Show Report: VMSC Extravaganza
This year’s VMSC extravaganza was another outstanding success for an event which continues to go from strength to strength.
Stu Smith has a ride out to bring us the latest from the VMSC at their flagship event.
Display
At the convenient and centrally located Sports Connexion Centre, Ryton- onDunsmore, Coventry, the doors opened at 10am to allow a steady stream of enthusiastic early arrivals to make their way into the main arena. As the event goers entered the arena they were treated to an exceptional display of custom and vintage scooters, and dealers and traders alike; and for those in need of refreshment hot and cold food and drinks were easily available throughout the day.
Inside the arena dealers and traders had taken up a total of 98 pitches and the variety of scooter related items for sale can honestly be described as superb. Items on offer included old and new accessories, vintage and period clothing and footwear, scooter riding gear and even full scooters.
Anticipation
The custom show hosted 51 vintage machines and 26 custom machines, encompassing a wide variety of scooters from all sorts of different genres and backgrounds. Entries were placed from all over the country and the sense of pride among the owners moving about the custom show area checking out the competition and checking on the detail of their machines resulted in a sense of anticipation which could be felt throughout the arena.
Strength and depth
Having had a good look round the scooters entered for the custom show and the dealers’ and traders’ stands I ventured outside to check out the atmosphere.
Outside regardless of the light drizzle numerous ride-ins had filled the main
scooter parking area and were also filling the ‘over-spill’ parking area; scooters were parked in rows of two to three deep. While I was in the car park I chatted with several groups of scooterists who were all in good spirits and were enjoying the day. Having checked out what was going on outside I returned back into the main arena where the atmosphere had risen to higher level. The custom show judges were now making their rounds conducting in-depth examinations and inspections; all of which are to be expected as part of the high standards of the judging at the VMSC extravaganza.
Results
With the custom show results set to be announced some time after 2.30pm, this gave me chance to have a quick chat with the VMSC team who explained that there had been 1169 visitors to the show, which was a significant increase on last year’s numbers. The atmosphere settled and the custom show results were announced. Best Custom in show went to Neil Grace and his spectacular Marilyn Monroe themed Lambretta GP, ‘Oh You Pretty Thing’ and Best Vintage in show went to Iain Wilkins’ Lambretta Rallymaster and sidecar. Entry to the VMSC extravaganza is only £5 and it has to be said; it is an event which should be on everyone’s calendar.