Thousands of rev heads unite to kick off first day of the 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500

Burning rubber along with the thrills and spills has seen thousands of rev heads loving day one of the 25th VAILO Adelaide 500.

Thousands of rev heads sporting freshly trimmed mullets and colourful racing gear came out in droves to catch the action on the first day of this year’s VAILO Adelaide 500.

From jaw dropping car displays, to the non-stop action inside the race paddocks, it was a paradise for racing enthusiasts of all ages off the track.

Celebrating its 25th year, the iconic event has become tradition for many South Australian families including the Ford mad Hockings family.

“My dad used to race cars so I was brought up with racing so this is our (family’s) thing that we do together,” mum Tanya said.

“I love it, the smell, the thrills, the spills, everything.”

Siblings Shaylah and Zac Hocking have inherited their mum’s love of racing. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Her passion has been passed down to her daughter Shaylah, 20, and son Zac, 18, with the family coming to the event each year for over a decade.

“I love it now, I get really into it,” Shayla said.

For Zac, who is vision impaired, the event’s accessibility is a major drawcard outside of the thrills of the sport.

Outside of the thrills of the sport, the event’s accessibility is a major drawcard for Zac, who is vision impaired.

“Its great, its good fun, I’m looking forward to the Supercars most always, just hope nobody hits the wall on Turn 8,” he said.

Darren Nayda wears his car hat at the Adelaide 500. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Arguably one of the sport’s biggest fans, Evanston Park local Darren Nayda is known around the track for his array of handmade car hats.

The first hat of this year’s line-up, a 1972 GTR X-U1 Torana, complete with working lights and smoke didn’t disappoint.

“I’m very, very passionate about my V8s,” he said.

“(Today’s hat is) getting back to grassroots racing which is what we should be.

“I love the sound (of the V8s), I love the roar.”

Five years on since he first started making his hats, he said making people smile was what fuelled his passion.

“I like to see that smile on people’s faces, the kids love it,” he said.

The Supercard drivers were grilled by a handful of SA students. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Off the track, a handful of lucky school kids had the chance to get up close and personal with Supercar drivers Thomas Randle, Bryce Fullwood, Andre Heimgartner, and Jaxon Evans.

Made up of students from Challa Gardens Primary, Brighton Primary and Tailem Bend Primary, the kids were able to ask the racing stars about what it’s like having the “coolest job” in the world.

Tailem Bend Primary Year 6 student Jett, was excited to ask the drivers about becoming a race engineer one day.

“It was really cool,” he said.

“Being an engineer is my dream job.”

It was his second time at the Adelaide 500 with the youngster excited to watch the races.

“It’s good to come out to a street circuit because I live out at The Bend,” he said.