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A Prize worth winning
A Prize worth winning
There was some significant discussion in a related thread about the Mazda 2 Rally prize, particularly the value of it. Having now seen it first hand I thought I’d bring my perspective to it.
Firstly let me say that I have no commercial connection with Mazda, I did not ask for nor receive any remuneration for my participation.
I spoke at length with Kagan (a finalist) and Cheryl (another finalist) and they both indicated how impressed with Mazda they were in the Final selection process. People from all over Australia were flown to Sydney, accommodated in very quality accommodation, had a great day at Oran Park with two driver Trainers/Observers , the use of two rally cars for the testing process. All finalists received a bag of Mazda goodies and Michael received a Limited Edition Mazda Watch.
Michael as winner then was flown to Canberra for the event (it would have been easy to say that he could drive down given that he lived in Sydney – heck I was driving there while he was flying) but Mazda wanted the “experience” to be memorable and important. On arrival in Canberra I picked up Michael and took him to his hotel (The Crowne near the Casino- they had been booked into the Hyatt but there was some disaster with the Hyatts booking system). There was dinner in the restaurant and Michael was under strict instructions to order want he wanted at the Hotel in terms of food and beverage.
Thursday was a morning with Rick Bates – then while the 2 was back at Reliance getting a going over I took Michael to the War Memorial and Black Mountain Tower. Dinner again for Michael on Thursday might and then Friday was training/testing in the 2 in the morning with Rick and then rest up until the event start on Friday night.
I picked Michael up on Friday afternoon for event and he was resplendent in his brand new and to keep – Driving suit – Stilo WRC Helmet, Gloves and boots.
The full two day rally – with what ever tyres and support that was needed. Taxi to the airport this morning and home. (I think this was Michael’s first commercial air trip as well – another great memory).
I think it was a bloody brilliant prize and one worth winning – Hell there was 4 or 5 grand in the hotel accommodation for Michael and the other finalists three more grand in the gear etc etc Then there was the cost of training and selection etc etc.
Congratulations Allan Horsley and Jodie – I was impressed with the genuine desire to give an emerging talent a go! On Allan – I can also say he drove more Ks than we did – everywhere we went he was there watching – this wasn’t a remote control issue for him. And Jodie was a one woman organizational team. Just great. Of course JW and Michael from Reliance were also bloody brilliant.
It was a great prize and one that was well worth winning - who knows where it will take Michael, but it was a great thing in and of itself.
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Andrew Crawford 0402 345 245 - Dilligara Web site updated October 2011
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