Like minds linked by Japanese engineering

BALLARAT is home to Japanese domestic market cars, four-wheel-drives and bikes of all vintages, used for all purposes and owned by young and old.

Three years ago, the Ballarat JDM Club was established for people to share, appreciate and celebrate these diverse vehicles in a social space.

Meeting a few times each month with their wheels, president Jarred McNamara said anyone is invited to bring anything from Hondas to Subarus, and the group especially loves to see imports.

“We’d like to see more Mitsubishis, but we have a good mix,” he said.

Club officer, Connor Brown said just under 150 active members make a family-friendly community, with children and pets welcome.

“It’s a place for people who aren’t necessarily into traditional sports to meet people with like minds, make new friends and talk about your car, away from anti-social hooning,” he said.

Currently sponsored by Spanners and Sparks Automotive, Mr Brown hopes more businesses will reach out.

“We’d like to have a database we can use with locksmiths, panel beaters, painters, that could maybe offer discounts and we can promote them as well.”

Social media manager, Tyarna Brookes said the club usually meets at the Amart carpark after hours, but the group’s open to discovering new, all-weather meeting places.

“We’re looking for somewhere a bit more sheltered, but we’d like to do it without impeding on businesses,” she said.

“We encourage more women to come along too.”

Visit facebook.com/groups/859524087730208 or instagram.com/ballaratjdmclub to keep up to date with upcoming club meets. Email [email protected].