National rod run

Press, 28 April 1981, Page 16

National rod run

Sir, — The writer of “true elegance” in Reporter’s Diary of April 21, 1981, obviously did not bother to leave the confines of his chair to view any of the 220 plus hot rods participating at the 1981 National Rod Run held in Ashburton over Easter. These rods>ranging in age from 1910-1957 were mainly stockbodied,.as is now normal in the sport of hot rodding, and to call, them “garishly painted” shows a* complete lack of appreciation. Many were “fattyred,” complementing their updated braking systems — installed for greater safety — which I am. sure the writer will agree is important. The 500-odd participants and their families from throughout New Zealand (plus one from Australia) and the many thousands of spectators who took in the display on Saturday,' considered the vehicles on display were first class. Congratulations are due to the. 14 committee members from Christchurch and Ashburton who, over the last 11 months, have organised this event. — Yours, etc., M. O’BRIEN. ' April 24, 1981.

Sir, — It is a great pity that- the Christchurch news media chose to ignore one of the fastest-growing family sports, and in. Reporter’s Diary, (“The .Press,” April 21) make snide remarks about streetrodders who held their ninth national rod run in Ashburton. Some 500 adults, 100 children and over 220 cars from all over New Zealand and Australia attended New Zealand’s glamour event in street rodding at Ashburton. Most cars are stock bodied and built with tender, loving care and expertise far exceeding that of some vintage cars. Paint work is no more hideous than those masterpieces that sell for millions of dollars all over the world. The committee of 14 members toiled for 11 months to organise this and just about $40,000 was spent in organising the event. If the reporter took time to look around he or she would be most pleasantly surprised. — Yours, etc., GRAHAME OTT, Street Rod National Committee, 1981. April 24, 1981.