This is good old aussie, australia, the land downunder, and Queensland is our north-eastern state, commonly called ' the sunshine state '

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and Ipswich is our oldest provincial city here, tucked down in the south east corner, well known for our above 40 degree temperatures during summer and our below zero temperatures during winter .

Ipswich has two main One-way streets, Limestone and Brisbane Streets, where we drive West along Limestone Street, to the top, then back East along Brisbane Street to the top, turn around, and do it all again . Lappers mainly form their own groups, or 'Tribes' as some of the stiffs call us, where after chucking a couple of Laps and checking out other Lappers cars, they pull over to their spot and chat with friends . Boring? Hell no! There's always someone pulling up, driving past or, Lapping is just a great way to catch up or meet new friends with the same interests, Cars ! Some nights you will see Hot Rods after a Rod Run, or after Willowbank Drags is finished, there are some wicked cars in town, still wearing the war paint on their windows of the times they have run on the strip, although I suspect some have their own bottle of paint and apply some outlandish times on their car, yeah yeah guys, we believe you ........ NOT !

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The ' Lap ' West along Limestone Street then East along Brisbane Street then back around again ! There is a multitude of streets in between to 'chuck' a short lap .

The history of 'Lapping' has had its roots in Ipswich for the good part of a century or more . In the early part of the century, when Brisbane and Limestone Streets were still unpaved, we had Two-way dirt based Streets, and the Town was made up of mainly an Industry based population . It is said the young guys would hit their local watering hole (aka Pub) and after a few drinks would wager who's horse was faster than who's . So they would get on their horses and do a 'Lap' . This involved racing up Brisbane Street to the top, turning around then racing back, simple ! First one back was the winner ! These guys worked at the local coal mines or Railway Workshops, or in a multitude of heavy industries, and after a hard days toil, normally 12 hours or more, had money to burn and steam to let off . When the Motor car became more affordable, these young guys embraced them into their culture, and instead of racing their horses (1 Horse Power   ?) They switched to cars, with a staggering 4 + Horse Power or so in those days, mind boggling! Then it was up to the daring young men (and women) in their Jalopies and Motor Bikes to show who was the quickest .

There we are, tucked south-west just behind brissy. Brisbane will at times claim us as their western suburbs, especially when it comes to the amount of top sports people we pump out, the great racing facilities we have to cater for almost any motor racing freak, the top recreational facilities and heritage buildings, unless of course they can pin anything bad in the news on us, then we are "Ipswich", but apart from that, on TV anything and everything is either east, west, north or south of Brisbane, Ipswich is quiet often left off tourist maps etc, but hey, we're tuff, we can handle it . we know we are good hehee  !

Eventually though, at some stage, Brisbane and Limestone Streets were changed to the One-way Streets we presently enjoy . Limestone street was opened up at Queens Park to connect it to the Five-ways and the original rock wall entrance complete with gates to Queens Park can still be seen in the middle of the traffic island separating the eastern end of Brisbane and Limestone Streets . Not only did it increase the safety aspect, (No more head-ons) but now the young fellas could line their cars up side by side, and race ! So, 'Ipswich - Drag City' was born. I remember in the early 80's you could actually purchase stickers from 'Drag City Speed Shop' at Dinmore (where there is now a fruit & vegetable shop), 

that proudly proclaimed

"Ipswich Is Drag City"

After Drag City Speed Shop sold up another Performance orientated guy moved into the building and painted it up most memorably with a Hatchback Torana on the front window, after all he mainly dealt in Holden spares so this wall mural really looked hot !

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Speed Shop Wall Mural .

As time went on, cars improved, so did their speed, and I have been told by some of Ipswich's elders, Brisbane Street and Limestone streets claimed a few victims due to the road conditions, speed, alcohol and inexperience . Sometime around the sixties and seventies, Ipswich was well known for the Motor Bike culture it's Streets attracted .

