Hot rodders catch the bug

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HOT RODDING is like a bug, says Pete Paynter: “Once it gets ya, it's hard to get it out of ya system.”

The Ocean Shores hot rod enthusiast will be in his element among hundreds of like-minded souls at this weekend's third annual Back to Brunswick Hot Rod Run.

The event was organised by Mr Paynter and his mate from the Gold Coast, Rod Brewer, and will showcase some of the country's most impressive hot rods.

Mr Paynter and Mr Brewer have also managed to attract two of the world's most respected hot rodding experts, Pete Chapouris and Jimmy Shine, from the US Discovery Channel's TV program, Hard Shine, to be special guests at the meet.

Booking the pair was a coup: “They are the gurus of hot rodding,” said Mr Paynter.

Last year's run involved more than 350 cars and this year's event is expected to be even bigger, with enthusiasts coming from as far away as Victoria, Queensland and even Russia to take part.

A hot rod is typically a pre-1948 car, although it can be later, that has been modified to suit the owner's taste.

Among the visitors in the town yesterday were Chris Dansie and his wife, who have had spent the past week in Brunswick Heads in the lead-up to the big event.

“It's a nice place to visit for a holiday and you get the added bonus of meeting several hundred like-minded people,” Mr Dansie said.

Mr Dansie said much of the joy of hot rodding came from creating a car that was unique and reflected your personality.

The weekend run will start at Bangalow Showgrounds this morning, wind its way through Byron Bay mid-morning, then continue on to Billinudgel pub for lunch.

Another contingent of cars will travel down from Queensland's Gold Coast.

Tomorrow there will be a show and shine of the rods at Banner Park, Brunswick Heads.

It will be followed by a presentation of awards at the pub by master of ceremonies Mark ‘Jacko' Jackson.

WHERE TO SEE THE HOT RODS

TODAY: The Hot Rods will leave Bangalow at 11am, make their way through Byron Bay, then continue on to the Billinudgel Pub.

TOMORROW: A Show and Shine will be held at Banner Park, Brunswick Heads from 9am.