Basically this could be a day at any VW show for me.
Before attending I have diligently made a list of what stuff I need to purchase there. I leave aroung 8.45 and half way there I realise the list and my camera are still at home!
Pass an amazing ray of VW's on the way and get RSI from blowing horn and waving. Start walking around the stalls and buy so much stuff my wallet is empty. Find somewhere to replenish and continue my purchasing. Then inspect all the cars on show. During both these events I lose my son and frantically run up and down shouting his name at the top of my lungs feeling like a. a moron and b. really really worried
The day ends and I head home. Get back and see that of the 400 bucks I have spent, the only thing I got which was on my list was Phills cupcakes! The rest is either totally wrong for my cars or a great spare that will probably never be needed. So basically even more ShXt in the garage and yard.
But wow was it fun. Another great event guys. Well done
h ·
so you didn't find your son then..? your missis would be happy 😬😂
kombivw ·
Found my son, just lost the contents of my wallet. Which had the same effect on the missus lol
colonel mustard ·
photo's of what you purchased!!!
Phil74Camper ·
Glad you enjoyed the day, and my daughter Lily's cupcakes (she made 30 of them and sold them all - she was stoked!)
We will let the dust settle a bit, then look for feedback for next year's show. How can we make the Nationals even better next year? What should we add, remove, or change? What should we do differently, or keep the same?
The Club Veedub commitee meeting on Thurs 11 June, and the general meeting on Thurs 18 June (at the Greyhound Club, Yagoona) will be forums for feedback and suggestions. Have a think, come along and help us make next year's show even better. If you can't make it, please post your improvement suggestions here.
trickysimon ·
David, you think you had it bad. I spent $507. I now hav $1.63 in my savings account 🤪
LUFTMEISTER ·
Ha Ha the bank will take that for a $5 account keeping fee then hit you for $30 for being overdrawn (gotta keep that $1.1billion in penalty fees going)👍🥷
old bugger ·
i've only been to a couple of these, and i had a great day sunday and my only complaint was i couldn't get there saturday for the races
kombivw ·
But Tricky did you get what you needed. But yer I never got it bad but today I did . I dropped my mobile phone ! I had all my numbers for past 3 years in there and actually left a message saying you can keep the phone as reward but give me sim back please. Never happened so I had to block sim and block phone and buy a new sim and phone (nearly 300 bucks). My account about the same now!
Gary L ·
I spent about $400 had a great time good to catch up with some old and new friends looks like I will be wearing VW T shirts every day for a year. David sorry I missed you look forward to seeing you at some other events will be intouch I need some records I will write a list soon and buy some from you.
Phil no rain what happened????
amazeer ·
Phil74Camper wrote:Glad you enjoyed the day, and my daughter Lily's cupcakes (she made 30 of them and sold them all - she was stoked!)
We will let the dust settle a bit, then look for feedback for next year's show. How can we make the Nationals even better next year? What should we add, remove, or change? What should we do differently, or keep the same?
The Club Veedub commitee meeting on Thurs 11 June, and the general meeting on Thurs 18 June (at the Greyhound Club, Yagoona) will be forums for feedback and suggestions. Have a think, come along and help us make next year's show even better. If you can't make it, please post your improvement suggestions here.
not club vw's fault, but #$&%!!!!! How many times do rotary have to cater before they finally bring enough food for the day????? I was disappointed with the swap. I dont think there was much there this year. Although that may have been because I turned up at 11:30.
I just wonder how many kids go home and start painting mum and dads car.
kombivw ·
Hey gary, so you were there to! Sorry i missed you. Kuchster was also there and is doing some rust work on my Kombi for me and i never saw him either. I must walk round with my head in the stars and be so ordinary no one notices me either lol. Would have been good to catch up. Trying to talk Joel into coming next year, but he wont be able to help you Amazeer with more swap parts as i have already snaffled his stuff. Thanks joel all the bits arrived yesterday.
Re suggestions Phil
I reckon that all VW's that are not in show should be directed to park on the right side together as part of the show. Another food point would have been good as it was a big line. I use to actually like the old venue more as that was a little more out bush feeling, but Showground does work well and def more central for most and actually just down the road for me.
p.s Sorry to have missed you to tricky, would have liked to have a chat and maybe get to know your uncle :-)
trickysimon ·
Yeh, it sucks only knowing people by there cars 😂
We should start a thread with a picture of the owner beside the car. That might help for the next event.
Or I might be starting to sound like a stalker 😂
kombivw ·
maybe you could just dye your hair black with red on the sides and a red line through the middle. We wont have to look for your car then. Mines already white with some rust so should easily notice me.
Show yer mugs and car thread is not a bad idea really
Turbo54 ·
Why doesn't everyone wear a T-shirt wit there user name on it like 'AVD-Turbo54'?
Anyone going to post pics.
T54
martinigreenbus ·
As discussed after every show, calling winners names out with a car number means nothing to 99% of the people who bother to stay back.
In 2009 technology, a large plasma up on the wall, a pic of the car as the winner is announced...... too easy. Those who are competing can see what car pipped 'em.......
And lose the speed humps on the way in......
Great day, loved the idea of the paint beetle for the kids. Well done......
1303Steve ·
Hi
We have given some thought to having a picture of the winning cars on a screen, but our club members are pretty stretched on the day.
Trouble is the number crunching of the results takes some time, so finding the photos of the winning car and loading them in order & on time would be huge task.
Would you like to volunteer to do it?
Steve
dubbergirl ·
Just a suggestion but how about announcing the colour of the car after you give the entrant number and name? Great day by the way, well organised and the weather stayed fine. Thanks to all concerned for their hard work.
68AutoBug ·
EXCELLENT work guys & gals
Only problem was food & drink...
I went to McDonalds on the way home... lol
Defineately need MORE Food & Drink Outlets...
I nearly bought a coffee but got tired of waiting in Line...
I'm thinking of bringing My own food & drinks next time..
lots of New sellers selling everything.... GREAT..
Many of the swap meet parts were gone by 1130am...
