Worthing American, Rod & Custom 2009 – report

Was it just me or was everyone obsessively checking the weather reports leading up to Sunday?

Early in the week Sunday was showing as sunny and dry without question, but as the weekend got closer so did that large band of rain looming up from the south west – and worse still it was moving faster and more likely to encroach on the weekend!

Having checked every weather source I could find on Saturday evening I decided to go with the one that looked best and decided that would be the weather for the day.

Although I had pre-registered I decided to leave a little earlier this year as the shows popularity increases every year and I wanted to avoid being squeezed in at the back of The Steyne. On the way down you usually see a few others cruising down in their rides, particularly as you draw close to Worthing.

But this year I didn’t see anyone until I was almost there - I checked the date on my watch, yes it was definitely the right day.

Perhaps the weather had proved too threatening for the majority?

As I swung into the entrance of The Steyne it soon became clear that yes it was the right day and no the weather hadn’t deterred anyone from coming – despite arriving a fair bit earlier than last year I was offered almost the exact same spot as I had had the previous year!

The show this year was definitely bigger than last year and despite the rain leading up to the weekend it was considerably firmer under foot than in 2007.

It was great to see that a good number of the rides on display were new to the show, although I’m not sure whether this was because they were recent acquisitions by regular attendees, or whether they were “Worthing Virgins” as Kevin (one of the show organisers) would say.

Either way it was great to see the variety of makes, models ages and styles. It wasn’t just cars either with bikes, trikes, vans & SUV’s. The clubs were particularly well represented with the Solent Renegades in matching fleeces and the Boneshakers also flying their flag in the middle of the showground.

Throughout the day there was an endless flow of spectators enjoying the view, good weather and the all day music. No doubt flowing between the display in The Steyne, all the rides parked around The Steyne (that couldn’t quite be squeezed in) and the Honda Goldwing Owners Club meet that was just on the seafront by the fair.

Towards the end of the day the clouds that had threatened in the distance rolled closer and closer bring occasional light rain, but this did little to dampen the mood or the enjoyment of the day.

I must congratulate all of those involved in organising, running and marshalling this show. There were no charges of fees for exhibitors or spectators. The show is only made possible through the dedication of those involved, devoting many hours of their time and of the shows sponsors showing their generosity in a more challenging year for everyone – Thank you and well done for another great show.

Here are the details of the rides that won an award at the show. There were no classes and they are in no particular order. If I have missed anyone off I apologise but my pen was only working intermittently due to the fact I was by now trying to write on a soggy piece of paper!

AWARDS

1965 Ford Mustang - Clive Spencer
1958 Mercury Montclair - K & T Richardson
1968 Chevy Camaro - Robert Lake
1957 Chevy Bel-Air - Kevin Boniface
1965 Stingray - Terry Lee
1958 Chevy Delray - Barry Williams
1967 Ford Mustang - Chris Ioannou
1961 Chrysler New Yorker - B Kettle
1947 Cadillac Series 61 - Jeff Trigg
1972 AC Fastback - Toni Valenti
1959 Chrysler Desotto - Barry Hoare
1968 Dodge Charger - Kim Farmer
1959 Chevy Impala - Michael Pullen
1963 Corvette - Michael Waters
1978 Chevy Camaro - Paul Bristow
1971 Chevy Nova - ?
1962 Chevy Impala - ?
1932 Packard - ?
1958 Dodge Coronet - Mike Stevens

To view the pictures of this years Worthing American, Rod & Custom “click here” to visit the gallery - is your ride in there?