Stockcar season starts with a bang

The Rotorua Stockcar Club will open the 2010/2011 race season with an explosion tomorrow - with a fireworks display set to highlight the racing entertainment.
The opening meeting and stockcar show will be held at the SG Equipment Paradise Valley Raceway and has become the city's official public Guy Fawkes display of choice, set to attract about 8000 people.
There will be more than 100 drivers aged from 12 to over 50 taking part in the three-hour racing event.
The 15-minute fireworks display will be held mid-way through the show.
Rotorua Stockcar Club promoter, secretary and club member Sonja Hickey said the event provided an entertaining show for race fans and locals who wanted to enjoy an affordable spectacular Guy Fawkes display.
"The fireworks display will be held in between the racing to make it more convenient for those who would like to leave afterwards," she said.
"We spend thousands of dollars on fireworks and it complements the show well," she said.
"The darkness of the town and the out-of town venue, and the unique noises generated by the valley and venue amphitheatre combine to make a show not to be missed."
Mrs Hickey was looking forward to an exciting season and described the atmosphere as electric and an excellent show.
"Fireworks can be very expensive - the display provides families with the opportunity to enjoy a great display in a safe, controlled environment," she said.
Racers will travel from around the North Island to take part in the event, including drivers from Palmerston North and Auckland.
About 50 per cent of drivers are from Rotorua and there will be sections for drivers aged 12 to 16 and another section for drivers aged 16 and over.
The Rotorua Stock Car Club has major events on the racing calender, including hosting the popular Speedy Signs New Zealand Superstock Championships next month.
Mrs Hickey said this was an important competition for racers and it was a privilege to host it as the competition rotated and was only held in Rotorua every 13 years.
The opening of the race season event will be held at 105 Paradise Valley Rd. Gates are open to the public from 5pm and racing will start at 7pm.
Tickets are $20 per adult and $50 per family and includes 2 adults and 4 children. Children are $10 and under 5-year olds are free.
Contact Sonja Hickey on (07) 345 5740