After a 4am start (which was not easy), I met up with my friend Aidan and his Autech S15 at his house in south east Melbourne. We took a leisurely cruise up and out through the city. We arrived at the BP/Maccas meeting point at about 5:15. Significantly earlier than the arranged 6:00am meetup.
Quite a few cars turned up to join us. A couple of S15’s, JZX’s, an S2000, a lone Maserati and a handful of surprising bigbody sedans (A lexus GS, an old Chaser, even a Toyota Crown). We left the BP, still in pitch darkness. We grouped up along the Hume Highway with another S15, the S2000, a JZX110 and a white 86. Driving in a group while the sun rose in front of us, was possibly one of the most beautiful driving moments I’ve ever had. It’s hard not to get sentimental in the sundrenched Australian scenery.
We arrived at Winton Raceway, nice and early. Everyone took their place in the pits and unpacked. Cars were loaded off trailers, wheels were changed, friends greeted, and introductions were made. An oddly serene and calm scene. Walking through the pits, all ends of the automotive spectrum were covered. Stripped out S15 racecars, CarbonPlus’s dry-carbon-bodied W30 MR2; a few spots down from Toyota Echos and a lone Daewoo. They may not be the first cars you’d expect or choose at a track, but such is the magic of the Nugget Nationals.
The organisers at EXE crew invented the Nugget Nationals in order to promote maximum fun on the track, at minimum cost. With guidelines in regards to cost and modifications of cars, they’ve created an extremely accessible (and fun!) series. Bringing small engines and big smiles to the track!
Cars are grouped based on past times at Winton; from groups A-D, D being the fastest. After a short drivers’ briefing, it was time to hit the track for a long day of fun.
Between sessions taking photos throughout the day, I also had a few passenger sessions in Aidan’s S15, and his friend Peter’s S2000. Fantastically quick and nimble cars, in the second and first fastest group respectively. Both running factory motors as well!
Thanks to the organisers at EXE, and everyone there who made the day so enjoyable. Hopefully the next time I see you all, I’ll be out there on the track with you! :)
