Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club’s Mid Coast Motorfest 2026 was once again a full blown success, with stunning weather and a turnout of some 295 vehicles.
Kids both young and old enjoyed Rocker Cover Racing on tap – rocker covers of all shapes and sizes hit the track in heats of two, all aiming for that top spot! Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club would like to thank all the sponsors for their support; and of course all entrants who helped to make the 2026 Motorfest one of our best yet. We’d love to see you all back next year!
It’s Rocker Cover Racing on tap at Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club’s Mid Coast Motorfest 2026. Rocker covers of all shapes and sizes hit the track in heats of two, all aiming for that top spot!
“I only just arrived at the last minute to enter the Anzac Parade in Taree, the Model T refused to start this morning, I was wrestling with it for about an hour, even using Zoe’s ute to try an tow-start the Model T proved unsuccessful. The problem turned out to be the carburettor had frosted up and was too cold to start. Zoe came to the rescue with her hair-dryer, and we were able to warm up the carburettor and intake manifold just enough, and finally got the Model T started 🙂
I arrived in Taree just in time to catch the back of the parade, and found a lone serviceman outside Service NSW, and asked him if he’d like to be a part of the parade. Darcy Elbourne, President of the Taree RSL sub-branch was very understanding of my mechanical mishap, and said he’s pencilled me in for next year too! All turned out well in the end, even if it did rain a little bit! — Lest we forget.”
When you head to a classic car show, you should always expect the unexpected – and 2025’s Motorfest at John Wright Park delivered that in spades!! Organised by the passionate crew at the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club, the event had all the vintage metal and chrome you could wish for. But it was something entirely new that stole the show: Rocker Cover Racing.
If you haven’t heard of it before, you’re not alone. While this quirky competition has been around in the US since 1987 – where the first Valve Cover Nationals drew 53 eager entrants – it’s only just beginning to rev up here in Australia. And judging by the smiles, cheers, and laughter, it’s here to stay.
About a dozen homemade racers lined up at the start gate, each one painted and designed to stand out. The battle down the track was fierce, with gravity doing most of the work as these creative machines hurtled towards the finish. In a nail-biting final, a Ford Falcon 6-cylinder rocker cover took on a Valiant slant-6 – and it was the Valiant that edged out the win by the slimmest of margins
The crowd loved it. In fact, it was such a hit that by day’s end, car clubs were already throwing down challenges, and GLHAC had fielded requests to hire out their track. Could we see Rocker Cover Racing added to the Triumph Nationals next year? It’s definitely on the cards!
And the fun doesn’t stop there. For 2026, GLHAC plans to expand the racing action even further – including Tonka Racing for the younger enthusiasts. Imagine the joy on the kids? faces as their trucks thunder down the track!
A highly detailed example of what can be created with a little imagination!
At the February meeting of the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club, members voted by an overwhelming majority to adopt a new club logo – a decision that reflects both strong unity and shared enthusiasm for the club’s future. We are proud to officially present this new logo to our members and the wider community. It stands as a fresh symbol of who we are as a club, while continuing to honour the history and passion that have always defined GLHAC.
The discussion surrounding the change showed just how much pride members take in the club’s identity. The new logo was embraced as a thoughtful evolution rather than a departure – a design that feels familiar, yet modern and forward-looking. The strength of the vote demonstrated clear confidence that the logo represents the spirit of the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club: camaraderie, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for historic vehicles. It is a visual statement of unity and shared purpose.
Following that decision, members also voted – again by an equally overwhelming majority – to produce the new logo as a brass grille badge. This choice connects beautifully with the traditions of motoring heritage. A brass badge is not only durable and timeless, but also a mark of pride that members can display on their vehicles. It’s a fitting tribute to the classic automobiles we celebrate and preserve, and it ensures the logo becomes more than an image – it becomes a physical emblem of membership and belonging.
Production of the grille badge is moving ahead quickly, with orders already being placed and strong early interest from members. The prototype on display offers an exciting preview of the final product, showcasing the logo in a detailed, high-quality brass finish that captures both character and craftsmanship. Seeing the design brought to life in metal has only increased excitement, confirming that the badge will be a standout feature on any vehicle.
This new logo and grille badge mark an important milestone for the Great Lakes Historic Automobile Club. They represent a collective decision made with enthusiasm and confidence, and they signal a club that respects its roots while continuing to grow and evolve. We look forward to seeing the badges proudly displayed and the logo recognised throughout the community as a symbol of our shared passion for historic motoring.
In its July 2024 edition of the Drive Lite Historic and Classic Vehicle Schemes (HVS) and (CVS) Transport for NSW has updated information on club number plates.
New number plates available
Thanks to industry feedback, collaboration, consultation and testing, a new number plate for classic vehicles is now available. The plate size and design better fits most classic vehicles and enhances authenticity by differentiating classic vehicles from others on the road.
The new number plate replaces the Conditional number plate traditionally issued to vehicles in the Scheme.
It will be automatically issued to new Classic Vehicle Scheme registrations and available to be purchased, at the time of registration renewal, for a one-off fee of $55, for vehicles in the Scheme
Terry Thompson OAM, President of the Council of Motor Clubs said: “The new plates are a demonstration of the collaborative relationship between industry and Transport for NSW.
“They represent a customer-centric solution to our needs and help to differentiate classic vehicles from other conditionally-registered vehicles.”
