After years of being just a wonderful dream, Thunderbolt Events was officially established in 2021 by our Founder Vas Comblas, under the Thunderbolt Events banner, running the inaugural Prestige Car Rally events as Thunderbolt Run.
Vas had a vision,
"The purpose of Thunderbolt Run"
Imagine driving your supercar, prestige or classic vehicle while raising much needed funds for important causes on luxury, friendly and banter-full overnight and multi-night premier luxury road trips. Become a part of a cavalcade of exotic and high-performance cars driving on some of Australia's most exciting roads, knowing that you are helping raise awareness and much needed funds for a wonderful charity.
"What is the spirit of the Thunderbolt Run and why did Vas create this incredible event?"
Vas’s dream was to bring likeminded people together who share a passion for cars and driving while embarking on an awe-inspiring life altering experience which will create bonds and lifelong friendships with fellow entrants past and present, plus of course a little “friendly rivalry” while networking with like-minded businessman and entrepreneurs.
"What is the spirit of the Thunderbolt Run and why did Vas create this incredible event?"
Vas’s dream was to bring likeminded people together who share a passion for prestige cars and driving, while embarking on awe-inspiring, life altering experiences that create bonds and lifelong friendships with fellow entrants past and present. Plus, of course, a little “friendly rivalry” while networking with like-minded businessman and entrepreneurs never goes astray.
"What is the spirit of the Thunderbolt Run and why did Vas create this incredible event?"
Vas’s dream was to bring likeminded people together who share a passion for cars and driving while embarking on an awe-inspiring life altering experience which will create bonds and lifelong friendships with fellow entrants past and present, plus of course a little “friendly rivalry” while networking with like-minded businessman and entrepreneurs.
For the 2022, 2023 and 2025 Thunderbolt Run's, Vas has chosen to bring awareness to mental health, particularly focusing on the support of frontline emergency services, by supporting Beyond Blue.
"Mental health conditions have always been very close to Vas’s heart since losing a very dear and close friend to depression.
The hardest part for Vas was wishing he could have done more and why didn’t he see the signs. He struggled to deal with the guilt of not knowing more about this horrible, silent illness.
This is when Vas decided to educate himself on the signs of mental health conditions and to help everyone he came across from that moment on, Vas opened 14 clinics across Australia and employed Exercise Physiologists to assist him in looking after 240 plus Returned Ex-Service Men and Women with issues ranging from knee reconstructions, shoulder injuries, general wellbeing, fitness as well as those suffering from anxiety and depression (PTSD).
After reading an article in The Guardian, Vas was horrified to learn that, particularly during and post COVID-19 and increasing economical strain, one in five Australians report high levels of psychological distress and helplessness. It was then that Vas decided enough was enough and it was time to make a difference in other people’s lives even further - this was why Thunderbolt Run was born.
Vas has chosen Beyond Blue as The Thunderbolt Run’s 2022, 2023 and 2025 chosen charity and will donate for each participating vehicle to this great charity. In 2024, Vas connected with Small Steps 4 Hannah, an important charity making leaps and bounds in providing support, awareness and education to victims of domestic violence, which became the chosen charity for that year.
Event Charity of Choice 2022, 2023, 2025 - "BEYOND BLUE"
Beyond Blue works with the community to improve mental health and prevent suicide, so that all people in Australia can achieve their best possible mental health. They provide information as well as support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health - whatever their age and wherever they live.
Beyond Blue works to raise awareness of depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention, reducing the stigma surrounding these issues and to encourage people to seek support when they need it.
With 3 million Australians living with anxiety or depression - and this number is increasing due to COVID 19 - the support Thunderbolt Run Event can provide Beyond Blue will assist them improve their services and save lives."
LET US ALL BE THAT DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE.
"The purpose of Thunderbolt Run"
Imagine driving your vehicle while raising much needed funds for our chosen charity on this fun banter friendly 6 night 7 day premier luxury road trip, while being part of a cavalcade of exotic and high-performance cars driving on some of Australia's most exciting roads knowing that you are helping raise awareness and much needed funds for a wonderful charity.
"What is the spirit of the Thunderbolt Run and why did Vas create this incredible event?"
Vas’s dream was to bring likeminded people together who share a passion for cars and driving while embarking on an awe-inspiring life altering experience which will create bonds and lifelong friendships with fellow entrants past and present, plus of course a little “friendly rivalry” while networking with like-minded businessman and entrepreneurs.
For the 2022 Thunderbolt Run Vas has chosen to bring awareness to mental health, by supporting Beyond Blue.
"Mental health conditions have always been very close to Vas’s heart since losing a very dear and close friend to depression.
The hardest part for Vas was wishing he could have done more and why didn’t he see the signs. He struggled to deal with the guilt of not knowing more about this horrible, silent illness.
This is when Vas decided to educate himself on the signs of mental health conditions and to help everyone he came across from that moment on, Vas opened 14 clinics across Australia and employed Exercise Physiologists to assist him in looking after 240 plus Returned Ex-Service Men and Women with issues ranging from knee reconstructions, shoulder injuries, general wellbeing, fitness as well as those suffering from anxiety and depression (PTSD).
After reading an article in The Guardian, Vas was horrified to learn that due to COVID 19 one in five Australians report high levels of psychological distress and helplessness. It was then that Vas decided enough was enough and it was time to try and make a difference in other people’s lives even further - this was why The Thunderbolt Run was born.
Vas has chosen Beyond Blue as The Thunderbolt Run’s 2022 chosen charity and will donate $1000.00 for each participating vehicle to this great charity."
Event Charity of Choice 2022 - "BEYOND BLUE"
Beyond Blue works with the community to improve mental health and prevent suicide, so that all people in Australia can achieve their best possible mental health. They provide information as well as support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health - whatever their age and wherever they live.
Beyond Blue works to raise awareness of depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention, reducing the stigma surrounding these issues and to encourage people to seek support when they need it.
With 3 million Australians living with anxiety or depression - and this number is increasing due to COVID 19 - the support Thunderbolt Run Event can provide Beyond Blue will assist them improve their services and save lives."
LET US ALL BE THAT DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE.