Australian Hot Rod Reunion & Nostalgia Night
Castlereagh Hall, Castlereagh
Saturday 17 May, 2008
A great success again at Castlereagh Hall, just a stones throw from the site of the old Castlereagh International Dragway, was the hot rod & drag racing reunion.
Following the same format as the last one two years ago, the reunion and nostalgia night saw over 200 pioneering drag racers, hot rodders, 2nd and 3rd generation rodders and many younger or newer hot rod and racing aficionados gather to share experiences, memories and memorabilia from the halcyon days of drag racing and hot rodding.
Fellows who are held in high regard stood side by side with those who would not have been born when Castlereagh Drags were closed. People like Bob Honeybrook, Brian and Peter Keegan, Joe Gatt and Paul Foley chatted with up and coming racers, home building hot rodders and admiring fans. Not only did some of these important fathers of the sport share their memorabilia and memories, but inspired the young (and young at heart) to strive to keep drag racing and hotrodding spirit alive.
The carpark was a mini-hot rod show with cars arriving from early afternoon until evening. A great variety of cars, from real survivors of "the day" to restored classics through to fresh hot rods and even a belly tank salt car. Inside were stands of old photographs, magazines, drag racing paraphernalia, vintage speed equipment. Video and slides displays were projected and music livened up the guests.
Outside some open fires kept the chill away while old friendships were renewed and the never ending barbeque sizzled away. Rusty Gregory was MC for the night, doing a stunning job and reminding the pioneers who attended of the esteem in which they are held. Bob Honeybrook and Ronnie Williams discussed the earliest days of Castlereagh and the conditions that inspired racers to get off the streets and formalise drag racing in Sydney. They reminded us of the lengths that racers went to race before the track, with many multi-day trips to Riverside in Melbourne, roadside repairs on the way home driving, not towing, the same cars they had raced. They spoke of the earliest meets at Castlereagh and the continual challenges to improve the track. All the stuff of legend. Bob also screened his latest collection of vintage 8mm films that have been freshly edited, scored and given voice over - part of Australia's history that just can't be lost. Gary Hudson also reminded us of the days when top level drag racing was attanable by a bunch of guys with passion and smarts.
Alan "Burgo" Burgess was also honoured, being his 59th birthday and he in turn honoured Joe Gatt, whose contribution to Australian drag racing and hot rodding cannot be denied. A very humbled Joe expressed his passion for the sport and the desire for the younger generations to follow their lead and keep the spirit alive.
The night was a great opportunity to talk to, listen to and learn from our pioneers and "living treasures" but was also an opportunity to raise funds for cancer research. Between entry tickets, raffles, donations and some generous sponsorships over $3000 was raised.
Corrine and Charlie Falzon again must be congratulated for providing a great venue, feeding and refreshing the visitors and carried the bulk of the organisation over the previous months to ensure a night to remember. Thanks to Joseph Rodriquez for organising the audio-visual displays and music, Macquarie Town Hot Rod Club for proving the BBQ, Tony Martin for the spectacular lucky door prize, raffle prize donors, Shannon’s Insurance for their sponsorship and all the others for their generous assistance.
Ronnie Williams & Bob Honeybrook regaling with tales of the origins of Castlereagh Dragway and early hot rodding in Sydney.
Gary Hudson
Alan Burgess (Burgo)
Charlie Falzon, Corrine Falzon, John Rice, Paul Foley
The Falzons with Jackie and Joe Gatt
Burgo and Joe
Alan Ostey, Craig Fountain & Al Fountain with the Falzons
Peter & Brian Keegan with Charlie & Corrine
click thumbnails to enlarge
More pics here: http://www.hotrodmattimages.com/eventgals/Reunion08/index.html
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