By Dongyun Kwon
An annual truck show returned to Yarra Valley Racing, an ideal venue which can accommodate hundreds of cars and trucks.
Historic Commercial Vehicle Club (HCVC) hosted its 43rd Display Day at the Yarra Valley Racing on 10 Sunday November.
HCVC vice president Frank Mercuri said the main aim of the annual truck show is to promote the historic commercial vehicle restoration and ownership of old and significant vehicles that played significant roles in the road transport industry.
“More recently, we have been joined by the Chrysler Restorers Club who have a similar view, that is the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of Chrysler products from around the world,” he said.
“The show is held to give people who own these vehicles an opportunity to get together from all over Victoria and often interstate, chat and display their vehicles.
“It’s a bit like a statewide men’s shed for trucks of any description and cars, mostly Chrysler based but other clubs and marques are often invited and always welcome.”
Over 100 trucks, 50 buses and 100 cars of various makes joined the latest event.
“It was a great day, the weather was terrific and there was the usual great sense of camaraderie,” Mr Mercuri said.
“We had a significant number of general public visitors, somewhere around 1000 adults plus lots of kids coming through the gate to have a look.
“We try really hard to make a family day by having kids activities, such as a petting zoo, facepainting, a live band and food available from the canteen.”
After HCVC Display Day had been hosted at different places like Sandown Racecourse and Waverley Park, it has settled at Yarra Valley Racing for the past several years.
The vice president said Yarra Valley Racing is an awesome venue.
“We’ve worked with the management and events team from Yarra Valley Racing and they’ve been great. They are very helpful people,” Mr Mercuri said.
The annual truck show brings benefits not only for the HCVC members but also for the community of Yarra Glen.
Mr Mercuri said the benefit to HCVC members is to get a chance to show off the results of their work, meet up with like-minded people and talk over old stories of the old days.
“It also gives owners a chance to put that car or truck up for judging and maybe take a trophy home,” he said.
“For the community, it’s an opportunity to look, feel and touch cars that they may have driven or ridden in in their youth or remember that uncle or aunt who had an old Dodge just like that one. Kids are just fascinated with anything big, be it cars, trucks or diggers and we have something for everyone.
“We often get a local group to do the parking for and donate some money towards their organisation, CFA or Men’s Shed or similar.”
