From promo girl to pit controller

from Masterton Motorplex 2021 2022

When two classes clash

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. 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. Pit runners ensure dial ins are recorded and taken up to the tower ready to be entered when the car comes into staging. They also ensure all drivers are lined up in their correct pairings ready to race once they hit the track. Melissa took over the role of pit 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. She makes sure the right classes are ready to race and in staging with their pit runner to avoid gaps in racing. “I have the most fun job because I 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

Melissa keeping the pit under control. Photo/Graham Meiklejohn

Continued on page 10

QUALITY BRICKLAYING

• Bricks • Blocks • Tiles • Plastering WAIRARAPA -WIDE ATKINSON & ATKINSON BRICKLAYERS

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

Continued from page 9 for everyone else. All the different areas work well together. My little team of pit runners do an incredible job.” The Group One cars - top alcohol and top door slammer - are a particular focus for Melissa. “They require a bit more attention than the other classes because of the work involved in getting their cars ready to go down the track between each race. These cars are the ones that draw crowds, they put on a show and run the fastest ETs.” At times it can be frustrating for the drivers, like when they are ready to go but there is a hold up, says Melissa. “The adrenalin is there, especially on Sundays when we get into the competitive rounds. The pressure is on at the lights, especially when it is a big meeting with big crowds.” Melissa is friends with many of the racing teams and her partner Kurt Goodin has raced in the super sedan class, although he will be competing with The Wild Bunch this time round. “The drivers and their crews are a great bunch of people. My favourite part of the job is de nitely being out in the pits giving everyone a bit of cheek. “There’s a great atmosphere on Friday evenings after registration and Saturday afternoon after the racing when everyone comes together for a laugh and a drink or two.” The event Melissa is most looking forward to this season is the Mayhem at Masterton meeting in February which sees Outlaw 71 versus Wild Bunch. “This is going to be the meeting you don’t want to miss, two classes that always provide great entertainment, a big eld full of blown alcohol cars. What’s not to enjoy.”