People ask about the origins of The Presidents Cup at Avalon Raceway. Starting in the season of 1981-82, the race was given the name after the Corio Shire President who would present the hardware. The role no longer exists due to the amalgamation of the towns shires into the City of Greater Geelong in 1993. The winner that year was the Q99 of John Dean, Kevin Dans in second and Mal Davis completed the podium. Since that date, even after the local council changed, the name has stayed. Originally on different dates in the season, The Presidents Cup is now the lead off race for one of the biggest weeks on the racing calendar and has hosted this countries best, including international stars. This year we welcome The Gordon as the presenting partner, adding more local history to this special event.
As we take a quick look back at its history, here are the first 10 podiums from 1981 through to 1991.
| 1981/82 | |
| 1 | John Dean Qld 99 |
| 2 | Kevin Dans Avalon |
| 3 | Mal Davis Vic |
| 4 | Rod Alcorn Vic 9 |
| 1982/83 | |
| 1 | Kevin Mc Callum Vic 60 |
| 2 | David Morse Vic 77 |
| 3 | Jeff Drew Vic 99 |
| 1983/84 | |
| 1 | Tim Green USA 75 |
| 2 | Daryl Jago Vic 12 |
| 3 | Bill Barrows SA 6 |
| 1984/85 | |
| 1 | Bill Barrows SA 6 |
| 2 | Max Bowland Vic 2 |
| 3 | Nippa Lacey Vic 16 |
| 1985/86 | |
| 1 | Max Dumsney Vic 5 |
| 2 | Chris Taylor V 11 |
| 3 | Max Bowland Vic 2 |
| 4 | Bill Barrows SA 6 |
| 1986/87 | |
| 1 | Ian Lewis Vic 18 |
| 2 | Max Dumsney Vic 5 |
| 3 | Brett Lacey Aust 1 |
| 4 | |
| 1987/88 | |
| 1 | Brett Lacey Aust 1 Baretta |
| 2 | Max Dumsney Vic 5 OTR |
| 3 | Steve Kinser USA 11 Gambler |
| 4 | Randy Kinser USA 12 Gambler |
| 1988/89 | |
| 1 | George Tatnall Aust 1 |
| 2 | Steve Kinser USA 11 Gambler |
| 3 | Max Dumsney Vic 5 |
| 4 | Kevin Mc Callum Vic 60 |
| 1989/90 | |
| 1 | Max Dumsney Vic 5 OTR |
| 2 | Jack Hewitt USA 21 Maxim |
| 3 | Brett Lacey Aust W.A 6 Gambler |
| 4 | Bill Barrows SA 6 OTR |
| 1990/91 | |
| 1 | Max Dumsney Vic 5 OTR |
| 2 | Danny Smith USA 3 |
| 3 | Bill Barrows SA 6 |
| 4 | Colin Farr NSW |