It was 28 April 1948 when a group of motoring enthusiasts gathered in Invercargill in response to a newspaper advertisement and the Southland Sports Car Club was formed.
That meeting set the province on a course that in the next 75 years has provided world class international sport to the region at a wonderful facility that hosts not only top-level motorsport but also provides a valuable community asset.
Initially running events such as Beach Racing, Grass Track Racing, Hillclimb’s and Car Trials the concept of building their own circuit was first raised at the club’s March 1950 meeting and after a large number of working bees Teretonga Park was opened on 30 November 1957.
Before that the club had run two international motor race meetings at the Ryal Bush road circuit plus a host of other events.
Since Teretonga Park opened many current and future Formula 1 Champions have graced the circuit as the track and club has played host to many international events as well as several editions of the New Zealand Grand Prix.
The circuit has also provided a wonderful venue for driver safety training, athletic and cycling events plus a myriad of other uses making it a real community asset.
The club has also run many National Championship rallies over the years.
Now with 75 years of wonderful history behind it the club will celebrate the milestone on Friday 27 October and Saturday 28 October.
The celebrations will commence with a meet and greet at the Clubrooms at Teretonga Park on Friday 27 October from 7.00pm where registration packs can be collected, photos and a slide show will be on display while a cash bar and nibbles will be available. During the evening the latest chapter of the club’s history will be launched in the form of a book covering the period 2007-2023, complementing previous books on the club’s history – Teretonga 25, 40 Sporting Years and Going Round In Circles.
Saturday 28 October will be a very full day, beginning at Teretonga Park from 8.30am. A Standing ¼ will be held throughout the morning followed by a BBQ lunch and circuit laps in the afternoon. A display of members race cars from yesteryear will also be held.
That evening a Celebration Dinner will be held at the Ascot Park Hotel with doors opening from 5.30pm. Any inquiries regarding the celebrations can be directed to Wendy Jenks – 0272051080 brucejenks1@gmail.com or the Southland Sports Car Club Office – 03 213 0522 info@teretonga.org.nz
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