2 Bay Rod Run
Mornington, Victoria - April 1997
Bay Rodders Inc

Bay Rodders Inc have traditionally conducted their Run a couple of weeks after the ASRF Nationals (every 2 years). This is usually the last chance for Rodders to participate in a Run (in Victoria) before Winter sets in. This year being no exception, as the rodders were blessed with glorious sunshine and blue skies for the three days. (Since then it has been cold and wet).

(1) Rodders Choice M. Taranto #253, '32 Ford roadster
(2) Kevin Dale's tuff '34 coupe, blown shot gun motor guarantees an audience where ever it fires up.

For 1997 the Run was moved to Mornington, based at the Mornington Racetrack. This provided the ideal venue for a Run of this size, with a large 500 seat function room, and plenty of parking for the rods and the general public. The gardens and large grassed areas within the Racecourse complex provided the perfect backdrop to the spectacular sight of around 310 gleaming hot rods.

By the close of registration at 5pm on Friday, we had 126 entries. The BarB-Que was kept going all afternoon, providing entrants with something tasty to eat on their arrival. It certainly looked as thought this would be the biggest Run yet! During Friday, some rodders were happy to just sit on the grass and watch the rods roll in, and catch up with friends in the car park. In the afternoon there was a cruise to the Mornington Motorcycle Museum, and then on to the Pine Ridge Car Museum at Arthurs Seat. Friday night there were two cruises to the Dromana Drive-in. There were 155 hot rods at the Drive-in, as well as some of the other local cars. It felt like the fifties all over again...

(3) Brenten Creasey's 1950 Ford Single Spinner, East Keilor Vic,
is grafted over a HQ-Z Holden chassis and driveline, utilising the Holden Statesman floorpan and firewall

There sure was plenty to do on the Saturday. A new innovation was the display and trade area, set up next to registration. This was very well presented, and all the rodders took time out to check what was on offer. Traders included; Hot Rod Hardware, Steve's T Shirts, Jet Hot Coating & John's Rod & Custom. On display there was a Salt Lake Racer, a Sprinter, a GT40 replica, a couple of Bash cars, the Tractors & 2 sprint Boats. Something to interest everyone. And of course, on Saturday night, a spit roast dinner & Rock 'n Roll dance.

(4) Dad's 34, a tough looking car.
(5) This year Bay Rodders held a trade display, in an undercovered area next to registration.
As well as the Jet Hot display, John Lynch brought his lakester along

Most of the activity was at Main Street on Sunday, with all the rods coming back to the Racecourse at 12.30 for lunch & trophy presentations. (There were a further 55 entries during the morning.)

Well, "That's All Folks", for another 2 years. The next 2 Bay Rod Run will more than likely be one week after the ASRF Nationals (Easter) 1999!

By Greg Wapling

For more pictures and information on the 2 Bay Rod Run check out the Bay Rodders Home Page