NATIONAL DRAG RACING CHAMPIONSHIP | 11-12 DECEMBER 2021
FROM PROMO GIRL
to pit controller Melissa Osborne has one of the pivotal jobs during race meetings at Masterton Motorplex. As pit controller she has to make sure everything is running smoothly like a well-oiled machine. Melissa grew up in Carterton and started working at MMP as one of its legendary promo girls when she was 18. “I enjoyed it. It was fun at that age.” Melissa used to help her dad Bruce Osborne and brother Dwane who are both regular competitors at Masterton Motorplex, in Super Street and Super Sedan respectively, before they moved to Competition class with their Ford Pop while she became a pit runner.
Melissa keeping the pit under control. Photo/Graham Meiklejohn
Pit runners ensure dial ins are recorded and taken up to the tower ready to be entered when the car comes into staging.
controller from Hollee Wilton Foley five years ago which sees her in charge of the race order, calling classes out, completing random breath tests of drivers and crew and assisting with any other problems that occur in the lead up to racing and finals.
They also ensure all drivers are lined up in their correct pairings ready to race once they hit the track.
She makes sure the right classes are ready to race and in staging with their pit runner to avoid gaps in racing.
Melissa took over the role of pit
“I have the most fun job because I
The role of Pit Runners at MMP is to take care of their assigned class whether it be Juniors, bikes or competition cars and dragsters.
QUALITY BRICKLAYING • • • •
Bricks Blocks Tiles Plastering
WAIRARAPA -WIDE ATKINSON & ATKINSON BRICKLAYERS PHONE 027 419 5846
get to interact with everyone - the pit runners, the start line, end of track, crash crew, track prep guys and of course the racers and crew.” Melissa works closely with Chair Bob Wilton and area steward Tony Van Helman, but says everyone has an important role. “Everyone needs to be amazing at their job, otherwise it is hard Continued on page 10
KEEPING WAIRARAPA’S
VEHICLES SPARKING
We service all automotive, marine and commercial auto electrical repairs. All automotive electrical work Big range of auto electrical spares Free battery fitting 21 Bentley Street, MASTERTON Masterton Motorplex 2021/2022 Season 9
