Old Whangamoa Highway revs back to life

After nearly 30 years of silence, the old Whangamoa Highway roared back to life as 20 cars took part in a high-energy sprint race organised by the Nelson Car Club.

“It was a fantastic day—classic Nelson weather, sunny and warm,” said club president Carey Harwood of the end of April event. “A few shaded sections stayed damp though, and that caught a couple of competitors out.”

Carey, a former Speedway racer, joined the club after a serious accident ended his time on the Speedway track.

“I had to find something that went fast and scared me a little, but wasn’t likely to cause major injury,” he says.

The event, called Bent Sprint, had drivers racing up and down the old highway.
“It’s ideal for motorsport—no residents, out of the way, and being private land saved us the high cost of road closures.

“Thanks to the landowner, Nigel Kelly, for making the event possible.” Local businesses pitched in too. Craig Ingram of Asphalt & General donated materials and time to fix the road surface, and WasteCo Nelson cleared debris before race day.

“As well as a big thanks to all the volunteers who trimmed trees and cleared grass at our working bee,” Carey adds.

The club’s next event, a hill climb, takes place on Sunday, 25 May. Details are available on the Nelson Car Club Facebook page.