Good Times from Bad Times

The latter part of 2008 brought financial difficulties for all of us with the global economy on its knees and the UK loosing that enviable two dollars to the pound. There was serious talk of doom and gloom and so going into 2009 I wondered how much effect it would have on the American and Rod & Custom car scene.

I can only speak from my own experiences and from talking with other owners whilst visiting various shows, meets & cruises, but their experiences have been positive and attendance has been better than for several years. What’s more there has been more fresh machinery making their debuts than for sometime, with a growing presence in the South.

The Surrey Street Rodders “Wheels Day” is the first big show of the year and a perfect example. In the early part of the year the weather is always a gamble, and as if to prove the point it was pretty awful on “Wheels Day”, rain followed by rain with some more rain to finish. But despite the less than pleasant conditions the show was packed with owners and spectators, getting thoroughly soaked but enjoying themselves and taking in the spectacle before them.

OK first show of the season, everyone is keen to get their ride out and blow out a few cobwebs. But strong attendance was the theme throughout 2009 – so why?

What made more people in 2009 want to get out in their rides than the year before?

I don’t believe it comes down to one thing only, but probably a culmination of factors that just helped or provoked everyone to get out there.

• Despite the odd lapse and a soggy “Wheels Day”, the weather in 2009 has generally been better than in 2007 and 2008, meaning those fair weather drivers were more inclined to pull the covers off.

• American, Rods and Customs have and are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, something which hasn’t really been around since the 70’s as it started tailing from the 80’s.

• A greater number of people probably for financial reasons and the promise of an Indian summer, chose to stay in the UK and not to go abroad for their holiday or just took time off at home. They then used their cars and the car scene to bring them that positive vibe they wanted and needed during a difficult time.

• We all just wanted to upset friends of the earth and punch a bigger hole in the ozone to try and keep the warmer weather.

It could be some, one or none of these reasons, who knows?

I guess we shouldn’t analyse it, but just enjoy it – I certainly am!

So what about the run out of 2009 and what will 2010 be like?

Well it’s up to us to continue it from here by supporting all the shows, meets and cruises and clubs as best we can. I have to say that it’s great to see and let’s hope the scene continues to grow from here on for many years to come.

Let’s Motorvate!