The Toyota MR2 enthusiasts in Canberra originally affiliated with NSW or VIC clubs due to proximity, but found attending events challenging due to travel. Since 2003, they’ve organized local events in Canberra. Past presidents including Pablo Colmenares, Alex von Brandenstein, Paul Castillo, Anthony Oh, Elric Hindy, Troy van Dongen, and various committee members have overseen the club.
For years, the club organized monthly drives to Brindabella and met at Tidbinbilla Tracking Station, enjoying mountain roads. They collaborated with local driving schools for MR2 owner driver training and skidpan days. Invitations from other local clubs, like the Canberra Celica Group, were regular.
In 2007, the ACT club successfully hosted the “MR2 Nationals,” with 29 cars from various states, including Queensland. In 2019, they hosted the Nationals again with 40 cars and 64 attendees, supported by interstate clubs and local businesses. Neal Bates’s last-minute involvement added excitement, opening his motorsports workshop.
Post-Nationals, increased interest in MR2s boosted the club, now primarily active as a social Facebook group. They organize monthly meets like “Coffee & Cotter Run,” though disrupted by Covid between 2020 and 2022. The club thrives on members’ enthusiasm and passion for their vehicles.
The club has actively collaborated with local clubs like MazdACT and Heritage Nissan, sharing common goals to promote social gatherings and car culture. – Anthony Oh