You need to get in early for those...
cheers
LEE
dutchyvan ·
martinigreenbus wrote:As discussed after every show, calling winners names out with a car number means nothing to 99% of the people who bother to stay back.
In 2009 technology, a large plasma up on the wall, a pic of the car as the winner is announced...... too easy. Those who are competing can see what car pipped 'em.......
And lose the speed humps on the way in......
Great day, loved the idea of the paint beetle for the kids. Well done......
The speed bump issue will most prob keep me away from the next one, ripped my muffler off on the way out! Although i dont think the club that runs it are into low & rat dubs.
We brought our own food as last years lousy food and massive coffee line up was a farce.
Having to pay $10 per person then another $15 per cat. entry is a bit steep, entrants should have admission included..
The "reading out" of winners is boring, maybe someone should tell everyone not to start their cars for 30mins so that we can hear announcments.
The idea of using 'technology is great.
I've been to the 4 and rotary nats at the same venue, when winners were decided, they were approached and asked to take their cars to the area near the trots stadium seating.
Then an announcment was made to the public to move into the stand if they want to watch the presentation.
Trophies were handed out to driver and vehicle in front of the stand (each car drives through so that people can identify the winning person/vehicle. Thats how they do it OS too.
And last but not least, the day is too long, presentation by 1pm would be the go.
1303Steve ·
Hi
The club that runs it is into low cars, I know I am, but I also make sure my car is "legal" 100mm or 4 inches clearance, I don't how you get on in the rest of the country if those speed humps fazed you.
I bought food twice and didn't queue for very long, maybe I missed the crowds. Maybe we need another coffee outlet?
I agree with reading out of the winners is boring, we've thought about using the trots grandstand and bringing the winners cars around.
Did it work OK at the 4&rotary show? I would have imagined that everyone that didn't win would have left immediately.
Steve
HotRodMatt ·
I believe Red (as in Red's Diners) has approached the club before about having food there. Even offered to pay significant sponsorship.
He has two diner vans - both appropriately retro-car styled and suitably staffed that would keep lines down to a minimum and a wider choice of food. He does events with larger numbers and manages to keep everyone fed without the huge queues.
squizy ·
HotRodMatt wrote:I believe Red (as in Red's Diners) has approached the club before about having food there. Even offered to pay significant sponsorship.
He has two diner vans - both appropriately retro-car styled and suitably staffed that would keep lines down to a minimum and a wider choice of food. He does events with larger numbers and manages to keep everyone fed without the huge queues.
Second this....
dutchyvan ·
sometimes you need to "go low for the show" it happens to look good. drove the thing to melbourne and back with 30mm clearance.
the grandstand thing worked good, the only issue is making sure its done as early as possible in the day (so that people attend, the "number crunching" needs to become computerized (computer setup at judging area, entries made on the spot) basically aside from peoples choice etc the results would be known at 11am the minute judging finished. (as OS)
you could use a simple exel spreadsheet
Mick058 ·
Best to find out when the flow of people stops - if not many pay to attend the show past 1pm, then maybe hold the presentation a little earlier - 2pm would be good for spectators and entrants .
I agree that you need to see the cars for it to be more interesting and appealing.
To pay $15 to show your car (for one category) plus $10 to attend is pretty steep in my opinion. People are there to see the cars, yet those who make an effort to show their cars, polish, clean, stick around for the whole day, risk getting their car scratched etc - get charged in addition for their effort. Not sure if i like that.
grogy ·
great day out , i must got in food que at right time and it tasted good, spent $200 on parts, well done to the organisers and participants
dutchyvan ·
"you could use a simple exel spreadsheet"
i hope the organisers see this.. other than those gripes it's a great day
amazeer ·
I got my lunch in peak hour and it only took 5 minutes. It would have been nice to walk straight up and walk away, but I dont think that was as bad as not having a steak sandwich available when I got there. That's not club VW's fault, you'd think that rotary would have worked it out by now.
Not sure how you can expect club vw to remove speed humps for your convenience. If there werent any speed humps you could guarantee there would be little pinky people hooning in and out anyway. I'd rather see a muffler laying on the ground than a kid.
The cars starting up during presentation is the fault of the inconsiderate people who did it.
I agree that it would be a good idea to have VW parking on one side, and let me park my F*rd on the other. It would set up another mini car show outside. There was nice cars out there.
And a powerpoint presentation of the winning cars on that tv would have been good. Perhaps I could be talked into doing that next time round. I dont think the drive by presentation is a good idea both from a logistics point of view, a suspense point of view, and a noise point of view.
Joel ·
kombivw wrote:Trying to talk Joel into coming next year, but he wont be able to help you Amazeer with more swap parts as i have already snaffled his stuff.
im determined to make next year rain, hail or....floods
no matter how much i seem to sell the parts pile just doesnt seem to shrink at all
im screwed if i ever have to empty out the shed down at mum and dads place or out at the farm 🤪
will keep sims in buisness for a while
Gringo_54_oval ·
i hate speed humps! next time they should let us enter via the new tared entrance.it was used as an exit.and if your driving in from smithfield road do what i did go up the exit side and youl only have to fight with 1 speed hump not 3😂
simoninoz ·
I'm thinking along the same lines as others but firstly, what a great show, seemed better than 07/08 combined somehow and even then there were some notable cars missing. Thanks to the organsisers for their hard work.
To concur with previous posts;
presentations earlier - if you've registered prior to 11am then by 1pm you've probably seen everything twice or three times. It's a bloody good turnout but it is still maybe a good half-day out for most people attending.
Having the judging figures entered into a spreadsheet would be a doddle, as someone else has already suggested, if it's not happened already. Instant results, no faffing or fannying. It's not hard to set up, I'd be happy to make a template for next year if I'm about.
What a good idea to have a proper presentation of person and car at a seperate 'podium' bit - those dolly birds of Boris could walk ahead of the vehicle to the presentation area, clearing the way. Or maybe a marching band Roman-legion style like the Tusk video from Fleetwood Mac.
I thought the band was good, don't remember one at previous show but added to a nice atmosphere.
