Car show drives fans wild

Kelsey McAlpine and Lauren O’Hagan promote a new Australian Drifting GP during Powercruise at Queensland Raceway on Saturday.

Claudia Baxter

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AN EVENT that offers rev heads the opportunity to live out their motor racing dreams has attracted thousands to take in the action at Queensland Raceway over the weekend.

Powercruise is a car show that enables motor sport enthusiasts to take to the Queensland Raceway circuit for laps, as well as a range of other activities including burnout and drifting competitions, plus a host of off-track action.

Assistant event manager Nicki Derrick said the event attracted at least 10,000 people and more than 1000 cars throughout the weekend.

"The thing about Powercruise is that people can have fun in a safe, controlled environment," she said.

"It is open to all makes and models.

"We have had Holdens, Fords, Nissans, old school cars and V8s."

Among those taking part was Laidley resident Klynton Parkes, who brought along his 1969 Ford Capri.

The 28-year-old said he had had the vehicle for close to 15 years.

"It is my toy," Mr Parkes said.

"It is my baby."

He said over the years the car had undergone a few makeovers.

"It has had three different colours and four different engines," Mr Parkes said.

He said he had three of the vehicles in total, one of which his wife Jade drives, and the other that he built for drags.

The enthusiast said he and his wife had tested out the Capri on the track for the past three years.

"It is like a ritual for us," Mr Parkes said.

Even among the gleaming metal, Fred Mohammed's pimped out Holden HSV Maloo R8 ute stood out from the crowd.

The Brookwater resident's vehicle drew many admiring eyes at the raceway.

Mr Mohammed estimates he has spent more than $60,000 modifying his car, going with a gambling theme.

The ute features a red leather interior, custom paint job and in the back, a gambling lounge complete with roulette table, a TV and a wooden floor.

Mr Mohammed said the car fulfilled a dream he had had since he was a teenager.

"It draws a lot of attention," Mr Mohammed said.

Sunshine Coast resident Jason Suna brought along his classic 1957 Chevrolet Sports Coupe.

Despite its age he said it had handled well around the track.

"It went even faster than I thought it would," Mr Suna said.

The 40-year-old has owned the vehicle for five years and said he wouldn't trade it for the world.

Powercruise started at the venue in 2003 and is now held all over Australia, as well as in America and New Zealand.