Springnats 13 - Shepparton

25th - 27th November 2005

Well it’s been that time of year again. As if Christmas and New Year isn’t enough for all of us car enthusiasts, most of us prepare for what is the biggest event of the year, the Springcar Nationals….

This year there were not only trophies but cash prizes on offer for Participating Car Club display and Club Participation, so a sub committee was formed to organise a display. A theme was chosen (Snapshot of Springcar) and props were set about being made with some members going well beyond what was expected and creating some amazing items.

Once up there in Shepparton, a few hiccups were discovered as our expected site was cut in and shared with another car club. A little re-think and we were back on track though.

Friday night once again proved to be popular with the entrants. Many drivers turned up to try their skill, all to no avail with Cliff, only coming up for the Friday night Motorkhana, and winning it! Although I saw the pass and I believe it was a darn close call between Gordz as well, both unsure of the winner. But the judge’s decision is final and Cliff took the honours. I decided to take the more scenic route of round and round the skid pan!

Saturday morning’s usual Spear a Spud was a test of driving skill. I went as a passenger with Kevin, for the first time and by god I thought we were quick so the winner must have been lightning. Congratulations to Helen Dickson who came 3rd in the Female Spear a Spud.

In the arvo burnouts and Go To Whoa were held. A few cruisers tested themselves and their cars in the heat of the burnouts. All were feeling confident and happy with their burnouts. Adam Schaap and Adam Ryan both made it to the final, both putting on an excellent demonstration but unfortunately neither taking the prize home.

In the Go to Whoa the competition was fierce with a few big skids to entertain as well. Unfortunately excessive axle tramp saw me break another axle, ending another Springcar campaign for me. Grrrr. I was told afterwards that it looked bad from the side, but in the car it didn’t feel too bad though so I kept on it, Oops! Continuing into the night everyone pushed themselves and their cars to the limits.

Finals placing’s were announced Sunday morning and as usual there were some upset people believing they should have made it. Hopefully next year more accurate timing will be had to make it more definite. Even so, Eastside still had a strong showing in the finals.

Congratulations to Cath Miles who took out 2nd place in the Female Go to Whoa. In the DB Drag Racing, Marco Sparenberg took out 2nd place in his division and for the first time a member, Daniel Seretis received a Show n Shine trophy.

As club Vice-President I was proud of the efforts of all members. Our clothing was very visible, our driving was good, but most importantly our attitude was great. It was another successful pilgrimage to Shepparton. Congratulations to all. In total we had just over 30 club cars entered, what a fantastic effort.

- Paul W.

Official Club Results & Trophy’s

Category Trophy
Top Participating Club 1st Place Eastside Cruisers
Top Participating Club Display 1st Place Eastside Cruisers with cash and prizes

Individual Member’s Results & Trophy’s

Category Trophy
Cliff Pfander (Ford XF Falcon) 1st Place Auto-tek Shakedown (Male)
Helen Dickson (Nissan Navara) 3rd Place Auto-tek Shakedown (Female)
Cath Miles (Mazda 1300 Rotary) 2nd Place Go-to-Whoa (Female)
Marco Sparenberg (Ford Fairlane) 2nd Place DB Drag Racing
Daniel Seretis (HX Panelvan) 2nd Place Show n Shine – Post 48 Panel Van