That catering? If you can't have a giggle at those old people making a balls-up of it then bring your own lunch. it's Sunday for goodness sake, they are volunteers, you aren't gonna starve.
Hope this helps for next year - oh and great idea for all VW's not in the show to park in one place, I had a wander around the carpark but would be nice for everyone i think to be in one area, a show within a show.
Thanks again for your efforts this year, well done.
beetleboyjeff ·
I must have been lucky with the food also - only waited a few minutes each time.
I do think an earlier presentation would be good - especially if you have 5 or 6 hours home. If it was early enough, it would also give you a chance to have a close look at the winning cars and see the sort of things that they have done.
I did have a great time, and many congratulations and thanks to the organisers - well done.
simoninoz ·
beetleboyjeff wrote:I must have been lucky with the food also - only waited a few minutes each time.
I do think an earlier presentation would be good - especially if you have 5 or 6 hours home. If it was early enough, it would also give you a chance to have a close look at the winning cars and see the sort of things that they have done.
I did have a great time, and many congratulations and thanks to the organisers - well done.
Anyone driving more than two or three hours to get to the shows is a legend in my book, hats off to the out of towners.
BOOMERDOG ·
first time i have been to the nats in australia..well done,good turn out,good to see a variety of styles on show..
silly question ,but why isn't it held at a 1/4 mile venue in sydney,so people can run their cars as well as show them??? [ala bug jam in the uk ] .
a tried & tested & very sucessful formula since 1987.. it would be cool.
my views are i know european, but after living in california as well ,and seeing the americans do the same winning formula...please don't shoot me down it's just an observation...
& yes the speed bumps would have torn the arse outta my car as well...it's not all about being legal dontchaknow...😂😎
Phil74Camper ·
Thanks everyone for your feedback and suggestions - please keep them coming.
The judging tabulation is already done on computer; it's a custom-built MS Access database, with runners taking the judging sheets to the computer room. This year it went faster and smoother than before (I remember one year when the computer crashed entirely). But we could always use more help to get it done faster next year - please volunteer your time next year if you can.
Perhaps we should only give out 1st for each category, rather than 2nd and 3rd as well? That would make the presentation a fraction of the time it takes now. What do you think?
I agree with more food and drink outlets, particularly if they are offering sponsorship too!
Can anyone help us next year with digital car photos to Powerpoint, in the correct order according to categories, and all finished in time for the trophy presentation? It's a great idea but the work involved is a bit daunting. Get the photos wrong and we all look a bit silly in front of the crowd!
I brought along the LCD TV that was on the Club VW stand, playing VW DVDs. It was an 82cm but way too small for a showing during the trophy presentation. We have a large movie screen which could be hung on the back wall, but we would need an industrial strength projector unit to get a bright enough picture in the daylight. Can anyone help?
A more powerful PA system for the trophy presentation would be good too. That one we use belongs to us, but it's bit weak in such a large open area (and with inconsiderates starting their engines during the presentation). Does anyone have a big PA we could borrow?
trickysimon ·
Just out of curiousity, who won catergory 28?
Phil74Camper ·
The Nationals is run by a car club, not by a corporation like the UK and US shows. We used to have 1/8th-mile drag racing at Oran Park on the Saturday, and the show oin Sunday. That is no longer possible due to the imminent closure and demolition of Oran Park. This year we ran the Supersprint at Wakefield Park instead.
Sydney only has one drag strip now, at WSID (beside Eastern Creek). It would be great to have drags there, but the cost of hiring the venue is astronomical - tens of thousands of dollars for the day. Way beyond our means! And in any case, WSID has no undercover car show area. If it rains, the show would be stuffed.
But it might be possible one day if we move to the next level. Does anyone know any corporations that would sponsor the VW Nationals for, say, $50,000?
t2 ·
BRING BACK THE DRAGS , to many great cars out there coupled with one of the best drag strips in the world and most of us will never get to see them run.
no more engine blow , waste of time if we really need to see a vw engine blow it would be nice if it were in car going for it at wsid
why cant the cars be parked in the categories they have entered in , how good would a row of rats be or a row of your favourite model ,
i am also for the pic of your car during the trophy presentation , nothing more annoying than not knowing what won
BOOMERDOG ·
the uk shows are not run by 'corporations',simply the shows are put together from sponsorship from separate companys,& gate sales.
add attractions like drive in movie,funfair,stuff for kids to do ,evening entertainment,headline acts ,dance tent,chill zone,comedy stage...it turns into great vw weekend...
from club level you really have got an excellent base to build on.
ok agreed eastern creek is way to large for a venue,but is there not a smaller venue ,say an old airstrip in the nsw?.... as for under cover,we had marquees...yes it rained alot...😂
as my learned mate above just said....
bring back the drags!..
grumble ·
A beautiful day,nice people,great cars,a little music and a perv thanks to Boris.Well organised and in my opinion probably the best one that i have been to.well done guys & ladies! Cheers Les
thugbug ·
A great day & better than last years.Caught up with Nathan with his People Choice Razor & Rob Kucher.And in between all the miles of walking found time to sit & chat with Badkarmann & Hercules (T3 Winner) Neck got put out of joint, with thanks to Boris` girls!! Didn`t get to see Mountains Greg (not sure if he came). Heaps more cars to see this year i felt. And some nice ones in the enclosed parking lot for sale. Loved the suicided door Beetle.Saw it as it came in & spoke briefly with its owner.Didn`t spend a brass razoo other than at the Food stall. End of day saw the friendly Inspector Plod take off (from the outside parking lot) after some one they clicked using a mobile phone. Oh yeah, the Presentations - bit boring but congrats to all the winners. Couldn`t hear half of what was said though.Combination of maybe the PA system & cars starting up.Otherwise a very pleasant day.
darren-h ·
Thank's to the organisers, clubveedub.I thought the day run very smoothly,getting there around 830am there was little waiting at the judging area and by 915 or so we were set up in our spot.
