Castlemaine’s favourite event, the Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge, is back.
“Everyone knows Castlemaine is the home of the hot rod. We’re reminding everyone it’s also the billy cart capital of the world,” organiser Camilo Demarco says with a smile.
“Sunday October 10 is race day, so tell your aunty to hold off on the wedding and lock in the date.”
The organising team is calling out to the community to embrace the motto ‘Building Carts, Building Community’ and team up with others to get creative and put an entry in. The event is held during Mental Health Week and works to bring the community together.
Organisers have changed the race location to allow for a billy cart race that is more fun, inclusive and easier to manage.
“This year we are moving the race to Langslow Street – the industrial heartland of Castlemaine where the track has some twists and turns and the opportunity for head to head racing,” Camilo explains.
“It’s also a longer track for kids to race on which is what it’s all about.”
Event organisers, Camilo ‘Silverado’ Demarco and Jane ‘Fast Lane’ Goodrich, successfully resurrected the popular family-friendly event in 2017 after last being run in 2003. The event won the MASC Australia Day Award in 2018 for Community Event of the Year.
The race first ran in the late forties and for decades has been a key part of Castlemaine’s history.
“Keeping kids on the streets since 1949, that’s the motto for this year. It highlights the long history of this event here in Castlemaine and the love people have for it,” Camilo explains.
There will be a display of Castlemaine’s finest hot rods at the year’s race. This display will draw on the rich historical connection between hot rod enthusiasts building billy carts in their youth.
With more than 50 volunteers and a crowd of more than 2000 in previous years, the event is a big day and attracts not only locals but interstate contestants keen to have a go.
An integral part of the event is all the colour, action and creativity. Once again there will be music, stunts and appearances by local community groups. Among the trophies to be won is the Trishy Hay Memorial Trophy for the most creative billy cart.
Expect live music, DJs, coffee and food, lots of things on wheels and official Castlemaine Billy Cart Challenge merchandise.
Visit www.castlemainebillycart.com.au and follow @castlemainebillycart on Facebook.
Registration opens July 1, with vehicle guidelines available on the website.
