Downtime Entertainment presents.. ClubFest! New Zealand’s annual Car Club MEGA MEET! 26-27 October 2024 (Labour weekend), a true celebration of the car club culture in New Zealand.
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A SOLD OUT event since 2020, ClubFest is a series of track sessions and activities aimed at giving car clubs the opportunity to drive around Hampton Downs in a safe and controlled environment. Clubs of all makes and models are welcome. Your track entry gives you access to all sessions over the weekend.
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While ClubFest is about having fun and celebrating the car club scene in New Zealand, there is also a competitive element with car clubs and individuals competing for titles, prizes and ultimate bragging rights. To enter your car, you must be part of a Car Club.
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SPECTATORS
Friday
Spectators on Friday can only enter with Track Entrants only
Tickets at Gate FREE
Kids 10 and under FREE
NOTE: Get prepared for the weekend and purchase your weekend pass and SAVE!. You can purchase these from the passenger bands garage for $50, look for the signs on the day!
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Saturday/Sunday
Gates open 9am – 6pm (GATE 3)
Tickets at Gate $30 (no pass outs – unless you have a weekend pass)
WEEKEND SPECATOR PASSES (SAT/SUN) $50
Kids 10 and under FREE
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SPECTATOR TICKETS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GATE. NO PRE-SALES
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FRIDAY ACCESS
Gates open 12pm – 5pm (GATE 2)
Drivers that have purchased this option can arrive on Friday to go through vehicle safety check, drivers briefing and in 2025 will now have access to a Roll Racing practice session, Wet Skid pan and a few hours of track cruising. Perfect if you want to get everything sorted on Friday to avoid the Saturday morning rush.
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PASSENGERS:
Want to ride as a passenger at ClubFest? passenger wristbands are $10 for the weekend (this is separate to your spectator entry). You can also ‘HITCH A RIDE’ with any of the club cars on the day in the cruising sessions.
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LOCK IN THE DATES!! Club leaders get your clubs and supporters ready, it’s going to be EPIK!! Strictly no alcohol. No pets. Event will go on rain or shine!
TIMETABLE
Drivers, please make sure you’ve gone over your vehicle beforehand and arrive to ClubFest prepared, also make sure you have enough fuel to participate in all the sessions (FYI the Gull station by Hampton Downs no longer has 98) and you must keep your wristband on during the event at all times. Friday track access is only for those that have registered for Friday. If your club has a pit garage or just want to just get yourself sorted before the weekend, we will have registration open for all other drivers at 3:30pm on Friday and a drivers briefing at 4:30pm. This is important if you have a pit garage or if you want to leave your car at the venue. Once you have your vehicle sticker and drivers wristband, you don’t have to go back through registration or drivers briefing again. Your drivers wristband must stay on all weekend.
Spectators, to get the best value, purchase a weekend pass. Passengers, don’t forget to fill out your passenger indemnity form online HERE to save time on the day. Pass-out’s allowed for track cars/drivers/weekend pass holders only.
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IMPORTANT… Track entrants, Registration/Scrutineering/Drivers Briefing is only open on Sunday for 1 hour 08:00am – 09:00am so do your best to get through on the Saturday so you have your stickers and wristbands to get through on the Sunday. Also, please go through the safety checklist HERE and make sure you have the correct gear/equipment.
LAYOUT (LAST UPDATED 21/10/25)
DRIVER – FAQ
CAN I CHANGE MY VEHICLE?
Yes, you can do this at the gate on the day!
CAN I TRANSFER MY ENTRY TO SOMEONE ELSE?
There are absolutely no transfers. Please take this into consideration when registering for ClubFest.
DOES MY CAR NEED A WOF/REGISTRATION?
You don’t need a wof/rego however your car must pass a brief safety check.
DO I NEED A LICENSE?
Yes, a minimum of a restricted license is required and must be presented at Drivers Briefing before receiving your drivers wristband.
Alternatively, we also accept MSNZ (or similar) competition licences instead of a civil licence.
I HAVEN’T RECEIVED MY CONFIRMATION EMAIL, WHAT DO I DO?
It’s likely the email was sent to your junk/spam folder so it might pay to check there. Still nothing? If you have entered and paid for your entry then you’ll be in the system and your name will be at the gate, simply bring your Drivers License to registration to confirm your identity and our team will sort you out.
CAN I LEAVE HAMPTON DOWNS AND COME BACK?
Generally we have a ‘No passouts rule’, however your drivers wristband will allow you to leave/return for whatever reason (fuel/food).
CAN MY MATE BE A SECOND DRIVER?
If you have a mate who’s willing to let you drive their car, fill out a Second Driver form at Drivers Briefing (Saturday Only). How it works:
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1. Your mate’s vehicle needs to be already entered
2. Go through the Driver’s Briefing, pay the fee to drive on the track. (Fee does NOT include the gate entry)
3. Fill out the drivers form at Drivers Briefing on the day with your drivers license.
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NOTE: Second drivers band is valid for Saturday/Sunday e.g. If you purchase a second drivers band on the Saturday you are considered a driver and don’t need to pay a spectator entry again on Sunday.
