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RALLY CHAMPIONS AMONG DRIVING GREATS
IN SPEED ON TWEED SPECIAL GUEST LINE-UP
Photo: Australian Rally Champion Neal Bates’ Toyota Corolla Super 2000 (hi-res attached)
FOUR-time Australian Rally Champions Neal Bates and Coral Taylor promise a thrilling demonstration of world-class rally driving when they take to the track at the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed at Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales next weekend.
Piloting their Toyota Corolla Super 2000 rally car, Bates and co-driver Taylor will join an impressive line-up of special guest drivers from past and present eras, scheduled also to include three-time Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham, historic racing expert John Cummins, touring car identities Colin Bond, John French and Max Stahl and former sports car racer Denis Geary.
The drivers will appear during the three-day event from Friday to sign autographs, meet fans and perform other official duties.
However, Bates and Taylor are the only ones scheduled also to take to the one-kilometre temporary street course at competition speed, in a reprise of their participation in last September’s Repco Rally Australia.
Without the pressure of racing for World Championship points, the Canberra-based crew will be keen to see how their sophisticated all-wheel drive Corolla stacks up against some older but still potent racing, sports and touring cars in a field of more than 180 starters.
“I am really looking forward to Speed on Tweed because I haven’t done a lot of competition this year and can’t wait to go and have a play in our car,” Bates said.
“Coral and I have never taken part in the event before, so it will be great to be a part of it. It’s a great course and should be fun.
“I also can’t wait to get up close to some classic machinery, as I am a huge car buff.”
Festival of Speed on Tweed Chairman Bill Larkin said he was pleased to have a front-running rally car in the field after crowds got a taste of the action when the event ran alongside Rally Australia.
“We are thrilled to have Neal and Coral coming and it is going to be great to have them here. They will lift the profile of the event – and what rally drivers can do behind the wheel is quite amazing,” Mr Larkin said.
“With four Australian Rally Championships to their credit they are among the nation‘s most successful competitors in any motorsport discipline.
“Speed on Tweed has a tradition of inviting great drivers from past and present every year and it will be an honour for us to welcome not only Neal and Coral, but also Sir Jack Brabham, John Cummins, Colin Bond, John French, Denis Geary and Max Stahl.”
Speed on Tweed is promoted by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia, which is scheduled to return on 8-11 September next year.
Founded in 2002, the not-for-profit Festival of Speed on Tweed has contributed more than $300,000 to charities. The official charity beneficiary this year is Life Education Australia.
Attractions this weekend will include demonstration and parade laps, a show-and-shine competition and driver autograph sessions. Competition starts at 8.30am on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday.
A free entertainment program features a Friday street parade from 12 midday, street party from 5.30pm and fireworks at 9pm, plus a Saturday night concert with three rock bands from 7pm.
Tickets to the event can be bought for the early-bird discount price of $20 per adult per day from the Speed on Tweed shop in Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, until 7pm Friday.
From Saturday morning, the gate price will be $25 per day, or $40 for the weekend. Accompanied children aged under 14 will be admitted free.
Tickets also are available from the event naming sponsor South Coast Automotive Group at their Southcoast Mazda and Southcoast Nissan dealerships at 139 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, or at South City Mazda at 1350 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane.
More information for spectators is available at www.speedontweed.com.au.
OILS AIN’T OILS BUT ART AT SPEED ON TWEED
Picture: Robert Todonai’s latest painting for Speed on Tweed (hi-res attached)
WHEN it comes to the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed, oils ain’t oils for the 180 historic and classic racing cars competing this weekend, but the medium for the latest painting depicting the popular annual event by official artist Robert Todonai.
The painting, showing cars racing through the spectator-lined streets of Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales, is the latest in a series of oils Mr Todonai has produced every year since the first Speed on Tweed round-the-houses time trials in 2002.
The event showcases cars from past racing eras and its picturesque setting amid the leafy showgrounds and old buildings of Murwillumbah helps create a period atmosphere that has made it one of Australia’s best-known historic motorsport weekends.
Mr Todonai’s painting is the central image of Speed on Tweed and is featured on the cover of the official souvenir program, event poster and other items.
While the original will be hung in a private gallery next to its eight predecessors, 500 numbered and signed prints have gone on sale as part of the 2010 souvenir merchandise collection.
