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The
inaugural Macedon Ranges Grand Tour was held in 2003, an event open to
owners of cars 25 years and older, showcasing the region to all who love
to drive classic cars through picturesque countryside. It was the first
use of the slogan "Everyone
loves a drive in the country", the
model we have adhered too ever since.
Initially a single day, all inclusive event, the Tour, whilst retaining
the Saturday tour as its core, has grown to offer a social pre-event
dinner with guest speaker at a local hotel on the Friday evening, and a
low key car display in conjunction with a Picnic in the Park situated in
the congenial surroundings of the John Aitken Reserve in Gisborne. This
is adjacent to the famous Gisborne Olde Time Sunday Market held each
month. Both of these are optional additions.
The Tour fosters an atmosphere of relaxed touring, good food and fine
wine together with good old country hospitality. It is a community based
event in which the organising committee are volunteers and local
establishments are used wherever possible to provide services and
catering, however, it would not be possible to stage the Tour without
the backing of our sponsors-
The naming rights sponsor of the Tour is the Gisborne Region Events
Activities & Tourism Association, (GREAT) which is responsible for
an extraordinary amount of good work in the Gisborne region. The GREAT
Association runs the Market mentioned above, which is reputed to be the
second largest in Victoria. Proceeds from the market are spread
throughout the community ranging from items such as a drinking fountain,
to a new truck for the Emergency Services teams in Gisborne. All of this
is run by volunteers.
Foundation sponsor of The Grand Tour, classic car enthusiast and
energetic promoter of the region, John Ellis is perhaps most known for
his role as owner of the Hanging Rock Winery. Established in 1983 by
John and Ann Ellis, the winery, is perfectly situated for producing
Australia's finest sparkling wine. Hanging Rock Winery is the largest
winery in the Macedon Ranges, boasting an extensive range of wines which
showcase some of the best that Victoria has to offer.
The Tour is partly funded by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s
Sponsorship Scheme which supports local volunteer groups throughout the
shire, which are aimed at improving the quality of life in the Ranges.
We are fortunate to have a forward looking council which appreciates the
work of volunteer groups such as ours.
TD Automotive Services Pty Ltd, the sole trophy sponsor for the Saturday
event. Located in Gisborne TD is geared to handle the full range of
automotive services from a simple car service to complete restoration of
classic and historic vehicles.
Meguiar’s car care products sponsor the Sunday Picnic in the Park and
car display. Frank Meguiar Jr started manufacturing polishes in 1901,
with the philosophy never to sell a product unless he was convinced it
was the very best of its kind on the market. At the 50th anniversary of
the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance, 21 of the 25 Best of
Class winners and the Best of Show winner all used Meguiar's products to
achieve their flawless perfection
Click on the logos below to find out more about our sponsors.
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