CAN MY PASSENGERS GO ON TRACK TOO?
They will need to purchase a passenger wristband. Passenger wristbands are valid for the weekend (this is separate to the spectator entry). Passenger bands can be purchased inside the pavilion.
I HAVEN’T REGISTERED FOR FRIDAY, CAN I STILL GO THROUGH SAFETY CHECK/DRIVERS BRIEFING?
Yes we will open safety check at 3:30 at GATE 2 for those that didn’t register for the Friday and want to get sorted for the weekend. We will also have a drivers briefing at 4:30pm. This option is perfect for those that have a pit garage.
IS THERE REGISTRATION/SAFETY CHECK/DRIVERS BRIEFING ON SUNDAY?
Yes, we have added a short 1 hour window to get this sorted on Sunday 08:00am – 09:00am.
WHERE CAN I PARK MY TRAILER/TOW VEHICLE
NO TOW VEHICLES OR TRAILERS ARE TO BE PARKED INSIDE THE PITS! You must unload your vehicle before going through registration. There are 3 locations your trailer/tow vehicle can park, please see the layout below.
CAN I BRING A SUPPORT VEHICLE INTO THE PITS?
Support vehicles are not allowed in the pits. If you need to bring something into the venue, simply drive your car to the tow vehicle park, grab what you need and drive back into the venue.
ARE EV’S ALLOWED ON THE TRACK?
Our track manager Matt has advised that EV’s are not allowed in the Grip Sessions/Roll Racing/Drifting for Downtime Entertainment events. The Track Cruising sessions are fine. If you have already registered for ClubFest, please get in touch with us.
IF MY CAR IS ON A TRALIER, DO I HAVE TO UNLOAD IT FOR REGISTRATION/SAFETY CHECK?
Yes, you must unload your vehicle before going through registration/safety check. No tow vehicles or trailers are to be parked inside the pits! There are 3 locations your trailer/tow vehicle can park, please see the layout below.
SPECTATOR – FAQ
ARE THERE WEEKEND PASSES?
Yes, these can be purchased at the General Admission booth on Saturday or can be purchased if you’re coming to ClubFest with a registered driver. Weekend passes are $50, the best bang for buck (otherwise $30 per day).
DO I NEED TO BE IN A CAR CLUB TO BE A SPECTATOR AT CLUBFEST?
No, ClubFest is open to everyone to come along and enjoy the weekend.
CAN I BE A SPECTATOR ON FRIDAY?
Yes, however spectators on Friday can only come with registered entrants. It’s FREE to enter however we advise you purchase your weekend passes for Sat/Sun to get yourself sorted for the weekend. You can purchase the weekend passes on Friday in the passenger bands garage. Look for the flags/signs.
CAN I PARK INSIDE THE VENUE?
ClubFest is a dedicated track event for car clubs only, so only pre-registered track entrants are allowed to have their vehicles infield. There are no entries on the day!
PARKING INFO
FREE Spectator Parking is via GATE 3 on Saturday/Sunday.
IS THERE A HARD PARK?
ClubFest is a dedicated track event, so only track entrants are allowed to have their vehicles infield. There is no official Hard Park Saturday/Sunday but over the years Clubs have set up displays in the general admission car park through GATE 3.
PASSENGER BANDS
Want to ride as a passenger at ClubFest? passenger wristbands are valid for the weekend (this is separate to your spectator entry). You can also ‘HITCH A RIDE’ with any of the club cars on the day in the cruising sessions. Passenger bands can be purchased inside Pit Garages 1 & 2.
IS EFTPOS AVAILABLE?
Eftpos is available at the gate/passenger bands/drivers briefing. We do recommend bringing cash if possible as not all vendors will have eftpos.
CAN I SET UP A GAZEBO/SHADE?
Most definitely. You’re more than welcome to set up your own shade and bring your own seating however please make sure your shade is securely tied down.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Track Cruising
Track Cruising sessions are by far the most popular sessions at ClubFest. With the added option to add track time on the Friday (Limited to 150 entries only) there’s even more time across the weekend to get your track fix.
Roll Racing
Roll Racing is fun and is growing to be one of the most popular track activities. The concept is simple, you race another vehicle from a rolling start at around 40kph (50kph max), the vehicle on the right sets the pace and if you’re on the left, keep up and once the light goes green, it’s a race until the checkered flag.
Burnouts
Send it on the Club Circuit Burnout Pad. There will be more than enough sessions throughout the weekend to turn your tyres into smiles. Your entry to ClubFest allows you to take part in all activities!
Drifting
Drifting at ClubFest is open to all vehicles entered, although only purpose built drift cars will be able to tandem battle. If you’re new to drifting, we’d recommend practicing on the wet skid pan before heading out to the Drift Track.
Wet Skid Pan
Your ClubFest track entry also gives you access to wet skid pan sessions throughout the weekend. Two minute skid then off and re-join the queue when ready. 1 passenger is allowed. Enclosed shoes, long sleeve shirt/pants, helmets are the safety requirements for both driver + passenger, these can be hired from Hampton Downs (subject to availability).
