Autopro Classic motors into Drysdale

MOTOR and vehicle enthusiasts gathered from all over the region to enjoy the Drysdale Autopro Classic Car & Bike Show’s cruise and display, held on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

The two-part event was run at Drysdale’s Recreation Reserve for the 10th time with cars and bikes of all makes and models lining the fence surrounding Mortimer Oval.

From Curlewis resident Bill Guirguis’ blue and white 454 1967 Camaro SS to Drysdale resident John Challis’ 1968 Chevrolet Impala, the day had it all including several stalls where visitors and participants could trade or purchase goods.

Event organiser Michael Brislane was ecstatic with how the event went this year, despite the lower attendance numbers due to the present COVID-19 situation.

“On the Saturday night cruise, the number of spectators on the streets, especially in Portarlington and around through St Leonards, was awesome,” Mr Brislane said.

“There had to have been over 2,000 people in attendance for it and they were all in party mode, sitting in deck chairs with a glass of wine in hand.

“On Sunday, while regular attendance numbers were down, what really impressed us were the class of entries that took part in our Top 10 competition. They were astounding.

“We had a good turnout of locals, perfect car show weather, a relaxed atmosphere and the car and bike fraternity kept the venue clean and tidy. It was a really enjoyable day.”

Mr Brislane gave a special shoutout to the Drysdale Cricket Club, who handled all the catering on the second day, checked in visitors via QR code and raised donations totalling more than $10,000 on Sunday alone.

“The money raised on the day will be redirected back into the club’s junior programs and will serve to get prices down for family memberships,” he said.

“Other funds will of course go to first-class facilities and equipment.”

The push to get this year’s event off the ground came just before Christmas when the City of Greater Geelong’s events officer Sue Arnold reached out to Mr Brislane.

From there, the city was able to streamline the process in facilitating the event.

The dates for the Drysdale Autopro Classic Car & Bike Show in 2023 have already been locked in.

The cruise will be held on January 7, while the car and bike show will take place the following day on January 8.