Camera IconRay Panizza leads the tin tops up Aberdeen Street in his 1977 Ford Escort. Jacki Elezovich Credit: Jacki Elezovich

The Albany Classic took over the streets of the Albany CBD on Sunday, with thousands coming out to enjoy the 90th edition of the annual event.

The wild weather forecast for the WA Day long weekend stayed away for the racing on Sunday, and Albany locals and visitors alike took advantage of the unexpected clear skies to get down to York Street to see vintage cars fly around the track.

The 90th anniversary of the popular event saw more than 140 drivers compete, each getting a practice lap then three time trials, which are then averaged to give the overall winner.

The Classic is a timed event, with drivers racing to a nominated time rather than against each other on the track.

Camera IconGeorge De Domahidy leads Simon Loh down Peels Place. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
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The cars entered are divided into five categories based on the car’s age and type: classic sports cars, modern sports cars, historic touring cars, tin tops and pre-1960 sports cars.

In the PFD Classic Sports Cars category, James Mason was the winner in his 1969 Triumph Spitfire, and Peter McGrath was the winner of the A1 Sandblasting Modern Sports Cars with his 1997 MG F.

The MCB Construction Historic Touring Cars was won by Brad Peters with his 1965 Ford Cortina GT, Howard Heerey took out the Camtrans Tin Tops with his 1994 BMW E36 M3, and John Skinner ended the day the winner of the Premier Hotel Pre-1960 Sports Cars with his 1956 Ford Zephyr.

Several breakdowns and two crashes slowed down proceedings throughout the day, but no drivers were injured and volunteers helped clear the track after each incident to make sure racing could resume.

Albany Classic Motorsport Club president Glenn Badger said the event was a great success, with the usual crowds keeping the Albany CBD busy all day and scores of people taking the opportunity to walk through the pits at their new location behind the Premier Hotel.

“It was an absolutely fantastic weekend,” Mr Badger said.

Camera IconMichael Broughton navigates Peels Place in his 1965 Porsche. Credit: Jacki Elezovich

“The forecast was not looking great and everyone was I think getting a bit worried, but we got lucky and the rain stayed away for most of the day, even for the set up and pack down which was great.

“The crowds this year were incredible.

“The whole precinct was busy and it looked like there were plenty of people who came down to enjoy the day, which is great to see.”

Camera IconGlenn Badger rounds the corner at the top of York Street in his 1970 Ford Falcon. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconCameron Bruce leads the way up Aberdeen Street in his 1976 Holden LX. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconMark Abbott comes round the corner in his 1964 Morris Cooper. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconCars lined up in the pits behind the Premier Hotel. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconTony Menna on Aberdeen Street in his Holden Commodore. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconSimon Loh leads the pack down York Street in his 1968 Alfa GTV. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconJames Mason comes down Peels Place under the footbridge in his 1969 Triumph Spitfire. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconJamie Scott in his 1979 Ford Escort. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconNeville Simpson corners at the top of Aberdeen street in his 1980 Holden Commodore. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconRay Panizza in his 1977 Ford Escort. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconDarren Russell on Aberdeen Street in his Torana Hatch. Credit: Jacki Elezovich
Camera IconRon Fabry drives out of the pits in his 1961 MG Midget. Credit: Jacki Elezovich

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