MotorFest 2008

RACQ MotorFest 2008 was held at Eagle Farm Racecourse on Sunday 29 June with record crowds, vehicle exhibitors and traders enjoying a fantastic day out.

More than 800 vehicles were on show, making the largest display of veteran, vintage, classic and unique vehicles in the event’s history, apart from the 2005 Motoring of Yesteryear which marked RACQ’s centenary.

More than 12,000 people attended the event and entry donations and car park takings raised almost $18,000 for the RACQ Helicopter Rescue Network. The funds will be shared by CareFlight Rescue, which services southern Queensland, Mackay-based CQ Rescue, and Rockhampton-based Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service, which between them fly more than 4000 rescue missions a year.

Visitors and exhibitors enjoyed a wonderful day, with the lawns and other areas of Eagle Farm Racecourse a sea of rare and unique vehicles, happy crowds, and colourful entertainers.

One car enthusiast and MotorFest supporter, Rod Gayden, was even inspired to verse, and his effort can be seen below.

Entries were judged in 12 categories and the winners were:

Best Classic (1931 – 1959)
Jim Harkess
1956 Buick Roadmaster

Best Classic (1960 – 1971)
David Lucas
1960 Studebaker Lark Hardtop Coupe

Best Commercial
Malcolm Chalmers
1957 Morris Utility

Best Dressed to Suit Vehicle
Kevin and Joyce Brooks
1915 CX 25 Buick

Best Hot Rod
Bruce Norris
1937 Chevrolet Utility

Best Military
James Rorrison
1975 M1-S1 MUTT

Best Modern
Julian Minnekeer
1978 VW Karmann Beetle

Best Motorcycle
Gavin Dall’Osto
1955 AJS

Best Presented Club
BMW Car Club Qld

Most Unusual Car
David Law
1926 Model T Ford

Best Veteran
Jason Ridings
1912 Model T Ford

Best Vintage
Doug and Robyn Clark
Austin 7 Chummy

Plans for the 2009 event are already underway. If you would like to be added to the electronic mailing list to receive information about MotorFest 2009, please send your email address to events@racq.com.au.

Photos on this page courtesy of Stu Riley.

RACQ MOTORFEST 2008

By Rod Grayden

It was a cold Sunday morning
The day of RACQ Motorfest
Formerly at the RNA grounds
The new venue put organisers to the test

The Eagle Farm racecourse
With buildings of character and charm
Would blend in well with historic vehicles
Plenty of shade where patrons could yarn

So as the sun rose over Brisbane
Old vehicles putted along
Coming from north south east and west
Today their numbers would be strong

With pre-booked cars over 500
More were certainly expected
That figure would be easily eclipsed
As the gods sent perfect weather

From 6am the cars arrived
Then Albert’s team got into gear
Guiding cars through the gardens
Much talk over the two ways you could hear

Everything went so smoothly
Cars were parked on the grass so green
Their owners stepped out to admire the surroundings
Then raced for a warm cup of tea

The polishing rags came out quickly
Morning dew had hid the shine
Cars of all makes were gleaming
RACQ organisers had reason to smile

The Model T’s had their own area
To celebrate 100 years
They were the backbone of motoring in Australia
The other makes were just their peers

This event was more than a car show
Fashions were on display
As was rock and roll dancing
Artistic performers moved amongst the crowds all day

A highlight was the helicopter
RACQ’s motivation for the event
To support their rescue services
They displayed the challenges that are met

From hovering in tight areas
To rescue lift and retrieve
The staff are highly trained professionals
In their own abilities they must believe

But whilst the demonstration was impressive
Rescue work is often tough
Weather often plays havoc
But this team will never give up

But then it was back to formalities
Cars were judged on various criteria
From spectacular paintjobs and shiny badges
To impressively restored interiors

Soon the judges decisions were broadcast
Some lucky owners took a trophy away
But the whole event had been successful
Everyone had been a winner on the day

From 9am when the public walked through the gates
There was a buzz around the grounds
Cameras were clicking everywhere
Car owners were standing proud

Then 2.30pm had arrived
Crank handles on Model T’s were wound
Engines fired up from so many cars
As the cavalcade left the grounds

This set a precedent
Spectators lined the roads
To see classic motoring at it’s finest
They cheered as the cars headed for home

So much organisation was over
The gamble on the new venue had passed the test
There is only one thing left to say
Get ready for 2009 Motorfest.