Brisbane Street around Reid's and Bell Street would be fully lined by Bikes . And the riders of these Bikes were affectionately known as "Temporary Australians" . Some were, some were not . Bikes are still popular, and even into the mid eighties, Bell Street, opposite the Post Office (Town Clock) would be lined with Bikes mainly on Thursday nights, but when Reids (The city's major retail store) burned down, the Bikers lost their place . In the rebuilding of the City centre, we lost a lot of our familiar Lapping territory with Nicholas Street being turned into the Ipswich Mall and D'arcy Doyle Place . Union Street was also lost to the mall, I think Murphy's Pub being the only survivor . Taylor's, a popular little Family owned Service Station went as well . Here we would fuel up with full Driveway service, no need to get out of your car ! It was also customary to 'Do a Wheelie' when leaving the driveway . Back then Lappers chose to do certain Laps, the main one being Brisbane - Bell - Union and Nicholas streets, these circling the main shopping areas . Today we are basically restricted to Limestone and Brisbane Streets, although certain Lappers also prefer to turn off at different Streets along the way to 'Chuck a quick Lap' . Council have installed speed bumps along Brisbane street to try and slow traffic down . The Lapper's have no problem with these, nor do they have a problem with the extra traffic lights being installed around the city centre, they not only again improve safety, but give some a chance to have a chat with their mates at the lights and check out other's cars .

But unfortunately the idiot element now uses these Bumpstop / Pedestrian crossings as launch pads . A recent accident in the city centre was linked to the idiot element . For two weekends they drove at dangerous speeds through town, flying over these speedbumps and weaving in and out of the other traffic showing no regard to any of the other road users . Quiet a few people complained about these idiots, but were hesitant to phone Police . A good friend and I, using our mobile phones reported them to Police, but unfortunately it took a misjudgement followed by a fatality for this car to come to the attention of those who should have stopped them and ran them out of town . This car 'had to be seen' by Safe City Camera, but no none will ever know . Basically the Lappers welcome these changes, those who complain are the wanker's who should be run out of town, the city centre is no place for the idiot brigade to scream around endangering the lives of other users of our roads and pedestrians . It could have been their own Mother or Father, Little Brother or Sister they ran off the road and killed, but this is  the group who lives by the motto "It could never happen to me" . And unfortunately, a few of these idiots have already been killed or have killed by exercising their chosen stupidity ! Most Lappers will phone police to report the idiots when they cut loose, Lapping is just that, street Racing or Idiotic driving *IS NOT Lapping* !

I have heard some humorous stories of early experiences with our 'Lapping' culture, and unfortunately some sad, and sadly today, speed, alcohol and inexperience has claimed the lives of some our younger citizens . Today's *Great Grandfathers*, *Grandfathers* and *Fathers*, (not to mention the Women folk as well), were not only among our 'Early Lappers', but also have kin who still 'Lap' today . What amuses me is some of my friends, who's Father or older Brother's were involved with 'Lapping', Professional Drag Racing etc, who now sit back and ridicule those who now actively partake in 'Lapping' or who like spending money on their cars today . Why did they partake in 'Lapping' or Drag Racing in their day ? Was it safer then, than it is today ? I think not considering the safety aspects introduced into everyday life over the years . You can bet 98% - 99% of those went about their favourite activity without injury or fatality . Ask how many have personally had a 'close friend' or 'Family member' who have lost their lives in the actual City centre ('Lapping' Centre - Not the outer suburbs) in a Motor vehicle accident ? My Mother has told of a few stories about how she and her friend's would sneak into town in an old Model T Tourer to do 'Laps' and if it rained someone had to sit in the middle-front to hold the hood down . Or when she stepped up to a Ford Prefect (8-10 HP ?) then rolled it ! Or my Father who was an active Speedway Racer, who owned so many old cars of which he either drove into the ground or chopped up for Speedway use . Some would make you cry, although he did prefer his Ford Galaxies, mainly 60's models, and he is still an active Rock 'n' Roller ! My Father and most of his friend's were involved in the early days of speedway Racing at the Ipswich Show Grounds, where sadly even though the event was Professionally hosted, it was not without it's fatalities as well . Sadly wherever there is speed there is a risk, why not ask the Horse Racing fraternity if they have ever lost the life of a jockey due to a high speed tumble ? Even on a soft grassy track ! The dangers are everywhere but do the cries of "Ban all Horse Racing" hit the headlines in the local News Paper ? No ! More like someone suggests ways of improving the track, better safety gear, Helmets, kidney belts, vests, the list goes on, and the same answer lies in the practice of 'Lapping' . Safety, safety for other road users by removing the "Idiot" element, making roads and intersections safer, a higher Police presence is one of the most effective deterrents, more Safe City cameras, prosecute those responsible for foolish actions, don't punish those who are abiding by the Law ! We have personal friends who are members of Ipswich's Police Force, but as we trust those whom we know, we know there are also those who it's sad to say cannot be trusted as an honest fair cop . But it is the same amongst the public, some can be trusted whilst others cannot, so the use concrete evidence (eg: Camera Footage) to convict or ticket the irresponsible, not merely suspicion or a dislike for the way people look or what they like to do, even if Laws are not broken . Today, my Father, although in his 50's, still has an active interest in 'Hoon Mobiles' and owns a Hot looking Red RX7 Mazda fitted with a Daytona kit with Monster Flares, a 13B Fuel Injected Rotary motor and Personalised Number Plates . Oh yeah and if you think because of his age he has never exceeded the speed limit on the open Public road ? Well sit tight, the Easter Bunny is on it's way ! He is still alive and kicking !

