I’ve been damn busy!

Australian Superbikes

Shawn Giles and Koby Abberton head out

I accepted a job offer from Yarrive Konsky of IEG, the new oranisers and promoters of the Australian Superbike series. My job description is pretty loose, though it could be summed up thusly: “Get editorial press coverage, do special events and get the punters along”.

My first and major project has been a two seater ride program- not too dissimilar to Ducati (exclusively) does in MotoGP. Our club is slightly less exclusive- currently we have bikes from Woodstock Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

Steve Pizzati on air with Steve Price and Josh Dowling on 2UE.

Overall I was very pleased with the pillion rides at Eastern Creek. We received some great coverage after getting the Abberton brothers on board. Friday is my main focus- this gives us a chance to hit the Saturday papers and Friday websites.

At Eastern Creek one of the support classes for Australian Superbikes was the Aussie Racing Cars. I personally invited Steve Pizzati from Top Gear Australia along to race and he repaid the favour by going on Steve Price’s 2UE show twice. But where we owed him the most was his wonderful kindness in rolling the car 2 1/2 times and hitting most of the major daily papers in the process. Taking one fo the team- literally. Thanks man.

To step up our coverage, I have not only planned website and press release changes, but I have a few other ideas that I think will position our motorsport back in its rightful place as second only to V8 Supercars.

Details: www.asbk.com.au

Twitter: @asbk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AustralianSuperbikes

Twitter pic posted from the second podium of the day for HRT.

HSV/HRT
I’ve been helping Holden Special Vehicles and Holden Racing Team (more specifically Walkinshaw Racing) establish and grow a social media presence. Sarah W from HSV has been a great student of social media and with the genuine backing of senior HSV management, we’ve really set HSV/HRT apart from the “others”. I set up many Twitter and Facebook Fan accounts (some Twitter accounts simply to prevent squatting) and have advised them at every step about ways to grow the fan base and how and what to Tweet. We have rewarded fans (sent out signed prizes when we hit 1000 Facebook fans) and kept up the conversationand replies- especially on race weekends.

Speaking of race weekends, at the recent Sandown event I joined in the Tweet festival from inside the Walkinshaw pit- a fantastic insiders view.

A more ambitious social media program is envisaged in the future.

Twitter: @holden_racing, @HSV_news, @BundyRedRacing

Facebook: HRT HSV Bundaberg Red Racing

Thomasr and Fiona Mackintosh from Draggin Jeans- Fed Sqr, 2007.

Draggin Jeans
Having briefed in SharpSushi, their new site will be launching shortly. Fiona and Kris from Draggin and Adam and Kere from SharpSushi have collaborated really well. I did my part early on, offering a few ideas, but they have all  really taken up the running. The new site will offer a brilliant online experience, grow their very loyal fan base even more and have a conversion rate that I think will suprise even those inolved.

With new products, new designs, a new website, a new marketing manager and a more aggressive marketing approach, Draggin look good to go in the next year and beyond.

My involvement of late has take the form of some marketing strategy ideas with specific refence to Twitter and the “What is change?” concept. I also set up the fan page.

Beyond web, I am also going to do some “other” work for Draggin’, but for now this must remain a secret!

Web(new one launching soon): www.dragginjeans.net

Twitter: @dragginjeans

Facebook: DragginJeansAustralia

Josh Brookes

Superbike star and current British Superbike series racer Josh Brookes has recently come on board as a web/marketing client. He’s a great talent, though frankly having a very mixed year. I have written an all encompassing web strategy document that I am going to execute on (in collaboration with 50 Kaliber and SharpSushi), along with maintaining his social media presence and offering advice as we go.

Twitter: @joshbrookes

Facebook: JoshBrookes

SharpSushi

As one of the two web agencies I like to deal with, Adam and Kere- directors of SharpSushi- are two of the nicest and more importantly most switched on web people I have had the pleasure in dealing with. I have provided general web strategy and ideas for one specific client (whatcanyoudo.com.au) as well as general web strategy and social media ideas here and there. Eventually they will be building my own new site.

