MEGUIAR’S MOTOREX
THEY MAY SUCK AT SPORT AND SPEAK WITH A FUNNY ACCENT, BUT THE AUSSIES SURE KNOW HOW TO BUILD KILLER CARS, AND NOWHERE IS THIS MORE EVIDENT THAN AT MEGUIAR’S MOTOREX!
AUSSIE’S FINEST, EXPOSED
Love them or hate them, the Aussies produce some damn cool cars, and with MotorEx becoming known as the place to show them, there was plenty of hype leading up to June’s big event. A new record of 29,665 attendees descended on the Melbourne Showgrounds over the weekend of 26–27 May, and a record number of 708 cars officially took part in the huge two-day festival. Reports state that the combined value of the vehicles on site was worth well in excess of a staggering $50M, and we’d believe it. “It was an awesome weekend at Meguiar’s MotorEx. Our one aim was to create a real festival vibe and we did it! We invested heavily in a number of cool new elements to bring noise and action to what is an amazing showcase of the best custom cars and automotive businesses in Australia,” said Andy Lopez, MotorEx’s owner. He knows a thing or two about putting on a show, too, as he is also the driving force behind Australia’s other big show car and street machine event — the Summernats. The highest accolade on offer at MotorEx is
the Meguiar’s Superstars Grand Master, arguably Australia’s most prestigious super-elite award. Making things tough for the judges was the fact that over 20 top-shelf cars pre-qualified to be in the running for Grand Master spread throughout the 40,000m2 of showground space. The Meguiar’s Super 6 represents the top-six pointscoring finalists, while the Grand Master is the top overall finalist. This makes the Meguiar’s Superstars Grand Master the highest accolade on offer at MotorEx and the most sought after modified car award in the country. Competition is fierce, with car builders pulling out all the stops and constantly pushing the boundaries to get a shot at winning the coveted 600mm tall, 18kg masterpiece billet trophy … and the accompanying cash prize.
The judges had their work cut out to select the best of the best, and the Super 6 finalists were Grahame Barker, with his Holden FX ute; David Xuereb, with a Ford Cortina; Tony Wilson, with a Ford hot rod; Tony Aqualina, with a slamback; Peter Oliver, with a Holden EH sedan; and Nathan Walters, with a Holden Torana hatchback. From this elite group, the 2018 Superstars Grand Master award proudly went to Grahame Barker in his immaculate silver 1951 Holden FX ute. “This car has been a 20-year build, so to now be awarded Grand Master makes me unbelievably excited. The car is the pride and joy of the whole family, so we are very proud,” said Grahame of the monumental win. The event is not limited to trailered trophymagnets, though, with a huge push being made to bring the street-driven community back to the event through the Rare Spares Real Street class, supported by Custom Plates. This area had over 400 entrants in an area packed with DJs, bands, and a drive-up car presentation stage. A central feature of the event is the House of Kolor Inauguration in the Street Elite Hall, where many of Australia’s best street-registered vehicles show off in one jaw-dropping pavilion. In front of massive crowds and media, at noon on Saturday, these newly finished cars, a bike, and even a jet-ski were unveiled, giving the public the very first look at these incredible machines. Overhaulin’ TV star and legendary car designer Chip Foose made his presence felt all weekend thanks to 3M, conducting live drawing sessions, signing autographs, and taking part in interviews — much to the delight of the many passionate fans,
who wanted to get close to one of their idols. Those on the hunt for new products or wishing to talk to suppliers weren’t left disappointed, either, with over 100 traders showcasing their wares in the Herrod Performance Garage. Speaking of traders, the event hosted a group of US trade exhibitors direct from the SEMA Show — the first time SEMA traders have exhibited at a public, non-trade event. Overwhelmingly, the experience for SEMA was a resounding success, and the Americans left well and truly impressed by the size and scope of the event. That may be the best teller of things to come from Australia’s premier automotive expo. The big changes in management and location are one thing, but the SEMA influence should leave no illusions that MotorEx is pushing the Australian car scene further forward than ever before.