My partner and I have been active in Lapping for 20 years now, and I hope will still be active in another 20 years . And as our children are gaining their own Driving licenses, they are also stepping into Ipswich's Lapping culture . Don't see the sense in it ? Well, I'm female, and have never seen the sense in needle work, embroidery, crocheting or knitting, so different horses for different courses .

We have owned many cars over the years, and when we kick off of this planet, our cars will be at least fitted with a nice set of Mag wheels, have upgraded suspension, and a non-standard exhaust note, that's not saying it will be illegal, at the least ! Our present car is a 'Family' VK Commodore wagon fitted with a 308V8, 17" x 8" Mags on the rear, 16" x 8" on the front, Hurst Ratchet shifter, big bore exhaust, amplified stereo, tinted windows etc . Just 'one' example, A local Tyre dealer who was kind enough to grant us an account at his establishment has benefited by at least $10,000 in recent years, and has probably taken something more like $20,000 + in reality from us for ongoing maintenance and upgrades, for which we have paid him to keep our cars in a safe and reliable manner, paying for the equivalent of a 'Road Worthy' every 6 months or so just to make sure all is well and safe . Our next project at the moment is a 1947 Singer Roadster Utility (similar to a mid 50's MG sports car, it uses a Singer 9 Le Mans Chassis) which we are building into a Hot Rod . And we hope it will be fitted with a 253V8 and the wheels off of the wagon . 

And as Lappers, although we are branded as irresponsible, no doubt our money will be graciously accepted at many of our cities Automotive businesses .

And Locally These Businesses Will Include 

Ipswich's: 

wreckers, 

panel beaters, 

paint shops, 

upholsterers, 

auto electricians, 

brake & radiator specialists, 

engineers & mechanics, 

chrome platers & powder coaters, 

auto accessories stores, 

stereo Fitters & specialists, 

tyre shops, 

exhaust shops 

and how many other little things are there ? 

The thousands of small things that will be combined together to make this little car unique, something to be admired and will stand out amongst all the other everybody all so's, all good dollars to be spent here locally, unless of course we are run out of town ? Why bother supporting our local businesses if we get no support for our sport ? Our chosen hobby ? Well ?

Who will be the first to make a step to advancing their business's trade by accepting the people who do drive into this city to drive the 'Lap' of Limestone & Brisbane Streets at night ? Face to Face instead of gladly snatching our money Face to Face then sniping behind our backs, condemning us and our Hobby after we have walked out ! Remember, when we are gone, so is 'our' Good Money ! Put food on your families table when you have no income ! No job, No Support from us, the Automotive enthusiast who actually enjoys spending a dollar on their vehicle, not griping about having to buy a set of tyres because "these still have 'some' tread left along with perfectly good canvas" or having to replace the exhaust because that Policeman complained about the way some 'A to B driver' has professionally fitted the hose clamps over the coke cans which are doing the job by covering the holes in the exhaust pipe ! Take note ! 9 times out of 10 we do not ask "what is the cheapest replacement part you have in stock", it's "what's the best part I can fit that you have in stock or can order in for me" ?

