Orange City Life

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Gnoo Blas – funny name, GREAT event!

It’s on again over the weekend of February 16 and 17 at Jack Brabham Oval in Orange. It’s the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show and what a show it is! Visitors get to see hundreds of classic cars and other vehicles, many brilliantly restored, others just spectacular as they are. Locals and visitors are encouraged to come along and enjoy the spectacle, the music and the comradery, along with a couple hours of sheer enjoyment.

For those who wonder what the funny named event is about - The Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club Inc is keeping alive the history of the old Gnoo Blas road racing circuit at Orange in central NSW. The old circuit is an important part of motor sport history, built as a community project in 1953 by Orange City Council and Canobolas Shire Council.

Most of Australia’s best drivers competed there. Jack Brabham started his road racing career at Gnoo Blas and held the lap record of more than 102mph up to the last meeting in 1961. Other legendary drivers who raced on Gnoo Blas include Bob Jane (Maserati) and Stan Jones (Maybach).

We’ve included some photos from last year’s event to whet your appetite: