Nearly three years on, Kohatu Park roars back to life

Nelson Car Club ran its first autocross at Kohatu Park since December 2023, with 39 competitors, 6 youth drivers and 12 new club members. It’s the kind of result the Club Assist Fund was built to back. 

On 11 October 2026, engines fired up at Kohatu Park for the first time in almost three years. Nelson Car Club’s autocross, the first at the venue since 10 December 2023, drew 39 competitors and a strong turnout of members on the day. 

Getting there took a lot more than one weekend. 

A club-wide effort 

Before a single car hit the course, the club put in the hours. Through 2026, Nelson Car Club held 20 working bees at Kohatu Park, averaging seven people each time. In total, 45 individual club members gave their time to get the venue ready. 

“This one’s for everyone who picked up a shovel, swung a hammer or turned up on a cold morning. Twenty working bees later, autocross is back at Kohatu Park, and our club is stronger for it.” Carey Harwood – President, Nelson Car Club

Who came out to compete 

The entry list is the most encouraging part of the story. Alongside regular faces, the field included plenty of people new to the sport.

Kohatu Park autocross, 11 October 2026	Number
Competitors	39
First- or second-time competitors	8
Youth competitors	6
Female competitors	3
Club members helping on the day	10
New club members since the event was announced	12

Kohatu Park’s resource consent doesn’t allow event dates to be publicly advertised. So the club built its own channels: a closed Facebook group and regular emails to members. Results are shared publicly. That word-of-mouth approach has still delivered 12 new members since the club began promoting the return to Kohatu Park. 

Where Club Assist fits in 

MotorSport New Zealand’s Club Assist Fund invests directly in member clubs to grow grassroots motorsport. Grants of $500 to $5,000 support participation initiatives, items that help deliver a quality event, and practical club-led ideas. The priority is filling entry fields and strengthening existing events. The inaugural round invested $50,798.25 across 14 member clubs. 

“After nearly three years without an event, this is a really big achievement and something the whole club should be incredibly proud of,” says Deborah Day, President, MotorSport New Zealand. “This is exactly the sort of outcome we hoped the Club Assist Fund would help support. We are thrilled to see the first event take place and look forward to seeing Kohatu Park continue to grow.” 

What’s next 

With the venue back in use and a growing membership, Nelson Car Club is building towards more events at Kohatu Park. Interested in getting involved? Contact seceraty@nelsoncarclub.co.nz or visit nelsoncarclub.co.nz to find out how to join. 

Is your club ready to bring an event back or grow its field? Find out more about the Club Assist Fund. 

Photos: James, PROJEXphoto