Upper Hutt is certainly in top gear at this time of the year. We have had some of the highest temperatures in the region consistently over the last couple of months. Pacific Jewellers Wellington Cup Week has provided three good days of racing and entertainment.

Kartsport Wellington is one of the best organised voluntary sports organisations I have dealt with. They have just hosted the CIK Trophy of the NZ which was filmed for TV3 – to be shown sometime in March. To watch 7 and 8 year olds drive at significant speed around the CRC Raceway at Kaitoke is exciting. When those 7/8 year olds make their “thank you” speeches afterwards it is humbling but also a timely reminder of why Kartsport has produced such great drivers as Michael Schumacher, Nelson Piquet and NZ’s own Scott Dixon. No longer called “go-karting” – its kartsport now – it is certainly an accessible entry level for motorsport.

Next weekend is full on in Upper Hutt for a wide range of motorsport enthusiasts.

Saturday 4th February – Display of Wallaceville Hill Climb Car entries opposite Upper Hutt City Council 9am-midday
Sunday 5th February – Wallaceville Hill Climb 10am-4pm
Sunday 5th February – The Great Wellington Truck Show, Trentham Memorial Park, 9am-4pm
Sunday 5th February – Moonshine American Car Day, Trentham Racecourse, 10am start
Monday 6th February – Orongomai Marae Open Day, celebrating the Treaty of Waitangi including a traditional hangi.

The Triumph Sports Car Club have organised the Hill Climb for quite a few years now and the car display on Saturday is always worth a look. I think I have seen Jaguars in the Hill climb – classic stuff!

The Great Wellington Truck Show on Sunday 5th February from 9am – 4pm sees our region’s truckies sharing their rigs with the public with all proceeds to the Lifeflight Trust. From 8am the trucks head-off from Seaview to Trentham – last time this convoy was massive and great to see.

On Monday 6th February Orongomai Marae invites the wider community to help them celebrate Waitangi Day, from 9am – 2pm. The day is full of traditional, contemporary and multicultural performance. Raft and food stalls add to the day. To book for the Hangi (only $12 per person) telephone 04 527 8944 this week – it sells out quick!

Check www.wowupperhutt.com for more details or just call me 04 527 2141.

Paul Lambert
City Promotion Manager