MORE than 53,000 spectators attended events at Lance East Exotics Tarmac West in Perth and the eastern suburbs last month.

The Ellenbrook sunset stages on Thursday, September 18 drew about 8000 people, the biggest crowd since the stages were introduced to the four-day tarmac rally in 2019.

Langley Park was transformed into a Motoring Mecca with over 600 vehicles on display that included a huge collection of hot rods and street machines and stunning classic cars from yesteryear along the river in the Shannons Classics on the Swan display.

Lance East Exotics (LEE) had a large central display of impressive motors including McLarens, Aston Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and more.

New this year was the Ayani Car Collective (ACC), Showcasing BMW stage and a VIP area for invited ACC, LEE and BMW customers.

The ACC Picnic included an incredible mix of supercars, customs, and collector favourites along with a Red Bull DJ pumping out high energy music.

Also new at Langley Park was the Ellenbrook Community Collective Markets with stalls from car memorabilia to automotive art, and jewellery to gin tasting.

Lance East Exotics Tarmac West Event Director Ross Tapper said the outstanding success is a result of many organisations working together.

“The turnout at Langley Park exceeded all expectations – it’s a significant increase from last year where the official spectator count was over 25,000,” Mr Tapper said.

“Same with the Ellenbrook Toyota Stages, they are always popular and each year it draws more people.

“People came to Kalamunda to see the service park which closed the main street, there were more spectators at Bullsbrook and Toodyay, and Malaga on Sunday morning also attracted loads of spectators and we haven’t included those in our attendance count.

“Both the City of Perth and the City of Swan love Tarmac West, the competitors love the big crowds, and these spectator numbers show there’s an appetite for motorsport in Perth.

“It’s a result of working together and a combined effort between our valued sponsors, partners, all the motorsport clubs and car clubs and the wider motor enthusiast community.”

Mr Tapper attributed the mild sunny spring weather as a factor that helped draw the crowds to Langley Park.

“We have intentionally kept every spectator point free so everyone can enjoy tarmac rallying,” he said.

“It makes me and the whole team of officials, sponsors and competitors feel proud that after 21 years, Tarmac West is still so strong.”

Owned by Tarmac Events, Lance East Exotics Tarmac West is powered by a dedicated committee and an army of 300 passionate volunteers.

Competitors in modern and classic cars will race the clock along 33 stages and a total of 230 competitive kilometres along closed roads around Whiteman Park, Ellenbrook, Parkerville, Kalamunda, Toodyay, Maryville, Bullsbrook, Malaga and the City of Perth.

There were 45 cars lined up for the start of Lance East Exotics Tarmac West and 28 cars crossed the finish line of the last stage.

The outright winner was first-time entrant Bryce Moore with co-driver Adrian Burney in their 2022 Toyota Supra. Second place was Jurgen and Helen Lunsmann in the EV, 2019 Tesla Model 3P+, and rounding out the top three 13 years since he last competed in Tarmac West, was James Lister with co-driver Steph Esterbauer in his Mitsubishi TM 6.5.

For more information and full results visit the website.