It's a smashing night out for all the family

The World Invitation 240s Superstock Championships begins tonight at Rotorua's Paradise Valley Raceway.

A full house is expected at Rotorua's Paradise Valley Raceway this weekend to watch one of the biggest stockcar events in the country.

The Technical Welding Services World Invitation 240s Superstock Championships has attracted a record field this year with 76 superstocks taking part.

Held tonight and tomorrow night at the raceway, the world 240s has grown into one of the biggest events on the stockcar calender.

Rotorua Stockcar Club, who host the big event, promotions manager Sonja Hickey said they expected a crowd of about 8000 for the finals tomorrow.

"The world 240s is great for the whole family - granddad, grandma and the kids - it's great family entertainment," she said.

"You get to see the best superstock drivers in the country and there is nowhere else in the world where it's legal to hit into each other like we do here in New Zealand."

Tonight will see 71 superstocks racing to try to qualify for the 26-strong final held tomorrow night.

The final will include three races and the winner will be the driver with the highest total of points after those three races, gained by their finishing positions.

Five drivers have already earned their place in the 26-car final, including the three overseas drivers taking part, defending champion Bryce Steiner (Rotorua) and another seeded driver Thomas Stanaway (Hawke's Bay).

A teams race between Rotorua and Huntly will also be staged tomorrow night.

Spectators are encouraged to bring a gold coin along with them because the Rotorua Stockcar Club will be raising money to support children with cancer.

Racing starts at 7pm on both nights and is due to finish around 10.30pm. International drivers are invited to the world 240s each year, which gives the event a world status.

Details:

What: World Invitation 240s Superstock Championships

Where: Paradise Valley Raceway

When: Tonight and tomorrow, racing starts at 7pm both nights

How much: Tonight: $25 adults, $10 children (under-16), $55 family pass, under-5s free.
Saturday: $30 adults, $10 children (under-16), $65 family pass, under-5s free.