CLUB HISTORY

HISTORY OF THE NATIONALS

Following the formation of the Club in November 1994 it took 12 months for the Club to really get on its’ feet. In that time we tried to run one event per month and through these endeavors the Club roll gradually grew. In doing so, friendships where made and strong bonds of trust and loyalty were forged amongst some of us which still exist today.

Out of all of this a plan to run our first Nationals was hatched. It started with 6 people wanting to go to Taupo for the weekend and culminated in nearly 60 HSVs being present.

So successful was the event that the format was adopted as a template for our subsequent Nationals. One of the highlights has to be the convoy from Auckland to Wairakei. There is nothing like being part of an HSV freight train that can stretch out over 3.5 Kilometres. In the early days everything was run at the track and it was quite a juggling act to fit everything in on such a small area. We used to run the sprint from the centre of the circuit and there would be cars and people galore. Quite a balancing act indeed.

We have always had Nationals Polo shirts made for the event. A different colour for each year. The “Thunder Down Under” and Taupo logos were a design used on the first shirt and are something we have stuck with. These symbols are synonymous with our nationals. We are very fortunate that we have HSV approval to use the HSV Corporate Logos on our range of apparel for special occasions. It is a privilege which we respect. We are the only car club in Australasia permitted to use the “Lions Head and Helmet” on our Club apparel.

1998 saw the change in format. It was decided to split the event and run a “Show and Shine” in the Domain in town. Doing this raised the Club profile to a new level. The NZ HSV Dealer network and Holden NZ were approached and were willing to sponsor trophies for the event.

The grand prize which is the “Car of the Show” is the Holden NZ Trophy. This event has proved very successful with up to 40 HSVs being displayed each year.

The sprint has always been popular. The circuit is not long and is not particularly fast so it is relatively safe. Yes we have had the odd bent panel and some badly scratched paint work but these can be counted on one hand. Not a bad record over six years considering the number of HSVs that have been round the circuit.

From the beginning the only “trophies” on offer at the sprint were achievement certificates. This, because we did not wish to create an overly competitive environment. We realised that competition is always there but we preferred not to promote it. So there was no hardware up for grabs.

This has since changed. We gained Holden Racing Team support in the form of Trophies for the fastest Man and Lady on the day. We also have own in house trophies and now some special Club Motorsport awards for the Nationals.

Our first Nationals in 1996 saw 58 HSVs in the parade. 1997 was a big year, with 103 HSVs in Taupo and 150 for dinner. 1999 saw 73 HSVs in the parade and 136 for dinner. At our fifth Anniversary Nationals we had 166 HSVs and 250 for dinner. At our sixth Nationals in 2001 we had 89 cars in the parade and 175 for dinner. At our seventh Nationals in 2002 we had 100+ cars in the parade and 180 for dinner. At our 8th Nationals in 2003 we shifted to the Wairakei Resort and had 210 for dinner. At our ninth Nationals in 2004 we had 200 for dinner. At our 10th Nationals in 2005 we had 100 cars and 252 for dinner.

The Nationals have become a Club tradition and since 1996 have improved steadily with refinements here and there. Four years ago we introduced the Friday night registration party.

The HSV Owners Club appreciates the assistance given to it for the Nationals each year from HSV Australia, Holden NZ and the entire HSV dealer Network.

Generous assistance is also provided by Bridgestone Firestone, Mobil Oil and Meguiars.

The HSV Clubs Charity of choice: