Could this be a World First?

Queensland is getting its own multi-marque Concours d'Elegance at a sports and classic car day, and the finalists must complete circuits of a racetrack while the judges make their final decision.

In what the organisers are calling a 'Circuit d'Elegance', the ten finalists in the Concours to be conducted as part of the Maclean's Bridge at Lakeside Sports and Classic Car Festival, next 15 May, will be escorted around the historic Lakeside Raceway.

The Maclean's Bridge at Lakeside event is organised by the Triumph Sports Owners Association of Queensland (the TSOAQ). The TSOAQ has hosted the Maclean's Bridge display day for 36 years. The President of the TSOAQ, Phil Strong, thinks the track circuits will add rigor to the Concours judging. To quote Phil, 'The cars must not only be able to be driven, they've got to demonstrate their class on a race track. There'll be no trailer-babies in the Concours. Maybe this is a World First?'

There is no expectation the cars will run at speed, and they will be accompanied by a safety vehicle. But the sight of ten Concours finalists, and beautiful cars of all ages are anticipated as entrants, will be a photo opportunity that will be difficult to resist. 'This is our first year at the Lakeside venue,' says Phil Strong 'and the Circuit d'Elegance is an example of the fresh activities made possible by this amazing setting. The Festival will have lots of new features. It's not quite something for everyone, but close. It will still be true to the traditional Maclean's Bridge purpose, and that is a display day for sports car clubs.'

The Concours is being sponsored by Shannons who have supported Maclean's Bridge for many years.

Details of the Festival and the Shannon's Concours can be found at www.macleansbridge.com.

Neville Smith