Press Release October 28th 2008

The Mount Gambier A & H Society Inc, today announced it has secured a major extension for an already popular automotive event, Mount Gambier Autofest & Show N Shine, to be held annually during the last weekend of October, kicking off for the first time in 2009.

Autofest Group together with the support of the South East Street Machines, Mount Gambier A & H Society and the City of Mount Gambier have agreed to continue the longest running Street Machine event, now into its 31st year well into the future.

The organisers of the highly successful Shepparton Springnats Autofest and both the Murray Bridge SA and Corowa NSW Autofest events will establish the new Mount Gambier Autofest and Show N Shine event which will attract estimated crowds of between 15,000 – 20,000 spectators.

Mount Gambier Showgrounds have been chosen by organisers as the most suitable venue after consideration of sites across the City.


The alcohol free Springnats Autofest has been running in Shepparton for 16 years, while the Murray Bridge Autofest is in its third successful year. The Corowa event also adds an exciting new element to the series of events, which will include Drag Racing, and is sure to bring enthusiasts from across the country.

Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman, recognises the prospects of the Mount Gambier Autofest & Show N Shine and believes it has the potential to be one of the biggest annual events on the City’s already action packed Calendar.

“This is great news for businesses in the City and we really want to see the community support and maximise the benefits of the event,” Mayor Perryman added.

Studies have established that both Murray Bridge and Shepparton’s events provide a multi million dollar economic injection into the community and a conservative estimate of the Corowa Autofest is in excess of $3 million.

The Springnats and Autofest events are all about admiring the best cars in the country with family and friends in an alcohol free environment. Spectators to the event will witness some of the most powerful cars compete side by side in events such as:

 ‘Go-To-Whoa’ – fast paced action where timed vehicles compete over 140 metres and must stop on a designated point;
 Motokana – fast paced obstacle course action, set against the clock;
 Show ‘N’ Shine – competitors show their restoration expertise and the beauty of their cars;
 Dyno Challenge – see cars go through their gears in a stationary position on the dyno machine;

Organiser Mr Les Adams said that he is pleased with what the Mount Gambier location has to offer and that the local stakeholders have been great to work with.

“We are grateful for the support which has made it possible, they really made us analyse every aspect of the event and applied very strict criteria.”




“We foresee our relationship with the South East Street Machines, Mount Gambier A & H Society and the Mount Gambier Council will be a long-term partnership,” he said.

“We have a long successful history with our events in other locations and the fact that there is strictly no alcohol is a major factor in that. Everywhere there is an Autofest they are happy to have us and we’re very pleased to be coming to Mount Gambier”, Mr Adams said.

Mr Adams continued “Autofest is a car festival especially for modified cars, but restored and original cars are also welcome and catered for. A highlight of the event would be the fiercely competitive Burnout Title.”

“We usually get anywhere between 50 to 100 entrants for that event alone,” he said.

The Mount Gambier Autofest & Show N Shine will be promoted nationwide in Australasian car magazines, Trading Post as well as extensive television and radio campaigns.

End.
For assistance with further information, please contact:
 Mr Les Adams – Autofest Promotions Manager
P (03) 5823 5801 M 0417 511 577 E [email protected]
www.springcarnationals.com