The words spill from the Taree Volunteer Rescue Association fundraising co-ordinator as he tries to describe the success of the Weekend On Wheels on Sunday, May 27.

“How can I say it? We were over the moon with everything, really everything,” Mr Northam said.

“We were over the moon with the numbers of people. We expected about 2000 people on the day but we got more than 3000.

“From around 10.15am we were inundated with people and they just didn’t stop coming all day, we were over the moon.

“Our event also broke a Shannon’s Super Rig Display Truck record. They clocked 1562 people through their truck, which is the second highest number in the State. Shannon’s was over the moon with the success of the event! They said we got more people through that truck than the V8 Supercars event - I found that hard to believe but Shannon’s count everything and the figures tell the story.

“They will be back to the event next year!”

The Shannon’s Super Big Rig Display also featured a Goggomobil Dart vehicle, the make that was made famous by Shannon’s successful insurance advertising campaign, and racing simulators that attracted the interest of adults and children, indeed 1562 people sat in the simulators and tapped into their inner racing driver.

The financial success of the event is still be finalised but it’s $8500 and rising. The event secured funds from general admission fees of $2 per person or $5 per family, vehicle and trade display entry fees, dyno machine useage fees and the motor rebuilding competition entry fees.

Mr Northam said he hoped the final figures will reveal a profit of around $10,000 for Taree Volunteer Rescue Association.

More than 300 sets of wheels filled the grounds next to Taree Leagues Club from 8am. Street machines, dragsters, hotrods, bikes, cars captured the eyes and imagination of the men, women and children who streamed into the grounds.

The atmosphere was relaxed and according to Mr Northam, six bands added an awesome sound to the event - Earnest and Young, Lucy and Gabbie, The Sick Lads, Kavit, Believe The Hype and Purple Sheep and a surprise 40-minute performance by 2004 Toyota Star Maker winner, Travis Collins.

The event also provided car and bike enthusiasts with an opportunity to display their vehicles and compete for one of 42 trophies which ranged in classifications from vintage, custom, utes, paint work, artworks and muscle.

There were 131 entries from up and down the coast with Dennis Berriman taking home a haul of six trophies. Mr Berriman travelled from Newcastle with his 2005 Harley Davidson and claimed the trophies of Best Custom, Best Bike, Best Rat, Best Display, Best USA and Best In Show.

Dean Dennes took out the Best Artwork on a Bike and Overall People’s Choice trophies with his 2008 Harley CVO Springer.

Ivan Smith claimed the Best Vintage Original Bike and Best European Bike trophies with his 1955 Matchless G9 and Monika Mills took out the Best Japanese and Best Paintwork trophies with her ZX6R Ninja 1976.

Car enthusiasts were treated to an array of vehicles with Grant Gardner taking out the Best Paint trophy with his 1966 Mustang. Modern Monaro fans were able to enjoy Mick Muddle’s 2002 Monaro which secured the Best Street and Best Interior trophies. Best Custom went to Andy Hatcliff with a 1975 XB Coupe; Best Van: Denis Cefarin - 1977 Ford XC Panel Van; Shannon’s Sponsor Choice: Dot McIntosh - 1937 Ford Pick-up; Overall Best Artwork and Best Artwork: Tai Sadler - 1993 Honda CRX; Overall Best Paint: Doug Schmidt - 2001 Nissan Silvia; Best Nostalgia and Best Vintage: Grahame Leed; Best Muscle Car: Jarrad Rogers - 1974 Holden Torana; Best Engine Bay and Best Coupe: Gordon Scott - 1974 Ford Falcon Coupe; Best Ratt Rod: Russell Bryce - 1928 Ford; Best Ute: Tony Northam - 2011 FPV Ute; Best Hot Rod: John Amato - 1930 Ford A Coupe; Best Sedan: Adam Williams - EH Holden 1964 and Best Truck: Greg Cavanagh - 1952 Bedford.

The Taree Auto One, KingChrome Tools and North Coast Auto Wreckers Motor Rebuild Competition was won by Matthew Beard.