We Showcase our Club at Lakeside’s 40th.
Sunday March 18, 2001.
70 Minis on a Club Run. Yes, we had 70 Minis, 2 Mokes, a Morris 1100, Commodore and a big American Caddie, turn out for our Run to Lakeside Raceway via Dayboro.
On a very hot morning we gathered at the Caltex garage at Carseldine and quickly filled the large car parking area. In fact at one stage we had created quite a traffic jam. Cars were filled as were those who did not have breakfast at home, briefing given and directions handed out by our leader for the day, Tony Formosa, and it was off to Lakeside.
The run through the country roads to Dayboro was pleasant as was the country side. Dayboro was our pit stop and the sight of 70 plus cars filling the small country township kept the locals amused.
We arrived at the track just on 10.30am as planned and claimed the area adjacent to the start of the main straight as ours for the day. The Club banner, gazebos and the bbq were quickly erected and we settled in to watch the action to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the opening of Lakeside.
The feature historic race saw the Minis in action mixing it with the Falcon GTs, Torans XU1s Datsuns and other cars of the era and we hoped their drivers were not too distracted by the 70 bricks lining the fence. The sight of Minis racing certainly brings the adrenaline and the memories rushing back to those of us who were around in the glory days when the Mini was “King”.
After that race it was the club’s turn to strut our stuff! We were invited to do a parade lap as it was also the 40th birthday of the Mini’s release in Australia. Seeing 70 Minis heading up the main straight for the first of our two parade laps was something to be seen. As Club President I had the pleasure of leading the parade and as we went under the Dunlop bridge and down through Hungry, the cars were still entering the track. Judging by the crowds reaction, the Mini is still their favourite little car.
Thanks to all who took part and a special thanks to Tony for organising the day. Lets make the OZ40 in June the biggest turn out of Minis we have seen in Queensland.
March 2001