Australian Nostalgia Drags at Sydney Dragway

NOSTALGUS INTERUPTUS

Words and photos by Jon Van Daal

As has been the case in other parts of the world, the Hot Rod Reunion – Nostalgia Racing type of racing is taking off in Australia too. This year’s Nostalgia race at Sydney Dragway was held some seven weeks earlier than last year and, alas, actually coincided with another round of that series - the Nostalgia Nationals at Willowbank Raceway. As such, a number of cars that were present last year were at the Willowbank event and when a serious accident ended the day early the meeting was short but sweet.

The evening before the Nostalgia race saw around 200 fans attend the ANFA (Australian Nostalgia Fuel Association) Pioneers and Legends Awards with various racers and riders being recognized.

The crowd on the night included a large contingent of Victorians that made their way to the event in former racer Peter Clarke’s aptly named omnibus - Clarkie’s Custom Coach Cavalcade of Chaos. The vehicle is wrapped in some forty old school photographs with none other than yours truly riding shotgun behind the door.