I liked the set up this year,seemed and looked more organised than last year. The "painting" the beetle activity was a great Idea! well done to all concerned.👍
68AutoBug ·
Mick058 wrote:To pay $15 to show your car (for one category) plus $10 to attend is pretty steep in my opinion. People are there to see the cars, yet those who make an effort to show their cars, polish, clean, stick around for the whole day, risk getting their car scratched etc - get charged in addition for their effort. Not sure if i like that.
I agree... I travelled 290 kms to get there and I wanted to park under cover, but it would have cost another $15...
OK on the $15... but drop the $10 ..
1 PM is late enough for the judging to be done...
people can still walk about and look at the cars....
its a long way home....
LEE
cnfabo ·
does anyone have the contact details for the chick who was selling the shirts down near the swapmeet area. i have 2 teeshirts that where brought for me that are way too small.
barls ·
that would be jay on here
vw54 ·
BRING BACK THE DRAGS , to many great cars out there coupled with one of the best drag strips in the world and most of us will never get to see them run
yes i agree but i carnt seem to raise the 28K required to rent the track pity about that
1303Steve ·
[/quote]yes i agree but i carnt seem to raise the 28K required to rent the track pity about that [/quote]
And then you do your $ if it rains
rose ·
We drove down to Goulburn in the pouring down rain on Fri arvo. Had a great day of racing the most fun you could have in your road registered bug on Sat.
Drove bug back to Sydney Sat night washed and details bug got to bed late.
Got up nice n early Sun probably first in the gate paid our money entered the bug.
Had a yummy bacon n egg roll & the coffee man was there to have a real coffee.
Looked at show and swappers caught up with vee dub guys. Had lunch and drinks no worries.
Collected a trophy.
Drove home to Newcastle and got home late.
All good I had a ball all week end the best weekend I've had since Warwick.
I don't know what you's are on about just enjoy that we have a great show to go to 🤪🙅🤪😂
HotRodMatt ·
BRING BACK THE DRAGS
yes i agree but i carnt seem to raise the 28K required to rent the track pity about that
Fear not. A few appropriately styled (and attitude) veedubs will get an invitation to Day of the Drags 2010.
vw54 ·
I believe Red (as in Red's Diners) has approached the club before about having food there. Even offered to pay significant sponsorship.
he didnt talk with me I did have another place ask but as we have Rotary in place they do a bang up job for fund raising for the community they are a non profit organisation
i know people didnt have to wait very long not much more than 5 minutes although the que looked long it moved fast
old bugger ·
yeah i waited about 10 seconds for a steak sandwich and a cuppa. and had a laugh with a coupe of the ladies. they did alright
dutchyvan ·
i'd be happy to pay the $60 it cost us to get into/enter the showgrounds to be at wsid.
$28k divided by $60 = 466 required entrants just to cover track fee.
how many entrants were there on sunday?
and then theres general admission,
2000 people x $20 =$40k
( i assume there would be more on the day. )
Racing and show on same day keeps everyone interested, i like cars but sitting in a carpark for 8 hours with nothing to do/see bores me to death..
amazeer ·
You would be there on your own. Read below that some people think $25 is too steep. You're proposing a 150% increase to walk around in the rain.
Mick058 ·
i should of said earlier that i think you guys run a great event and im happy you are willing to take suggestions to improve it, but my comment on $25 is relative.
If i had a run at a drag day i would pay $60, no problem - its different.
MY comment of it being steep is in regards to what you get for your dosh - you put in a lot of effort to bring your car along, stay there for a longer time then you'd generally want (2hrs to see everything really) and you have to pay extra for it.
I think you would get more people showing their cars, therefore making it a bigger show (and hopefully more variety), if presentation was earlier and you weren't charged extra for it.
but yeh, no cover and rain is an issue.
Again, good stuff with the show - i tried to get my car there, not to be.
rose ·
So your car will be ready for Gunnedah Drags than Mick 18th & 19th July $100 for 2 days of drag racing includes driver & 2 crew. Or $10 each for spectators. All Vee Dubs welcome.
SO NO EXCUSES
cu there
Turbo54 ·
I have not been but it sounds like the same concerns that any show has, price is too steep etc. I agree, $25 is a lot to park you car after all without the entrants there would be no show. $60 to go racing is a normal street meet fee. You are lucky you have race tracks. I am sure if you opened race tracks you would get a lot more interstate people. I know of at least 5 cars that go to warwick every year from adelaide. We are doing all the hard work and spending all our money. We could just get together in a carpark somewhere 😉 Power to the people.
T54
Mick058 ·
not sure if i could make 2 days. see what happens Rose - still scared of what will happen to the g/box once i start driving - may not make it that long!
rose wrote:So your car will be ready for Gunnedah Drags than Mick 18th & 19th July $100 for 2 days of drag racing includes driver & 2 crew. Or $10 each for spectators. All Vee Dubs welcome.
SO NO EXCUSES
cu there
rose ·
You don't have to drag both days you get heaps of runs on each day.
Mick058 wrote:not sure if i could make 2 days. see what happens Rose - still scared of what will happen to the g/box once i start driving - may not make it that long!
rose wrote:So your car will be ready for Gunnedah Drags than Mick 18th & 19th July $100 for 2 days of drag racing includes driver & 2 crew. Or $10 each for spectators. All Vee Dubs welcome.
SO NO EXCUSES
cu there
squizy ·
It would be really, really interesting to go down the path of utilising WSID and have the show in the parking lot out the back. Also wondering if you could setup camping within WSID and encourage people to stay there. Yes, alot of money, and the rain is a risk, but it may be an interesting avenue to go down. Nostalgia drags have Rocket and larger sponsors behind them, which unfortunately we don't have, so ultimately it comes down to money and risk. You've got to put the money up front. Does the VW fraternity have a golden tit to suckle from who could put up the money, run at a loss, for the greater good of having our own stlyle "bug-jam"?
vw54 ·
Yes the rain is NOT the way to have a car show and attract people
we had that some 20 plus years ago at Western Sydney Uni not pretty and wet n boggy
Besised that WSID dont want to know anyone with VWs Not like when it first started up we had a man on the insdie unfortunatly hes moved on now due to some of the over powering management in control
they would rather have an agrictural show out there instead
dutchyvan ·
Fair enough, if wsid are anti vw.
