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The state’s peak motoring body will become naming rights partner of the iconic Bay to Birdwood, under a new partnership that will see historic RAA patrol vehicles lead the parade from the coast to the Hills.
Now in its 45th year, the newly crowned RAA Bay to Birdwood will see 1,500 historic vehicles drive from West Beach to Birdwood, with RAA coming on board to support the event for the next three years as major partner.
Starting with the 2025 event on 19 October, five historic RAA patrol vehicles from the mid-1900s will lead the 67-kilometre parade through Adelaide’s suburbs.
RAA’s 830,000 members will also have access to 20% off ticket prices for the Finish Festival which includes entry to the National Motor Museum, and a 10% discount when registering for the parade.
They will also have access to member-exclusive competitions to win Finish Festival double-passes.
During the parade, current RAA patrols will also be on hand to provide road service for any cars that encounter mechanical problems on the day.
The new naming rights arrangement is a throwback for the Bay to Birdwood, with RAA previously serving as naming rights partner in the late 1990s.
The 2025 RAA Bay to Birdwoodis getting ready to roll with vehicle registrations for models built prior to 31 December 1995 now open and selling fast – more than 1,000 of the 1,500 spots have already been snapped up.
This year’s event will again include the much-loved Concours d’Elegance, Preservation and EV Conversionawards – with a signature twist: entrants are judged not just on the vehicles, but also on the authenticity of their attire and accessories.
RAA Chief Executive Officer Nick Reade said the partnership was RAA’s way of supporting South Australia’s rich motoring heritage.
“As the state’s peak motoring body, RAA is thrilled to partner with an iconic motoring event that captures the hearts of so many South Australians,” Mr Reade said.
“When it comes to motoring, we’ve been there from the beginning – founded in 1903 by motoring enthusiasts and that passion for the motoring community is entrenched in our DNA.
“While we’ve been supporting the Bay to Birdwood for several years, we thought putting our name to it as the RAA Bay to Birdwood was a fantastic way to honour the shared history of our organisation and motoring in South Australia.
“I encourage everyone to get involved with either the parade or the Finish Festival this year on 19 October – especially if you’re one of our 830,000 members.”
Chair of the History Trust and the Bay to Birdwood, Michael Neale, said the partnership was a perfect alignment of values.
“Both the RAA and the Bay to Birdwood celebrate a deep respect for motoring heritage, innovation and community. With RAA on board, we can take this much-loved event to new heights while preserving the stories, vehicles and spirit that define it.”
Minister for Education, The Hon Blair Boyer MP, responsible for the History Trust welcomed the partnership.
“The RAA Bay to Birdwood is so much more than a motoring event – it’s a rolling showcase of South Australia’s history, creativity and community pride. RAA’s involvement strengthens our collective commitment to celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage.”
RAA members can save 10% on registration for the RAA Bay to Birdwood by entering their RAA member number during the registration process.
Tickets to the Finish Festival will go on sale in September.