Wheels on the Bay: 2015
Trenton Ont. Centennial Park was alive for three days with burning rubber, roaring engines, and beautiful vehicles for Wheels on the Bay.
Centennial Park, nestled on the shores of the beautiful Bay of Quinte, is normally a quiet haven. It includes a splash pad, ball diamond, and a skate-park as well as an amphitheatre and pavilion. It has a beautiful tree-lined shore along one of many walking paths that is often enjoyed by those seeking solitude from the hectic pace of daily life.
By Thursday July 22nd however that was all beginning to change. Fences were up and classic cars, campers, and vendors were beginning to set-up. The months of planning and promoting for Ontario’s premier car show, Wheels on the Bay, were finally coming together.
National sponsors, AutoGlym and Hagerty Insurance as well as local support helped to assure the success of the event. Msh Promotions didn’t do this alone though, the Runaways Car Club, Armdrop Drag Racing, the Drifters, Trenton Ont., and Torque Modified Car Show all came on board to lend a hand.
Local, regional and national charities benefited as well. Make a Wish received funds from the Runaways Car Club’s Rev Competition and cupcake sales. Quinte Access with help from the Drifters sold 50/50 tickets throughout the three day event. Armdrop Drag Racing’s Burnout Pit, presented by LaFarge Cement, and Standard Auto Wreckers “Whack-a-Car” contributed to National Service Dogs. The Fenlon Falls Rotary Club sold tickets on a numbers matching 1971 Dodge Charger RT 440 and the North Oshawa Lions Club had tickets for a 1968 Chevelle 396, 4-Spd. Super Sport Convertible.
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If this wasn’t enough to make for a successful event, car culture TV stars Steve Darnell of Welder Up and Jimmie Shine of SoCal Speed Shop were brought in as special guests for the weekend. At most shows, the special guests are only available for autograph signings, but Steve Darnell and Jimmie Shine took it to their fans instead, hats, t-shirts, and cars were autographed. While they were out, they were busy comparing notes on various vehicles displayed with the owners. Jimmie Shine (perhaps against his better judgment) was taken for a ride in Shawn Cormier’s creation, Tankenstein.
“Whack-a-Car” for National Service Dogs!
Over $400 raised by “Whack-a-Car”
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“This is only the second time we have tried this event,” said Derek Albertini, Business Development Manager for Standard Auto Wreckers. “Both Steve Darnell and Jimmie Shine came over and gave it a whack, but the kids seemed to have the most fun!”
No car show would be complete without winners. While everyone else was having fun, the team from Torque Modified Car Show were busy judging cars. The judging sheets consisted of 6 main aspects: exterior, interior, engine, brakes and wheels, aftermarket modifications, and fit and finish were all considered.
“We had originally planned on doing the judging in two hours,” laughed Dan Bovay, organizer for Torque Modified. “But it turned into two days for the judges, there were so many great cars to look at.”
Not only did the judges look at the cars, they talked to owners whenever they were available. The history of the cars and the various aspect of the vehicles from their owners became an equally important consideration for the judges.
Doug Hamilton, Carleton Place, Ont. 1935 Ford Pick up
Hugh MacLennan, Port Carling Ont. 1951 Hudson Hornet
Terry Istead, Trenton Ont. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Plans are already in the works for next years Wheels on the Bay, July 22nd, 23rd, & 24th, 2016 and Msh Promotions promises an even bigger and better event.