Gallery

Touring Cars Lakeside Raceway
by Ross Ponting Photography
Issue 10 - Queensland Autospectacular Willowbank Raceway
For many years, the Cleveland Auto Spectacular was a popular part of the car show calendar and it grew to become the largest of its kind in Queensland. However, after ten years, the show had become a victim of its own success, with the reduction of available space at Cleveland meaning the event could no longer be held in its original home. A solution was found when the Buick Car Club, who originated and ran the Cleveland show decided to team with the management of Willowbank Raceway to create a new event. The Shannons Queensland Auto Spectacular was born and the inaugural running of the new show was set down for the 10th April 2011. By all accounts, it was a huge event and a massive success with at least nine hundred cars and bikes on display for a very appreciative crowd of over 5,600 people. That’s right – 5,600! Event organizer Brian Hall said, “We had a very strong turnout from both the spectators and the show participants, and there was a great atmosphere in play on the day which we were really happy about.” Proceeds from the Shannons Queensland Auto Spectacular benefitted local community groups such as the Ipswich Mayor’s Flood Appeal, Ipswich Hospice, Angel Flight and the Ipswich Scouts. Of course all of these groups are very worthy and it is a great thing when people can support groups such as these whilst enjoying their passion, so this event is sure to continue and grow in popularity in the future. Such future expansion is made possible by Willowbank Raceway’s large, 16 hectare property which provides plenty of room for display vehicles, spectator parking and trade stands. Add the advantage of being able to offer entrants the chance to test their vehicle’s performance on the fastest quarter mile drag strip in the country, and the success of this great new event seems assured. As well as the large display of all kinds of cars and bikes, and the aforementioned drag racing, other activities included the Australian Rocker Cover Racing Championship, a car sales corral and a wheel changing competition. Add all these to a vast array of trade stands as well as a large swap meet, and the show proved to be a value packed day of entertainment for the entire family. Of course a large, successful event such as this doesn’t happen without the support of sponsors and the Queensland Auto Spectacular was no different. Support came from Shannons Insurance, the City of Ipswich, Titan Garages and Sheds, Ross Llewellan Motors and both Cruzin’ and Gasoline magazines. With over 40 trophies handed out at the 2pm presentations, we can’t fit in a complete list here, but the major winners were as follows: Mayor’s Choice – ’36 Mercedes Benz - Martin Milner Grand Champion Car – ’69 Camaro - Robert Zahabi Grand Champion Pick Up/Ute – ’55 FJ HoldenRussell Tronc Grand Champion Bike – 2010 Harley Davidson - Michael Goldberg Best Presented Club - New and Classic Ford Association Best Attended Club - Gold Coast Muscle Car Association. . . Photos by Adam Bilsborough
Issue 2 - CHOP YA - Ford F6
When you think of tough Queensland street cars the likes of Johnny Wilson’s HK Monaro, or Damien Mckern’s Series 1 Rx7 probably come to mind; cars with balls and more poke than you can get to the ground. Another on my list of Queensland tuffies is this yellow F6 Typhoon commonly known as ‘CHOP YA’, not just for its name, but also its reputation. Photoshoot by Dave Reid www.dragphotos.com.au
Issue 7 - Russell Slocombe's Ford Escort Panel Van
Sometimes a car guy or gal will get a bit obsessed with a particular car, and when Caboolture based plumber, Russell Slocombe bought a 1974 Ford Escort Panel Van from a car yard in Melbourne in 1979, little did he know that many, many years later he would have used this humble beginning to create an amazing work of art that pretty much defies conventional descriptions. With a car that has had this much custom work performed, the story is always as complex as the build itself, so hang on, sit back with a nice cuppa, relax and enjoy the ride.