Mr Todonai, from Uki, said each of the paintings had depicted a different scene.
“I try to capture the excitement and energy of Speed on Tweed, the cars and the country atmosphere,” he said.
“All the paintings have been kept together and I think it will be a bit of history in itself in times to come. Where else would you find a collection like that?”
The artist will start work on his next Speed on Tweed painting at this year’s event, setting up a spot in the shade where he can watch the competing cars come and go and make some sketches.
“I’ll have to put my thinking cap on to come up with something special for the 10th anniversary,” he said.
The limited edition 2010 prints, priced at $20, are for sale at the Speed on Tweed shop in Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, until Thursday and then at the merchandise stand in the Speed on Tweed precinct.
Other souvenir items for sale include a women’s shirt ($35), men’s polo shirt ($40), Flat Cap Masters t-shirt ($25) and poster ($2).
Until 7pm on Friday, the shop also will sell the official event program and adult general admission one-day tickets discounted to $20. From Saturday morning, the gate price will be $25 per day, or $40 for the weekend. Accompanied children aged under 14 will be admitted free.
Tickets also can be bought from the event naming sponsor South Coast Automotive Group at their Southcoast Mazda and Southcoast Nissan dealerships at 139 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, or at South City Mazda at 1350 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane.
Highlighting “Australian Specials”, the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed will feature more than 180 cars in action from 8.30am on Saturday and 9.30am on Sunday.
Other attractions will include demonstration and parade laps, a show-and-shine competition and driver autograph sessions. Racing greats of past eras, Sir Jack Brabham, John Cummins, John French, Colin Bond, Denis Geary and Max Stahl are scheduled to appear as special guests.
A free entertainment program features a Friday street parade from 12 midday, street party from 5.30pm and fireworks at 9pm, plus a Saturday night concert with three rock bands from 7pm.
Proceeds from the not-for-profit South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed will aid the official charity Life Education Australia and local community groups.
More information for spectators is available at www.speedontweed.com.au.
VOLUNTEERS KEEP THE WHEELS
TURNING FOR SPEED ON TWEED
FOR an event that celebrates cars and motoring, it will be people-power not petrol that keeps the wheels turning on the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed in northern New South Wales next week.
Speed on Tweed in Murwillumbah on 10-12 September will owe its smooth operation and potential proceeds that benefit charity and community groups to the work of around 250 local volunteers.
And what the volunteers put in they get back for causes they support, with the not-for-profit Speed on Tweed having passed on proceeds of more than $300,000 since the first event in 2002.
They will man ticket gates and trackside checkpoints, cook breakfasts, direct car parking and perform a host of other essential tasks around the one-kilometre street course and competitors’ paddock in the picturesque Murwillumbah Showgrounds.
Most volunteers sign up on behalf of organisations to which they belong, including Rotary, Apex, Lions, the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, Tweed River Agricultural Association and pre-school committees. Others are individuals who enjoy the satisfaction and camaraderie of volunteering.
“It just wouldn’t happen without the volunteers. They love the event, they’re fantastic,” says Volunteers Coordinator Glenn Chauvier.
“Many have been doing it since day one, so the running of the event gets easier every year.
“All they get for themselves is a free cap and a meal voucher, but they’ll turn up at seven in the morning and work all day.”
While Life Education Australia is the nominated charity beneficiary for this year’s South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed, further proceeds as available will be disbursed to local community groups.
Not surprisingly, Mr Chauvier says he’s had no difficulty obtaining volunteers this year and all positions have been filled.
In addition to the local volunteers, Speed on Tweed will be assisted by 60 trained volunteer flag marshals, vehicle scrutineers, starters, stewards and other specialist officials representing the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport.
Speed on Tweed will feature two days of time trials involving more than 180 mostly historic and classic cars. The event theme is “Australian Specials”, commemorating the many successful locally-made racing cars built during and after World War 2.
A free entertainment program includes a Friday street parade, street party and fireworks and a Saturday night concert with three rock bands.
Tickets to the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed are on sale now, priced at $25 per day for adults, or $40 for a weekend pass. Accompanied children under 14 will be admitted free.
