Issue No. 12 January 1998
Issue No. 12 January 1998
As in the past, the organisation for our 31st Show started as the 30th Show closed. During the lead up to the Show, we realised that to make things more comfortable some extra space was needed. We managed to acquire the use of one extra bay, this enabled us to enlarge walkways and build an "Entrants Only" lounge area that we have been lacking since moving from the old "Farmers & Graziers Woolstore".
Friday set up was very busy, and going well, until it rained. It only seemed to be raining in a 5 km radius of the Woolstore. Was this an omen? During some heavy showers, we found something that we have never previously had, i.e. the roof was leaking, and it just happened to be directly over two cars. To keep everyone fed and happy, the Rickshaws ladies supplied a variety of home made soup, cakes, hot dogs and cold drinks on Friday night. Next year we may try a bar-b-que just for something different.
Saturday we threw the doors open at 9:00 am, and we again tried a change in admission prices by having all accompanied children "Free", thus making the Show more affordable for families. There was plenty to see and do, with a great variety of cars, trade stands, an appearance by "Big Dog" (for the kids), Victor Bray and Troy Critchley signing autographs, and, if you felt real brave, you could do a lap around Bathurst in the Shell driver simulator. Sunday's crowd was reasonable, but dropped off in the afternoon due to Newcastle hosting the Olympic parade from lunchtime Sunday.
There were a few problems with the judging system, with one of our computers refusing to go at all. So much for modern technology. After overcoming these problems (with a lot of frantic running around), we were able to have the presentation ON TIME, much to our surprise! Presentation went well, with some extra novelty prizes being awarded! One of our sponsors (Roman Auto Tech) felt sorry for our two cars which were "dripped on", and presented them with a "Momo" steering wheel and an umbrella each. I guess everyone will be looking for the leaks next year. We presented Ben & Joe Gatt, winners of "Top Competition Vehicle", with an autographed Victor Bray T-Shirt. We hope to see Ben & Joe wearing the shirt soon!
With some excellent club & individual displays, a big variety of cars, a few bikes and some great trade exhibits, we hope all those who attended enjoyed the Show. We presented NBN Television with $5300 raised from the Show, which will benefit kids with cancer. We would like to thank all those who assisted in the organising and running of this 31st Edition, and hope to see everyone at show number thirty-two on July 18 & 19, 1998.
Glen Austin
Rickshaws Hot Rod & Kustom Car Club Inc.
Some of the winners...
1st places-Hot Rod Section
Best displayed vehicle - Edward Briggs, 1935 Ford Coupe
Best Individual Display - Dennis Athans, 1932 Ford Roadster
Top Club Display - Howlers Hot Rod Club
1st Custom Classic Commercial - Steve Rich, 1952 Chev Ute
1st Custom Classic Sedan - Jason Petts, 1955 Chev
1st Show Car - James Ercole, Volkswagon
Top Unfinished - Steve Tuckwell, 1934 Ford Coupe
Paul McKenna's 1940 Ford Pick-up. Paul is a member of the Goodguys Rod & Kustom Club of Sydney.
The Junior Dragster stand, featured the Junior Dragsters of Lachlan Bell, Stephen Bush and one owned by the Junior Drag racing Association.
You can also see the half scale roadster they are raffling.
Ron Smits 1939 'Sahara Red' Chev has been chopped, shaved and greatly modified. 427 Big Block Chev, Turbo 350, 9".
The car was a major winner in the Hot Rod section.
Rob Napier's '34 Ford Coupe was one ot the two cars which were "dripped" on during setup.
We moved the car & stand twice to get it away from the rain!
Roman Auto Tech VR Commodre Ute. Roman Auto Tech & Federal Mogul were major sponsors of the Show. Their assistance was greatly appreciated.
Robert Frank's 1996 Mitshubishi Ute. Robert is a motor trimmer from the A.C.T.
With the purple and yellow paint scheme, Robert's Ute was very hard to miss.
The Castrol Door Slammer team of Victor Bray & Troy Critchley were kept busy throughout the weekend signing autographs, and chatting with the crowd.
