Sapphire City Motor Club back in full swing with car show back on the calendar

A big crowd turned out for the the Sapphire City Motor Club's first big show since a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Club member Les 'Spanner' Tanner said it was a bigger turn than expected with about 1500 people at the event.

"Some of the cars I hadn't seen before and I know nearly every car in the area," Tanner said.

"We had people come from everywhere and it was one of our better years.

"It's a chance for people to get their vehicles out and raise some money for the community

"The big winners are the charities; the Westpac Rescue Helicopter ran out of food four times during the day, that's how many people were here.

"It's a big thing for the community, on one gate alone we took $1700 in gold coin donations."

The event is the biggest on the clubs calendar and runs in conjunction with the Inverell Lions markets.

This year it was a joint fundraiser for the Pioneer Village and Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

Sapphire City Motorsports Club was formed in 2011 with about 20 financial members and has worked hard over the last 10years to grow the club and become an integral part of the community.

The club donated $2000 each to the Inverell VRA and the helicopter service as a Christmas donation last year.

Members of the club often meet for cruise nights around the district with the focus on family fun.

If you are interested in joining the club, they meet on the first Wednesday of each month at the Sporties Club from 6pm.

For more Information on club registration phone Tanner on 0408 688 426 during business hours.

"I've been involved in the car club since I was 15 and I'm 57 now," Tanner said.

"We have about 180 members and now covid is settling down we'll probably start running a few more events.

"We've raised a lot of money of the years and we try and do our bit for the community."

Meanwhile, Team Inverell also had some of its bikes on display ahead of the upcoming Scrapheap Adventure Ride.

The group has raised more $100,000 and compete in the event to raise money and awareness for Down Syndrome Australia.

The idea of the ride is to purchase a motorbike for less than $1000, get it on the road and make it to the final destination.

This year they will leave Inverell on September 28 and will travel hundreds of kilometres to Dirranbandi in Queensland and back.

To donate visit donate.scrapheapadventureride.com.au/cause/286562.