The smell of petrol, the deafening roar of revving engines, and ‘vikings' on the loose in Tauranga – the Bay Rodders' WinterBlast is back for 2022.

Made up of a Fun Run and a Swap Meet, this year's WinterBlast theme is ‘vikings' with the event happening June 17-19.

The event kicks off tonight, June 17, with registration from 5pm-8pm at Bay Rodders' clubrooms at 3 Cherokee Place, Mount Maunganui. Tomorrow, June 18, a mystery run starts 9.30am and the event ends with a swap meeting from 7am Sunday, June 19, at the Spring Street carpark building.

The mystery run is a highly anticipated first part of the event with a well-deserved cruise lunch provided, says Bay Rodders club vice-president and spokesperson Keith Sawyer.

'It's for a couple of hours around the region and there'll be a stop where silly activities have to be performed, it'll be great!”

Keith says the WinterBlast is an opportunity for Bay Rodders to meet other car club members from all over New Zealand.

'Last year there were 50 cars and more than 120 people registered from clubs from as far as Whanganui to Whangarei.”

Keith predicts even higher numbers this year. 'We had awful weather last year and the restrictions did affect us – we're hoping for a larger turnout this year.”

Saturday night the attendees will be encouraged to feast like Vikings. 'This year we have a fantastic smorgasboard dinner and a large prizegiving, with awards for things like for best performances during the mystery cruise, hard luck prizes, and a prize for people who've travelled the furthest to get to the event,” says Keith.

Sunday's swap meet in the Spring St carpark building will conclude the event with stunning cars on display for the public to view. Swappers and display cars start arriving from 7am and the public can view cars from 9am-2pm.