Spirit and lots of fun on wheels

Visually it was instantly noticeable that exhibitors had toned it down a tad. Although not as elaborate as in the previous year, stands were still exceptionally attractive and much more practical in terms of accommodating visitors. I also realised that choosing a winning one may well represent a much more serious challenge than in 2014.

Seeing Dave Walters, emcee of the event, prepping his table and sound booth (yeah right), completed the picture. And then there was the sweesh-click-cluck sounds of skateboards and the shouts of spectators that are part and parcel of this street culture – some ‘thin is happening – I said to myself. Gsk8t is a wonderful project run by Gareth Green and you can find more info on its Facebook page.

Another focus point of the show was strongman Chris Batts who, as part of a fund-raiser for CANSA, attempted to set a new world record for tyre flipping. The previous record stood at 3 501 flips in 12 hours. Chris upped it to 3 650 in 12 hours. Most of us mere mortals would be in hospital after the first 10, if that many? Perhaps one should run a tyre-flipping contest among the dealers at the 2015 event using a relay format. What do you think? Of course there will be medics on standby.

Despite the many challenges facing the motor industry at this time, exhibitors are pushing forward and upwards utilising the show as a lead generator by also employing competitions as a means to an end. Imperial Toyota won the MC’s award for the best promotion at the show. It became selfie experts overnight. The best spirit award went to Rudamans – the personification of passion and going the extra mile.

Brian Cappa’s antics on a trail bike had most visitors in awe and he drew large crowds during every single one of his time slots. His type of precision and balance require many hours of training and I would guess patience. The skateboarders certainly understood this as they were cheering and shouting at his every move.

There was also a little irony in all of this, I thought. While Cappa certainly pulled the numbers, on the other side of the event Chris Batts was quietly and without much crowd support and fanfare, flipping a tyre for a good cause…

Organiser and owner of the motor show Lesley Ings of Find-it Promotions, indicated that visitor numbers were up on last year’s and attributed much of this to the various activities at this year’s event. Ready to give us a peep on what will be on offer in 2016 Lesley? “No”, she says, “that would be telling.”