General News
4 October, 2024
Full tank for 2024 Chopped
One of Australia’s biggest hot rod, rock & roll, motorcycle parties is revving up its engines — with Chopped returning for a three-day extravaganza in Carisbrook this weekend.
From today until Sunday, thousands will roll into the Maryborough Harness Racing Complex to revel in gritty dirt drag racing, live music and entertainment.
Parked in Carisbrook for the third time around, Chopped director Kyle Ford said the event’s success depends on the venue and they’ve found the best one.
“Before we were out in Newstead but as it grew and got bigger, we needed a spot that could accommodate it all,” he said.
“We needed a better venue, a good space and a good town — now we have all three.
“This is the best place we’ve ever been in and the people around Carisbrook are amazing as well. The support we’ve gotten from everybody over the years has been incredible.”
A key feature of Chopped has always been the racing, and a brand new attraction is certainly looking to solidify that.
“We’re introducing the Gasser Elimination Shootout this year, which involves some wild racing style cars built in the early sixties,” Mr Ford said.
“It’s never happened before but it’s well anticipated.”
Classic cars, shiny bikes and motoring aside, there’s also a steady supply of musical entertainment with Cosmic Psychos headlining the event.
“There’s over 20 bands from across the country playing over the three days,” Mr Ford said.
“The headliner act is from central Victoria, they’re about as local as you can get, which is amazing.
“On top of all that we’ve got a big tiki bar opposite the stage, we have heaps of vendors, inside the halls we’ve got a tattoo parlour with 10 tattoo artists and a barber — all surrounded by period chopper motorcycles.”
According to Mr Ford, it is expected over 2000 people will attend the festival, and he hopes locals will also throw their support behind the event.
“Every country has an event that puts it on the radar for visitors, Chopped is like that for motor-heads from the world over,” he said.
“From that perspective I think locals should be proud they’ve got something like this happening in their town and if you want good things to happen, then you’ve got to back it as well — otherwise people won’t put them on.
“There’s nothing like this in Australia, so if it’s in your back pocket you may as well take advantage of it.”
Chopped kicked off today and will run over the weekend, finishing off on Sunday.
While tickets to stay the whole three days of the festival are available to purchase — day passes can also be bought at the gate.
For more information visit www.chopped.com.au.