Local petrol head Spanner Tanner has dubbed last weekend’s second annual Motor Mania vehicle showcase a blast.
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It attracted almost 1000 visitors and abount 150 entrants from Moree, Armidale, Tamworth and Glen Innes, alongside a host of local exhibitors, topping last year on all counts.
As the fledgling event quickly matures, Mr Tanner said the motor show is shaping up to be a promising annual event for local and visiting drivers, collectors and motoring enthusiasts.
“Everyone is pretty excited,” he said.
“We believe it is going to become an annual event.”
Organised by the Sapphire City Motorsports Club, the show raised approximately $7500 to be donated to a variety of charities, including the local Volunteer Rescue Squad and Westpac Rescue Helicopter. They received excellent feedback from local and visiting motoring enthusiasts.
“Everyone that we have spoken to has been quite happy,” Mr Tanner said.
With local exhibitors, including the New England Credit Union already booking for next year, the event is quickly finding its feet as well as inspiring a number of projects to keep local drivers safe on the roads. Coming off the back of Motor Mania, the club has allocated $3000 towards refurbishing the Graman Sports Ground to host driver training courses and special events.
Undertaken in co-operation with local police highway patrol and driving instructors, Mr Tanner said the club is anticipating the Graman Motor Sports Grounds will provide excellent opportunity for learner and provisional drivers to get a handle on safe driving practice, and develop their hazard perception.
The grounds will also operate as a hub for local motorsports.
Hinting at the possibility of events showcasing driving talents and the possibility of higher end motorsports in the long term, Mr Tanner said motor sports are finding a warm reception in Inverell.
With the local Pioneer Village coming away with an estimated $1700 from ticket sales at the gate alongside catering profits donated to Camp Quality, Motor Mania is quickly becoming synonymous with charity and community support, drawing exhibitors and spectators from across the region and the state.
