Back in the days when I used to associate with the local 'Boy Racers', it was all about how many people could fit in your car to do the laps. Going to the Chelsea cruise actually meant intending to go, but you'd normally end up not going, because you'd be ashamed of your car. But they were amateurs, and I went to experience the new generation….

It's 5am on a Sunday morning. This is a new notion to me, as I haven't a clue what 9am on a Sunday looks like, let alone 5. I'm finding it hard to justify to myself why I am doing this, particularly, as you can imagine, a day with the local 'Boy Racers' does not capture my imagination. I've got a funny feeling that I might not enjoy this very much.
Having agreed to attend the Gti Autumn National as a representative of Avonbar Racing / Speedgenie.co.uk, I have thereby agreed to get up at this ridiculous hour and like it or lump it. Yes, I, like you, also thought, particularly at 5.30 in the morning, 'Fool'.
Oh how wrong I was to be so negative….

This was to be the first ever show that I had attended, let alone traded at. My spirits began to lift as I drove down a deserted A120 on my way to meet Gill and Ian,(Nothing like a quiet drive to calm the nerves!) the other two thirds of the Avonbar trio for the day. At this point I was still waking up, but as I pulled up alongside the van that Gill and Ian had loaded the night before, a few bubbles of excitement began to rise through my fatigue and I began to feel something close to a good mood.
The venue for the show was just 15 minutes away from my rendezvous with Gill and Ian and a drive down a quiet M11 did much to make me feel more confident about the day ahead.
By the time we trundled (quite literally) through the gates of the North Weald Air Ground at about 7.45, I was in a better mood, and I was actually beginning to look forward to the day. With no time for coffee or breakfast, setting up was the first thing to be done. My growling stomach would have to wait a while.
By about 8.30, a string of Golfs could be seen stretching back as far as the eye could see. A Marshall came round and told us the public would be through the gates in about 10 minutes. Definitely no coffee or breakfast then.
Watching the cars pour in, I was amazed. People had obviously spent time and money on their beloved four wheels, and it really showed. Having never really experienced the true boy / street racer scene (sad, isn't it?), I was gobsmacked to see the amount of coloured lights and polished alloys. A set of split rims on a silver Golf really caught my eye because they were so unusual and were absolutely stunning to look at.
I managed to get away for a wander at about 9.30, unfortunately, the split rims had disappeared, but nevertheless there was still plenty to keep me amused. On my travels, I found a Gti (funny, that), with one of the best paint jobs I have ever seen. The bonnet and boot were up with the side doors wide open. Yep, you guessed it, in the engine bay sat a shiny, and polished chrome monster that any driver would be proud of. Bass literally slunk out of the speakers and enveloped itself around anybody that walked past. Myself, having been subjected to a rattling and vibrating boot due to an ill-fitting box, I was, for the second time that day, amazed to see that ICE didn't mean a skull -shattering constant buzz that set your teeth on edge. The speakers created a smooth and polished sound. There was a small crowd gathered round 'umming' and 'ahhhing' and if I'd had the time, I probably would have joined in. I was beginning to realise how different the scene is from what I knew. I had been so misled about the boy/street racer image.
Back at the Avonbar stand, people were already crowding to see what we had to offer. Left right and centre people wanted to see, touch and buy. Avonbar is known for the technical advice offered by Ian, who has been in the motoring industry for over 25 years, and has raced for 15 of these. For most of the day, Ian could be found talking to people about the mechanics of their vehicle and I'm sure that many people benefited from Ian's experience.
Armed with a selection of Momo steering wheels and boss kits, Samco hoses, K&N and Green Filters, not to mention Richbrook, Pagid and Kamei stock, we felt we had covered everything that was going to be required of the show. The ultimate seller was Momo. All day, the steering wheels were pored over. (At one point, I considered stashing one for myself!). The three latest styles - the 'Jet' range and the Millennium, all sold, as did all but two of the boss kits. As always, the shiny bits, such as the Beesting Ariels and Richbrook tax disc holders sold in abundance.
Of course, visitors to the show had the opportunity to put their car to the test against someone else with equally as much confidence. Throughout the day, cars could be heard accelerating through the gears, and the occasional waft of burnt rubber drifted over the crowds. Great stuff.
The crowd was like none I have ever seen. The atmosphere coming off them was electric and infectious. Everywhere you looked people were smiling - the people were a pleasure to talk to and do business with.
Call me repetitive if you like, but I cannot convey what a great time I had. The atmosphere of the crowd was excellent, and I spent the whole day, plus those after it, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
Despite everyone being at the show for the same reason - to have a good time (traders included), it's highly disappointing to see that there is always someone who is insistent on ruining it. I hate for it to seem like there's a soapbox around, but I ask you, why even bother lifting from a trader?. Thankyou for letting me get that off my chest, and please give me a minute to get my soapbox put away….
Nevertheless, it was one amazing day, and if you were part of it, I hope you had an amazing day too. If you have any comments about the show, Speedgenie.co.uk, or you want to let the world know about your next event, e-mail us and we'll paste it on the notice board.

Want to know when the next show is? Take a look at the Speedgenie Events Diary, and perhaps we'll see you there!! CLICK HERE