THE first economy drive in the Far North will be a feature of a motoring extravaganza next year.
The organisers of the Motorshow Action NQ 2010 plan to drive the most economical new vehicles available from Cairns to Mareeba and back to find out which one is the most thrifty to drive in the region.
One of the promoters, Tobia Kipper, said they hoped dealers would supply the most efficient cars from their range for the economy run.
"We’ll be looking at petrol, hybrid and diesel, probably five models all up, maybe a Volkswagen diesel, a Toyota Prius, a Ford Fiesta ECOnetic and so on," he said.
"We want to see what real economy can be achieved in Far North conditions, not what can be achieved in Melbourne."
Mr Kipper said the run would start in Sheridan St, travel the Captain Cook Highway to Smithfield, then up the Kuranda Range along the Kennedy Highway to Mareeba and back again.
He said it would done under controlled conditions and with strict adherence to speed limits.
"It will be done before the motor show and the winner announced at the event," Mr Kipper said. The motorshow is planned for June 26-27 next year, starting with a parade through the streets of Mareeba on June 25 and two days of displays and action over the weekend of June 26 and 27.
Event co-ordinator Pedro Martinho said it would be the most spectacular motor event staged in the region.
He said it would be held at the Kipper family’s Makotrac on the outskirts of Mareeba and utilise the neighbouring rodeo grounds.
Mr Martinho said some details were being kept under wraps to provide people with a "wow and surprise" factor but there were plans to invite car clubs and dealers to show their most exotic vehicles.
"There’ll be something for the whole family from classic Chevs and Fords to Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis as well as the most fuel efficient and high performance cars," he said.
Motor racing action will include drifting, Formula Vee, high performance go-karts, 125cc MotoGP bikes and Super Motards.
There will be defensive driving and advanced driving displays as well as celebrity races.
For more information visit the Motorshow Action website.