Friday Access Extras
For those that want some extra track time, we will be opening Friday afternoon as an optional extra for ClubFest entrants. This will allow these entrants to go through vehicle safety check, drivers briefing and as an added bonus, the Wet Skid Pan will be open and the track will also be open for some Roll Racing practice and some track cruising. Perfect if you want to get everything sorted on Friday to avoid the Saturday morning rush.
Hitch-a-ride
Want to jump in a car as a passenger during the Track Cruising sessions but don’t know any drivers? simply purchase a passenger wristband and ‘hitch a ride’ from the next available car to pull up. Look for the ‘Hitchhiker Zone’ on the day! Passenger bands are valid for the entire weekend (Does not include your gate entry fee).
Hitchhiker’s… line up, stick your thumb out and hitch a ride. Please remember to be kind to the drivers that pick you up and please don’t skip the queue. NOTE: If you have a drivers band, you can also hitch a ride too.
Drivers… if you have some spare seats, head to the Hitchhiker Zone and pick up a hitchhiker. Please only use the Hitchhiker Zone if you are picking up Hitchhikers!
Lucky Dip
the Lucky Dip returns! There will be several lucky dip draws throughout the weekend where a club name will be drawn winning cash money for their club! every club can potentially WIN cash just by showing up! We can’t wait to roll out more exciting features, stay tuned!
Overall Top Club
The overall ‘Top Club’ is awarded to the top judged club across the weekend. Not only do the recipients receive an epic cash prize and a cool trophy to keep, they also get the Top Club trophy to hold onto till the next ClubFest where the trophy will be up for grabs again! Also, like previous years, the top 3 clubs will receive cash prizes for their clubs.
King + Queen of Clubs
The ‘King of Clubs’ & ‘Queen of Clubs’ awards are awarded to the top judged male/female across the weekend. Since 2022, not only do the recipients receive a cash prize, a cool trophy to keep, they also get one of these cool trophies to hold onto till the next ClubFest where the trophy will be up for grabs again! Previous winners:
King of Clubs
2024 Lincoln Matapo – UNTAMED Motorsport
2023 Hayden Kirkwood – Cartel Motorsport
2022 Hayden Kirkwood – Rotamayhem
2020 Mike Gibbons – Tauranga Evolution
2019 Dion Clark-Hobson – HARD N FAST
Queen of Clubs
2024 Jojo Henneker – Girls in Motorsport New Zealand
2023 Erin Ashe – HARD N FAST
2022 Rhiannon O’Neil – Rotamayhem
2020 Erin Ashe – HARD N FAST
2019 Erin Ashe – HARD N FAST
King + Queen of Hearts
The ‘King of Hearts’ & ‘Queen of Hearts’ awards return for 2025 and can be won by any club member, regardless of how new or old the club is and regardless of the club’s size. Awarded to the top male and female club member who has shown outstanding heart over 2025 ClubFest weekend, to their own club, our staff and to other clubs.
Second Driver
If you have a mate who’s willing to let you drive their car, fill out a Second Driver form at Drivers Briefing (Saturday Only). How it works:
1. Your mate’s vehicle needs to be already entered
2. Go through the Driver’s Briefing, pay the $100 fee to drive on the track. (Fee does NOT include the gate entry)
3. Fill out the drivers form at Drivers Briefing on the day with your drivers license.
NOTE: Second drivers band is valid for both days e.g. If you purchase a second drivers band on the Saturday you are considered a driver and don’t need to pay a spectator entry again on Sunday. You cannot purchase a second drivers band on Friday!
Awards
WINNING… ClubFest isn’t just about the cars, it’s about the community. In 2023, we added a few fun features to get clubs involved and an opportunity to win some cash/prizes for themselves and/or their club. We also introduced the ‘Lucky Dip’, where a club name was drawn several times throughout the weekend winning cash for their club! every club can potentially WIN cash just by showing up!
In 2025, the total in cash + prizes for ClubFest is over $10,000 including vouchers and prizes from our exhibitors to give to the clubs! The NZ Car Club scene just keeps getting better!
Top 10
INTRODUCING… The TOP 10, a brand-new initiative for 2025 ClubFest! For the first time ever, we’ll be recognising and celebrating the Top 10 Car Clubs of NZ. From style to strength in numbers, passion to presentation, this is all about showcasing the heartbeat of NZ’s car culture – the clubs who make it happen.
At ClubFest, it’s always been for the clubs, by the clubs… and now, the Top 10 Car Clubs of NZ will cement the ultimate bragging rights.
On top of the $10,000 in cash + prizes already up for grabs, car clubs ranked 4th – 10th overall will also receive prizes, a trophy and a novelty cheque. The TOP 10 clubs will be given a free-standing banner Sunday morning. Each of the TOP 10 clubs will not know where they have placed until the official prize-giving Sunday afternoon along with the other prize winners.