All Revved For Festival

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday March 15, 2008

By BRETT COX

WOLLONGONG car enthusiasts, who claim to be among the most passionate in the country, say it would be a shame if the city missed out on the Revfest car festival.

The event, which attracted thousands of visitors to Wagga Wagga, is planning to relocate to Bulli Showground for five years if Wollongong City Council agrees.

Yesterday, the Mercury reported complaints from Wagga residents about noise, smoke and misbehaviour at the event, which included burnout challenges and engine "blow-ups".

But car lovers have struck back, saying the complaints came from a minority and demanding they be given a chance.

Yesterday, Australian drag racing champion Simon Kryger of Albion Park said seven out of the top 10 racers in the modified street blown division were from the Illawarra.

"This area is so strong in terms of cars and this event, if it was held here, would be brilliant," he said.

"Most of the people who go along are really nice guys who pay a lot for their cars and don't want to wreck them by being irresponsible."

He said people would come from across Australia and use accommodation in Wollongong.

Phil Kerjean, also of Albion Park, entered the burnout event at Revfest in Wagga last year and said it was a "pretty good family day".

"People keep saying they want to get these cars off the street and so giving people an opportunity to do burnouts and things in a controlled environment is the right way to do it," he said.

Readers were divided yesterday about whether the event should be supported.

Letter writers and contributors to the Mercury's website indicated they were concerned about the type of people the event might attract.

But several car business owners from Wagga - and a Wagga councillor with a background in speedway racing - contacted the Mercury to say it would be a huge boon for business and tourism.

Shane Feltham, a car restorer from Gundagai, said his company picked up $100,000 worth of business from the event.

Doug Hogan, Prime news editor in Wagga, said his city would miss it.

Organiser Mark Arblaster maintained his event was different to more hard-core car festivals, claiming it focused on creating a family-friendly environment.

? See video of the Wagga Revfest at illawarramercury.com.au

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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