Eventually.

Web: www.sharpsushi.com

Igloo- Digital Strategy Agency

As the best mid sized (though growing so fast they may have gone past that stage) web agency in the country, Igloo can rightfully claim to have grown from a leading design agency into a leading strategy/all round agency.

Some months ago I assisted them as part of their pitch for the Mazda account, providing strategy ideas and on the ground assistance for their pitch. I also wrote a post for their blog site outlining my thoughts on social media with specific reference to the automotive market.

They subsequently won the Mazda account.

Since then I have been busy with my many other gigs, though I am really keen to get back to the Pelaco building and work on some fun stuff with Andy, Tony and the team.

Web: www.igloo.com.au

CarAdvice

Until a few months ago I was hosting a podcast for CarAdvice, Australia’s number one independent editorial site. While it was fun while it lasted, they have gone through a number of changes- from new offices, staff and a new CEO. It was agreed that the podcasts will go on hold for the rest of the year. While I was disappointed at the time, I’m hopeful we can work something out in the future.

Radio 3AW.

It’s hardly a suprise when I tell you I was cut from the Neil Mitchell show weekday lineup for 2009. Once the other 11am-12pm guests were cut, I suspected I was in strife- either they would move me to a new timeslot, or I would fall over utterly. At the time I received a very nice call from Program Director Clark Forbes telling me that I was still a required player for their F1 and MotoGP coverage as well as my summer sessions with Tom Elliott- a segment I really enjoy. Tom’s a terriffic bloke and a really good broadcaster. Summer will be fun!

The C-Word Vodcast

The irrepressible and likeable Dieter Kahsnitz has re invigorated his community TV award winning program as a 5 minute vodcast. At present the episodes are older ones recut for vodcast purposes. Shortly, we collectively head into a new era of the C-Word, with new concepts, segments and some really fun stuff. Stay tuned for that.

Web: www.cword.tv

Grand Prix Corporation

For the last few years I have been hosting the riders parade with Dieter at Federation Square. We’re shaping up to do it all again this year- though with a few extras thanks to my connections within Australian Superbikes.

As well as the Fed Square gig, We’ve also been asked to host a meet ‘n greet/panel show at the Island on the Friday night in the camp ground. This promises to be an cracking good night, so we’re rightly pumped about it. The whole weekend is going to absolutely rock, so book your tickets, do what you gotta do to be at Phillip Island this year.

So that’s me in a nut shell at the moment- busy, but still looking for more to fill my days with…

the-age-30-3, originally uploaded by thomasrdotorg.

Wait, yr doing it backwards!

Thanks to Suzanne Carbone for having the vision to include a few paras about me at the F1 GP tweeting like an OCD sufferer (without the suffering bit!)

No… where are those offers of Social Media work? HUH?

It was actually really pretty good. I went on the Saturday with the proletariat, a good move indeed.

So, here’s my review: sortof clockwise. See all the pics.

Mazda.
A Mazda 2 Rally car for the Australian Rally Series was the major highlight. Kids climbing all over an RX8 was not. The staff were attentive and friendly, but it was a bit of a yawn fest.
Highlight: Mazda 2 Rally Car
Lowlight: No one on their stand knew anything about said rally car.
Overall: C

Lexus
Classy as ever, not a whole lot of exciting stuff (Does a huge range of hybrids do it for you?). The automated reverse parking display drew gasps and ohs and ahs like the first time people saw Pong on a computer screen. Excting at the time, but perhaps not impressive long term. The Lexus Ladies were well dressed, but perhaps a littel cold looking.
Highlight: Monique and her amazing reversing Lexus.
Lowlight: The guy behind me willing it to malfunction and drive off into the crowd like a bulldozer. Had that actually happened, it could have ended up being a highlight.
Overall: B

