Thanks to Lydden Hill and the staff there it brought a new venue and a chilled out weekend into the VW calendar. The track has a really relaxed feel to it and due to the lay out you can pretty much see the entire circuit from most vantage points, offering unspoilt views of on track battles progressing throughout the day.

 

The star vehicle for most was the Race Taxi. Fred brought his Porsche Powered, T25 chassis’d, Split Bodied mad creation all the way from Switzerland to be at the event. Living up to its Taxi status it has 3 passenger seats as well as the drivers seat and he was taking punters round the circuit on one of the most exciting thrill rides available. The acceleration was exciting but the braking and cornering was out of this world.

We were blessed with a nice sunny Saturday too which after the previous months of rain was a welcome surprise. Those who brought their driving licenses with them could also take their own vehicle out on track. It didn’t have to be a racy vehicle as some of the T4’s and campers driving round proved. There were a few opportunities to do a Track Parade too, so for those that didn’t want to take their vehicle to its limits but wanted a chance to join in, and get photo’s and video’s of their vehicle out on circuit.

The show and shine during the day catered for those who are more polish than pole position, and was won by a very worthy ‘65 beetle which had had a recent restoration.

Also showing rather than going were the guys from Havair with a nice selection of Air ride vehicles – including their parts hauler T5, and Mk1 Golf 5 door.

 Saturday evening saw some exciting up and coming bands take to the main stage which being amongst the show and shine and the traders gave a great feeling.
Sadly the weather wasn’t so kind on the sunday and this seemed to keep some folk away. Sunday morning (Due to the Track Noise restrictions) saw the Soap Box Racers take to the hill in front of the grand stand and this was followed by the uphill Bug Push. This gave most who had had a heavy night to spend the morning recovering.

 Being the first event, hopefully in a long line of Apex Festivals, there will of course be lessons to be learnt and already plans are in place to make improvements for next year.

 

It’s fair to say the organisers of any event are chuffed to get a show from an idea into reality, and Simon and Phil are exactly that. With comparisons to the legendary Le Bug show at Spa being made by some attendees – this for sure is one to watch out for…and if you made it to this one don’t forget to tell the grandchildren!!

See more of our photos from the Apex Festival here.

Alex