Not all people who go into town are criminals, not all are there to break the law, we have friends who are high up in the Police force here, we are shown no favouritism, if we break the law we will be dealt with, and so we should be ! But luckily the majority of the last 20 years have been ticket free and I nor my partner can remember the last time we were booked, 15 - 17 years ago ? Not even the police can tell us when we received our last ticket . So we believe the answer isn't knee jerk reactions from our jack boot politicians trying to justify their positions, let the police do their jobs, book those and punish those who 'do break' the law, not those who drive according to the law, not those who pull over and have a chat with friends, but punish the idiots who can't help themselves ! Those who drive like yobbo's, yell, yahoo, pump their stereos up, let the law do their job and deal with them ! But please, Please ! leave those who are not breaking any laws alone ! Don't lob us who do the right thing in the bin with the idiot brigade . A lot of politicians and those who make decisions high up of late have been convicted of rorting and paedophilia, does that make everyone in these positions a thief or a sexual Deviot ? Well if those of us are tarred with the same brush as those who break the law, then what's good for the goose is good for the gander !

The majority of 'Lappers' do not partake in Illegal Street Races . In Brisbane, on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts and most major Cities, Lapping is almost non existent . When my Boyfriend returned (Briefly) to the Sunshine Coast where he had been raised, he tried to introduce Lapping into their Friday and Saturday nights . A much Safer alternative he thought than Illegal Back Block Street Racing !  Nambour has the same layout, two One-way streets, that run the entire length of Nambour, lending itself ideally to Lapping . His friends all thought he had lost the plot ?

His friend's preferred to go out to the back of Yandina near Coolum or out to North Arm on the Bruce highway and partake in illegal Street Racing . One night a friend of his cart wheeled a borrowed car at 80mph plus . His younger sister was in the car a few minutes earlier, but he told her in no uncertain terms to 'get out' ! At 80-85 Miles per hour his mate accidentally hit reverse in the auto which then spun the car around, it then left the road backwards, went end for end about 4 times, then barrel rolled another 6-10 times before flying up probably 4 car lengths into the air spiralling before landing flat on it's roof . luckily no one was hurt, his mate landed in a cane field in soft black soil and only received a few scratches to his back from where the bucket seat collapsed, lucky ! But this is what happens from time to time when people do these things ! They are called accidents for a reason, any other reason and they would be called 'Purposes' . But more so, the absence of alcohol, speed, inexperience and maybe a car with a 'correctly operating' gear shifter may have or most certainly avoided this accident ! I suppose with Lapping, you are either bred into it or bitten by the Bug, it's your choice . but if the whingers get their way, it won't be ! if the idiots are left to run amok, it won't be our decision any longer ! So if you see the wanker brigade running amok, phone the police, but be specific and report the moron responsible ! After all, it doesn't take to much to encourage an idiot and unfortunately they do hang around in 'tribes', water really does find it's own level, a proven fact !

But the main problem is, when the youth of Brisbane and / or most other major Cities congregate, most of the time they organize illegal Street Races, Static Burnout's, Doughnuts and generally run amok . Most of the time this is caused by boredom, although it is then interpreted into Hooliganism, which when it has gone this far, is exactly what it is . We often get told Ipswich's Lappers are boring because we do not partake in these activities around our City limits or City centre, although some of the Wally's venture to the outlying suburbs of Brisbane to join in, hopefully they eventually move there as well . Not only are these activities Illegal and Dangerous, but many times have reflected back onto Ipswich's culture of 'Lapping' . 'Lapping' in it's sense is not Illegal, only if we lower ourselves to the antics of others, will we bring ourselves down .

