Smoke Sizzles n Snags at Gippsland Motorplex on Australia Day

Yet again the Gippsland Motorplex proved beyond doubt that is is a popular, well run sporting facility bringing countless thousands into the region and providing an outlet for locals to enjoy their love of cars and all things vehicular, while having a great family friendly day out. Despite Australia Day events and other Car Shows, Swap Meets, Tractor Pulls and the like being staged east of Melbourne,  "Drags N Skidz" drew a large patriotic and enthusiastic crowd although still awaiting final figures.

This is the second event staged in January 2019 at the Gippsland Motorplex and should put the total attendance at approximately 10,000, many coming from outside the region and staying for one or more nights. Few if any other local community events can claim anything like these figures, nor the variety and regularity of events.

Despite the facts, figures, and the efforts made, the Gippsland Motorplex consistently fails to draw any financial support from our local Council's senior public servants who, it seems, fail to see any benefit in supporting a local facility which regularly provides so much. The facility is currently not even on their radar which negates efforts made to draw from State and Federal funding opportunities.  WHY? , this is a question which continues to be asked with no seemingly quantifiable answer.

Drag cars built by their owners and friends, or perhaps for those with a little more coin, being prepared by a local mechanic, come and enjoy their hobby in this well operated and safe sporting environment. Far better here than on our roads. Some immaculately turned out, others basic and I mean basic, until that is you look under the bonnet.

 

They come in all shapes ages and sizes to do battle down the strip. Old favourites HQ's, Commodores, Chargers, Falcons they are all there and some more recent models too. A Ford Territory, quick is just not the word for this brute, leaving many to the rear, few get in front of this one!

  

They come from far and wide with their cars to do battle on the drag strip or just to let off steam and have some fun on the burnout pad. Who can do the longest burnout? Who can create the best spectacle? Who can do the best donut or circle work?

The roar of engines, the small of tyre smoke, the coloured smoke ( yes, you can buy tyres that provide different coloured smoke) as it drifts across the pad in clouds, sometimes so thick you cannot see through it. If you haven't been to a burnout event, do it, if only once, is is an experience and you can easily get hooked! 

The day moves on in a relaxed mode, and, as the smell of tyre smoke clears the un-mistakable aroma of a sausage sizzle (a must on Australia Day), wafts across the track and viewing mounds. Onions wherever you like them, on top, under, or none at all, you get your choice.  The canteen provides a range of well cooked foods to re-charge the batteries of drivers, mechanics, families and spectators alike, with ingredients provided by local suppliers. All at very reasonable rates too.

In an effort to support one of their own, who recently sadly passed away suddenly, there was an auction for rides in a range of cars on the burnout pad. The V8 Bug, an SS Ute, Commodore ( as pictured at the start) and the well known "FarmFresh" Holden HQ  V8 ute, from Newborough.  In the order of over $1000 was raised in a matter of minutes. These folk look after their own, and thanks should go to the owners and drivers of the vehicles concerned and all the bidders. Our thoughts with the family concerned.

So another great day at Gippsland Motorplex, there will be more to come, (and soon too, I hear rumours of a tractor pull !), the team at the Motorplex will continue to seek support from our local leaders in order to continue to improve and advance this unique local sporting facility.  

Drive Safe Sensible and Sober.

Photos: Copyright John Munns.