BORDER FORCE

Last held on the weekend Covid struck our shores, the Chryslers on the Murray has made a big return to the 2023 motoring calender with a record number of vehicles making their way to the NSW/VIC border towns of Albury and Wodonga to celebrate the 30th staging of this all Mopar event…

History shows that since the Covid restrictions were eased, most motoring events that made a return, did so with increases of entrants and spectators. That was always going to be the case with the Chryslers on the Murray event. Having already attracted more than 700 or so entries a month out from the event, hopes were high for a record-breaking entry list. That was achieved on Sunday morning with more entrants coming through just for the day, taking the total number of registered entrants to a staggering 953! I reckon there were probably another 30 or 40 Chryslers parked outside that could have very easily been part of the show too!

This year, I decided to head down the day before the event kicked off so I could get across to the driving events early enough on Friday morning to take in all of the action first hand, instead of rocking up just as the cars were finishing for the day. Before leaving Wollongong, I was anxiously watching the weather forecast – not because there was impending rain, but because there was a heatwave due to hit the region during the course of the event. Yep, mid to high 30’s for the three days! Yeah it was going to be uncomfortable, but at least it was under clear blue skies!

I rocked up to the DECA Centre just after 9.30am to see a line-up of cars ready to head out on the track and a carpark full of cool rides that had come to watch those game enough to push their cars (and their own) limits. The pit area featured some heavy hitters with a quick walk around revealing a blown V10-Viper powered Dodge Ram truck, a Trackhawk Jeep that was always going to be quick, a couple of restored ex-racecar Chargers with period correct livery and a bunch of street cars – both old and new, that were keen to put on a show. Five cars were let out onto the track together for five or so laps, before being called in to let the next bunch go. There were some surprise packages in amongst the group, with a ratty Valiant Ute really taking it to the two Chargers and in a couple of instances, passing them with ease. Ok, so it did pack a turbo Ford Barra six-pack, but damn it was quick! The Chargers sounded exceptional too. But it was Mick Noller’s Viper that set the pace for everyone else to follow. Soon after the everyone had a couple of turns on track, the officials turned their attention to the straight, where the go to whoa was set up. Many struggled to get off the line without smoking the tyres, which looked spectacular but was detrimental to the times. After everyone had had enough, it was Shane Withers that topped the time sheets, covering the strip in his CJ Valiant sedan in a time of 8.75-seconds. Friday finished off with a dozen cars revealed back at the Gateway Lakes venue. Hosted by Classic Resto’s “Fletch”, the covers were lifted off some very special cars that were at the event for the very first time. Each one had an interesting back story and each one was unique in their own certain way.

Saturday once again kicked off under brilliant blue skies and as I arrived at the picturesque Gateway Lakes grounds, the temperature was already heading towards 30 and it was just after 9am! The line-up of cars waiting to get into the show and shine area proved it was going to be a big day, with hundreds of cars already setup, many waiting in line for judging. I had to drive through the everexpanding swap meet area to park my “nonChrysler” and I was amazed by just how many more swappers and traders had arrived at the event this year. And from what I could see, there were plenty of people spending to find that hard to find part or piece of merchandise. Likewise, the official COTM Merchandise tent saw the club members run off their feet over the weekend, all but selling out of their range and t-shirts, hats and other goodies. I have to mention too that this event also has a section for AMC/Ramber cars with yet another great line-up of these unique models on display.

The program showed that there was a cruise happening from the show and shine to Ettamogah Pub for this years Spotlight group photo highlighting AP5, AP6 and VC Valiants. Wanting to get there before others to get a good spot for pics, I was greeted by a roadway overflowing with cars parked up for a look and a carpark in front of the Pub already loaded up with Chryslers of all years and styles. It certainly is a great place for photos and I managed to real off a couple of hundred before the heat got the better of me. After a break in my air-conditioned room, I ventured out onto the streets where the usual Saturday night cruising was well underway. On that one short strip of road between Albury and Wodonga, a few thousand spectators found a spot roadside to take in the sights, and sounds of the cars cruising – and not just Chryslers! It was like going back to the early days of the Summernats! Great times. Unfortunately, the heat stroke I suffered early in the afternoon, cut my night short…

The final day for the 2023 Chryslers on the Murray saw many records broken – especially in car entries with a flurry of cars making their way into the grounds just for the one day taking the total to a staggering 953-entries. Likewise, the number of spectators coming through the gates were in their thousands and as already mentioned, the support from the industry with trade stands and from swappers was larger than it has ever been. Sunday also had the Top 5 American and Top 5 Australian vehicles on display and I was told that there were just a few points that kept a few cars out of the Top 5 on each side. I also awarded a Killer Rides Show Standout trophy, which I gave to Ray Elia for his rebuilt ’72 VH Regal sedan. Ray’s sedan was part of the reveals on Friday night and now sports a blown, injected 440-stroker to provide the power. Check out the full feature in this issue for all the details. The trophy presentation took place after lunch, ending what was by far, the biggest and best Chryslers on the Murray yet. The full list of winners is now on their website – www.chryslersonthemurray.com