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Toranafest, Newcastle Well this was the event we were all waiting for – Toranafest 2007. NSW Torana Club members and fellow Torana owners were counting down the sleeps for the biggest and best Toranafest ever, and we were not disappointed. Congratulations to Mick McCardle and the members of the Hunter Valley Torana Club for putting on a great event with everyone having a great day. It was an early start for members who made there way to the first meeting point at Thornleigh McDonalds. Gave us a chance to have a bite to eat and catch up with friends from other torana clubs and forums who also made Thornleigh McDonalds their meeting place. We left on time at 6.30am and headed north up the F3 and were soon joined by the President and Les Wilson at the Twin Service Stations at Warnervale. The 140 km trip went smoothly and our Toranas enjoyed the cool morning air. Everyone drove very sensibly and obeyed the speed limits (which is most unusual). Mike Holland and Larry Sullivan lead the way into Newcastle in the Papaya SL/R 5000. Arrived on time and were greeted by Bob Byrnes who was on site very early and staked-out our area. I was a little surprised he was there so early but found out he stayed the night before in Newcastle and only had a one minute drive to Toranafest (smart man). We set up our club display which received plenty of favourable attention throughout the day. Our club banner was just as popular as our cars, as many people stopped and took photos on it. Toranafest set a new record in 2007 with 154 entrants so there were plenty of cars to inspect and owners to talk to. The hours soon passed as we shared the day with fellow Torana owners and enthusiasts. Many of us got the chance to have a chat with Harry Firth who was in his element. He was driven around the grounds by Mick McCardle in a Holden coloured golf cart complete with mag wheels, (wouldn’t mind one of those for myself). The presentation was held at 3.30pm and trophies were going to be fiercely contested. Fortunately our club was able to win three trophies on the day. Mike Holland’s SL/R 5000 won ‘Best original LH/LX four door’ and ‘Best Car at Show LH/LX four door. My SS won ‘Best original LX/UC 2 door’ which was a surprise considering the competition. After farewelling friends and packing-up our club display we left for the drive home. Looking forward to Toranafest 2008 already. Many thanks to those who attended including;
Pics may be seen in the Gallery Section.
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Bob Byrnes.