sail for Aussie

Twenty-six muscle cars dating from the 1970s and 1980s were loaded on to a freight ship at the Port of Tauranga on Friday bound for Sydney and the Australian Muscle Car Masters.
Mustang, Torana, Commodore, and Camaro owners could all be seen getting their cars ready for the 10-day journey across the Tasman ahead of the event at the Eastern Creek Raceway from September 2.
Among the prized and sparkling cars was a 1983 Ford Falcon 1983 XE owned by Wayne Fabish of New Plymouth.
Mr Fabish was at the port to help push his car into a container for the journey which starts on Monday.
He said he aimed to reach speeds of 290kmh on the 3.8km raceway.
"I'm aiming for the pointed end of the field - near the front.
"Hopefully I'll pick up speed on the back straight," Mr Fabish said.
The NZ Central Muscle Car Committee from New Plymouth worked tirelessly to organise transport for the classic cars to Sydney.
A large support crew will head over, including Mike Anderson of Mount Maunganui's Sonic Race and Machine Ltd. Mr Anderson, who worked on Mr Fabish's car for the race, will be on hand for any last minute tune-ups.
He said it was unusual for so many riders to have the chance to race their own cars on the famous Eastern Creek track.
"People might go over and borrow cars but to race their own car is a real treat," Mr Anderson said.
In a spirited gesture from the race organisers, the $200 race entry fee has been waived for the Kiwi entrants. Categories include marque entries such as XR Falcon GT and replica race cars.