The tickets can be bought on-line at www.speedontweed.com.au or from the event naming sponsor South Coast Automotive Group at their Southcoast Mazda and Southcoast Nissan dealerships at 139 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, or at South City Mazda at 1350 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane.
They also are available at the “early bird” price of $20 per day from the Speed on Tweed shop in Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, next door to the post office.
More information for spectators is available at www.speedontweed.com.au.
INSIGNIA CLUB OFFERS A SPECIAL WAY
TO JOIN SPEED ON TWEED FESTIVAL
NORTHERN Rivers businesses keen to take advantage of marketing and networking opportunities provided by this year’s South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed still have a chance to get behind the wheel with membership of the event’s Insignia Club.
The Festival of Speed on Tweed will be staged on 10-12 September in Murwillumbah and is expected to attract thousands of local, intrastate and interstate spectators, more than 180 competing cars and crews and extensive media coverage.
Event Chairman Bill Larkin said the Insignia Club was created specially to expose local businesses to visitors, but also was available to individuals who wished to have a closer association with the event and competitors.
“A key feature of the Insignia Club is that members become ‘attached’ to a competing car. Their business or personal name goes on the car door and they have the incentive to follow the fortunes of that car and driver all weekend,” Mr Larkin said.
“For businesses, they are participating in a popular festival that will reach both loyal existing and new audiences.
“More than 40 percent of spectators are new, and 23 percent of returning visitors are expected to stay longer.
“Members get a unique promotional opportunity through association with an historic and classic motoring event that is renowned throughout Australia. They also have an opportunity to provide guests of their business with an unforgettable weekend sporting and social experience.
“Speed on Tweed attracts some of the biggest names in Australian car racing history. This year the invitation list includes Sir Jack Brabham, John Cummins, John French, Colin Bond, Denis Geary and Max Stahl.
“It’s a wonderful nostalgic atmosphere, but it’s not just about cars; there’s free entertainment over two nights, trade stands, merchandise and plenty of food and drink.”
The impressive list of Insignia Club benefits comprises -
- Business name displayed on a competing car
- Business name displayed on the partner page of the official event website
- Weekend passes for two people
- Exclusive Speed on Tweed key ring
- Discount of 25 percent on official merchandise
- Flag with Insignia Club logo to display outside the member’s business
Membership costs $250 (tax deductible) and can be arranged simply by contacting the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed office at info@speedontweed.com.au or phone (0420 825 255).
Contributions to the Festival will allow it to increase the tally of more than $300,000 raised so far for local and national charities. Proceeds this year will support Life Education Australia.
Tickets to the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed are on sale now, priced at $25 per day for adults, or $40 for a weekend pass. Accompanied children under 14 will be admitted free.
The tickets can be bought on-line at www.speedontweed.com.au or from the event naming sponsor South Coast Automotive Group at their Southcoast Mazda and Southcoast Nissan dealerships at 139 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, or at South City Mazda at 1350 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane.
From tomorrow, they also will be available at the “early bird” price of $20 per day from the Speed on Tweed shop in Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, next door to the post office.
The South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed is a not-for-profit event operated by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia.
More information for spectators is available at www.speedontweed.com.au.
MIGHTY MAYBACH 2 TO STAR AMONG
“AUSTRALIAN SPECIALS” AT SPEED ON TWEED
(hi res image available)
ONE of Australia’s most famous home-grown racing cars, the Maybach 2 raced by Stan Jones in the 1954 Australian Grand Prix at Southport, will star in a tribute to Australian Specials at the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed at Murwillumbah in Northern New South Wales on 10-12 September.
The Maybach 2, now owned and driven by former race team manager John Sheppard, will be among more than 180 historic and classic cars contesting the annual time trials on a temporary street course through the Tweed River town.
This year’s theme, Australian Specials, will celebrate the ingenuity of enthusiasts who sought to build themselves less expensive but effective alternatives to imported racing cars from Britain and Europe.
Among nameplates entered such as Elfin, Bowin, Nedelko, Jolus, Bowin, Bolwell, Renmax and Matich, the Maybach 2 is renowned for a glittering if short career.
Jones, father of 1980 Formula 1 World Champion-to-be Alan Jones, was leading the 1954 grand prix at Southport in Queensland when a chassis failure caused the car to crash heavily.
