Speed demons from around the nation flocked to Illabo on Saturday, with more than 150 spectators and 150 entrants and crew amassing the best ever turnout at the motorsport park.
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A massive 47 entrants and their crews were supported by 18 volunteers.
“We’re getting a name as the largest vintage speedway meeting in the country,” chief steward and event organiser Kerry Phelan said.
“All of these enthusiasts have really been looking for something like what we’re doing and now they’ve come out of the woodwork to support it.
“We did a lot of hard work last year to start spreading the word.”
Entrants traveled from all over the country to relive the spirit of the competition.
It’s beginning to rival the EKKA Spectacular in terms of numbers, which drew roughly 75 entries from as far as the USA to its Brisbane meeting before ending 10 years ago due to the closure of the showground.
“We never set out to eclipse it, but the concept and interest in vintage speed-racing is still alive and well,” Mr Phelan said.
A series of local businesses also benefited from the weekend surge in tourists, with food and drinks by Ilabo Cafe de Wheels and Working Horse Roasters from Wantabadgery and hotels packed with racing fanatics.
Organisers dropped their prices on previous years in an effort to make sure the event remains family friendly and accessible.
More than 100 guests attended a dinner hosted by the Junee Ex Services Club on Saturday night, 98 of whom hailed from out of town. Table settings were designed by Jenna Pollard of REMAX, with the night raising a donation for the Junee Multipurpose Service.
The specific amount is yet to be finalised.
