- My Model T won 'Best Historic (Pre 1939)' at Motorfest this year
The Great Lakes Advocate ran the following story...
Mid Coast Ford Motorfest returns to Tuncurry in a blaze of polished chrome
Proving that it is still one of the most popular car shows for owners and spectators alike, the Mid Coast Ford Motorfest returned to Tuncurry on the Kings Birthday long weekend.
Organised by the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club, the event saw an estimated 4000 visitors make their way through the assembled fleet of about 250 vehicles on display at John Wright Park, Tuncurry on Sunday, June 8.
The annual event has been running for the past 30 years, continuing to attract entrants and visitors from across the region and beyond.
"It has gotten bigger and bigger during that time. It's a great day, and the support from the public is just fantastic," former club president, Ron Pulling said.
The event draws a range of vehicles that includes everything from vintage motoring history to classic and modern muscle cars.
In addition, an impressive range of motorcycles were on display to interest the two-wheeled aficionados.
After the destructive floods of late May, organisers were relieved to be spoiled with a classic early winter's day of clear skies and mild temperatures, making the event a perfect option for locals and visitors alike.
"Weather-wise, it was fantastic for the public and the various car clubs and individual cars that came," club member, Tony Brogan said.
"There were cars from as far as Kempsey, Cowra, Central Coast, and Sydney - we had cars visiting from everywhere."
Added entertainment
Adding to the day's entertainment were performances by the Australian Army Band, Newcastle, who had the crowd grooving to tunes such as Funky Town and Kool and the Gang's, Get Down on It, to name just a few.
If that wasn't enough, there was the inaugural Rocker Cover Races, which entailed attaching wheels to an engine's valve cover and launching from a makeshift ramp to race along a path to the finish line.
"It was a hit with spectators. It was the first time we've held it and we will be continuing that," Mr Brogan said.
Fundraiser
In addition to being a must-see for motoring enthusiasts, Mid Coast Motorfest also acts as a fundraiser, each year selecting a local charity to receive proceeds raised on the day.
For the 2025 event, the Forster Neighbourhood Centre was selected to receive what is expected, once a final tally is done, to total of about $5000 from the day.
"We have enough sponsorships within the club to cover all our costs, so the money we raise through the gate goes to charity," club president, Ron Pulling said.
"Last year we had the palliative care group and this year we had the Forster Neighbourhood Centre as our charity of choice."
I guess it's winter down there too. I didn't know you have "great lakes". Where are they? I have wanted to go to Australia and New Zealand, but am now too old to travel that far. I rarely go farther than I can make a round trip on the ground in one day. We just started summer but seems more like spring. The spring here seemed more like summer! We have had hot dry weather this year.