Being the "nationals" the event could move between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane every year (many clubs would have to work together) or points from a show in all 3 cities constitute a "National" trophy win. Some of us like to drive our dubs interstate all the time, but we are a minority. Most think a couple of hours is too far to go.
vw54 ·
Being the "nationals" the event could move between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane every year
Ah thats a NO NO Club Vee Dub Sydney owns this show and it aint going anywhere, apart from Sunny Sydney
which club are you in dutchyvan
annosL ·
"National" in Australia means every where except W.A.! (tooo far away!)
Mick058 ·
can i ask, does the show break-even, run at a profit or lose out?
I had a mate that came along and he is a Mustang boy and he asked what the money went towards. He said some of the FORD shows ask for a gold coin donation only and the money goes to a charity. Dont really know the in's an out's of which shows or how much to charity but i am interested in how Club VW runs it.
Is there a profit, or is it all based on break even.
amazeer ·
dutchyvan wrote:Fair enough, if wsid are anti vw.
Being the "nationals" the event could move between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane every year (many clubs would have to work together) or points from a show in all 3 cities constitute a "National" trophy win. Some of us like to drive our dubs interstate all the time, but we are a minority. Most think a couple of hours is too far to go.
There already is oe of those events. Its called Bug in and runs over easter weekend.
Some people like drags, and thats OK. I competed in all the Nationals Oran Park drags, ran at FF&R jamboree at Willowbank, once at Eastern Creek and ran in SA one year, so I am not anti drags in any way. But, having said that, there is definitely room for a supersprint. Rudi ran 28 laps. Thats over 60km of flat out racing, without counting the in and out laps wich would be another 30.
Drag racing is a different sport, a safer option, and you should do that as wel at the portland/warwick events.
It would be completely impossible to run a race meet and show at the same time. For one the people who enter ours dont do them mutually exclusive, they do both. And the manpower just simply isnt there.
dutchyvan ·
i dont do clubs, too political. i'm just a cruiser and keen to get out drive my dubs. i think getting involved in this discussion makes me feel a bit hypocritical though.
i understand its a sydney only thing and everyone is doing the best they can with the resources available.
1303Steve ·
Hi
The 2004 VW Nationals had the drags at WSID and the show&shine Sunday at Fairfield, to say the roll up at the drags of VWs was disappointing is an understatement.
Plus all the Habibs were there carrying on as usual.
I know a very well known Sydney drag racer is building his new car to only compete at Warwick & Portland, hes had enough of being treated like a leper at WSID.
Steve
Phil74Camper ·
Mick you are welcome to come along to the committee meeting on Thurs 11 June at the Greyhound Club if you are interested in the nuts and bolts of the Nationals. We don't know yet how it has panned out this year, but we expect to take a loss on the Supersprint and a profit on the Sunday show.
The Nationals however is not designed to raise money for charity (we have other smaller events through the year for that). All profits made are ploughed back into the VW club movement in the form of bigger and better events and runs, a bigger and better club magazine, buying club library books, DVDs, tools, equipment and other infrastructure that a car club needs to do its job. We expect to invest more money in VW motorsport events (and CAMS fees) next year if the enthusiasm is there. Clubs are not supposed to be 'political' - we are all supposed to be doing this as a hobby, a fun way to spend our spare time. Club Veedub is fun - come along to the meetings, have a beer and a chat. Like anything in life, you get out of it what you put into it.
Yeah the bug-in is the national 'rotating' show, but its format limits it to a much smaller band of enthusiasts (and we are sick of car shows at easter). The 'Day of the VW' in Victoria, SA and WA, and the one coming up soon at the Gold Coast (Klubfest?), are like smaller interstate versions of the VW Nationals. It's important to space them out over the year so we can go to as many of them as possible.
It's a pity that WSID is unsuitable for a number of reasons. Is there a millionaire out there who could turn the old abandoned Schofields aerodrome in Sydney into a motorsport complex with circuit, show area and drag strip? And what about Hoxton Park airstrip - now closed. Although they have ripped up the runway tarmac. The land will soon be houses - usual story.
FROSTY ·
Hey after a shitty drive from Qld down the New England Hwy i think that Nationals was far the best turnout I have seen, congats to the organisers!! Is there a list of winners ? My pick for car of the show was the Gulf Blue (two tone) 63 Splitty. it was outstanding.
Mountains Greg ·
Unfortunately I could'nt attend the Nationals this year due to a week of nightshift at the time however I intend taking the days off sick in future!
I did attend the cruise the night before for the Pizza run to Dinos' Again unfortunately I had to drive my Mk4 Golf geez I felt like a lepper there 🥲 only because my bug needs an engine rebuild.
I would happily drive my bug interstate however like our cousins in W.A. driving across the continent is obviuosly stretching it. We are lucky with the larger number of VW enthusiasts living on the east coast where we have the opportunity to arrange good events like the Nationals.
If it was'nt for my constant shift changes (try working 8 nightshifts, then a day off and then 5 days of morning shift, before getting some days off... Thats the NSW Railway for you) I would like to be involved in organising events and I know there is many others in my situation.
I do think it would be great if we could have maybe two additional events a year which could be moved from one city to another. This would allow the opportunity for alot more enthusiasts to attend. Cruises are great and we as a whole could probably arrange alot more of them right here. We don't need the Clubs to organise these events we have the opportunity to arrange them here on the forum. One only has to look at what the U.S. and U.K. VW crowd are doing to be envious! Surely we can do it here in Oz
Cheers
Greg
vw54 ·
We don't need the Clubs to organise these events we have the opportunity to arrange them here on the forum
Fantastic Whos going to be responsible for the PUBLIC LIABILITY and all the other crap insurance and deposits you need to hire venues and advertise events
If you want to get involved join the club then you may find out what it takes to do this sort of thing
I have been doing this now for 22 years you may think it takes only 5 minutes well your wrong how about 3 or 4 hours a day for a few months, find some one who is committed to that much time
vw54 ·
Oh by the way Thanks to all the people who had a great day and have been complementing the show, venue and personal
On behalf of our club members who worked there butts of on the day and night a BIG thank you
I hope to read these comments out at our next meetings
constructive coments are worth it I have used several of the ideas proposed over the years on this forum
Mountains Greg ·
Dave,
I was not attacking you or the VW Club, I believe you may have misunderstood my comment about "we don't need the clubs to organise these events" by which I meant the cruises.
