Cooma Motorfest set to break records

COOMA is getting ready to break a record this year when Motorfest returns to the picturesque Snowy Mountains on Saturday, 5 November.

With more than 376 vehicles expected to take part in the biennial event, organisers say a record will be broken; the event also forming a checkpoint for the re-enactment of the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon which coincides with the running of this year’s Cooma Motorfest. 

More than 80 entrants in this year’s event are expected to pass through the Cooma checkpoint en route to Sydney.

A celebration of all things motorised – from cars old and new, hot rods, street machines and classics, to trucks, tractors, boats, bikes and machinery – the Motorfest will also embrace electric vehicles for the first time, offering visitors the chance to learn about the latest new-energy vehicles available in the Australian market.

Event organisers say this year’s Motorfest is a major achievement and the first to be held since the COVID-19 pandemic began. 

To encourage entrants – and set an attendance record – the Cooma Car Club has waived the entry fee for all display vehicles. Visitors will continue to pay just $5 per head with free admission for children aged under 12 years. All money raised supports local charities.

“Not only are we thrilled with the way this year’s event is shaping up in terms of numbers, we’re also delighted to host the London to Sydney Marathon cars and their crews,” said Cooma Car Club president, Rogan Corbett.

“The entry list for the Marathon is fascinating, given it includes eight out of the only 10 original vehicles still in existence. I’m old enough to remember the event, which was an amazing demonstration of logistics, commitment and stamina.

“It will be fantastic to have the cars here as part of our display – it will ensure Motorfest really does have something for everyone.”

Motorfest also has some extraordinary vehicles entered in its own right.

These include everything from a tiny BMW Isetta through to a classic Kenworth truck, classic Australian Holden Torana GT-R XU1 and SL/R 5000 models, several Ford Falcon GT variants, a number of Mustangs and Holden Monaros old and new.

Visitors can also expect to see a contingent of original Snowy Mountains Scheme Land Rovers with a much bigger fleet expected in town for the 75^th Land Rover reunion next Easter.

“We’re also absolutely delighted to be announcing that Motorfest will have a very special guest of honour this year,” said Mr Corbett.

“(Bathurst winner) Colin Bond would have to be one of the best and most versatile drivers in Australian motorsport history and a true legend of the car racing industry. If it has four wheels and can be driven, Colin has done it, won it, and made history doing so.”

Mr Bond’s resume includes the fact that he was a Bathurst winner in 1969, and an ‘almost winner’ in 1977 as part of the famous or infamous Ford one-two finish. 

He is also a three-time Australian Rally Champion (1971, 1972, 1974), the Australian Touring Car Champion in 1975 and the NSW Hillclimb Champion in 1965, 1966 and 1967.

“Many of our members followed Colin through his racing career and we are all looking forward to hearing more stories from those days,” said Mr Corbett.

“He will be giving a talk about his experiences and helping us choose the Car of the Day as well as presenting the trophy to the winner. That is just one of the $4000 worth of trophies we have for the best vehicles in different categories.”

Visitors to Cooma are also encouraged to visit the impressive Cooma Motoring Museum which includes a unique variety of models from the beginning of powered motoring to the present day – including a charcoal-powered Dodge truck – and the extraordinary Flynn’s Wrecking Yard on the town’s outskirts which has been running continuously since 1955.