An Outing For Hot-Rods On Monday

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28907, 29 May 1959, Page 14

An Outing For Hot-Rods On Monday

VVHEN the newly-formed Christchurch Auto Sports Association holds a moto-gala on a large scale next Monday, youngsters in Christchurch who own hot-rod cars will be given an opportunity to compete against their fellows off the streets of the city. About 24 hot-rod enthusiasts who belong to the unofficial “Rod Benders Club” in Christchurch have accepted the association’s invitation to compete, and will be the main attraction on a programme which also features cars racing through flaming walls and crashing into one another.

All Sports Stadium The Auto Sports Association was formed several months ago | to promote all sports at a stadium [which it hopes to build close to the city. While the organisation is I particularly interested in motoring I events, it hopes to interest many other sports in the project. Support has already come from at least two other sporting bodies in the city. Monday’s moto-gala will help to raise funds for the stadium, and the association hopes that it will also aid the cause for road safety. In providing competition for

young men with hot-rods, the association hopes to present an outlet for their exuberance and enthusiasm when they are behind the wheel of a car. The hotrods will be used in obstacle events and tests of judgment, but not in actual racing. Competitors will be judged on the appearance of their cars, their knowledge of the road rules, and the ability to handle their cars through the series of tough tests. An officer of the Transport Department will aid the association’s officials in judging the placings.

The scheme has received the support of the member of Parlia-

ment for Selwyn (Mr J. K. McAlpine), who will be present at the moto-gala. Business Support

Several business firms have agreed to man stalls, and have pledged up to 50 per cent, of their takings to the association. The manager of a city theatre is among those working to make Monday’s fixture a success.

The moto-gala will be held at Johns road. Belfast, and the route from the. city will be fully signposted. The association is at present working on other schemes to raise finance.