The Victorian Historic Racing Register (VHRR) celebrated its 50th anniversary on the weekend with a sold out function at the Manningham Hotel in Melbourne’s inner east.
 
Doubling as the club’s Christmas party, attendees were treated to multiple panels with long-time members, a three-course meal and entertainment during the hugely successful night.
 
In addition to the senior members talking about their fondest memories of the club, the crowd also heard from multiple speakers who paid tribute who helped build the club and discussed its future.
 
One of the main attractions for the evening came in the form of the 1934 MG P-Type which was on display for the attendees to see up close.
 
With the event finally able to run having been postponed multiple times in the lead up due to COVID, VHRR President Ian Tate was delighted to finally be able to welcome everyone together.
 
“It’s been a terrible 18 months for everyone, and finally after two false starts, we were actually able to pull it off,” Tate said.
 
“We haven’t seen a lot of each other for the better part of 18 months, but it has been fantastic to see everyone again.
 
“It’s (VHHR) probably successful because of all the hard work the committee members and the race committee members put into it. We are very proud of what we’ve been able to do, we run three of the best historic race meetings in Australia, we’re very proud of that, we’re very proud of the club’s success over the years, yes, we are very successful.
 
“It’s (50th anniversary) a massive milestone. It’s been a fantastic ride and it’s a credit to these people here tonight who set the foundation up in 1971 and built the foundation for us to have a fantastic club like we have now.”
 
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca also attended and praised the club and what historic racing meant for grassroots motorsport in Australia.
 
“I love the Historics movement, I think they’re one of the best parts of our industry,” Arocca said.
 
“Before I came to Motorsport Australia, I had no concept of historic motorsport or historic motor racing and it has just been a marvellous understanding and education around the passion of these wonderful people. They love their cars, love their sport and love telling stories.
 
“It’s a great environment to be in and great to celebrate with them and to all our historic clubs. We love what they do.
 
“A VHRR event at Sandown was my very first as a CAMS (now Motorsport Australia) CEO and it’s good to see some old friends and some good people as part of the 50th anniversary catch up.”
 
Watch the highlights from the evening in the video below.