The Maybach 2 never raced again. A Maybach 3 was developed, initially using the same Maybach engine from a World War 2 German half-track vehicle, but it was not as successful and eventually retired.
When Sheppard received permission in 2000 from the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) to build not a replica but to re-create the Maybach 2, he started with just three original parts.
“All that was left was the water radiator, the fuel pump drive and the tachometer drive. For a re-creation, rather than a replica, everything had to be in all respects identical to the original car,” Sheppard said.
After a painstaking seven-year build, the Maybach 2 was as exact as it could be right down to a match of the original blue paintwork remaining on the radiator.
The car has been an attraction at historic events in Victoria since its reappearance in 2007 and Sheppard hopes its debut at the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed – the closest it’s been in 56 years to the venue of its last race - will be equally popular.
Befitting its age, the Maybach 2 will be given a slightly restrained outing in the Flat Cap Masters section of the event, rather than a full-bore run.
“I like driving it. It’s got enough power to spin its wheels. I drive it as fast as I’m game,” Sheppard said.
Tickets to the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed are on sale now, priced at $25 per day for adults, or $40 for a weekend pass. Accompanied children under 14 will be admitted free.
The tickets can be bought on-line at www.speedontweed.com.au or from the event naming sponsor South Coast Automotive Group at their Southcoast Mazda and Southcoast Nissan dealerships at 139 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, or at South City Mazda at 1350 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane.
From this Wednesday, they also will be available at the “early bird” price of $20 per day from the Speed on Tweed shop in Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, next door to the post office.
In addition to two days of racing, the Speed on Tweed program offers a host of free entertainment including a Friday street parade, street party and fireworks and a Saturday night concert.
The South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed is a not-for-profit event operated by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia.
This year’s proceeds will be used to assist Life Education, an organisation that helps young people make good choices about alcohol and drugs. Speed on Tweed has given more than $300,000 to local charities since it began.
More information for spectators is available at www.speedontweed.com.au.
SPEED ON TWEED TICKETS AND MERCHANDISE ON SALE
AT MURWILLUMBAH EVENT SHOP FROM WEDNESDAY
DISCOUNTED “early-bird” tickets to next month’s South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed will be on sale to direct retail purchasers in Murwillumbah from next Wednesday.
Customers at the Speed on Tweed shop in Brisbane Street, Murwillumbah, next door to the post office, will be able to buy adult daily tickets across the counter for the special price of $20, a saving of $8 on the current on-line price and $5 on the price to be charged at the gate on 11-12 September.
“This special opportunity will suit the many local people who support Speed on Tweed with their attendance every year and who like to get their tickets in their hands early and avoid any queues at the entry gates on the weekend,” said event Chairman Bill Larkin.
“The shop will also offer a new range of 2010 event merchandise for sale, including caps, polo shirts and t-shirts. The official souvenir program will be available from event week.
“These items are always particularly popular with Speed on Tweed regulars, many of whom have collected something every year since the event started in 2002. Offering them for sale in the shop before the event means collectors can be sure of getting what they want with no risk of stocks running out.”
Mr Larkin said South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed tickets offered terrific value for a packed weekend’s entertainment.
More than 180 historic, classic and modern high performance cars will be racing against the clock on a one-kilometre course around closed public streets between the town centre and the showgrounds. This year’s event theme, Australian Specials, will see many famous locally-built cars competing against production racing vehicles from Britain and Europe.
In addition, there will be a busy free entertainment program, starting a grand parade of around 80 cars through the main street of Murwillumbah from 11am on Friday. From 5pm, the main street will be closed to normal traffic so the cars can be displayed during the Friday Night Street Party, which ends with a fireworks display over the Tweed River sponsored by the Murwillumbah Services Club.
On Saturday from 7pm, a free concert in the showgrounds will launch the Cooly Rocks On festival with bands Dave, The Chevrolets and Just The Ticket.
Off-track on Saturday and Sunday, ticket-holders will be attracted to a spectacular Show and Shine display.
Full-price Adult General Admission tickets purchased at the gate will cost $25 for Saturday or Sunday, or $40 for a weekend pass. Children aged under 14 will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
The tickets can be purchased on-line at www.speedontweed.com.au and will be posted to purchasers.
