It's time to don that sunblock and get ready to soak up the summer sun today at Tauranga Racing's February Summer Race Day!  And you can also help support our local rescue helicopter at the same time!

A perfect day out today for the whole family, expect thrilling racing action and summer fun, with plenty of music and entertainment for the kids.

Racing Tauranga events manager Andrew Love says the February Summer Race Day is also supporting Aero Cool Rescue Helicopter.

"One of the major sponsors of the day is Aero Cool who are major sponsors of the locally based rescue helicopter," says Andrew.

Andrew says the local rescue helicopter service has assisted more than 2000 people since its inception some 23 years ago.

"Racing Tauranga wanted to support this worthwhile local rescue helicopter, so we are asking for a few donations from the public on race day."

It's free entry to the racecourse and Racing Tauranga are providing free children’s entertainment with Circus in a Flash. There will also be live music entertainment on the St Leger lawn with Sparx.

"With fine weather forecast, a good crowd is expected to enjoy a day of thoroughbred racing," says Andrew.

The fun afternoon in the sun at Tauranga Race Course is planned for this Sunday with an 8 Race programme starting at 1.36pm.

Track Manager Craig Settle has the key track and weather updates heading into the day: