No, we don’t want you to feel left out, but take it from us, you really had to be at this year’s Mount Shop-backed 2017 Mudfest.

With just on 200 entrants and at least three times that in spectators, a fine early winter’s day at Meremere (in the northern Waikato) on Sunday May 28 was – literally had by all.

With slick, but low-key organisation thanks to Azhar Bhamji’s 4 & Rotary Promotion’s team, enthusiastic trade support from naming rights sponsor The Mount Shop and supporting sponsors like Chris Trundle from Trundles Automotive, Nulon and Vernon Developments this year’s meeting built on the success of the 2016 event.

While the organised Mud Drags and Mud Drifting was well supported most of those entered were happy enough freestyling their way around the paddock and testing their mettle on the various natural and/or man-made obstacles.

Entrants came from all over the North Island to test themselves against the sloppy Meremere gloop in a range of vehicles from a 4WD Toyota Starlet, A/T tyre-equipped late model Toyota Land Cruiser V8 and ancient Lada Niva, to purpose-built Winch Challenge and 4x4 Trials machines.

The popularity of this year’s event means there has to be another one….about which, watch this space!

To read every story in the August  2017 issue of NZ4WD go to Ziniocom (July 21) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.