The sound of engines revving and the smell of petrol fumes – it was every car lover’s seventh heaven on Saturday night, when over 500 cars took to the streets for Griffith’s Biggest Lap (GBL).
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Packing Banna Avenue for the seventh year, cars of all makes, models and colours set not only a visual and audible spectacle, but also created a spectacular fundraising effort.
Raising money for local organisations Can Assist and Riding for the Disabled, GBL president Peter Centofanti said they didn’t think they could do better than last year’s amazing efforts.
“There were that many registrations this year we are still tallying the totals, but if the numbers are anything to go by we will have overtaken last year’s total for the biggest amount yet,” Mr Centofanti said.
And not only raising money, but bringing a tonne of tourism into the town.
“All the restaurants were completely booked out, there wasn’t one table left for hours,” Mr Centofanti said.
With 2016’s event raising $9000 and 2017’s efforts raising double that, this year’s grand total is set the new benchmark.
Mr Centofanti says Griffith’s love of watch the cars and supporting great causes never ceases to amaze.
“We filled the lap completely,” Mr Centofanti said.
“Its definitely reached its capacity – the cars were bumper to bumper right up around Benerembah and down the whole road alongside Rawlinson and Brown,” Mr Centofanti said.
And not just those from Griffith, but cars from far and wide came to take part in the ever growing tradition filling up the streets.
Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Mackay, Albury, Wagga Wagga, Leeton, Narrandera, Darlington Point, West Wyalong and plenty more – the homegrown event attracted cars from all over.
“The general feedback is that everyone loves it and want it to grow,” Mr Centofanti said.
People have come up to him and asked if it can get any bigger, but while there is keen interest, logistics may prove too steep a barrier.
“I think we are at capacity. This year we expanded the western side of Prod Straight as it is.
“It took us six months for it all to be processed. There's a lot more involved than what people think. Trying to get that any bigger is yet to be seen.”
RELATED:
“I would like to thank our sponsors. It costs a lot of money to get up and running –Insurance, traffic management, closing the roads and you are already up to around $13,000.
“I would also like to thank all our committee members and volunteers, they are the backbone of the GBL team. It’s been huge team effort from everyone.”