Audi
The shovel nosed crew were showing off like drunk teenagers with a stolen skateboard. The “ladies of the stand” were dressed to impress and the men looked like they were off to the horse racing.
Highlight: R8 of course. And a TTS- in left hand drive.
Lowlight: No prototypes. Where is a Le Mans Diesel people? Not getting into the VIP area- DON’T YOU PEOPLE KNOW WHO I AM?!
Overall: B

Saab
Out of the way and out of the spotlight, I may have gone to the Saab stand, but I sure as hell don’t recall it. I do however recall driving the 1.9 litre Diesel turbo wagon recently and the turbo lag was such that I wondered if it was in fact faulty. “No” they said, “We make them like that.”
O RLY? FAIL.
Highlight: Leaving to go to Holden’s stand next door.
Lowlight: I wish the whole stand was in low lights.
Overall: D+

Holden (GM)
What a nasty bunch the folks at Holden are (when it comes to their main rival Ford). Ford are giving birth to their new Falcon and Holden burst into the delivery room with not one but two DNA-altered, mean-as-Terminator Show Stopper babies.
The W427 with its 7 Litre, LS7, Warp factor 7 engine had plenty of interest and since Holden are well known for using show feedback as a deal breaker on future models (the Torana prototype from a few years ago had lots of VE Commodore goodness on it LINK: http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/2101/Holden-Torana-TT36.html ), expect much of this display car to hit the road in the second half of 2008.
Even if Holden only do a short run of these 427 C inch mutha trukkers (even at $150k AUS they won’t make a lot of money on them), it should set the new Ford FPV power figures (as yet unreleased) on their asses. What bastards.
The other Ford happiness killer was the Coupe (can we say Monaro/GTO?) With no specs and perhaps no real plans to build it, the Coupe was definately a toe-in-the-water show car. Should Holden build it? Hell yeah, and whack an LS9 in it to make certain it’s the beast people expect it to be. Likelihood? Unknown. There were a few hints of what they are thinking – the little “BioFuel” badge being but one, but then the wheels looked like they didn’t fit inside the wheel arches, so the whole thing might be a hoax to generate interest, but not for sale. Maybe we’ll see a production run of the Effijy before we see a new Coupe…
Highlight: New 427 and Coupe
Lowlight: 14 yrs olds arguing over what 427 meant.
Overall: A

Volkswagen/Skoda
We’ve all liked the hot lil’ Volksies in all their guises- GTi, Diesel turbos etc for years and while they may be getting a little tiring (especially if you drive a V8 and one of these little buggers gives you the slip in the hills), there was a lot of attention for the cars “for the people”. Australians are getting onboard with Diesel engines and Volkswagen are surfing these first waves of interest. Good for them.
Highlight: Good spread of models, attentive stand folk.
Lowlight: Bit dull… I mean… diesels? What are we thinking?
Overall: B

Toyota
They may be the biggest selling manufacturer in Oz, but if you don’t race V8s, you don’t count. Toyota knows this, so they compensate with rally-bred stuff. We love rally, but we don’t rate it since Subaru pulled out in Australia. There were a few of the obligatory engine-cut- away-in-a-perspex- box displays, but it fell away after that. There are only so many ways to display a Corolla. There was a curious looking hybrid prototype thing that drew attention, but it also caused confusion. Putting “hybrid” on a prototype with a closed hood does nothing for sales, but much for confusion.
Highlight: Seeing the Aurion Supercharged engine and its 20 foot long supercharger belt.
Lowlight: Seeing the Aurion TRD again after it tried to kill me and my loved ones with its front wheel drive 250Kw torque steering anger management issues.
Overall: B

Mitsubishi
For a company that just abandoned manufacturing in Australia, many thought that Mitsubishi turning up was an act of war in itself. Not so. All was forgiven when they trotted out the new Lancer Evo X. Mitsubishi’s display was the only stand on two levels. I think this was to create an atmosphere of superiority when no such superiority is warranted.
Highlight: The Evo… in red of course.
Lowlight: Closing their manufacturing operations in Australia. No strictly show-related, but we’re still angry about it, so we’ll say it again.
Overall: B-

Proton
Whoops, fell asleep while walking through there.
Highlight: Small stand.
Lowlight: They came at all.
Overall: Not fair to mark them. Oh hell, D.