An event is a completely different scenario and does require the clubs input and the obvious expenses for liability and booking venues etc. I understand the amount of effort you and other committee members put into arranging these events and like everyone here appreciate this.
Another internet forum involving classic vehicles I belong to is not even a club. We still meet up for dinners, cruises and weekends away so there you go.
I apologise for not being more transparent about my comment.
t2 ·
i entered the show had 2 cars on display , there was a great atmosphere there .
i really do think it would be a good thing to have the cars parked in categories , each area could be sign posted so everyone knows what category the cars are entered in..
i also found during the trophy presentation i could not hear a thing so maybe use the loud speaker or turn up the volume.
also found during the trophy presentation i could not hear a thing so maybe use the loud speaker or turn up the volume.
yes if we use the main PA system you will get blasted out of the place its a bit of trial and error doing the announcing and presentation
it would be great to have all the different models n line for sure but theres just no room and people turn up at all different times and every year the number of each model varies so its a mystery sometimes
thanks for the input
Jay_1965vw ·
The 'Day of the VW' in Victoria, SA and WA, and the one coming up soon at the Gold Coast (Klubfest?), are like smaller interstate versions of the VW Nationals.
Phil, have you been to DOVW in Victoria recently?
Saying it is a smaller interstate version makes us sound like the poor country cousins. Really. Please don't be so condescending! Just because yours is called the Nationals, doesn't make the rest of us second rate!
I had a great day on Sunday, lots of cars to see, traders, swappers, people to catch up with. The organisers did a fantastic job. BUT, I have a similar time at DOVW in Victoria.
Phil74Camper ·
Hi Jay, you know very well that Melbourne is the poor country cousin of Sydney! ;-)
Sorry, I didn't mean it like that, and those other shows are NOT second rate. I was trying to make the point that the other states all have major VW shows, that are like the Nationals in Sydney. Yes they are smaller than the Nationals (Sydney is bigger than Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth), but that doesn't make them any less worthy. Don't you girls always say that size doesn't matter?! I also have a good time at events where less than 6 VWs turn up - like the last two rainy drive-in nights, for example.
Glad you had a great time on Sunday - didn't spot you though. Too busy working I guess (both of us).
Jay_1965vw ·
Ok, I forgive you :P
I didn't spot you either - not really surprising when I spent most of the day sitting with the tee shirts. I did get a chance to do a quick round of the cars with Grumbles. (Many thanks to Pengy for holding the fort!)
I was hoping to meet Lily!
How do you measure how big the shows are? no of cars shown, no of visitors, money taken...?
68AutoBug ·
Turbo54 wrote:Why doesn't everyone wear a T-shirt wit there user name on it like 'AVD-Turbo54'?
Anyone going to post pics.
T54
I agree....
but then I wore My cap with 68autobug on it and no one said hello to Me...
but I would love to see us wear shirts with Our user name on it in Large letters...
on the front or back...
any color.. etc...
just so the name stands out....
those with really long names will have to wear two shirts 😂😂😂😂
tatoos don't count....
I must say I say people wearing some really cool VW themed shirts that I've never seen before...
plus for the first time Heaps were for sale....
LEE
Jay_1965vw ·
I saw you Lee, I didn't get a chance to say hello though as you were not very close and I was tied to the tee shirts!
amazeer ·
on the back you could have "if found please return to...." and on your arm you could have your Mum's phone number, in case you get lost.
If I walked around with my name on my shirt I would be scared of being put on the special bus.
Phil74Camper ·
I didn't even get to look through the swap meet until after lunch, and all the good stuff was gone!
Size of the show? Who knows, probably a combination of a number of things. We got nearly 200 cars judged on Sunday, but there were at least that many again outside in the car park. Money doesn't mean much - we lost money on the Supersprint. I went to the DOVW in Melbourne about 4 years ago but have missed the last few. Hoping to get there this year - and watch other people working fo a change! If Lily is not sick of VW shows by now, I will bring her down.
1303Steve ·
Lee I said hello
polak ·
68AutoBug wrote:
Mick058 wrote:To pay $15 to show your car (for one category) plus $10 to attend is pretty steep in my opinion. People are there to see the cars, yet those who make an effort to show their cars, polish, clean, stick around for the whole day, risk getting their car scratched etc - get charged in addition for their effort. Not sure if i like that.
I agree... I travelled 290 kms to get there and I wanted to park under cover, but it would have cost another $15...
OK on the $15... but drop the $10 ..
1 PM is late enough for the judging to be done...
people can still walk about and look at the cars....
its a long way home....
LEE
$10 entry to a car show is pretty fair and cheap in comparison to some, as for the $15 entry fee, its the cheapest i personally have seen at any events. as for the time, i dont think there is much point in changing it as you will never please everyone and always have someone complaining that its too early or too late.
im thinking we all stop complaining and realize what this is all about, its about showing off and seeing some beautiful machines, having a fun day out, seeing people you would otherwise loose contact with, making new friends and passing down experiences and/or knowledge to others.
i enjoyed this year like all previous i have attended and plan to attend many more!
Jay_1965vw ·
Phil74Camper wrote:Size of the show? Who knows, probably a combination of a number of things.
Hehehee
How can you say yours is bigger if you can't even tell me what you are basing it on! 😂
Come down in November, should be good.
I already owe Boris a beer. Doh.
