In April 2006 the inaugural Big River Regional Street Rod Nationals were held in the Riverland region of South Australia. Hosted by the locally based Riverside Rodders Club and organized and promoted by an enthusiastic committee of South Australian Hot Rodders, the event was an outstanding success.
Early in the planning stages the decision was made to expand the types of vehicles eligible for entry. This meant not only were Australian Street Rod Federation class vehicles (Hot Rods, Customs and Classics) accepted, but also Australian and American Classic and Performance cars and Street Machines up to 1972, as well as Special Interest vehicles at the discretion of the committee.
A comprehensive marketing and advertising campaign through the major enthusiast magazines and local media was held during the months prior to the Big River Nationals and contributed to the success. Over 400 entries came from all states of Australia, 31 trade and sponsors stands and 14 variety stalls participated, 15 catering vendors provided food and drink and over 6,000 spectators attended.
The positive financial impact on the Riverland region not only from a tourism aspect but also as a spectacle saw the event nominated for a Riverland and two South Australian Tourism Awards as well as an SA Great Award.
Big River Nationals 2006 Statistics
Entries by state for the total 405 entries.
South Australia 252 62.2%
Victoria 56 13.8%
New South Wales 49 12.1%
ACT 1 0.2%
Tasmania 2 0.5%
Queensland 11 2.7%
Western Australia 34 8.5%
As a percentage of ASRF membership in each of the states.
South Australia 74.3%
Victoria 4.2%
New South Wales 3.8%
ACT 1.8%
Tasmania 1.4%
Queensland 0.8%
Western Australia 8.8%
Percentage of each class vehicle from the 374 vehicles entered.
Hot Rods 249 66.6%
Classics 66 17.6%
Customs 43 11.5%
Performance Cars 10 2.7%
Special Interest Cars 6 1.6%
