Trillo Metals Muscle Car Madness #36
Campers 21st to 25th January 2026
Get ready for the 36th annual Muscle Car Madness, New Zealand’s ultimate car show and a high-octane tribute to street machines and classic rides! This legendary event brings together muscle cars, hot rods, vintage classics, and modern performance beasts from across the country.
Weekend Highlights:
Live music, The dazzling Rockabilly Pageant, The MCM Burnout Competition, The epic Chopper & Custom Bike Display, A special tribute to 90 years of 1935/36 Fords
Plus: A bustling marketplace with vendors, stall holders, entertainers, and plenty more to explore! Don’t miss this action-packed weekend of chrome, culture, and community.
Open to the Public on the 24th of January 2025
For Non-Campers entry fees are $20 for on day or $30 for a two day pass. Kids under 16 go free.
Eftpos – Eftpos on site (not always paywave) but it’s wise to have some cash with you just in case.
It’s often very hot and dry, be sure you bring sunscreen, a hat and water. There are lots of food and drink vendors on site so make sure you stay hydrated
Free Parking is available at the lower polo grounds on Ashley St
PLEASE NOTE: Campers Only pre-registered participants are permitted to camp on-site.
Key Events and Timings
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026
Campers line up in the lower polo grounds paddock ready for the gates to open Please be respectful to our neighbours, we will have a coffee cart and food vendor there for you.
6:00 PM: Gates open to registered campers at the Polo Grounds end of the
Showgrounds. Campsites are not allocated so its up to you to be considerate and work together to set up campsites. Don’t put up ropes prior to the gate opening. These will be removed.
Registration and collection of merchandise in tin shed till 7.00 PM and then at the Blue container until it gets dark.
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Registration in tin shed pavilion and then at the Blue container
until it gets dark
6:30 PM: The Real Steel Twilight Cruise through Kaiapoi and Rangiora (starting from East Belt, Rangiora) Escorted by Corde Traffic Management – Make sure your vehicle is road legal and you follow all road rules.
Campground cruising- no crazy unsafe vehicles, kids on motorised go carts or driving if you have been drinking, no alcohol to be consumed outside of your campground or the bar area. This will be monitored by security and they have the authority to remove anyone not complying with rules.
8:30 PM – 11:00 PM: Bar open, entertainment starts (Tin Shed Pavilion)
Friday, January 23rd, 2026
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM: Registration in tin shed pavilion and the Blue container until dark.
10:20 AM: Classic Cover Insurance Great Summer Fun Run to Picnic Lunch at Ashley Gorge leaves from Coldstream Rd exit
8:00 PM: Bar open Tin shed pavilion
6:00 PM: Campground cruise- no crazy unsafe vehicles, kids on motorised go carts or driving if you have been drinking, no alcohol to be consumed outside of your campground or the bar area. This will be monitored by security and they have the authority to remove anyone not complying with rules. All Vehicle movements to stop at fall of darkness.
9:00 PM: Live music starts
12:30 AM: Bar Closed
1:00 AM: Band finishes playing -Tin Shed Pavilion Doors Close.
Saturday, January 24th, 2026 - Show Day
7:00 AM Main gate on Ashley St open to show cars. All cars to be in the arena by 8.30, after this time you will be directed to the overflow area on the lower polo grounds. No vehicle movement in showgrounds after 9am.
9:00 AM: Event Opens to the Public, Car Show, Trade Stalls, Market Stalls, Food & Coffee Vendors, Children’s entertainment, outdoor bar, Live Bands (Outdoor Stage)
10:00 AM: Scrutineering of burnout vehicles starts. Enter at Coldstream Rd and down shingle Rd to Burnout car entrance.
10:00 AM: Rockabilly Pageant registration open in Tin Shed Pavillion – Free to enter
12:00 PM: World Famous Bus Trip Departs Showgrounds (Campers only)
12:00 PM: Rockabilly Pageant Begins (Tin Shed Pavilion)
1:15 PM: Towman Towing Burnout Competition starts
4:00 PM: Event Closes to the Public- only preregistered campers on site. There is no option for those not preregistered to stay.
6:00 PM: Campground cruise- no crazy unsafe vehicles, kids on motorised go carts or driving if you have been drinking, no alcohol to be consumed outside of your campground or the bar area. This will be monitored by security and they have the authority to remove anyone not complying with rules.
All Vehicle movements to stop at fall of darkness.
8:00 PM: Tin Shed Bar Opens, Kid’s Bands Playing
12:30 AM: Bar Closed
1:00 AM: Band finished -Tin Shed Pavilion Doors Closed
Sunday, January 25th, 2026 - Show Day
7:00 AM: Main gate on Ashley St open to show cars. All cars to be in the arena by 8.30 after this time you will be directed to the overflow area on the lower polo grounds. No vehicle movement in the showgrounds after 9am.
9:00 AM: Event Opens to the Public Specialty Car Show, Market Stalls, Food and coffee Vendors, Children’s entertainment, outdoor bar, Live Bands (Outdoor Stage)
1:15 PM: Burnout Competition Finals
4:00 PM: Event Closes to the Public and campers’ prize giving
First Aid, Lost Children and Chill Out Area
Chill-Out Area will be available in the large Medic Tent and Rugby Clubrooms, providing seating, cold water, first aid, and a quiet space.
This area will be staffed by NZRT12 paramedics and MCM staff. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
The MCM headquarters (Blue Container) will be manned during the day if you need help with anything
You can also call Correna 0275457877 or Craig 0276611932