They also are available direct from the event naming sponsor South Coast Automotive Group at their Southcoast Mazda and Southcoast Nissan dealerships at 139 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, or at South City Mazda at 1350 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane.
The South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed is a not-for-profit event operated by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia.
This year’s proceeds will be used to assist Life Education, an organisation that helps young people make good choices about alcohol and drugs. Speed on Tweed has given more than $300,000 to local charities since it began.
The South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed is staged by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia. The event has given more than $300,000 to local charities since it began in 2002.
13 August 2010
TICKETS ON SALE FOR 2010 SPEED ON TWEED
HISTORIC RACING FESTIVAL AND PARTY
TICKETS have gone on sale to see some of Australia’s most exciting historic racing cars in action at the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed, the popular annual motor racing festival and party on the streets of Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales next month.
Spectators at the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed on 10-12 September will enjoy a packed weekend of racing and free entertainment in an atmosphere unmatched by any other motorsport event in Australia.
The free entertainment program includes a grand parade of cars through the town centre, Friday night street party, fireworks over the river and a Saturday night rock-and-roll concert.
This year’s event theme “Australian Specials” has attracted an impressive line-up of home-built, one-off and limited-production racing machines representing eight decades of Aussie design and engineering ingenuity.
Cars with names such as Nedelko, Matich, JWF Milano, Whatmore, GRD, Cheetah, Elfin, Bowin, Renmax, Lolita, Amaroo, Skelta, GEK and the intriguing Mongrel will be joined by well-known drivers from the same era – Frank Matich, Colin Bond, Denis Geary, John French, Max Stahl and John Cummins.
Sir Jack Brabham, now 84, who in 1966 was the first driver to win a Formula 1 World Championship in a car of his own construction, also has been invited.
Fans of more recent champions will be able to meet four-time Australian Rally Champion crew Neal Bates and Coral Taylor and see their self-built Toyota Corolla S2000.
In total, more than 180 historic, classic and modern high performance cars will be racing against the clock on a one-kilometre course around closed public streets between the town centre and the showgrounds.
Adult General Admission tickets cost $25 for Saturday or Sunday, or $40 for a weekend pass. Children aged under 14 will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
The tickets can be purchased on-line at www.speedontweed.com.au and will be posted to purchasers.
They also are available direct from the event naming sponsor South Coast Automotive Group at their Southcoast Mazda and Southcoast Nissan dealerships at 139 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads, or at South City Mazda at 1350 Logan Road, Mount Gravatt, in Brisbane.
Festival organising committee chairman Bill Larkin said the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed continued the tradition of great racing, great entertainment and great value established with the first event in 2002.
“Speed on Tweed’s setting in the showgrounds of one of the Northern Rivers region’s prettiest river towns is perfect for an historic motor racing event,” he said.
“It attracts many of Australia’s most exciting and significant historic race cars and drivers who relish a chance to test themselves on a genuine street circuit.
“Tickets allow spectators access to almost every part of the venue, so they can watch the cars in action at several points and see them up-close in the competitors’ paddock.
“The free entertainment is a bonus, where competitors, spectators and locals can get together in a truly welcoming atmosphere.”
Entertainment will start with a grand parade of around 80 cars through the main street of Murwillumbah from 11am on Friday. From 5pm, the main street will be closed to normal traffic so the cars can be displayed during the Friday Night Street Party, which ends with a fireworks display over the Tweed River sponsored by the Murwillumbah Services Club.
On Saturday from 7pm, a free concert in the showgrounds will launch the Cooly Rocks On festival with bands Dave, The Chevrolets and Just The Ticket.
Off-track on Saturday and Sunday, spectators will be attracted to a spectacular Show and Shine display.
The South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed is a not-for-profit event operated by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia.
This year’s proceeds will be used to assist Life Education, an organisation that helps young people make good choices about alcohol and drugs. Speed on Tweed has given more than $300,000 to local charities since it began.
ENDS
13th July 2010
YOUTH CHARITY TO BE OFFICIAL SPEED
ON TWEED BENEFICIARY FOR 2010
A GROUP that has reached out to thousands of Tweed area young people with vital messages about safe behaviour involving drugs and alcohol has been nominated as the official charity of the 2010 South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed.
