The car that may propel Tiger Woods to victory at the Huntly Speedway tonight is brand new and ready to roar.
Built over the past three months, the stock car has a ferocious-looking tiger, an American flag and the name and rank of the world's top golfer emblazoned on the
bonnet.
"You've got to respect that the man's number one," says speedway organiser Red Wootton.
You've also got to respect that any injury to the champion golfer would be catastrophic. But Mr Wootton says the Woods-mobile, which has a top speed of about 100km/h, comes with all the strict safety features of a standard stock car.
"We wouldn't want him to damage his driving arm. We're confident he'll be fine, and he's confident in his ability," Mr Wootton says.
Woods is one of many high-profile names - including former All Black captain Tana Umaga and V8 driver Greg Murphy - who will take part in the Celebrity Classic race at the speedway. The event is organised by the charity foundation of Woods' Kiwi caddy Steve Williams, who got married on Friday.
A capacity crowd of about 7000 is expected for Woods' debut in a stock car race.
"It's the biggest thing to happen to Huntly," Mr Wootton said.
"He's only here for the race, but that's pretty much a lifetime for us. He's awesome out on the track, a natural. He likes to win, and I'm pretty sure he's got a good shot at it.
"I just hope he goes out and enjoys himself. I'm sure the crowd will."
