Mount Gambier Autofest 2009

Valvoline Autofest a resounding success
Posted on November 4, 2009, 7:07am

Judging by crowd response, the inaugural Valvoline Mount Gambier Autofest was a resounding success and future editions look almost assured.
Held at the Mount Gambier Showgrounds over both days of last weekend, an estimated 4800 people got their “fix” of all things motorsport.
Incorporating the old Show ‘N Shine event, Autofest also included a variety of driving events as well as simulated displays to keep spectators entertained.
More than 150 entries were received across the board of all associated events and Autofest is the first of a national tour that will also include similar shows at Shepparton, Murray Bridge and Corowa.
The Show ‘N Shine section, held in the showground’s main pavilion attracted plenty of interest with cars in different categories.
One of the most eye catching was a 1933 Chrysler Coupe, dubbed “Jekyll and Hyde.”
Owned by Anthony Whitehead of Adelaide, the vehicle has been repainted blue and white and features a dramatic skull.
“Jekyll and Hyde” was judged the best hot rod on show.
Driving events also proved to be extremely popular with both crowd and drivers (and eager passengers, only too willing to hop into selected cars).
Angus Sweet, driving a Nissan 200SX won the corkscrew challenge, where drivers were required to negotiate a number of witches hats, evenly spaced over a 140 metre course.
Melissa Justin in a Toyota Aristo won the female equivalent of that event.
Victor Sakaris in a HK Monar won the V8 Dyno Challenge, where cars were put their horsepower range whilst in a stationary position.
The Go-to-Whoa was a new event where drivers were asked to sprint a certain distance but brake on a dedicated spot. The male winner was Darren Wagner in a Holden HZ, while Karen Keeves in a Holden Monaro won the girls’ race.
Steven Johnson was judged the overall winner of Autofest, edging out Rod Cambert and Lincoln Tucker.
Results:
Hot rod: Anthony Whitehead.
Sedan: Lincoln Tucker.
Coupe/tudor: Anthony Whitehead.
Ute-pickup: Rod Lambert.
Panel van/wagon: Steven Johnson.
Interior: Haydn Rowley.
Engineered: Anthony Whitehead.
Standard paint: Tony McKenzie.
Custom paint: Chris Haebich.
Undercarriage: Geoff Smith.
Engine bay: Bendt Rasmussen.
Import: Brad Reynolds.
Authentic: Neale Guthrie.
Particpating club: Mount Gambier Street Machine Club.
Participating club display: South East Street Machine Club.
Female vehicle: Cristy Turley.
Custom: Darren Wagner.
Pro street: Darren Wagner.
Driving events
Corkscrew (males): Angus Sweet.
Corkscrew (females): Melissa Justin
Dyno challenge (V8): Victor Sakaris.
Dyno challenge (6 cylinder): Darren Reynolds.
Dyno challenge (overall): Victor Sakaris.
Go-to-whoa (male): Darren Wagner.
Go-to-whoa (female): Karen Keeves.
Motorkana (male): Angus Sweet.
Motokana (female): Melissa Justin.
Autofest (overall): Steven Johnson 1; Rod Cambert 2; Lincoln Tucker 3.