FRIDAY 1 JUNE 2018 || ISSUE 007
INSIDE >>
P2 What’s on
>>
P6 Motorsport plan gets revved up
>>
P8 Patriots Brothers who ride
PAGE 3
A WORK HORSE WITH
ATTITUDE THE DIRT ON
DIRT BIKES
MATTHEW VANDERMARK
PAGE 5
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL GUIDE FOR EVERYTHING ON WHEELS From skate boards to semis & cars to caravans. We have all your wheels covered.
|| DRIVER’S SIDE The first thing I need to pass on this week is an apology to Tabatha Lynch who featured in last week’s Girl Torque outlining her role as a sales consultant for JEEP at Wagga Motors. The article stated on two occasions that Tabatha was employed by Thomas Bros. This was incorrect, and, as stated she is employed by Wagga Motors. In my role as the manager responsible for Weekly Torque and writer of the story, I accept responsibility for the mistake. It was a massive oversight on my part and has caused a great deal of professional embarrassment, not only for Tabatha, but also her colleagues, Wagga Motors and in turn, the Dealership Principals Scott and Richard Braid.
If you would like to be included in next week’s edition please contact Kieren on:
For this mistake I can only offer my most sincere apologies to all those I have disappointed and offended, and, having learned an important lesson, I hope you forgive such an unprofessional blunder.
KIEREN L. TILLY
TORQUE BIG WHEEL kieren@waggaweekly.com.au 0488 533 569 | 02 6923 3900
Otherwise, this week got off to a great start with Australian motorsport drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Will Power flying the flag for Australia in their respective competitions. Daniel racing internationally for Red Bull in Formula 1 and Will driving for Team Penske in the United States IndyCar.
99 Peter Street Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650
The win for Daniel appears to have been quite emotional given a pole position two years ago in Monaco saw him miss out because of a bungled pit stop. The win was more special because for the final 50 laps he was struggling with reduced power and access to only six of the cars normal eight gears. Despite the setbacks, he still managed to hold off the opposition from pole position to the chequered flag. Victory of course ended with him doing his customary drinking the winners champagne out of his race shoe. He then offered Prince Albert of Monaco a drink, and although his highness joined in taking a sip, he took it from the bottle. Meanwhile, Will Power is enjoying his 33rd career win, taking out the world-famous Indy 500 at Indianapolis. Starting on the front row of the grid, he out paced polesitter Ed Carpenter and Kiwi driver Scott Dixon. The race over 200 laps and 805 kilometres was held in blistering heat and a long way from Will’s hometown of Toowoomba. Will was ecstatic about the win. “In my career, I’ve had so many wins, so many poles, but everyone always talks about the 500 and I just couldn’t imagine winning a race in front of a crowd like this,” he said. Congratulations to both drivers on their continuing success and being such great ambassadors. Safe Travelling. Cheers, Kieren.
|| IN THIS ISSUE Drivers Side
2
What’s On
2
GIRL TORQUE with Tabatha Lynch 4
WHAT’S
ON
Netier National Capital Rally
PATH TO PURCHASE The dirt on dirt bikes
5
Motorsport plan gets revved up
6
The Patriots Brothers who ride
8
GIRL TORQUE with Angela Nye 12
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Friday 1st Saturday 2nd Sunday 3rd June Kowen Forest, Canberra. A round of both the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and the Australian Rally Championship, cementing Canberra as the home of the APRC in Australia. More details are available at www.netiernationalcapitalrally.com.au.
Wintersun 2.0
Walla Walla Swap Meet and Show and Shine
Monday 11 June 2018 Walla Walla Showground, Commercial Street, Walla Walla. All you would expect from one of the growing swap meets in the area, Show and Shine with trophies on offer, facepainting, jumping castle, hot food, licensed bar and more. Campers invited to start setting up on Sunday, gates open to the public at 7.00am. More information is available on the Walla Swapmeet, Show & Shine Facebook page or at www. auswapmeets.com/event/walla-walla-swapmeet-showshine-2018.