We have had negative reactions from the Media, Politicians and the Police . I was once interviewed by a media crew, who "Just wanted to get a story from the Lappers point of view" They first wanted to interview my Boyfriend, but he declined stating that the media was only after a 'Story' after the debate between the Lappers and others in our local paper's 'Letters to the Editor' column . He had set out some very clear and plausible examples as to why we should be taken seriously in our chosen past time, and the media was advised to speak to him in regards to the issue . After he declined, the Reporter spoke to me and stated he wished to do an interview with me and the other Girls to get a perspective from a 'Girls Point of View' . That afternoon We all sat down to watch the interview on the 6.30pm report, and the story ? It was about 'Hoons' running Amok in Ipswich ! And to any member of the public who watched it ? Shocking ! But in reality ? The "News Mongers" sensationalized 95-98% of the story with footage of Brisbane's 'Hoons' running Amok, doing Doughnuts, Static Burnout's and Street Racing ! This does not happen in our City centre ! Lapping occurs in our City centre, and behaviour like that would never be tolerated, now or in the past ! At the interview the Reporter asked for our group to line our cars up on the road and do Burnout's for the camera ! "It's ok, C'Mon" he coaxed . He even stated that in his home town of Gympie, Lapping had gone on there for as long as he could remember, it was Ok, just do a Wheelie for the camera ! He was in total shock when something like a dozen plus people, all at once, said "No Way" ! For one, we don't all carry on like a bunch of Yobbo's, and two, even though he promised to us NOT to display my Boyfriends personalized number plates on air, (Remember my Boyfriend declined the interview and was not filmed or interviewed in any way), what did he do? Nice if we had been Neanderthal enough to comply to his wishes ! Yeah right ! You guessed it ! He Displayed the full plate ! He then asked us to drive around the block, and when a group of knuckle draggers formed on the footpath, and motioned us to do a Wheelie, he tried to zoom in on them to show what Hooligans Ipswichian's are . To their surprise we refused, oh, and the only car to actually do a Wheelie at the interview ? The Reporter in his staff car ! He turned the company Falcon Wagon around, and did a Wheelie in the dirt out onto the road, then drove past our house, slipped it into neutral, then revved the shit out of the engine and pulled it into drive, nice one wanker ! Wish we had a hold of the camera at that stage !

Because Lappers do something other than the 'Norm', we are discriminated against, and, by the way, would someone please explain to me just exactly what is the "Norm" ? . We are noted for spending all our spare money on our cars ! Can any responsible or caring parent out there explain to me the shame in their child spending their hard earned cash on their car ? If your children, as ours are, choose to ease their boredom or spark their interests by restoring or doing up their pride and joy or favourite model car, encourage them ! Not all are into Footy or Cricket ! What are the alternatives ? clubbing ? Drugs ? Alcohol ? Crime ? At least by being noted for improving our cars, it makes us individuals, not only that, compare our cars to Joe Citizens car . We spend a fortune on upgrading our suspensions, steering systems, brakes, we improve our lighting, wheels and fit better rated tyres . We support the Auto Accessory Stores, Panel Beaters, Spray Painters, Mechanics, Auto Electricians, Wheel/Tyre Stores, Upholsterers, Exhaust and Radiator Fitters to name a few, in fact there is a multitude of small and large businesses that in reality depend on people like us . It is nothing for someone to spend upwards of $20,000 on their rides, (The Top Street Machines & Hot Rod's often have $50,000 + spent on their construction) and the majority of the time we work hard to save and build them . Some build them themselves, others pay a qualified person to do it for them . This creates new jobs and apprenticeships, this puts food on other peoples tables ! Some of my son's friend's have walked into the local stereo / accessory store, then left several thousand dollars lighter with a totally new stereo system fitted ! Well who benefits from a situation like this ? oh, and don't forget the healthy wad the government makes from the handy G.S.T charged on these items, or when we fill our tanks after Lapping for a night, something like half the cost of the re-fill goes in Fuel excise to our Fat Cats in parliament !

Some Do-gooders would like to see our cars confiscated . Made illegal, outlawed, crushed even ! Suggestions that when they reach 10 years of age, put them under the crusher ! Pay the owners $1,000 for bringing it into the centre regardless of its historic value or condition . Don't think it can't be done ? A lot of countries around the world have enacted such laws, look at Japan, 4 years or 40,000k's and its off the road ! Say what ? Well where do you think all our under 40,000k Import engines come from ? What the Do-gooders do not realize is, take away our cars, who else do you affect ? Then there's the greenies ! Abolish cars ? Do they not realize that the world's economy revolves around Oil ? The whole world could not sustain itself and survive by planting and eating lentils etc . Show me any other alternative fuel source that could have advanced our civilization so in the last 100 years ? Some states in America have abolished cars older than 10 years of age from being driven on their roads ! Others tax the owners excessively so they are able to keep their cars on the road, some are only able to keep their old car if they can prove that the car holds some sort of historic significance in regards to a racing history or something similar . Never say Never ! Minority groups are notorious for being vocal and persuading higher authorities to listen to their moronic reasons to be concerned about the dangers to all and sundry . Not only that but it gives the poor old Fat Cat something to justify that Gold Card and $40,000 a year Tax Free Tax Payer funded Pension for Life ! All for a good cause, theirs !

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