Revving it up

YOU may not be aware, but on top of my council work, being a busy professional and having a full family life, you can add ‘revhead’ to my resume.

Watching the speed trials in Geelong as a kid and growing up in a car mad region that manufactured Fords really fostered a love of motorsport, as did my Dad who rode motorbikes, my husband who loves adrenaline and my uncles who were both panel beaters.

It’s led to me loving the old Holdens, especially the Monaro. My dream car was the 1969 HT Monaro – we settled for the four-door version, due to the limited bank account!

In fact, I finally took the plunge this year and twice competed in the Quarter Mile Sprint at the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival in March.

I proudly took to the track in our white 1969 HT Holden with a blown 350 Chev engine that we’ve been restoring for about six years and I’m relieved to say it performed just as we’d hoped.

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to live out this childhood dream and the rush of butterflies and adrenaline that I experienced was like none other.

It’s always a pleasure to view Australia’s motoring history through the cars on show, so you’ll understand why I’m thrilled that we’re being treated to a second Revival this year.

The March event was actually in place of the 2021 postponed festival, meaning organisers are moving Revival 2022 back to its original November slot.

I’m sure the last few days of Spring will turn it on for us at the Waterfront, so make sure to mark 25-27 November in your calendar.

Revival represents one of many festivals and events that Greater Geelong has on offer for car and motorsport fanatics and their families – there is just so much to choose from.

For example, the 31st All Ford Day last month was the largest ever with more than 1,200 cars on display.

All Ford Day has helped put Geelong on the motoring map, being the largest single-make car event in Australia.

I’ve also been attending the sprint cars at Avalon Raceway, although sadly the season is over for now.

Avalon Raceway has made a name for itself as ‘the place for pace’ and is a fantastic venue in the Geelong region, that not everyone might know about.

It hosts everything from Dirt Karting and Junior Quarter Midgets (kids aged 5-16 competing in quarter midget cars) to burnout comps and RC (radio control cars).

Well worth a visit in my humble opinion!

The Geelong Motor Sports Complex nearby is another family-friendly facility where grassroots motor sport absolutely thrives.

Car, buggy and Go Kart racing feature, as does radio controlled buggy racing.

There are multiple clubs to join across our municipality, such as the Geelong Street Rodders, Geelong RC Offroaders, Geelong Off Road Buggy Association and Bellarine Historic Vehicle Club.

The Geelong Motocross Club is an off-road motorcycle club which is still looking for a place to call home. Hopefully by working with fellow Councillor Eddy Kontelj we can find a base for them to thrive.

The car and motorsport communities are quite tight, made up of passionate and generous members with extensive knowledge and skills, and hands-on experience.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of social connection for our mental wellbeing and I can tell you from experience that joining a club or attending an event will result in making at least one new mate!

I think local revheads contribute so much to our region, just like those in traditional sporting clubs, community groups and special interest clubs.

Enthusiasts engage young kids and teach them valuable skills and life lessons, they support local businesses when purchasing parts or getting a service, and they run events that attract out of towners who contribute to our economy.

Aside from adding to the friendly competition, fanatics from across Victoria and interstate frequent our cafes, restaurants and bars, they book accommodation, visit our retailers and enjoy everything our region has to offer.

I have no doubt that our full calendar of motorsport and motoring events contributed to the Bellarine and Geelong making ‘The 100 Most Loved Destinations Around the World for 2021’ list earlier this year.

We have the facilities, spirited locals and rich motoring history to back us up as a motorsports destination in Victoria.

Cr Kylie Grzybek

Windermere Ward, City of Greater Geelong