South Coast Nationals 2018
Saturday 24th November 2018
Run report for South Coast Nationals Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November 2018
Laureen and I set off about lunchtime on Friday from a very dismal and drizzly Canberra and met up with Steve Barrie and Helen at Bungandore. Peggsie had already left that Morning and Herbie was heading down later that afternoon.
When we met up with Steve and Helen we decided to consume a pie and coffee at the local bakery. We then headed down the mountain with anticipation of a good relaxing weekend that was well overdue after the Nationals.
I rang a friend of mine who was already at the coast to get a weather forecast which turned out to be very favorable.
As we headed toward the mountain the wind was blowing a gale. Luckily it was a tail wind and so we didn’t need to use much throttle.
We thought that the mountain might well be blanketed in fog with the hint of rain but not at all. In fact, it was very sunny and warm.
Laureen and I left Steve and Helen behind a little on the trip down the Clyde as I wanted to have little fun. I still have a bruise on my rib cage from the constant jabbing from the wife to slow down. Not a chance!
Anyway we met up at Nelligen again and cruised on down to Moruya. I must admit I did give it another run through the concrete channel just south of the Bay. I just love that stretch of road. It looks a little like the esses after Skyline at Bathurst, same camber and radius of apexes.
We arrived in Moruya about 5 and went straight to the club to register and drop off the Fridge that the CTC had organised as a gift to Lee and Debby on their retirement of the event.
We returned to the motel and by now we had met up with Loyd, Morrie and his wife Maria who had been there all day.
We sat around for most of the evening at the motel enjoying a relaxing ale and talking amongst other things about the show and how we were going to present the fridge to Lee and Debbie.
We met two guys from Wollongong, Glenn Starr and his son, Keegan. Glenn owns the very customised papaya coloured four door LX with a flat black engine which was at the Nationals and won best interior and Keegan owns a very nice LX Hatch. They are joining our club as interstate members which will be good. They are both nice guys and their cars are immaculate.
On Saturday we attended the Show and Shine were there were a large number of very well presented rides. From FJ’s through to a 427 Monaro and of course the magnificent Toranas!
A big thank you to our members for helping with setting up and pulling down of the marquee and the flags. It always helps a great deal when everyone joins in.
Canberra Torana Club had twelve cars at the show including:
Glenn Starr (future member) – Papaya? four door LX
Keegan Starr (future member) – LX Hatch Colour ? (see photos of car parked next to his dad.
Paul and Laureen – LX Green Hatch
Trevor and Marissa (will be returning to the club) – Red L34
Herbie and Sheryl – Atlantis Blue A9X
Rob Carnovale – White and Black four door LH
Peggsie and Dale – Blue LX Hatch
Rob Mosses and Daughter – White and Black LX four door
Steve and Helen – Black SS Hatch
Lloyd – Yellow LH SLR 5000
Also parked with us and is also joining the club was Mick Holland and his wife Gabriella – LX Hatch and LX Four Door.
Saturday night at the presentation was also a very enjoyable night. Plenty of drinks, good humor and we met some very nice people. The club presented Lee and Debbie with the special vinyl wrapped fridge that the club put together which had club cars on it and a personal touch from Steve Barrie with a sticker that said “ NOT FOR AUCTION” . (As you would know, Lee used to auction anything he had to get money for charity). Lee was taken back a bit with the surprise of the gift and was very appreciative. Lee and Debbie also wanted to pass on a big and sincere thank you to club members for the gift and the support shown over the years.
After the presentation of the fridge, it was time for the trophies. The club did very well with Steve Barrie taking three trophies home and Glenn (future member) taking five. After the trophy haul, The auctions were next and were very well patronised with a lot of items going for top dollar. I Think Steve bought a Summernats framed poster.
After that, the real entertainment stated with the girls and Lloyd getting into the dancing (see photos). I must say that Lloyd’s Triple impersonation of John Travolta, Elvis and Midnight Oil (sometimes all three at the same time) was outstanding. WELL DONE Loydie! Go man Go!
After somewhat of a late night we arose from our beds around 8.30am to a welcomed bacon and egg breakfast put on by the dancing machines himself, Lloydie . Thanks mate it was delicious.
We headed home around 10am. What a great weekend. We had heaps of fun and met some great people. It has to be one of the best South Coast Nationals I’ve been too! Sad it has to end. Farewell to Lee and Debb with a BIG thanks from the Canberra Torana Club. Great memories!
Paul Harrison
CTC Vice President