The sun was shining as two van loads of Logan Campbell residents set off for the Hampton Downs racetrack south of Auckland, the excitement palpable as they geared up to take a spin in a super speedy Toyota GR Corolla.
But then came a downpour of rain and as the track got wetter and wetter, the nerves started to jangle. Especially when Track Manager Zane Nicholl described the effect of the weather.
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“If it’s a sharp edge normally, it’s like a razor’s edge in the wet. Who brought spare underwear?” he added mischievously.
After a quick briefing in the control room, the residents readied themselves, dividing up into threes to accompany driver Tom in the deceptively tame looking Toyota.
Track Manager Zane Nicholl outlines the route during the briefing, above, and resident Annette Thomas is first to do the hot lap with driver Tom, top pic.
“He’s our top trusted driver – you’re in 100% safe hands,” said Zane.
First up was Annette Thomas, 89 riding shotgun and Jennifer and David Hogg in the backseat.
Two laps of the 2.7km track later, involving two hairpin bends, a straight stretch tipping speeds of 164km/hr and a wee bit of drifting to boot, and it was all over.
Jennifer Hogg with driver Tom gives the thumbs up after her spin, above, while Brian Tilby poses with veteran racing driver Ray Williams and Activity and Lifestyle Coordinator Caroline Martin Salas, below.
“It was brilliant!” said Jennifer. “All your confidence was in the driver.”
Annette added: “I did have wobbly legs when I first got out but I really enjoyed it.”
After his white knuckle ride, Brian Tilby said: “I wanted it to go faster!”
When everyone had had their spin, it was off to the museum next door and lunch at the café before setting off back in the van.
“Now, I hope the bus driver doesn’t get any funny ideas!” quipped David Hardgrave.
The group including driver Tom, Ray Williams, residents, and spectators all gather for a photo with the car.