There is no denying the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club of Australia - Victoria Division is a club of prestige with a huge membership base and a variety of events making up a busy schedule.
 
So, it may come as a surprise for many that in a rich history of being affiliated with Motorsport Australia for more than 50 years, this year is the first time the club is on display at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.
 
Nestled on The Green near Gate 8, the club has a variety of vehicles part of its 15-car display which includes a rare 1986 33 Alfa Romeo station wagon built in the famed Pininfarina Factory, a new and unique Model STELVIO, the high performance Quadrifoglio model and a handful of Classic models.
 
Although the club’s debut at the Grand Prix came a few years after the brand’s return to Formula 1, which occurred ahead of the 2019 season, President John Hanslow was thrilled to finally be here at the Grand Prix.


“We’re actually a very busy club and do things almost every week, whether it’s a social drive in regional Victoria, a sprint at a racetrack or a display in Adelaide or Brisbane, there is always a lot happening,” Hanslow said.
 
“However, we are constantly looking at doing different things and we try to do things that work and the display at the Grand Prix is definitely something that works.
 
“Being here at Albert Park enables us to promote ourselves, promote the marque and promote our cars, and we've got some unique cars here that we’re passionate about.
 
“It’s been a successful experience so far and it’s something we now would look at putting on our calendar in the future.
 
“Alfa Romeo's addition to Formula 1 worked out well with Stellantis and its new ownership, so it's a great time to be here and to be part of the Grand Prix experience.
 
“I would highly recommend this opportunity to any club looking to promote themselves on a grand scale – it really is an awesome experience.”


Outside of the Australian Grand Prix, the club’s schedule is busy with a variety of activities and events that accommodate the 1500 individuals making up its core membership group.
 
From its core strength in club sprints to weeklong tours, workshop visits and Sunday drives to its most notable event on the calendar, the Winton 12-hour, which is a popular event welcoming entrants from Victoria and around the country to take part.
 
For Hanslow, the club has grown substantially in recent times and it's down to its diversity and the accessibility of members due to a newly created Government scheme.
 
“There is no doubt the club has grown in the last few years, and that is mainly due to the development of the Club Permit Scheme in Victoria, Vic Roads,” Hanslow said.
 
“Many cars used to be in the back of garages, but they have now been put on the road, classified roadworthy and part of the Club Permit Scheme, which allows them to drive legally on the roads a couple of times a year.


“It also helps that we’re a diverse hub with a lot of people either interested in different areas of motorsport or just motoring enthusiasts.
 
“Whether it’s the regular club sprints, the Winton 12 Hour and other track events, the Show and Shine at the Concourse or other displays, or purely just restoration and maintenance of the cars for preservation purpose – we offer something for everyone.”
 
Click here for more information on the Alfa Romeo Owners' Club of Australia - Victoria Division.
 
Interested individuals can go online to join or can visit the club at its display.