Phil74Camper ·
Gentlemen don't need to boast about how big we are - we just know, and we smile :-)
I don't know that a point by point size comparison of the Nationals with other shows, particularly the Melbourne DOVW, would achieve anything (in fact it would piss everyone off). The Nationals just gone was the biggest I have seen in 22 years, so if the DOVW is bigger than that I will be looking forward to coming down in November. Even if it isn't as big, it will still be great and I will still look forward to it.
I think everyone owes Boris a beer!
barls ·
i came home with half a keg of beer, does that count.
BOOMERDOG ·
just to bring things into perspective with the pricing at the show...what i usually pay for a full weekend in the uk is £60 that includes camping..
•Track Sign on fee on Friday is £20 for unlimited runs, and Saturday is £25 for unlimited runs.
•Weekend ticket prices include camping and parking.
•kids under 13 free (maximum 3 kids per adult).
•Buy 10 tickets get 1 free in advance.
•Single £7 booking fee per order (so if you're coming with mates book all your tickets together).
•Advanced booking closes on Friday 10th July at 5:00pm online and 5:30pm by phone.
•Please see Essential Info page for Rain Off Policy
complaining about $25??? blimey what a result🤪😂....that's nuffink!...😂
i liked the au nationals,& think everyone done a great job,it's got excellent potential ...👍
penguin ·
I agree, the Nats are good (Sorry, I just call it the Nats as its not really a "National" event - sorry Dave or other Sydneysiders no offence meant or taken I hope). Each of us has their pet event. My favourite is Dubs - possibly same with many in the SthEast corner of QLD, I know the Vics, sand gropers and crow eaters all like their DoVW's. Just not sure if you would get people to turn up for a weekend event like many overseas. I am not sure that the cost is all that might be holding back the idea of a longer/camping/party type event like many of the UK and Euro ones are. The distances to travel for anyone outside of the immediate area (say the nearest 400km) are pretty long as aside from the towns up and down the coast, its a damn long way from either other capital on the east coast and a hell of a long trip from Perth, Darwin or anywhere north of Brissie as well. That means you have to take a few days off to get a weekend away if you are travelling. I know I have a partner that would be willing to travel and put up with VWs for that length of time, but not I doubt too many of us have one that would put up with a one day trip down and one back to spend two more at a car show. I know that some Euro shows are long trips but when you talk travelling about 900km Syd to Melb, 1000km to Bris, 1400km to Adelaide, 2000km to Cairns and 4000km to Perth or Darwin. So as a comparison Melb to Syd is more than London to Munich but with far less in between to keep you entertained along the way.
personally I think the racing is good (even if I didn't go) - Have been to some racing overseas and from what I have seen there is a bit more legal liability crud to go through here (especially compared to the single car runs and buggy track I saw at Budel a few years back) and the under cover venue for the show part that they have in Sydney is pretty good although a wee bit cramped at times depending on layout and number of entrants. The locals do a great job getting it all ready (I have no problems with the Rotarians cooking all day so we have food to buy and eat 🤪 mind you, they probably shake their heads at us as well) and aside from a few folk who decided to leave during the last part (presentations) I think ti went well and reflects pretty well on all the VW scene. Al round a congrats and thanks to Dave and his merry (or very tired) band of workers who set it all up, ran it and cleaned up after we left. Hope to get time off for good behaviour and get back again next year 😉
And yes, I owe Boris a beer or two too (as thanks as well).
Phil74Camper ·
Thanks Chris, some good comments there. Yes it's a bit hard to compare Aussie VW events with those in the UK, or the US. The UK has lots of people crammed onto a little island, so everything is close - they complain that 100 km is a long way to travel. Their events are big because everyone can easily go. But gee aren't they expensive! As for the US, they have lots of space, but lots of people, so everything seems to be 'localised'. You get huge shows in LA, or Phoenix, or Seattle, or Orlando, or Pennsylvania, but they don't have a 'national' event as such. Each 'city' show is huge enough to survive on its own.
Here we have lots of space and not much people. We need interstaters to attend our shows. We chose the name 'VW Nationals' in 1988 as we wanted to appeal to everyone in Australia, even if they couldn't come. Plus, it was a registered Bicentennial Event then - we even got a small government grant to help fund it that year. We still want to attract everyone in Australia if we can - so we are going to keep calling it the Nationals. But the nats is a cool name too.
But the size of Australia makes it impossible to attend all the big shows in all the states - I'd love to go to all the DOVWs, and the Klubfest, and the Portland and Warwick drags, but family commitments, time and distances make it impossible. Oh well. All we can do here in Sydney is try to make the Nationals better each year, so all suggestions and ideas are welcome.
It would be great to have a 'camping' area at Fairfield for interstaters, but there is nowhere to pitch tents, no grass, and there is no power, or an open amenities block at night. Kombi campers are a different matter - plenty of tarmac to park on if you are self-contained. I sleep in mine every year. Maybe we could look at expanding that.
Craig S ·
I'm giving the Nationals the two thumbs up 👍👍
Whilst there is always room to improve these things, and a lot of the feedback has been constructive, I thought this year was great. A day of watching Beetles fanging around a track followed by a day taking heaps of photos of cars under a covered area so you don't have to worry if it rains are happy days indeed 😵💫 Total cost of my weekend of watching moving and static Dubs: $10. Can't argue with that.
Even bought myself a model KG to sit on my shelf at work to keep me motivated to finish my Beetle (only six years to go based on current budget 😁 ) so I can buy one to add to the stable.
kroozzn63 ·
i took my wife and two daughters for the first time all together ,normally i go with mates , and it was a great family day
With the kids rides "the best was paint the bug" my daughter without coaching painted white walls how cool . and i believe it was the biggest ive seen but all the kombis where in the car park not many showing and definately need to display vehicle types together somehow ..great show thanks ...
Gary L ·
Hi
I had a really great day at the VW Nationals, I had fun looking at the cars, swap sites, sellers, models and meeting old and new friends. Yes there are some things that could be run better that will happen next year. The show gets better each year, the guys and girls who volunteered did a top job everything ran along nicely.
I agree with Kroozn63 it was the biggest nationals I have seen so far and May is better than Easter there is other events on at that time and for me I only go to church twice a year and the fellow up the top likes me to go at easter. I dont think he ever drove a VW so I could never get out of church on time.