Proceeds from the 10-12 September speed trials for historic and classic cars at Murwillumbah will be used to further the work of Life Education, which delivers drug and health programs through its Mobile Learning Centres to more than 300,000 children in New South Wales, including 5479 in the Tweed Shire last year.
The announcement of the Life Education appointment at the Speed on Tweed official launch today continues a practice that has seen the annual event donate more than $300,000 to charities over the past 10 years.
Festival of Speed on Tweed partners, the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia, believe Life Education is a vital service aimed at educating children and assisting them to avoid uninformed choices about drugs, alcohol and their health.
Life Education Chief Executive Officer Jay Bacik said the organisation was honoured to be the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed official charity.
It was critical that young people were educated as early as possible about their body, health and the choices they make, particularly about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.
“We are involved in protecting Aussie kids,” Mr Bacik said.
“We are building a fence around the top of the cliff before it’s necessary to have more ambulances at the bottom.
“Murwillumbah has been a critical centre to Life Education, as it was the first area where the late Ted Noffs had (his) vision of the Life Education Mobile Learning Centre.
“It is a credit to the supporters of Life Education in this area that we have been delivering programs for almost 30 years.”
More information about Life Education is available at www.lifeeducation.org.au.
The 2010South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed will see around 200 cars from many eras race against the clock on a twisty and undulating temporary street course in the centre of Murwillumbah.
The Festival also will include a street parade and party on Friday and Saturday-night entertainment. Local businesses dress up their premises and pubs and restaurants offer an enthusiastic welcome to visitors.
Spectator tickets are expected to go on sale shortly.
ENDS
13th July 2010
MONGREL, JOLUS AND LOLITA HELP CELEBRATE
“AUSTRALIAN SPECIALS” AT 2010 SPEED ON TWEED
WITH names like Mongrel, Jolus, Nedelko, Whatmore, Pitstock and Lolita they scorched the race tracks of Australia during the Fifties, Sixties and Seventies.
When the budgets of enthusiasts could not run to professionally-built imported sports cars and single-seaters, often the only way to go racing was in machinery built with their own hands and driven with typical Aussie grit.
The so-called Australian Specials claimed hundreds of victories. At the end of their racing lives many were scrapped or pushed into garages, but now their place in the country’s racing history is revered and will be celebrated as the official theme for this year’s South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed on 10-12 September in Murwillumbah.
The 2010 Speed on Tweed was launched officially today at Mantra at Salt resort, Kingscliff, accommodation headquarters for the event.
Organisers expect up to 200 vehicles from many eras to contest the annual speed trials around a street course near the centre of Murwillumbah, beside the Tweed River in Northern New South Wales.
The Ford Mongrel, Nedelko MG, Whatmore Jaguar Special, Pitstock Holden Special and Lolita BMC Mk 1 will be among them.
And as well as runs against the clock on the twisting and hilly track, drivers, crews and spectators will enjoy entertainment and hospitality that sets the scene for one of the region’s most popular tourist events.
The not-for-profit event, born in 2002, is run by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia and will be sponsored this year by the South Coast Automotive Group, sellers of Mazda and Nissan vehicles.
Proceeds will be used to assist Life Education, an organisation that helps young people make good choices about alcohol and drugs. Speed on Tweed has given more than $300,000 to local charities since it began.
Many local community groups and individuals support the event by working as volunteers during the weekend.
Organising Committee Chairman Bill Larkin says the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed is hoping to attract some of the finest all-Australian racing cars.
“I’m sure no-one will leave dissatisfied after seeing some of the most famous cars and drivers in Australia’s racing history in action and absorbing our unique festival atmosphere,” he said.
The Festival weekend promises non-stop action and entertainment.
Competing cars will join in a traditional street parade on Friday afternoon, departing from their pit area in the town’s picturesque showgrounds.
At night, the main street will be closed to traffic as pubs throw open their doors, restaurants cater for outdoor diners and competitors display their cars.
The party returns on Saturday night with a free concert in the showgrounds.
Off-track on Saturday and Sunday, crowds will be attracted to a spectacular Show and Shine display.
The charming setting, emphasis on inviting the finest-quality historic cars and some of Australia’s best-known drivers, from Sir Jack Brabham to Kevin Bartlett, Jim Richards and John Bowe, have made the Festival of Speed on Tweed one of most admired events of its type in the country.
