And it seems about this time every year the lamest of rumours travels the distance: that the council/police have finally done their dash and the hot rods have refused to make their triumphant return to the Valley this year.

This is all bunkum, of course, according to Drag-ens Hot Rod Club president Andrew McClelland.

“It’s funny actually, because it really is almost every year that this happens,” Andrew said.

“But it’s definitely not correct.

“We love coming to Valla and there’s never been a discussion about going somewhere else.”

Andrew thinks he knows how the rumours may have started this year, though.

“Last year there was a rogue local highway patrol that got a bit carried away, but generally we have a good relationship with the local police,” Andrew said.

“We worked with Chief Inspector Guy Flaherty and the officers came down on their pushbikes.

“We actually love having a police presence.”

WATCH: The wrap on the rods, 2017

And Andrew also believes that the club’s new one-day Rattle-Trap event in Crowdy Head near Taree may have been the second rumour source.

“It’s a completely different kind of event though. It’s a one-dayer, for starters,” Andrew said.

“And I will admit it has been interesting working with the new council down there because they’ve shown a lot of enthusiasm.

“But the committee and I will be coming up to Nambucca on an organising trip in mid to late Feb.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be around for a long time yet.”

EDIT: Since publication, Guardian News has received details about the annual fees charged by the Nambucca Shire Council. The ‘Show and Shine’ event incurs a $300 fee for the road closure (application fee and advertising). There are no further fees charged by the council for the Valla Hot Rod event.