Queensland’s General Motors faithful descended on Queensland Raceway on Saturday 6 June for the annual All GM Day, and by any measure, it was a cracker.

With 112 entrants rolling through the gates and plenty of spectators soaking up the atmosphere, the Ipswich venue was alive with the sight and sound of everything Bowtie and Lion badge, with Holdens, HSVs, Chevs, Pontiacs, Cadillacs and more filling the pits.

All GM Day isn’t just a show ’n’ shine, though. Organisers Hi-Octane Motorsports brought together some of the toughest GM street and race cars from across South East Queensland for a full day of action both on and off the track. Families could cruise the venue at their own pace; roll racers lined up to settle scores on the strip; and thrash sessions gave the more enthusiastic entrants a chance to properly stretch their machines’ legs.

This year’s entry list spanned decades of GM iron, from battered Sandmans and boxy Commodores through to modern HSV muscle. The judging panel had no shortage of quality to work through, but when the dust settled, a handful of cars rose to the top.

Aaron Eveleigh’s immaculate 1986 VK Commodore walked away as the day’s undisputed king, claiming both Best Interior and the coveted Best in Show award. This car is clearly the product of someone who doesn’t do things by halves.

Kris Nothdurft’s 2002 VU Ute, known in burnout circles as LOOSSE, proved that the modern Holden workhorse can hold its own in show company, taking home a three-trophy haul: Best Holden/HSV, Best Engine Bay, and Slickest Paint. Three categories, one ute – that’s a serious day’s work.

The Coolest Old School (pre-1990) title went to Adam Francis’s 1979 HZ Sandman, and it was a legitimate crowd-pleaser – especially among the panel van nuts.

Brayden Skerry made his mark in the modern classes, doubling up with both Mental Modern (post-1990) and Tuff Stance awards for his 2005 HSV Senator, a car that’s low, mean, and clearly built to be noticed.

The Best American trophy headed home with Jason Andrews for his 1965 Chev Biscayne – a full-size slab of Detroit steel that stood out in a sea of Holdens.

In what may have been the day’s most intriguing result, the Best Foreign gong went to Jayden Lorkin’s Isuzu Gemini Turbo, proof that All GM Day has a sense of humour and an appreciation for the obscure.

Top Wheels honours went to Corey Ellul’s VK, rounding out a results sheet that offered something for every stripe of GM enthusiast.

If you’ve got a GM machine sitting in the shed, pencil All GM Day in your calendar for next year. The competition is friendly, the vibe is excellent, and judging by Saturday’s turnout, it’s only getting bigger.