Suzuki
One gets the impression that Suzuki are finding a nice newish niche in being the fun and funky car maker. The little rally car they had their combined with nice, fresh designs means they could be the new Subaru, now that Subaru have decided to be the new Volvo.
Highlight: the SX4 rally related display car
Lowlight: The new B-King motorbike being put into what looked like a large fish tank where we couldn’t inspect it or take photos that didn’t make it look ridiculous.
Overall: B

Peugeot/Renault
The manufacturers of the Frogmobiles might hate being bundled together, but then if they really did hate it so much they would not “arrange” to have their stands side-by-side. This confuses the public and the occasional motoring scribe.
Highlight: The new 207 Megane.
Lowlight: Not realising the above car does not exist
Overall: C

Land Rover
One upon a time, simply bringing any prototype to the Motor Show was enough to guarantee interest. Now you need to bring over an interesting prototype with things that go “bing”. Land Rover failed on all accounts. Their prototype was neither interesting nor compelling. For starters, you could not see inside it as the windows were painted. FAIL. Meanwhile they had a supercharged 4WD for pulling that really big horse float. YAWN.
Highlight: The supercharged super tank thing
Lowlight: The lame and ludicrous prototype.
Overall: C-

Volvo
After many years of trying to shed their “boring shoeboxes with wheels” image we can finally admit it: Volvo failed. The “funky for the sake of funky” C30 and the XC models have that aroma of “please say I’m cool” when they really are not. I felt sorry for Volvo, so I went to sit in one of their cars, but immediately aged 10 years once bum hit velour. Damn teenagers, no respect. Etc.
Highlight: The rear window on the C30
Lowlight: Wondering if my wife and yet to be born baby would like one. What’s happening to me?
Overall: B-

Ford
Holden crashed the party, urinated on the new Falcon and then took all the publicity, but the folks at Ford were still proud ‘n loud as they ought to be. The new Flacon may not be a billion dollar baby like the VE Commodore, but there is much to be proud of at their stand. The FPV’s drew attention and applause and the G series didn’t quite put me to sleep (went close however). The turbo FPV is the pick of the litter- the dark wheels and “Alice Cooper eyes” of both the GT and Turbo work really well and rumor has it they will jump over HSV in power figures across the board.
So, the new Falcon should sell in volume, but for how long? Why build a better mousetrap when they are being bred out of existence?
Highlight: The FPV tuned Territory 270Kw Turbo. Cayenne killer?
Lowlight: The smell of fear: what if we fail?
Overall: B+

Nissan.
The staple of all Motor shows in 2008, Nisaan had a new GTR there. The new GTR. Here in Australia. In Right Hand Drive. But also In The Show. This show. The Melbourne MotorShow.
I saw it, and it looked at me.
Highlight: The new GTR.
Lowlight: There was a nice 350Z that obscured my first views of the GTR. Damn thing.
Overall: A+. For the GTR. C- without it.

Kia
Kia are like a demanding, precocious but talented kid nagging you. You want to dislike, deny and ignore them, but you do so at your peril.
They had a few “niceish” models on display, though they do lack any punch in the interest nor the power stakes.
So I went back to form and ignored them.
Highlight: A people mover. Just kidding.
Lowlight: The families poring over a people mover with no stability control. They should be called people MOWERs.
Overall: C-

Hyundai
It’s a pretty sorry state of affairs when a brand like Hyundai have one of the prettiest, most interesting prototypes on show. Add in the market research girls who seemed to be doing genuine surveys about the desirability of the proto and you get the feeling the chip, chipping away that Hyundai have engaged in is starting to work; they may actually make a car that you might want to buy.
Highlight: The orange prototype
Lowlight: The orange prototype being ultimately the only item of note.
Overall: B-

