Queenslanders flock to Dalby Show 2023 to help make history in two world record attempts

Hundreds of engine enthusiasts have flocked to the Dalby Showgrounds with dreams of setting not one but two epic world records, all in the name of making history. We talked with the brains behind the ambitious goals.

World record marketing co-ordinator Craig Tunley dons his overalls in preparation for the 'most overalls worn at once' world record attempt at the Dalby Show 2023. Picture: Emily Devon

More than 500 vintage engines from all across Queensland have rolled into the Dalby showgrounds with the goal of making history in more ways than one this weekend at the spectacular Dalby Show for 2023.

In a sight you don’t see often, as attendees step foot into the Dalby Show they will notice rows upon rows of vintage stationary machines lined up, and being cared for by their owners who are making sure their engine is ready and roaring to go for Saturday’s world record.

Full-time accountant, longtime engine enthusiast and the madman behind the engine world record idea, Darren Grey has 43 engines involved in the huge event.

He said the idea came to light after having a conversation with good friend and treasurer of the Dalby Show Society Rob Parsons.

“I said, ‘Why don’t we do something strange?’” he said.

“Like see if we can get a whole heap of engines together, and we had a look around for the records and bang.”

As it stands the current record is 353, and more than 500 vintage engines have signed up for the Dalby spectacle.

Allan Jackson (left) and Darren Grey (right) prepare their 43 engines prior to the world record attempt at the Dalby Show 2023. Picture: Emily Devon

Mr Grey, who was joined by his best friend of 19 years Allan Jackson, are both part of the Pioneer Park Museum Vintage Engines Society and contacted other vintage engine groups and friends via social media and word of mouth.

“I was thinking if we could actually break 450 we’ll do well but that’s turned into 500 and now we’re doing another 50,” Mr Grey said.

The Dalby accountant and engine lover said his father had always been involved with engines as he had worked for Southern Cross Collectors, and he himself got into the hobby eight years ago.

“I’m a Toowoomba boy originally, and I started with one and then it became a disease,” he said.

“The magnetic trailer just keeps coming home with another one.”

Mr Jackson said the passion for engines helped get him out of retirement.

“It’s a good pastime,” Mr Jackson said.

“The comradery between all of the clubs is fantastic, there’s no negativity here.”

Darren Grey from Pioneer Park Museum manually turns on one of his 43 vintage engines at the Dalby Show 2023. Picture: Emily Devon

While the atmosphere between the clubs and along the rows and rows of vintage engines is positive and filled with excitement, there are nerves swirling around which engines will make it and which will not.

For the world record to be achieved the engines must run for a full 10 minutes, so those that break down midway will not be counted.

“My biggest concern is running out of fuel, or if an engine gets too hot the spark plug will cut out, they’re the main things,” Mr Grey said.

All engines must be started and running by the time the countdown hits 2pm, which is when the 10 minutes will start.

“I know it sounds silly but even down to figuring out which engines need a bit of oil to get the compression up and get them started is important,” Mr Grey said.

More than 500 vintage engines have arrived at the Dalby Show for 2023. Picture: Emily Devon

Despite any nerves, Mr Grey and Mr Jackson were confident the world record would be achieved at the Dalby Show on Saturday.

“It’s all about collecting and saving history,” Mr Grey said.

If the engines weren’t enough to get crowds roaring, a second history-making event will be at play.

World record marketing co-ordinator and the brain behind the overall world record idea, Craig Tunley said the goal was to get people excited about visiting the region, if they weren’t already persuaded by the engines.

“We wanted to attract and bring people in whether it be from Brisbane, Sunny Coast, Gold Coast, they might come not just for the show or the engines,” he said.

“I asked, what can we do that’s quirky? And when we looked back at old Dalby Show photos, we noticed people standing with their engines were also wearing overalls, so we thought maybe people will come to see heaps of people wearing those in a world record attempt.”

World record marketing co-ordinator Craig Tunley dons his overalls in preparation for the 'most overalls worn at once' world record attempt at the Dalby Show 2023. Picture: Emily Devon

Currently Mr Tunley said there was no record for most overalls worn by people at once, however the event needs to include at least 500 people to make it a world record.

“I’m excited but I’m a little anxious,” he said.

The overall world record attempt will take place from 1pm, but residents and visitors involved have been asked to assemble at the Knox Pavilion at 12:30pm where they will begin counting.

Attendees can purchase overalls at a stand located at the Knox Pavilion.

For more details on the Dalby Show for 2023 click here.