“Every year we strive to make Speed on Tweed something different and special and I’m sure the appearance of many Australian Specials will make 2010 one of the most memorable,” Bill Larkin said.
“It will be a wonderful event for not only the visiting competitors, but also the local community, which is proud to showcase the natural beauty and enviable lifestyle of the Tweed region.”
Ticket sales and further entertainment details are expected to be announced shortly.
Ends
8th July 2010
MEDIA INVITATION TO OFFICIAL LAUNCH
Tuesday 13 July, Mantra @ Salt village, Kingscliff
Dear Media Colleague
Attached is your invitation to the Official Launch of the 2010 South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed, one of the Northern Rivers’ most popular events and a landmark for historic motor racing enthusiasts around Australia.
Event organisers hosting the launch will outline the racing and entertainment program for Speed on Tweed, including this year’s theme, “Australian Specials”, which celebrates the skills and inventiveness of enthusiasts who built their own racing cars when custom-made machinery from overseas was in short supply.
Several historic cars and their drivers will be in attendance at the launch.
Please advise Tania Longworth via email at tanialongworth@hotmail.com if you’re able to join us next Tuesday morning. We’ll look forward to welcoming you.
Ends
Media Release 8th July 2010
SOUTH COAST AUTOMOTIVE TAKES POLE
POSITION AS SPEED ON TWEED NAMING SPONSOR
ONE of Australia’s most popular historic motorsports events, the Festival of Speed on Tweed, has signed the South Coast Automotive Group as naming sponsor for this year’s running of the round-the-streets speed trials in Murwillumbah, northern New South Wales, on 10-12 September.
Now called the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed, the event is expected to attract around 200 racing, sports and touring cars for a weekend of competition and social events in the picturesque town on the Tweed River.
The South Coast Automotive Group, which sells new Mazda and Nissan vehicles from its Tweed Heads dealerships, has committed active and comprehensive support for Speed on Tweed.
Managing Director Maurie Pickering, who plans to race in the event, said the company wanted to ensure Speed on Tweed was a big success for the Northern Rivers region.
“Speed on Tweed is unlike any other historic racing event in Australia. It has a beautiful setting, a street course that challenges drivers and entertains spectators, a great after-hours social program and a welcoming country atmosphere,” Mr Pickering said.
“The South Coast Automotive Group will be an enthusiastic, active sponsor. Our dealerships will sell tickets and host car displays, run competitions to win memorabilia, assist with marketing resources and make available for pre-event activities our South Coast Mazda Driver Awareness Ambassador and V8 Supercar driver Steve Johnson and South Coast Nissan Ambassador Luke O’Dwyer of the Gold Coast Titans.
“We are proud to be part of an event that since 2002 has brought to Murwillumbah many of the greatest Australian racing drivers, including world champions Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, Le Mans winners Geoff Brabham and Vern Schuppan and touring car legends such as Dick Johnson, Jim Richards, the late Frank Gardner, John Bowe and many more.”
The not-for-profit Festival of Speed on Tweed is owned by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah and Rally Australia and runs with a large team of volunteer officials and workers.
Chairman Bill Larkin said the South Coast Automotive Group’s sponsorship would greatly assist the event and its ultimate goal of supporting local charities.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have a racing enthusiast like Maurie Pickering and his team at South Coast Automotive Group as our partners in the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed. With their involvement, we look forward to another successful weekend,” Mr Larkin said.
The 2010South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed will celebrate the so-called Australian Specials racing cars, hundreds of which were built in the early years after World War II when specialised British and European racing cars were in short supply.
Resourceful enthusiasts used modified production chassis, engines and gearboxes combined with lightweight bodywork to create many effective race winners.
A surprising number of these remain in active competition and organisers hope to attract them to Speed on Tweed. Entries close tomorrow.
As well as two days’ of individual timed runs on the temporary street course near the centre of Murwillumbah, the South Coast Automotive Speed on Tweed will include a street parade and party on Friday and Saturday night entertainment. Local businesses dress up their premises and pubs and restaurants offer an enthusiastic welcome to visitors.
Spectator tickets are expected to go on sale this month.
