The annual Hot Rod show calendar kicks off every year at the Phillip Island Racing Circuit, 140km south east of Melbourne. Barely hours after the New Year celebrations, the 'Kustom Nats' gets the year going in true style and never fails to disappoint with an eclectic mix of old school rods, slammed sleds and funky classics. The 2009 show was no exception, with rumours going around of it being the highest turn out ever, of both cars and spectators.

A first this year was access to the new, and hugely extended pit car park area only freshly finished not long before the show took place. Although being a massive extension to the previous show area, it was easily packed with serious metal of all ages, styles, and brand.

The show kept on rocking over a full 2 days and 2 nights, and with the obligatory summer sunshine, the vibe was electric through the whole event.

A great start to the 2009 Hot Rodding calendar. If this is a sign of things to come for the rest of the shows this year, I am truly excited about what is in store for us down in this corner of The World.

Watch this space, as I will be covering as many as I can of these awesome 'rodding events as we roll through what is sure to be a great 12 months.