Newcastle’s Foreshore Car Meet Revives Memories of the City’s Legendary Hot Car, Lapping, Racing and Burnouts Scene

28 August 2024

Image of the event posted by anonymous user on social media

Newcastle’s foreshore came alive on Saturday night as car enthusiasts gathered for a nostalgic event that revived the city’s once-thriving “lapping” and Racing culture. The meet-up, organised by Sydney-based social media personality Clay Wong, attracted a significant crowd, bringing back memories of the automotive scene that was a major part of Newcastle’s youth culture over 20 years ago.

The event kicked off at the foreshore car park, where enthusiasts showcased their vehicles before setting off on a cruise to a secret location at 7 pm. Wong, known for his popular car videos that often rack up over a million views, has promised that footage from the night will be released soon, much to the anticipation of his followers.

For those who were part of Newcastle’s car scene in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Saturday night was a trip down memory lane. Back then, Nobbys carpark was the epicentre of car culture, where large groups of drivers would gather before heading to Kooragang Island for impromptu races. Convoys to Sydney and various spots around the Hunter for street racing were common, and the weekends were filled with the roar of engines and the thrill of speed.

The online reaction to the event has been filled with nostalgia, with many recalling the “fat laps” they used to do, the subwoofers booming from their boots, and the excitement of cruising the streets of Newcastle. Comments under photos posted from the event reflected this sentiment, with participants and onlookers alike reminiscing about the old days.

One user, Bec Nennas, commented, “Car meet by the look of it,” to which others quickly responded, sharing their own memories and experiences. Dominique Martin noted, “Cruise to a secret location and a YouTuber was producing the video,” while Sheena Louise Arthur recalled, “I remember 20 years ago it was like this every weekend doing fat laps.”

The comments continued with mentions of racing under the Stockton Bridge, the excitement of convoying to Sydney, and the unforgettable nights spent cruising through town. For many, the event was not just a gathering of cars but a revival of a culture that defined their youth.

As Newcastle’s car culture sees a resurgence, events like this serve as a reminder of the city’s rich automotive history and the sense of community it fostered. With Clay Wong’s video on the way, the memories of Newcastle’s “lapping” days are set to be shared with a new generation of car enthusiasts.