Vintage bikes to join the action

Published on 26 March 2014

Loddon Shire’s annual celebration of historic sports car racing, the Eddington Sprints, fires up again on Saturday 29 March, with more action than ever.

Alongside a cavalcade of gleaming cars dating from the turn of the 20th century through to the late 1970s will be the appearance of vintage motorcycles, testing themselves against the clock for the first time.

The pampered cars and bikes run on a timed quarter-mile course, one at a time.

The day is co-ordinated almost entirely by volunteers, with assistance from The Vintage Sports Car Club of Victoria and the Bendigo Car Club, and admission is free.

Eddington resident Neville Roberts, who, with wife Heather, has been involved with the event for more than 30 years, said entrant numbers were looking healthy.

“We had more than 100 entries last year and have more than 100 already this time,” Mr Roberts said.

“There’s no doubt the event is becoming better known all the time and we don’t think we’ll have any trouble reaching our target of 120 cars.

“Local volunteers work with Council staff to prepare the site and the Eddington hall and tennis and golf club committees do all the catering.

“The Shire has been enormously helpful – Loddon really is held in very high regard in the motorsports world for the support the Council provides.

“Another first this year is better car parking space – one of the local farmers has donated the use of a paddock as a spectator car park, as long as the day is dry.

“People are coming from interstate and even overseas, staying on after the Phillip Island Classic and Melbourne Grand Prix.”

Event secretary Roger Boehme, of Bendigo, said spectators would see a wide variety of cars.

“The oldest we’re expecting are two T-Model Fords from Melbourne, both built in 1912, then we go from the 1920s up to the late seventies,” he said.

“Some of the makes on show will be Ford, MG, Triumph, Sunbeam, Chevrolet, Vauxhall, Singer, Austin and Riley – plus some great Specials.

“The new track provided by Loddon Shire last year has been fantastic and the way the crew at the Newbridge depot help with clean-up and signage is simply magic – we’re just so appreciative.

“The bikes will be managed by officials and volunteers from the Historic Motorcycle Racing Association of Victoria, who are keen to make Eddington one part of an annual three-round competition series alongside Tarrengower and Maryborough.

“It’s a real laid-back day.”

For more details, phone Neville Roberts on 5468 7295 or Roger Boehme on 5443 7008.