ABOUT 250 classic Volkswagen owners lined up their air-cooled machines at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium recently, making the second leg of Speedorama a memorable event. More than just a show and shine weekend, the annual occasion gathered clubs and individual owners under the sun and blue sky that stayed with the crowd all through the early October weekend.
The vehicles started coming in bright and early on the first day of the event, steadily settling at the dedicated area at the fringe of the stadium's vicinity. While cooking, camping and relaxing gears were whisked out, participants also crawled the line of food trucks and booths selling spare parts that peppered the line-up.
A few enthusiasts from neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore also showed up, lending the congregation an international flair. By noon, the long rows of vehicles created a retro panorama that enticed autophiles and even accidental visitors from neighbouring events alike.
First held at Melaka International Motorsport Circuit in 2019, the idea to combine a parade of classics, camping and speed was mooted by Mohd Noorhisham Mohd Nawawi, president of the Kelab Volkswagen Klasik Empayar. The fusion quickly gained the support of VW classic fans from around the nation but the vision to make it an annual event was side-tracked by the pandemic.
Still, a community was virtually built under the Speedorama by Aircooled Empaya banner, and to date its Facebook Group account has gathered more than 1,600 members. Though not all made it to the nation's capital for the two-day parade and camping do, this year's turnout was bigger than its first iteration.
"Speedorama Volume 2 gathered about 250 classic Volkswagen vehicles, a much better turnout compared with the 200 we hosted during Volume 1. While Speedorama Volume 1 brought the speed theme alive with drag racing, Speedorama Volume 2's main itinerary was show and shine. As a highlight, awards were given to the best slammed VW Beetle and Kombi," said Noorhisham.
The 47-year-old enthusiast further revealed, "We're glad to hear that participants and visitors were satisfied and this has encouraged me to continue improving. I envisioned holding Speedorama Volume 3 at the Sepang International Circuit. Hopefully the next one will take place in 2023."
Speedorama Volume 2 was organised in collaboration with the Youth and Sports Ministry of Malaysia.