Roadshow: Upcoming car events across Australia, January to March

Most of January has passed us by, but between now and March there are a slew of options with something for everyone - and, with luck, the weather will hold out!

If we had the freedom to spend the next couple of months flitting from state to state, checking out some of the biggest and quirkiest ones, here's what our itinerary would look like.

Our trip around Australia would have to kick off in the Northern Territory with the Australia Day Ute Run. The gates to the Hidden Valley Raceway open at 8.30am on Thursday January 26, 2017 and utes of all shapes, sizes, makes and models are welcome to participate. From there, the convoy will make its way to the Darwin Showgrounds for a family friendly day out.

Run in partnership with the Classic Holden Car Club, the event also includes a thong throwing competition and muffler toss. Entry is $20 per vehicle with all proceeds going to Variety - the children's charity.

Click here for more information.

According to Google Maps, it would take 56 hours to drive from Darwin to St Helens in Tasmania. Bit of a stretch, but let's pretend it would be possible to get there in time for Wheels, Wine & Dine on Saturday January 28, 2017.

It's part of St Helens Regatta Rocks On and hosted by East Coast Car Club. The program includes beautiful classic cars, regatta action on the water, wood chopping, local craft beer and wine, food, bikes and boats.

Click here for more information.

The Bathurst 12 Hour is on in New South Wales from February 3-5. It's an epic weekend full of fast cars, edge-of-your-seat action, thrills, spills and entertainment. The endurance race takes place at the challenging Mount Panorama Circuit and sees drivers get behind the wheel of GT vehicles from a range of manufacturers and go head to head.

Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren, Porsche, plus plenty more - what more could you want.

Click here for more information.

From NSW we'd head over to Western Australia for Big Al's Poker Run. Owners of pre-1978 hot rods, custom cars, trucks, pickups, classic and special interest vehicles will gather at Perry Lakes Reserve in Floreat on Saturday February 11, 2017. There’ll be a Show ‘n’ Shine, markets and of course a treasure hunt.

Alan ‘Big Al’ Erdman founded the fundraising event back in 1981 and sadly passed away last year. But the event lives on, raising money for Uni Camp For Kids.

Click here for more information.

It's not often that cars and horses mix, but Horses & Horsepower manages to combine the two well. On Sunday February 19, Victoria's Moe Racing Club will host a car show and race day.

Beautiful shiny cars will grace the trackside lawn, there'll be jumping castles, pony rides and face painting for the kids, and of course all of the usual race day festivities for the adults to indulge in.

Click here for more information.

Head to the ACT on Saturday February 25 for Low Intentions Capital Jam. Minitrucks, custom cars, hot rods, bikes and classic cars will be on show at Westside Container Village, Acton Park, Acton from 10am till 3pm.

Spend the night in our nation's capital and stick around for the Canberra Mustang Club Car Show. It's held every two years and is on Sunday February 26 on the West Laws of Old Parliament House. The even will raise money for the Snowy Hydro Southcare Helicopter Rescue Service and kicks off at 8.30am.

Click here for more information.

This event should be on the bucket list of every racing enthusiast. The salt flats of Lake Gairdner in South Australia are spectacular and play host to old and new cars, motorcycles and trucks for Speed Week from February 27 to March 3.

Run by Dry Lakes Racers Australia, there are a range of classes and there will be international record attempts. Straight line speed, salt and sun - superb.

Click here for more information.

From South Australia to Queensland now for the High Altitude Hot Rod Run on from March 10-12. Australian Street Rod Federation (ASRF) class vehicles are eligible to be entered and the public is welcome to come along to the Show 'n' Shine on Sunday the 12th of March at Cobb & Co Museum in Toowoomba from 9am.

For those taking part in the run there is a full program that includes an 'Under the Sea' themed party on Saturday night.

Click here for more information.

Do you know of any interesting car events coming up? Let us know in the comments section below.