40th Anniversary of the Castlemaine Hotrod Run

April 2002

Story & Pics by:
Dale Peucker & Greg Wapling

 This was the 40th Anniversary for the Castlemaine Hot Rod Club, held the weekend of 5th, 6th, and 7th of April. The event actually started on the Wednesday, which gave entrants returning from the Island State Nationals (Tasmainia) something to do.  For most entrants, the run started with their arrivals on Friday night.  There was a civic reception held at the Ray Bradfield Rooms right in the middle of Castlemaine.  The mayor spoke very highly of the Rodding Community in and around the Castlemaine area, especially the specialist industry which was now a major employer with over 200 workers.  This was followed by a bench session and gave entrants an opportunity to take a look at the fantastic presentation which had been on display for the 2 weeks prior to the event.  Saturday was a fantastic day, the weather this time of the year can always guarantee to be pleasant and it was just an ideal day for the show & shine.
 There were 200 pre-entered and over another 50 entering on Saturday.  In the morning, there was a book launch for Larry & Mary O'Toole's new book called "The History of Australian Street Rodding", the official launch was given by Tex Smith, who spoke of some of the early years and entertained the big crowds.  Saturday night the main street was blocked off and a portable drive in screen assembled.  With all the rods parked in the street and the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" playing on the big screen, you could not get a better atmosphere.  On the Sunday, there was a swap meet.
 We thank Greg Wapling for the story and pictures here and Dale Peucker for sending them to us.

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