Multiple Events | Benalla VIC

Thursday: 13 November

A Day with Bubsie: Record-Breaking Laps and Heartwarming Memories

Racing into History at Winton Motor Raceway
The day started with a roar (well, more of a gentle purr) at Winton Motor Raceway! We met up with Tharren and two track officials who strategically positioned us around the circuit—cameras ready, excitement building.
Then Bubsie took to the track. And what a performance! Our beloved vintage beauty completed her best lap in just 4 minutes and 41.75 seconds. For a car with under 10 horsepower and over 40 years of stories etched into her frame, this was nothing short of spectacular—another record for Bubsie’s growing list of achievements! After capturing some fantastic footage and photos, we packed up and headed to our next adventure. A huge thank you to the Raceway officials for letting us unleash Bubsie on their track!

Young Hearts and Curious Minds at Australian Christian College
Assembly had just wrapped up when we arrived at the college, and suddenly we were surrounded by eager students settling in around Bubsie. Kevin launched into the story, and you could see the wonder in their eyes. The high school students received copies of the Overlander as they passed by, but the real highlight? Watching their teachers squeeze into the vintage car! The kids absolutely loved it.
We cranked up the engine for the older students—nothing quite like that authentic motor sound to bring history to life. Teachers walked away with Overlanders and QR cards featuring the story and nature programs, before we loaded Bubsie back into the trailer and headed to our next stop.

Memory Lane at Estia Health Aged Care
We ran a bit behind schedule, but the staff at Estia Health worked their magic, gathering residents just as we finished setting up. The moment they saw Bubsie, their faces lit up—the car was a time machine transporting them back decades.
Simon from the Benalla Ensign arrived to interview Kevin, and afterward, Kevin shared stories of the original trip around Australia with our captivated audience. Everyone received a book, and the staff got QR cards to share the story further.
Some beautiful connections happened: a lady from South Australia bonded with our SA team members, and we even met a man clearing out a deceased resident’s room who was delighted to take a book. The volunteers proudly showed us the wooden Ford T car they’d crafted with residents in their workshop—just one of many creative projects they tackle together.
Ron, one of the residents, shared his personal memory book filled with projects he’d worked on over the years. Turns out he’d done significant work on the Winton Motor Race Track in the past! Hearing his stories about the additions he’d been responsible for brought our day full circle. The staff confirmed what we already felt—it was a great display.

Stories and Supporters at Benalla Library
After unloading Bubsie in the library car park (trailer safely parked on the lawn below), we settled in for an afternoon of ebb and flow. True to form, library visitors couldn’t resist a good story, and the Overlanders found eager hands.
A wonderful supporter of The Incredible Journey stopped by, thrilled with what we’re doing and happy to chat. We even received a generous donation from a man who’d picked up an Overlander.
Lunch break meant a trip to the local bakery for some seriously delicious savoury pies—thank you to our amazing Benalla hosts! We also connected with a church member who’s been using The Incredible Journey resources for their media outreach, along with materials they’ve shared at recent Benalla shows.

The Best-Equipped Workshop Ever: Benalla K-12 School
After a small detour to the wrong campus (oops!), we found our way to the Mechanics workshop—and wow! This was hands-down the most impressive, well-equipped workshop we’ve ever encountered.
The students were genuinely interested as Kevin shared Bubsie’s story and the mechanical challenges faced during the journey. More classes joined us, and then came the really cool part: Bubsie was hoisted up so everyone could examine her underside!
One student successfully cranked the engine to life—what an achievement! Another gave it a go but couldn’t quite manage it, though the first student offered encouraging words. Kevin then fired her up with the starter button and drove Bubsie to the trailer. Photos captured the moment, and we were off to our final aged care display.

An Unexpected Kindred Spirit at Cooinda Aged Care
We cruised around the village following a man on a gopher—our guide to the perfect setup spot. Little did we know, Glen Taylor had been waiting to meet us. His story? Seventeen years ago, he built his own car from mostly second-hand parts for under $500, then took off around Australia solo. He covered 17,741 km in 28 days with nothing but a pocket full of spanners and determination. Talk about a kindred spirit!
Kevin moved inside to share Bubsie’s story while the rest of our crew stayed busy with the independent living residents who’d come to see the car. After the talk, everyone ventured outside for a closer look. The wind intensified and rain seemed imminent, but we only got a few spits before it passed—perfect timing to enjoy the display.

Wrapping Up the Day
As the day wound down, it was time to say goodbye to Pastor Tharren. Kevin led us in prayer before we headed back to Murray and Mary’s place for the evening.
Relaxing on their verandah, taking in the stunning views, and sharing a beautiful meal together was the perfect ending to an absolutely incredible day. From record-breaking laps to heartwarming connections spanning generations, Bubsie continues to bring joy, inspiration, and memories wherever she goes.