2026 Ascot Park Hotel Classic Speedfest | Automotive Experience
Historic Racing
2026 Ascot Park Hotel Classic Speedfest
Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand2026-03-20 to 2026-03-22
About This Event
New Zealand's oldest purpose-built circuit — established in 1957, the 2.62km Teretonga Park at Sandy Point hosts a two-day historic racing meeting across vintage racing cars, classic saloons, sports and GT machinery, and Formula Libre. Seven corners and an 800m main straight on the anticlockwise layout, with unpredictable maritime weather from near-freezing mornings to hot afternoons.
What to Expect
Formula Junior Platinum Jubilee World Tour celebrating 70th anniversary of Formula Junior
Twelve international entries from UK, Italy, USA and Australia
Seven racing categories including HVRA, Classic Saloons, Formula Libre and Vintage Racing Cars
Formula Junior races featuring large international driver contingent with close finishes
Pit walk access lets you examine cars and talk with drivers
Best Way to Experience It
Grassy bank overlooking start line captures full-throttle acceleration and close braking action
Bring folding chair and blanket as spectator areas are grassy berms
Good to Know
Children aged 14 and under receive free entry when accompanied by adult
Spectator parking free on site
Circuit located at Sandy Point, ten minutes drive from central Invercargill
Catering often not available; visitors bring own food and drinks
Is This Event Right For You?
Best fit if you enjoy historic racing — Vintage Racing Cars, Formula Junior, Classic Saloons, Formula Libre, Sports & GT Cars compete across two-day weekend, New Zealand's oldest purpose-built circuit hosts multiclass festival.
Best fit if you value affordable motorsport — NZ$40 presale weekend pass (NZ$50 gate), NZ$30 single-day entry, children 14-and-under free, 2.62km anticlockwise layout accessible from Invercargill accommodation base.
Best fit if you like intimate car gatherings — Regional historic meeting 8km from Invercargill at FIA Grade 3 venue, international Formula Junior entries from UK/Italy/USA/Australia alongside New Zealand competitors, grassroots community atmosphere.
Not ideal if you prefer weather-protected venues — outdoor circuit 8km from Invercargill with no covered grandstands, February maritime conditions bring unpredictable morning near-freezing to afternoon hot sunshine swings, "almost invariably windswept" exposure.
