5 minute read
Member Ride
Normally when we share a Member Ride with you, it’s a very definite thing. It’s a Monaro or a Camaro or an old Austin Healy.
But this month’s Member Ride can be almost anything you want it to be — from a touring car to a Formula 1 race car.
That’s because this month’s Member Ride is a virtual reality racing simulator, owned by longtime Capricorn Member Barry Punter.
Barry owns Online Autos in Osborne Park, Western Australia. The area is a real hub for auto businesses and, until recently, Barry’s business was the kind of place those of us who daydream about owning a sportscar would go to gawk at the beautiful machines for sale.
But all that has changed. “In November I had three Lamborghinis for sale in here,” Barry said. “Now I have six of these simulators and no room for any cars.”
The simulators were produced by Melbourne-based Motum — a company started by ex-race drivers — and are currently the only 6DOF (six directions of freedom) in WA.
“The idea is that you can race each other,” he said. “But they’re basically the closest you will get to driving a racing car without having the expense of a racing car.
“You have virtual reality goggles on, so that puts you in the car — you move your head around and the scenery all changes; you check your mirrors and you can see the cars moving up behind you.
“Then, obviously, the simulator moves (in response to the virtual reality experience you’re having) and you get feedback through the steering wheel as well, so you feel all the lumps and bumps.”
These are some seriously cool toys, which cost $85,000 each. While Barry said he and his staff have to remind themselves that it’s not playtime, all the time, the purchase was actually a business decision. It was all about diversification.
“We still have the workshop, but we’ve diversified into this,” he said. “I thought ‘why not have a room full of toys and charge people to use them?’ ”
Barry also owns a V8 drive business, where motor enthusiasts can drive a supercar around a racetrack, so he felt the VR simulators were a good fit for his business portfolio.
“I much prefer this because it’s much less harrowing on my nerves!” he said.
So, this month’s Member Ride isn’t an old classic or show-stopping street rod. Instead, it’s more like a choose your own adventure book, where the car can be anything you want it to be. Whether that’s a touring car sweeping around Mount Panorama at Bathurst, or an F1 zipping around the Circuit de Spa at 19000 RPM, the choice is yours.
PREFERRED SUPPLIER Profiles
QLD - Sabtool sabtool.com.au
YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
Sabtool was founded in 1983 as a Wynn’s distributor on the Sunshine Coast. Today they supply workshop equipment Australia-wide, whilst continuing to be the exclusive Wynn’s distributor on the Sunshine Coast. Sabtool supplies all manner of workshop equipment including hoists, Autel scan tools, wheel service equipment, general equipment, Torrent parts cleaning machines and so much more. Sabtool will ask the key questions to ensure they understand your workshop equipment needs so Members get exactly what they need, even when that means a smaller ticket price. Sabtool offers exceptional knowledge and experience in the industry, coupled with outstanding customer service.
Complete Alignments is a fourth-generation family-owned business, established in 1983. With over 100 years’ experience, they pride themselves on offering a highly professional service every time. Complete Alignments are underbody specialists providing workshop services for trucks, buses, trailers, caravans and cars. Complete Alignments is a proud RAA-approved repairer, and their heavy involvement with the Wheel Alignment Association keeps them up to date and ahead of industry standards and technological advancements. Their main services include wheel alignment, suspension repairs or upgrades, power steering servicing and accident damage repairs. With tailored best practice industry advice and fast turnarounds, Complete Alignments ensures you endure minimal inconvenience.
NEW
PREFERRED SUPPLIER
VIC/TAS, NSW/ACT, QLD & SA - White’s Powersports whitespowersports.com.au
YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
White’s Powersports is a family owned and operated business with over 50 years of experience in the motorcycle industry. White’s Powersports prides itself on providing industry-leading service and an exceptional range of products, and ensuring great stock levels. Whether you are looking for motorcycle, ATV or UTV parts and accessories, White’s Powersports will have the part for you. Browse and order online with real-time information and access to thousands of products and millions of fitments. White’s Powersports makes doing business easy.
NSW/ACT - Cornell Diesel Systems cornells.com.au
6
YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
Cornell Diesel Systems has achieved recognition as being Australia’s leading diesel fuel injection and remanufacturing service provider and facilities. With ISO accreditation and a team of highly experienced, knowledgeable, trained staff, Cornell Diesel Systems offers professional and reliable service to Capricorn Members. Cornell Diesel Systems specialises in diesel fuel injection, diesel vehicle and machinery servicing, and genuine OEM, new and remanufactured diesel fuel injection and subsystem parts. Cornell Diesel Systems is at the forefront of developments and proactively updates their equipment and tooling to enable servicing the most advanced diesel fuel injection systems in the world. From mechanical systems right through to modern diesel, they are capable of the jobs that require a high level of diesel specialisation.
WA - United Fuel Injection unitedfuel.com.au
25
YEARS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
United Fuel Injection is the one-stop destination for all diesel needs, being the largest fuel injection workshop in Western Australia and amongst the most experienced workshops Australia-wide. A combination of expertly trained staff and over 45 years of operation ensure the delivery of the best available products and services to suit the varying needs and requirements of Member’s industries. Comprising four core divisions — heavy diesel, light automotive, turbocharger and performance — United Fuel Injection provides the whole range of diesel solutions. Their wealth of industry knowledge ensures a premium service for diesel engines large and small.
