Stone-wash jeans and racing jackets were the fashion. Hot chips the food of choice. Car-branded umbrellas optional.

The CRC Speedshow skidded into action for the second day at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds today.

Torrential rain failed to wash away the toasty smell of burnt rubber and chip fryers - nor did it deter thousands of motorheads admiring the wheels on display.

Peering through the glistening windows or under the hoods, the car fans were close enough to kiss the high-tech new model vehicles and classic cars.

Although the event was awash with blokes, there were still plenty of women and girls also admiring the wheels.

Noel Macnamara brought his 11-year-old daughter Rose along for the ride.

The pair said they were impressed by the variety of cars and bikes, but Rose had her eye on one particular sight.

"I just really want to see the guy in the sky."

The flying American, Go Fast jet pack pilot Eric Scott, drew hundreds into the rain to watch his aerobatics.

Children clapped hands over ears and gazed skywards as Scott screeched into the air. Safety officers had fire extinguishers at the ready, but the flight went off without a hitch.

The world record-setting jet pack produces around 800 horsepower of thrust.

Scott was not the only thrill-seeker keeping the crowd pumped on adrenalin.

Motorcycle stunt man Nic Kroeze also hit tyres to tarmac to impress the drenched crowd.

His daring moves had people gripping their seats while his smoky burnout got the biggest applause.

Dubbed New Zealand's biggest motoring show, the 71-car display by the New Zealand Hot Rod Association is one of the star attractions of the CRC Speedshow.

Representatives from the country's top-selling production cars set up in stalls, complete with new model cars and utes.

Off-road racing vehicles, stockcars, sprint cars, race and road bikes and road racing sidecars are also be on display.

Local motorsport stars signed autographs, but there were a few other celebrities reportedly joining the spectators.

Car enthusiast Rob Tonks said he spotted All Black Ali Williams and boxer Shane Cameron in the crowd.

Tonks managed to convince wife Natasha Tonks to join him at the two-day event.

He said checking out the vehicles and admiring the latest technology was definitely a highlight.

"I appreciate all the hard work people put in to the cars."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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