Subaru
I said earlier that Subaru have decided to become the new Volvo and boy they mean it. After all the effort they made opening their garage doors to the Boy Racers- they have absolutely slammed that door shut. Instead of a WRC car on display they have a cut-away of car with airbags deployed. Instead of a boxer turbo cut up and naked for all the world to see, we get the Tribeca’s engine and drive train. “It’s a Volvo, but even more dull”. That’s my ad for Subaru 2008.
Highlight: The Liberty STi looked hott.
Lowlight: A mother and daughter in the WRX saying “how cute” it looked. It’s come to that.
Overall: C+

BMW
In the absence of Mercedes (They are all in Germany, on bail or had better things to do) it fell to BMW to be the Other Big German Marque. They sure meant business. They tried there best to be Mercedes-like with a mind boggling array of cars with numbers and letters that began to blur in front of ones’ eyes. One nomenclature stuck out: X6. They know they will sell a lot of these now as people who clearly had the money showed clear interest. And in the end that’s what a motor show is all about. Moving “units”. So I’m told.
Highlight: X6 hands down.
Lowlight: The VIP lounge. Yet another place I was not allowed into.
Overall: A-

Honda
When someone working for you shit-cans the stand they are working on, then you know you have a serious problem. When the Accord V6 is your flagship, you have a problem. When Hyundai is making more interesting (and probably faster) sports cars; you have a problem.
So it was with the Honda stand. How can a manufacturer with F1 and MotoGP credibility have such a lame duck range and therefore motor show stand? The hottest car on show was the S2000. A car you cannot buy/order/see/own unless you steal a second hand one. The next hottest was a front drive Civic R Type. A Civic? Front wheel drive? Good God! Where is a new NSX or equivalent? Nissan have the drool worthy GTR on the other side of the room next to a 350Z- also no slouch. Over at Honda we have a Civic and an Accord or something else equally dull. I nearly died of boredom and were it not for the stand attendant keeping be interested by also sticking the boot into Honda, I might have had a nap in one of the cars. Undisturbed too.
Highlight: They were in the corner out of the way.
Lowlight: The EPIC FAIL nature of Honda today.
Overall: F. Worst stand and range by a margin.

The “others”
No it’s not an allusion to Lost, but rather the smaller stands of note.

Ferrari/Masterati/Lamborghini/Alfa Romeo/Fiat.
Italians love Melbourne- the inner city suburb of Carlton is well known for it’s strong Italian heritage- along with a less savory Mafioso element. And so it is (without the mafia bit) with Italian cars- right at home in the Melbourne Motor Show.
The Supercars were beautiful and the stands were also beautiful. But the public were separated by some margin from the cars- in keeping with the unattainable nature of the cars themselves. The Fiat stand- heavily promoting the new 500 (it will be the F1 “celebrity” support race car next week) was a very cool, very retro looking thing with hot stand girls in a mixture of all white outfits. The cars were cute, the girls were hot.

Elfin/Bolwell
Two local hand builders in varying degrees of development and success.
Elfin have had a very mixed year. Highlight: new Streamliner and Clubman models looking great, accelerating like fury (LS1 engine + 900Kgs=??), but a lowlight when Elfin co driver Paul Flintoff was killed in a tarmac Rally in early November last year. Rumors about build quality issues and engineering shortcuts harmed their brand, but being owned in part by Walkinshaw and HSV has meant that support is not far away and the recent seconding of senior HSV engineers means Elfin should get back on track in every sense. The “No Fear” show car looked the goods and drew plenty of interest.
Meanwhile Bolwell are a blast from the past. In the 70s their Nagari almost-supercar was a desirable and sexy object and 30 years later they are looking to release a new Nagari with a Toyota V6 supercharged (from Toyota’s Aurion TRD) as a rear engined, 0-100kms/h sub 4 second, 300km/h genuine supercar. From the front and sides the prototype looks the goods. I did feel it was a bit ugly/unresolved in the rear compared to other similar cars. Campbell Bolwell, the driving force behind this project has the motivation, skills and two supportive and talented sons to get this car on the road and one hopes that they do get a viable car out there. Custom handbuilt cars are going the way of the typewriter and any builder still having a go has my support. Link: http://www.bolwellcarclub.com.au/new%20nagari.htm

Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge
Despite the non appearance of Mercedes, fellow Dainmler (or whatever they call themselves this week) companies Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge put on quite a show with plenty of pretty lassies, show bag giveaways and a fairly strong range of vehicles. No Viper, no Ram, but the Nitro has plenty of appeal for those stupid enough to think it’s a Hummer H3. (hint: It’s better and cheaper)

Hummer
Speaking of which, the Hummer still draws support at any motor show. Usually only from those who have neither driven nor been a passenger in one. If you have then you would know the H3 in Australia, with its asthmatic 3.7 ltr 5 cylinder waste of time engine and poor road manners, is not worth crushing into toy Hummers, let alone real ones.
But why spoil the annual car-Christmas that is the motor show?

Shannon’s Auctions.
Tastier than the whole motor show put together, the classic auctions coming-soon list included a 1971 GTHO. In brown, sure, but its still the 351 Engine, still looks like sex on wheels and has gone up a little from its original asking price of $5000… to more like $600,000+. A world gone mad- in a good way.

Summary
Last year I told anyone who would listen that the Melbourne Motor Show was a waste of time. It was bad by Australian standards and a total non-event on a world scale. They must have listened to me- poor fools- but nonetheless seemingly the organisers and exhibitors have gone to some lengths to stop it becoming a glorified parking lot. Well played all round.

www.flickr.com thomasrdotorg’s Melbourne Motor Show 2008 photoset

Broadcaster, producer, news reporter, interviewer, host, MC, commentator and- above all else- MotoGP fan.

More pics here.

DSC_0074, originally uploaded by thomasrdotorg.

It was my pleasure and privilege to introduce Casey Stoner to an adoring Federation Square audience. It was fantastic to be offered this opportunity and Adam and I had a bloody ball.

More pics here

Ford FPV R- Spec Typhoon Turbo.

Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) has released its new limited edition F6 R-Spec Typhoon, featuring FPV’s innovative R-Spec suspension and handling package. The F6 R-Spec is the first of FPV’s six-cylinder models to feature the R-Spec suspension. The stylish new addition to the FPV stable is identified with distinctive R-Spec badging, and ”Dark Argent”gunmetal accents on the wheels and rear spoiler as standard. With production limited to just 300 units, the new F6 R-Spec will come with a unique build certificate of authenticity.

casey-poster copy, originally uploaded by thomasrdotorg.

Oh Spring- how lovely thou art! Now while the single horsepower spring racing carnival is looking shaky, the machine based high horsepower racing season is looking more exciting than ever. Alonso vs Hamilton: too close to call! V8s- Bathurst looking as exciting as all get out.

To top it all off, we are perhaps a week or so away from having Casey Stoner crowned MotoGP world champion: our first in the four stroke era and our first since Mighty Mick Doohan. While the GP corporation would ideally have this Championship decided at Phillip Island (and so would the fans no doubt) it looks more likely that the Japanese round at Motegi on the weekend of 22/23 September looks the likely round (trust me, we’ve sat down and done the points scenarios!).

To celebrate 3AW has organised to have the Station Hotel in Greville st Prahran booked out for MotoGP fans to watch the race on the Sunday 23rd. Being in Japan, the race is one hour earlier- so no late Sunday night! From midday, join Australian Superbike Champion and 3AW commentator Adam Fergusson (and other guests) and me as we preview the race, review the season and watch the race on the multiple projectors and plasma screens at the Station hotel. Numbers will be limited, so get along early!

Entry is FREE, so get along from midday Sunday 23rd September! Here’s the poster link.

DSC_0144, originally uploaded by thomasrdotorg.

