The annual Ultimate Dubs weekend can only mean one thing: a brand new show season is upon us.
Spring has sprung in the UK, bringing with it torrential rain, more motorway traffic, and a spike within the sales of quick detailer spray and microfibre towels.
Last 12 months’s Ultimate Dubs was a mixed bag, which brought concerns over the state of one-make automobile shows. There have been some highlights, however the recipe began to feel somewhat stale, and I hoped it was only a dip in form for the Dubbing dynasty.
2024 could have been quieter than previous years – thanks in no small part to the awful weather – but I’m pleased to report the show itself felt like a cut above what we saw in 2023.
The cars were nicely arranged, and photographers had room to breathe, which meant more scope for shooting.
The centre stage hall was a major example of that with the brand new carpet layout and what I saw as the largest improvement – strong, neutral white lights above.
My go-to camera is my beloved Sony A9, which I upgraded to from a Sony A7iii that struggled to maintain up when panning GT3 race cars. But even with the A9’s unbelievable sensor and wide dynamic range, the old lighting situation was a nightmare.
It was also great to see some continental European cars had made the journey over, including this pair of Audi A1s with camber starting from extreme to ridiculous.
Not only was the show floor arranged higher, but the standard of cars was very high for probably the most part too. Even those situated in smaller trade stands seemed more fastidiously chosen than what we’ve seen in previous years.
Air Lift Performance had their show-stoppers out in force.
Being the ’90s Euro fanboy enthusiast that I’m, my highlights from the stand were Marc Knight’s purple, BBS-equipped Porsche 968, and Dougie McColm’s Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5 Cosworth, which I will likely be showing you in additional detail in a separate highlight.
As at all times, the ‘Red Room’ showcased a number of the UK’s finest VAG builds. The Ultimate Dubs, if you happen to will.
And the outdoor space was as diverse as ever, with a wide selection of owner clubs and show-and-shine exhibitors in the combination.
Add in BMX stunt displays, RC drifting, and a charity raffle to do some good whilst having fun with our hobby, and also you’ve got yourself a family-friendly automobile show.
There have been just a few outstanding machines that I can’t wait to point out you through standalone spotlights, so keep your eyes peeled.
It will not be the hectic Ultimate Dubs of old, but I feel the venerable Telford automobile show is back in a giant way. I expect the 2025 event to be busy again – as long as the weather plays ball.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it in any case, but just a few tweaks have gone a great distance after 18 years. Welcome back Ultimate Dubs, it’s nice to see you again.
Mario Christou
Instagram: mcwpn
Ultimate Dubs on Speedhunters
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
