‘Legends of Bathurst' will be the theme of the 2018 New Zealand Festival of Motorsport to be held at Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park on January 13-14.

Recent event themes of the festival have included tributes to Kiwi racing legends Chris Amon, Denny Hulme, Howden Ganley and Ken Smith, as well as celebrations of BMW, Ferrari and Porsche.

For 2018 the festival organisers have engaged prominent Australian motorsport media identity Aaron Noonan and his Melbourne-based AN1 Media organisation to help bring together a range of drivers and cars.

Negotiations are underway to bring a range of legendary drivers and some of the most iconic cars in the history of Bathurst to New Zealand to take part in special ‘Legends Hot Laps' sessions alongside racing involving a variety of categories.

Organisers are also calling for expressions of interest from owners with cars that have Bathurst racing history from New Zealand, Australia or around the world, to take part in the ‘Legends of Bathurst' event.

'We have some really exciting plans up our sleeves in terms of the types of cars and stars that we're keen to bring to Hampton Downs next year,” says Aaron.

'Kiwis are just as passionate as Aussies about Mount Panorama so to be able to bring some of its amazing racing history across the Tasman is something that will make this event a must-attend.

'We have plenty of leads to follow up on both in Australia and New Zealand with relevant car owners, but we're also putting the call out to owners to get in touch with us too; whether they be Group A or C touring cars, Super Tourers, old V8 Supercars, or even back into the Series Production days of Bathurst racing. If it has a Bathurst connection we want to hear about it!

'Getting a blend of makes, models and eras of cars together will help make this event a really special celebration of everything that is Bathurst.”