Fifty years ago, Ballarat thrilled to the roar of Coopers, Maseratis, Aston Martins and Jaguars. The 1961 Victoria Trophy International Motor Race took place at Ballarat Airfield, where legendary drivers such as Beechey, Jane, McKeown, Davison and Stilwell vied for the chequered flag.
In 2011, the roar is back. To mark the 50th anniversary of the 1961event, Ballarat is putting on its biggest motoring festival since the glory days of 1947 - 1961. It’s a four day celebration of everything vintage motor sport. The Festival runs from today, Wednesday 20 April until Sunday 24 April (excluding Good Friday). See the original racing cars, along with speedsters of every racing era both pre and post-war.
Hear vintage engines scream again during timed sprints of CAMS-certified racing and sports cars of the very type that scorched around the bitumen in the 1951 and 1961 events. There’s something for every motoring enthusiast, young and old. Don’t miss the Ballarat Festival of Motoring this Easter. A family-based community event, the festival will be largely conducted by volunteers in a celebration of Ballarat’s motor sporting heritage, with proceeds going to local service clubs.
Festival program:
MOTOR SHOW
Wednesday 20 – Saturday 23 April (excluding Good Friday) 10am - 6pm
Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street North
The owners of a significant number of rare historic racing cars, sports cars and motorcycles have offered their vehicles for display at the motor show. This involves some 20 rare vehicles for public viewing.
Entry - $5
MEN’S HEALTH ACTIVITY
Today and tomorrow, 10am – 4pm
Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street
A novel Men’s Health activity at the Mining Exchange Motor Show based on a series of pit stops, each involving a quick, simple health check. Entry - $5
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
Thursday 21 April, 6pm
Mining Exchange, Lydiard Street
The People’s Choice - Best Motor Show Car and Motorcycle Award Ceremony. Voting slips and a Ballot Box will be available at the Mining Exchange.
SHOW AND SHINE
Saturday 23 April, 10am – 5pm
Ballarat Polocrosse Facility, Ballarat Airport
Show and Shine involves the judging and identification of the best vehicles in several classes. Enthusiasts with a pre 1990 car or motorcycle are eligible to enter. Spectator entry - single car and driver $10; or single car and family $20.
REUNION DINNER
Saturday 23 April, 7pm
A reunion dinner with a focus on those involved in the Ballarat airfield-based events of the 1947-1961 period, including guest speakers.
TIMED SPRINTS
Sunday 24 April, 10am - 5pm
Ballarat Airport
On the old airstrip based circuit; a series of parade events; and 400 metre standing start timed sprints involving CAMS certified historic racing and sports cars of the type that participated at the airfield in the past. Spectator entry – single car and driver $10; or single car and family $20.
4.30pm: A recognition and awards ceremony at the Airfield “Competitors Paddock”.
For more information visit www.ballaratfestivalofmotoring.com