REPORT - 2023 Geelong Revival
Word & Photos: Geelong Revival and Mike Ryan
Despite some inclement weather, the 2023 edition of the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival once again drew crowds of families and motoring enthusiasts to Geelong's Waterfront over the weekend of 25-26 November.
Now in its twelfth year, the Revival pays tribute to the Geelong Speed Trials, which were first held on Ritchie Boulevard on Geelong’s waterfront in 1956. The location is ideal for spectators, with a grassed bank on the south side of the boulevard providing uninterrupted viewing. For competitors, it’s a challenge, not only because the quarter-mile sprint course is on a public road, but also because it’s curved. That doesn’t stop many entrants giving it their best shot at topping the event’s timesheet each year!
More than 400 vehicles were entered for the 2023 sprints, covering a truly diverse array of machinery – everything from late model performance hatchbacks, to classic muscle, historic open wheelers and even an aero-engined cyclecar. The only sub-10-second time of the weekend was a 9.80-second run, completed on Saturday, 25 November, by Jarred Farrell in a Ford Territory Turbo, of all things. Before you call that luck, his other runs were under 10 seconds, too. Sunday’s quickest time, a 10.11, came from Scott Innes in his Buick-engined Sabre IndyCar. Best of the bikes was Cori Bourne, with a 10.13 on his Suzuki GSX-R1000 on the Sunday.
Reflecting the variety on the track, the display areas showcased a mix of classic and modern vehicles on both days, including emergency service vehicles, panel vans and custom bikes. A new attraction at the 2023 Geelong Revival was a large display of operational Australian Defence Force vehicles on Eastern Beach Lawn, giving the public the chance to engage with the latest military technology.
Adding to the atmosphere was a stunt bike display and vintage fashion awards, with a special treat being multiple flyovers by an ex-RAAF CAC CA-18 Mustang – the Australian variant of the famous World War II fighter plane.
“I thought having the RAAF flyover was pretty special,” said Geelong Revival Event Director, Nicholas Heath. “Despite the weather forecasts, we were so pleased with the attendance numbers across both days - it really is a testament to how strong this community is. We love putting the event on and look forward to many more.
“The Geelong Revival Motoring Festival continues to be a highlight for both locals and visitors to the Geelong region.”
Coming Back in `24
Showcasing the spirit of the car enthusiast community and their passion for motoring culture, the 2024 edition of the Geelong Revival Motoring Festival will be anchored around the sprints and static display field, as usual, with fan favourites like the pit access and vintage fashion awards also set to return. There’s likely to be new attractions, too, as the organisers aim to bring something fresh each year.
A date for 2024 had yet to be locked in at time of writing, but expect it to be in late November.
For updates on the 2024 festival, along with the full sprint results and more details from 2023, go to: geelongrevival.com.au