Looking forward to QLD, ACT and VIC shows coming up will try to get there somehow.
Regards
polak ·
the swap meets are a dangerous place, i banned myself from there this year 🤓
dutchyvan ·
off the luft
"After reading about the judging at the Nationals there is the regular complaints that cars were judged by people who normally judge "standard " restoes, the implication being that they were out of their comfort zone judging rats.
So I had the idea that instead of complaining, maybe a set of standards or guidelines could be written up so there is something to go by.
My favourites are original signage commercial vehicles that are still being driven. (not hidden away between shows)
What else is there that makes a rat a rat and not some POS dragged out of the paddock and put in the arena?"
so there's a bit of a row over the way rats are judged, most dont think the nats rats were judged by their "peers" but by the 'standard' judge that enjoyed shiny paint and restos...
we noticed that when the judge looked over the rats he did not make any attempt to note modifications or even look under the vehicle to spot the thousands of $ worth of narrowed beams, spindles, IRS, steering racks etc etc this is where the rats have prob had alot more $ spent on thme than the pure restos.
I think most would like to know exactlly how the class was judged....
"they have all had heaps of work done on them to get them to where they are. They might look like they just missed the crusher but that is where the uninformed make their first misunderstanding about rats isn't it?"
Does anyone know what vehicle took the aircooled prize? pics?
Jay_1965vw ·
Unfortunately, non members of melburg luft can't see that!
amazeer ·
perhaps its because we're unreal?
Phil74Camper ·
We will not turn away anyone who wants to help with the judging. We already let the watercooled guys do their own judging, and they are happy with that.
If any of these 'rat' enthusiasts, from Melbourne or anywhere else, want to do the rat class judging next year, they will be more than welcome. Please get in contact with the Club Veedub committee and we'll arrange it.
With the results - maybe I am just looking in the wrong place as I see the PDF of winners names and other links with photos of all the vehicles, but not knowing who owns what, the names of the winners means nothing to most people without showing the winning vehicle also. Is it possible to have the winners names AND a photo of the winning vehicle posted somewhere.
Thanks
Dan
1303Steve ·
Hi
I will add pictures to the results soon, I just put the pdf up as a temporary measure.
Steve
dutchyvan ·
"If any of these 'rat' enthusiasts, from Melbourne or anywhere else, want to do the rat class judging next year, they will be more than welcome. Please get in contact with the Club Veedub committee and we'll arrange it."
so we agree that it was not judged by our "peers"?? if not, any refunds on the $15?😵💫 just kiddin...
Thank you, all the best
"These 'rat' enthusiasts" 🙄
Edmond ·
Big thank you to the volunteers and organisers. It was a great show. It's the 3rd one I've been to, and I'll be there next year.
Got some parts, lunch, and trinkets. The cars on display were beautiful, from the daily drivers, the rats, and all the way down to the humble splittys.
It was a family (wife and kid) day for me, and the show was just great.
Personally I don't care for drag racing, and I don't give a rats how the judges judge.
If the coffee queue had been shorter, I may have had a couple, but who cares? These coffee vans always have a queue at events.
polak ·
since everyone is mentioning food and drink queues, whatever happend to the bar being open?
Phil74Camper ·
The judges judge the presentation of the car in front of them. It is not their job to make value judgments on the individual class. The judges are not 'peer' judges; they judge as knowledgeable VW enthusiasts only, and they awarded the 'Best Rat' to the best presented Rat on the day, in their opinion. Like they do with the other 40-odd classes.
If someone has a different idea on how something should be judged as 'best', then by all means volunteer your services for next year. We would welcome your input. I am sure this year's judges are sick and tired of hearing people whinge about their impartiality, or expertise, or procedure, or attitude, when they don't win a trophy.
But then after 22 years, we know that we will never make everyone happy.
There's no reason why we can't get another couple of coffee vans, or ice-cream vans, happening next year. I am not sure what happened with the bar - I didn't get a chance to try it! Was it closed?! I will check with Birchall when he gets back from OS.
dutchyvan ·
A big thank you to all invloved on the day, a very well put together event.
We were only asking as it did say "peer" judging on all the entry forms and info before the event. I'm sure everyone can work together to make it work in the future.
barls ·
polak wrote:since everyone is mentioning food and drink queues, whatever happend to the bar being open?
it was open down in the swap meet at my old mans stand.
as i said earlier i came home with half a keg.
Phil74Camper ·
Well they ARE peer judges from the perspective that they are VW enthusiasts, like everyone else there. In previous years we have tried using judges from the Street Machine Assn, who are car enthusiasts certainly, but not really 'VW peers'. People complained, so we haven't used them since. We could also get judges from the CMC - vintage/classic car club members - but again they aren't strictly VW enthusiasts. Our judges are, so that DOES make them 'peer judges' in a VW show, as 'VW judges', by any reasonable definition of the word. They just aren't 'rat' specific, any more than they are 'Country Buggy', or 'VW Trike', or 'Historic Plate' specific.
I don't know that we can, or should, go down the path of separate judges for all 46 classes - although if we can get 92 volunteers, then hey, why not? It would certainly make things faster...
zjm ·
the comment about the swap being disapointing is probably due to the fact that everyone seems to want everything for nothing and as a seller its smarter to use ebay and avoid all the tyre kicking tight asses
Phil74Camper ·
Yes we have noticed that the swap seems to be not quite as large or as interesting as previous years. Ebay could be a reason. I don't know what we can do about it - any ideas?
The next Sydney VW-only swapmeet, now that the Flat Four Shootout is no more, will be at Boris' Picnic Day at Dolls Point, in November. That's a few months to clean out your garages and under your houses...
polak ·
barls wrote:
polak wrote:since everyone is mentioning food and drink queues, whatever happend to the bar being open?
it was open down in the swap meet at my old mans stand.
as i said earlier i came home with half a keg.
hahaha, next time i swing round :P🤪
barls ·
you would have to find us but thats not hard considering i drive a red bug.