Tasman Motorsport Open Days … a big success
August 5th 2007 12:16
Yesterday saw Tasman Motorsport open their doors to the public for the very first time and from what I could see, it was an unmitigated success for all concerned.
The headquarters of the team in Preston, Victoria, were abuzz with anticipation from the word go, with eager fans interested to meet their heroes and hear what they had to say. A small podium had been set up where amplified interviews with both Greg Murphy and Jason Richards took place, followed by an autograph signing session.
We drove in a little after ten o’clock, when the open day started, welcomed by the black and orange paint scheme of the number 51 commodore, positioned proudly on the pavement outside. Driving up the long driveway to the headquarters, past the Harrop Engineering building on the left, we parked and joined the throng of people already milling around.
Considering that this was the first time that Tasman Motorsport had hosted an open day for their fans, they had done an excellent job. In addition to the obligatory sausage sizzle, coffee van and ice cream van, there were impressive displays of Holden cars, karts and merchandise.
Once inside the workshop, engines had been displayed for the devoted to study, along with a number of V8 Supercars each at different stages of construction. All designed to show the faithful fans just how the cars are set up for safety and performance.
The rollbars in a V8 Supercar are an engineering achievement, doing an awesome job of protecting the driver in the event of a potentially fatal crash. Making sure he emerges from the written-off car with just a few cuts and bruises, maybe the odd broken bone, but not in a body bag.
Near the rear of the workshop were the racing simulators, which seemed to be quite a hit with the young men in attendance. In another room was a slot car track, set up for the younger fans to indulge their passions of being just like Greg Murphy or Jason Richards … albeit on a smaller scale.
There was even face painting for the littlest fans … although there was more than one adult moving through the crowd painted up like a tiger.
A display by the engineers of tyre changes made the crowd gasp, in awe of the speed and prowess of the men involved. As the rattle gun roared, we stared in excited anticipation as two men executed half a dozen perfect tyre changes, each taking only three or four seconds to complete. V8 Supercar tyres are attached with just one wheel nut which is what makes them so quick and easy to replace … just imagine if tyre changes on standard road cars could be completed that fast!
The thing that really impressed me with the whole experience was the approachability of the Tasman Motorsport team members. Both Greg Murphy and Jason Richards were friendly and easy to talk to, readily posing for photos and signing autographs, even outside the organised autograph signing times.
Jeff Grech was also there, enjoying his new position as Managing Director of the team and being open and honest in his interview and with individual members of the public.
It seemed like just about every member of the Tasman Motorsport team was in attendance, all of them willing and able to answer any question that came along and help their fans in any way they could. They were helpful, friendly and courteous to young and old alike.
Jason Richards and Greg Murphy are known around the paddock as two of the nicest blokes around. That impression was totally reinforced in my mind through my experience at the open day. It was obvious that Jason Richard’s nerves were showing at times … his wife was just a day away from having a baby … but he still devoted his time and energy to making the open day a success and entertaining fans.
Definitely a day I’m pleased I didn’t miss.
Congratulations Tasman Motorsport on a fantastic day.
The headquarters of the team in Preston, Victoria, were abuzz with anticipation from the word go, with eager fans interested to meet their heroes and hear what they had to say. A small podium had been set up where amplified interviews with both Greg Murphy and Jason Richards took place, followed by an autograph signing session.
We drove in a little after ten o’clock, when the open day started, welcomed by the black and orange paint scheme of the number 51 commodore, positioned proudly on the pavement outside. Driving up the long driveway to the headquarters, past the Harrop Engineering building on the left, we parked and joined the throng of people already milling around.
Go on, Greg ... let me have a go. Go on!!?
Considering that this was the first time that Tasman Motorsport had hosted an open day for their fans, they had done an excellent job. In addition to the obligatory sausage sizzle, coffee van and ice cream van, there were impressive displays of Holden cars, karts and merchandise.
Once inside the workshop, engines had been displayed for the devoted to study, along with a number of V8 Supercars each at different stages of construction. All designed to show the faithful fans just how the cars are set up for safety and performance.
The rollbars in a V8 Supercar are an engineering achievement, doing an awesome job of protecting the driver in the event of a potentially fatal crash. Making sure he emerges from the written-off car with just a few cuts and bruises, maybe the odd broken bone, but not in a body bag.
Check out those rollbars ... safety guaranteed.
Near the rear of the workshop were the racing simulators, which seemed to be quite a hit with the young men in attendance. In another room was a slot car track, set up for the younger fans to indulge their passions of being just like Greg Murphy or Jason Richards … albeit on a smaller scale.
There was even face painting for the littlest fans … although there was more than one adult moving through the crowd painted up like a tiger.
A display by the engineers of tyre changes made the crowd gasp, in awe of the speed and prowess of the men involved. As the rattle gun roared, we stared in excited anticipation as two men executed half a dozen perfect tyre changes, each taking only three or four seconds to complete. V8 Supercar tyres are attached with just one wheel nut which is what makes them so quick and easy to replace … just imagine if tyre changes on standard road cars could be completed that fast!
Don't you wish these blokes worked at your local K-Mart Tyre and Auto?
The thing that really impressed me with the whole experience was the approachability of the Tasman Motorsport team members. Both Greg Murphy and Jason Richards were friendly and easy to talk to, readily posing for photos and signing autographs, even outside the organised autograph signing times.
Jeff Grech was also there, enjoying his new position as Managing Director of the team and being open and honest in his interview and with individual members of the public.
'My first job as new MD? Well, I gotta try to remember everyone's names.'
It seemed like just about every member of the Tasman Motorsport team was in attendance, all of them willing and able to answer any question that came along and help their fans in any way they could. They were helpful, friendly and courteous to young and old alike.
Jason Richards and Greg Murphy are known around the paddock as two of the nicest blokes around. That impression was totally reinforced in my mind through my experience at the open day. It was obvious that Jason Richard’s nerves were showing at times … his wife was just a day away from having a baby … but he still devoted his time and energy to making the open day a success and entertaining fans.
Definitely a day I’m pleased I didn’t miss.
Congratulations Tasman Motorsport on a fantastic day.
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Sounds like a fab day Cara.
...and I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get here...
Congratulations on your new blog!!
Comment by Andrea
V8 Supercar Pitstop
I took Mac to see the wheel changing demo and she was particularly impressed with the rattle gun ... almost jumped out of her skin every time it was used (they are extremely loud) but not a tear was shed!
Motor racing fanatic in the making, I'll be bound!
xxxx