Hampton Downs Track Day 2023

Inclement weather leading up to the Race4Life Track Day on Tuesday 26th September, had a few people asking whether the event will be going ahead! My reply to most of these calls or emails was “we never cancel”.

We have been blessed with glorious weather over the years. However I must say that in truth, I was a little concerned! However once a morning shower or two passed through, the weather came to the party and again our special day was bathed in sunshine. Not a bad way to celebrate our 15th year.

A record 95 patients and their families descended on the Hampton Downs raceway for a day of high octane rides! They were not disappointed. Racing cars ruled the track in the morning with luxury/prestigious cars taking the spot after lunch. Throughout the day our special guests were given the additional optional rides on:

A Helicopter, Harley Davidson bikes, Spyders (3 wheeler motorbikes), Combis, Trucks, Tractors, a Fire Engine and Morgans.

Those sponsors and supporters who have remained loyal to this stunning day were given a special mention at the morning briefing. There were drivers present who have never missed a year since 2008, and sponsors who have been with us well over 10-12 years.

Volunteer Ellie Lindsay, made a spectacular anniversary cake. All those who have been involved in the event for over 10 years, and present on the day, were invited to the stage for  photos and the cutting of the cake.

Patients and their families left the Pavillon at 11am, ready for a blast, to the music of “Simply the Best”. A fitting tribute to our amazing supporters.

An all day BBQ run by Deb and Mike Hollier was a roaring success and provided our workers with breakfast and all volunteers with a delicious lunch.

Gillian Stobo with her kitchen crew, provided a delicious platted lunch for patients, served at their tables by a team of boys from Rosmini College (Official School Page), who chose to join us on the day, despite it being the school holidays.

Mad Mike again was the raffle prize this year. With all his cars being tied up, Hampton Downs gave him the opportunity to take the lucky raffle winner around the track at some ridiculous speed in a Lamborghini. Another raffle draw gave the winner a chance for a long cruise on a Harley.

Come 1.30pm everyone was back at it. Most people ran out of speed around 3pm and our special guests left exhausted but exhilarated. The race cars went back on track at 3pm giving volunteers an opportunity for a whiz around the track. At 4pm we all stopped for a drink and a pizza and chatted about this awesome day. Some beautiful stories were shared.

Every year this event just gets better. We are very honoured and privileged to witness the joy it brings to so many. We really do see the very best of humanity on front stage. The adage that it is giving that we receive is alive and thriving at Race4Life Track Day.

A huge thank you to the 2023 sponsors who helped make this day happen:

ICB Retaining & Piling Ltd, Hiway Stabilizers NZ Ltd, Rothbury Insurance Brokers, Treescape New Zealand, ITSS Engineering, Humes Pipeline Systems, Waitomo Group, Grant Southam, Carter’s Tyre Service, Nems Medical, Production Management Services, Continental Cars NZ, Hampton Downs, Hells Pizza Pukekohe, David Melrose Design, Foodstuffs North Island, Envirowaste, Yakka Demolition, Dad’s Pies, Integral Print – Copy&Print, Oceania Helicopters, Rachel King, The Coffee Guy, Giltrap Group, Mike Moros, David Goodwin, Silverfern Marquees, Dayle ITM, Mad Mike Whiddett, Sky Sport NZ, Fire and Emergency NZ, Mercer Fire Department, TWR Media, Adam Jones, Atlas Concrete, Gleeson Group, Kennards Hire, Photo Warehouse, Croft Poles & Timber, Woods, Kombined Experience Ltd, Ripe Deli, Queenstown Screen Printing, and Recovery Track Service.