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Media Release - 31st May 2010
Entries open for 2010 Speed on Tweed
The wait is finally over and entries for the 9th annual Festival of Speed on Tweed are now open.
After much anticipation organisers are pleased to announce that entries are open for the iconic Tweed event which will take place from 10-12 September this year.
With only four months until the event is in full swing the organisers are very pleased with the interest which has already been received and are looking forward to sorting through a number of entries which has had to be capped at 200. “We have had people calling and emailing us about entering our event basically since it was announced a couple of months ago that it would be running again” says Chairman Bill Larkin.
As always the festival will embrace a theme and this year organisers agreed early on that “Australian Specials” would be appropriate not only to celebrate a proud history of Australian racing cars and icons, but also to celebrate 40 years of the Maybach. “Australians are renowned for their engineering abilities and we are adept at using whatever is available to build world class machines. We have some extraordinary race cars built in this spirit. Some were very successful , others not so. We are taking this opportunity to celebrate these cars, their drivers and the engineers that built them” continued Larkin.
The organisers have also hinted that some special guests may just make an appearance during the weekend although at this stage all details are being kept in house.
Entries for the event are now available from the www.speedontweed.com.au website or alternatively by emailing info@speedontweed.com.au
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Media Release - 19 March 2010
Start Your Engines - Speed on Tweed Returns for 2010
The rumours are true and the organising committee of Speed on Tweed is now pleased to
announce that the iconic Festival of Speed on Tweed will be returning to the streets of
Murwillumbah in 2010.
Running from 10th-12th September this year, the non-profit community event will again be
run by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah in conjunction with Rally Australia who became
shareholders of the renowned event after reviving the festival in 2009.
“We are thrilled that Speed on Tweed will be returning to the spotlight once more and are
looking forward to turning on a festival similar to that which ran in 2008” says event
spokesperson Bill Larkin . “We have always had high numbers in attendance in the past and
we are hoping that the many spectators that attended the event in previous years will return
to see the spectacle that is Speed on Tweed. I’m sure nobody will leave dissatisfied after
seeing some of the most famous cars and drivers in Australia’s racing history in action and
absorbing our unique festival atmosphere”.
The theme for this year’s event has been decided as ‘Australian Specials’ and it is hoped
that this theme will assist in attracting a number of the country’s finest, classic all-Australian
race cars to participate in the festival.
Although no schedule for the event has yet been released, plans are in full swing, the Friday
and Saturday night events are back and competitors are already knocking on the doors of
organisers as they wait with great anticipation for entries for the 2010 event to open.
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SPEED ON TWEED SPONSORSHPS NOW AVAILABLE 2010
BUSINESSES can sign on as sponsors of the Festival of Speed on Tweed if they want to use the event to market their products and services or simply show their support and have a great time.
The event is on 10-12 September in Murwillumbah and sponsorships ranging from $10,000 Platinum level to $250 Insignia Club Membership aimed at local businesses are available.
Marketing Manager Michael Zuschke said sponsorship offered a great way for businesses to be involved in a professional event and leverage that involvement by publicising their brand and business name.
He said 180 cars would be involved this year and past studies showed drivers, supporters and spectators spent an average of $180 per day in town with an average stay of 5 days, with about 25,000 people attending the event annually.
“Most business owners and their staff felt the Insignia Club was just a great way to be involved without spending a lot of money. It also helped create much of the atmosphere surrounding the event,” he said.
Insignia Club members receive two weekend passes to the event, a membership badge, official event flags to display outside their businesses, discounts on memorabilia and their name on a competitors race car during the event.
Other sponsorship categories are Gold ($5000), Silver ($2000) and Bronze ($1000). All offer different benefits and packages to suit individual business needs or we can tailor a package to suit you. This year we will be looking forward to offering some exciting catering and spectator packages to our sponsers also.
The Festival of Speed on Tweed pits historic and classic cars of all types and some of Australia’s best drivers of several eras against the clock on a one-kilometre closed public road course in the centre of Murwillumbah.
The non-profit Speed on Tweed has raised more than $300,000 for charities such as the Children’s Cancer Institute, the Peter Brock Foundation, local service clubs, schools, emergency services and our hospital.
Full details of sponsorship packages are available on the official website www.speedontweed.com, or by emailing Michael Zuschke at michael@barkingtoad.com.au
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