Dowerin's Wonderful Weekend of Motoring Celebration
Saturday the 18th and Sunday 19th April 2009

The 2009 Theo's Run

Long ago... 79 years to be exact, the first motor races were held in Dowerin, initially at Speedway Lake, then moved to what is now the famous Dowerin Field Days grounds. The Second World War brought the "Days of Daring Do" to a halt and although some local racing started after the war finished, followed by some drag racing in the late 1960s, sadly the halcyon motor racing days faded into distant memory.

Although most of the original drivers are no longer with us, some of the people who used to watch the racing, still remember the excitement of planes landing with reporters and guests, the Black Tie pre-race ball and the souped-up race cars. The Shire and people of Dowerin decided to honour the memories of the old days, with an annual two day motor vehicle celebration, with the inaugural event in 2007.

Open to all car and motorbike enthusiasts everywhere, regardless of age and model; it's a two day event into the very heartland of the wheatbelt, to celebrate the good old days. Entry in the event costs a minimal $10.00 per person (kids free). For those interested in WA's motorsport history, Graham Cocks (Fremantle Motor Museum), supported by the Shire of Dowerin and Dowerin Events Management, wrote a book last year, on Dowerin's motor racing history and this is being reissued with eight new full colour pages, featuring pictures of all the action from the 2007 inaugural event. The book will be released for sale on Saturday 18th April 2009.

The event starts with Theo's Run, on Saturday 18th April, with participants assembling at the Fremantle Motor Museum from 9.00am, ready for a 10.00am departure, waved off by the one and only Theo Maisey (Theo's Run!). The convoy of cars and motor bikes will make its way up the Canning Highway, onto the Great Eastern Highway. Then following the by-pass road, will cross onto the Roe Highway, turning right onto the Toodyay Road.

The convoy will stop in Toodyay for a long relaxed lunch (at own expense) there's lots of great cafes, plus two hotels, or participants may choose to bring their own picnic lunch. After lunch, the convoy will set off for Dowerin, via Goomalling, stopping at the Goomalling markets, before the final 23kms to Dowerin, where participants will be allowed to angle park Le Mans style in the main street and mingle to discuss the run and the fun. The Commercial Hotel does excellent meals, as does the Dowerin Bowling Club.

The Neal Miller Regularity Trials

On Sunday, a free bus will run most of the day, taking interested visitors out to the Wheatbelt Motorplex site (a short 5km drive east of Dowerin). If all goes according to plan, this will be the last Theo's Run to be use the Dowerin main street, with a bit of luck, we might be the stage next year (2009), where we can utilise the main circuit of the Wheatbelt Motorplex!

During the day, part of the main street (Stewart St) will be blocked off to create a parade and demonstration circuit, where all anyone with a car, motorbike, or truck! Can participate and yes, you will be able to take family and friends with you. Food can be purchased from the hotel and the service clubs will provide BBQ breakfasts and lunch. The event will finish at 4.00pm, in order to give participants time to get home to Perth before nightfall.

Intending participants are invited to pre-register, sending their details to Brendon Williams on: 044 735 1808 , email: tyretalk@bigpond.net.au

Please note: Accommodation is in short supply, however there is a hotel, a caravan park, plus a B & B in town and other accommodation is available in Goomalling (23kms away) and Northam and Wongan Hills, (both 70kms away). There is also ample camping space at the Dowerin Field Days site (some with power) and these will be made available at a nominal cost, should demand prove necessary. A list of available accommodation is posted on the Field Days website and this will be regularly updated. www.dowerinfielddays.com.au

It's a beautiful 160km run from Perth up to Dowerin via Toodyay and Goomalling and visitors might like to return to Perth via Goomalling and Northam, taking advantage of the Great Eastern Highway by-pass and lane extensions. Autumn is a great time of the year and it's a marvellous opportunity to come for a run out into the wheatbelt for a fun weekend of celebration, tall tales, motoring mayhem and country hospitality and we've got entertainment organised for the kids.

Please feel free to join Saturday's convoy anywhere along the route from Freo to Dowerin, or just come up for the Sunday- we know the Ulysses Motorcycle Club are doing just that. Of course, you are very welcome to set up a static car, bike, or club display and watch the other vehicles on the circuit.

We're grateful to you for your interest and in taking the time to visit our town and it's our hope that the 2009 event will be held at the Wheatbelt Motorplex, where the weekend will assume a more serious sports driving mantle - dare we mention the word racing? As with the 2007 event, we welcome your suggestions, comments and criticisms. Please send all correspondence to the Dowerin Car Club Secretary: Ann Rackham, email: Rackham@bigpond.com

Have a safe journey home.