Preparation for driving or leaving your car (and coming back!):

• If you have a Diesel car/4WD, then you should shoot for about 50%+ Alpine Diesel (a special fuel with an additive to stop it freezing). • Check what time the servo closes if you need Alpine Diesel (or any fuel for that matter!) Mid-week the country town fuel stops are not open very late.
• • Long term stayers- it’s not a bad idea to park off the mountain- check all long term storage issues though (battery, tyres, coolant, oil)
• An old tarp/blanket in front of the radiator and over the top of the engine will help insulate the engine bay and minimise any condensation on the engine. Especially useful for older cars.
• •Apply a small square of masking/duct tape over the door locks to resist icing up. (Otherwise you can’t get your key in to open the door!).
• •Anti freeze, anti boil. You can run very higher ratios of this product in high performance engines, but 40% is fine in most Australian conditions. Note: you must have some water in your radiator as coolant on its own has a high freezing point!
• Wiper blades up or down? If you have the new silicone blades they are less prone to freezing and sticking to windscreens. Also, wiper blades up are a dead-set invitation for snow-bogans to snap them off, especially if it’s a Melbourne supporter’s Range Rover! If you do leave your blades down and they stick, the a few minutes of demisting the windscreen will loosen them just fine.
• If you drive an older car with a carby that could be stubborn to start when cold, carry a can of aero-start, it’s great stuff. •
• Add some metho to the wiper/wash reservoir. This will prevent the fluid from freezing and also helps to cut through road grime. •
• If your battery is having a few problems before you go, then said problems will be exacerbated once in the cold. Get a new one!

Chains:

• • Cars, diamond pattern only. 4WD either diamond or ladder style, but diamond is the recommended style. In Victoria, chains must be carried at all times from Queens birthday weekend until end of the season. This applies to cars and 4WD’s.
• SUVs (with the exception of Subaru 4WDs) are not considered 4WDs at some mountains and are required to fit chains at the same time as cars. For those heading to NSW resorts, 4WDs are not required to carry chains. The average penalty for not carrying chains varies, but is generally a $400 fine and 2 or even 3 demerit points.
• Carry an old tarp and some rubber gloves to stay drier and cleaner when fumbling around under the car fitting chains.
• When parking long term above or in the snowline – reverse in where possible and fit chains prior to parking if snow is forecast. It’s a lot easier to extract a vehicle with them already on!
• After fitting chains, check them after 200 metres to make certain that they are ok. (do it safely in a chain bay)
• Take your chains off when it is safe to do so, but don’t go to early as black ice often is below the snowline- especially at night when cars have dropped snow melt.

Driving:

• Smooth, smooth all the way. No sudden movements of the wheel on ice and watch for oncoming cars out of control. Keep your wheels turning if you don’t have ABS- use “L” in you auto or a low gear in a manual.
• Snow is actually easier and safer to drive on than ice, so stay calm in unfamiliar surroundings, but understand snow is your friend. Ice is never your friend (unless its in your G+T in the ski lodge)
• No need for low ratio in 4WDs generally speaking. Over revving the engine can be more expensive than a gentle slide into a snow bank.
• Stay an extra night if tired and drive home in the morning.
• Hazard lights are for when you are in trouble, not for driving with.
• Pull over if you are holding up traffic.
• Clear snow off your car. It might look cool to arrive in South Yarra with a roof load, but you may create a road hazard, not to mention the roof load of snow landing on your bonnet and blocking your view.
• Take a shovel and leave it in a place that’s easy to access.

Other issues:

• Rental cars are not covered above the snow line.
• Comprehensive insurance covers you in the snow.
• Keep a storage bin in your boot and stuff your snowy/wet gear in that!

• Let it snow, let it snow, let it SNOW!

DSC_0037, originally uploaded by thomasrdotorg.

Ahhhh the sweet beauty of the modern icon.

here we see the delectable (love that front end!) Mercedes Benz SLK280 sitting alongside the cute (but BITEY!) Mini Cooper S “Chilli”.

Neil seemed to like them both, but particularly liked the Mercedes-Benz. perhaps I am finally convincing him it’s time to admit that he can spend $100K and not end up in the poor house.

It does however mean his offspring would not find themselves having a drive in Dad’s car- and well they might NOT.