ANNUAL custom-car show Heelz N Wheelz returns for its eighth staging over the Easter weekend on Sunday, April 5, at the National Stadium in St Andrew.

The early announcement of the date reflects a change from last year’s Ash Wednesday staging.

“We had planned for Ash Wednesday from last year, but feedback had us push it back later to the Easter holidays to facilitate those building their cars for the show and for us to settle on a better entertainment package,” Andrew Leesing, event organiser, told Auto.

New for this year will be the addition of trucks, a treat usually left for out-of-town fans.

“Normally we’d have around 300 cars, but because of the space requirements we’ve dropped that to 200 including the trucks. Late in the evening they’ll have the chance to put on a light show,” he explained.

The show has maintained its popularity as it blends models along with the latest in custom and modified vehicles. However, it’s always been the competitive spirit that drives Heelz N Wheelz. Trophies will be given away in several categories including best engine, interior, paint, and performance vehicle, to name a few.

‘I’m going to use this medium to call on all competitors to come prepared for the judged categories. It will start at 3:00 p.m. on the dot. It’s something I will be enforcing heavily this year to avoid the problems of last year. It’s not fair to be judging stuff like best paint late in the evening,” he said.

The other big attraction is the Car Stereo Clash.

“I know stereo clashes have gone out of favour for a while now, but Heelz N Wheelz hopes to revive the category for that authentic car show vibe,” Leesing said.

There will be four classes, the first for amateurs, and the remaining three for professionals with big power systems.

“Heelz N Wheelz will once again be a family event with a kids zone, lots of cars on display and a clean entertainment package.”

— Rory Daley