Friday 1st to 4th June 2018 Murwillumbah Showground, Queensland Road, Murwillumbah.
2018 Australian Muscle Car Masters
Murwillumbah Showground comes to life to sounds of Rock-aBilly music, Rock n Roll and Swing, dedicated to showcasing the fashion and the hairstyles of the era, retro caravans and retro markets a family friendly event with you guessed it lots and lots of cars on show. More details are available at www. wintersun2.com.au.
Celebrating Australia’s muscle car heritage and the drivers that made the cars famous see these great cars race on the track racing over the two days and meanwhile in the paddock a visual treat with show and shine displays and a fantastic merchandise alley for die-hard fans. www.musclecarmasters. com.au.
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June Sydney Motorsport Park Ferrers Road, Eastern Creek.
ON THE COVER
A WORK HORSE WITH
ATTITUDE || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
Take a seat in this mid-range XUV 590i Cross-Over Utility Vehicle and you will know you have bought correctly. John Deere’s renowned Gator range has built a reputation for getting the work done and being able to have fun at the same time. A sturdy work horse with a built in can-do attitude, it is the choice for a variety of industries needing grunt in a conveniently sized machine. Once seated, driver controls are within easy reach, and from the optional roof to the floor of the vehicle, surface materials are hard wearing and easily cleaned if your work day has been a little dirty. Not only will it get you from one location to another, John Deere also has you and your passenger’s safety front of mind. The XUV series comes with Occupant Protective structure which includes a rollover protective system. The vehicle also has three-point seat belts and passenger side grab handles as well as leg, shoulder and arm barriers to help restrict occupants leaving the vehicle in case of a roll-over.
The 181-kilogram capacity cargo box consists of a composite material that eliminates rust and dents and reduces noise. This large, one-piece design has rounded inside corners to ensure material removal when tilted. The composite tray is designed to ensure practicality and longevity. And what a time to get your hands on a XUV590i Gator from Hutcheon and Pearce in Wagga with a great drive-away price of $15,999, which includes a free roof, bullbar and towbar worth more than $1000 or a free upgrade to power steering. During the Hutcheon and Pearce end of financial year ‘Pimp your Petrol Gator’ run out deals, buy a 16hp XUV560 Gator with a 586cc liquid cooled engine for $12,999 and receive a free roof, bull bar and tow bar worth over $1000.
“A sturdy work horse with a built in can-do attitude”
50hp engine, a top speed of more than 70km/h and can tow up to 680kg. Secure this side-by-side for $18,999 and get a free roof, bullbar and towbar, or, again, you can upgrade to power steering. Talk to your local Hutcheon and Pearce dealer for more information on these great Gator deals. Prices includes GST and are being offered while stocks last or until June 30.
If you’re looking to replace a farm ute, the big brother in the range, the XUV825i, has a powerful
A capable go-anywhere vehicle for work or play, the Gator has four-wheel independent suspension, ensuring a steady ride for everyone and everything on board. Tyres easily come to grips with the road you choose to take, making light of challenging terrain. A quietly comfortable operating position for driver and passenger with a full payload, this mid-range XUV Cross-Over Utility Vehicle combines high transport speeds (77km/hr) and optional power steering, with superb ride comfort and handling. A powerful inline-twin-cylinder electronic fuel injected (EFI) petrol engine 35.8 cubic inch (586cc) is electronically controlled through an engine control unit (ECU) to ensure optimal engine performance. It is complimented by a generous sized petrol tank and has a towing capacity of 499kg. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 1 JUNE 2018 || 3
GIRL TORQUE
“WHAT IF I SOLD A JEEP?” || BY KIEREN L. TILLY In the same way that business accepts that women often hold the purse strings when it comes to major purchases, consumers must realise that these days people such as sales consultant with Chrysler Jeep Wagga Motors, Tabatha Lynch, are equally as knowledgeable about the vehicles they sell as their male counterparts. “Whether you are male or female Wagga Motors expect its sales people to be knowledgeable about the vehicles they sell. This involves studying specifications and features, and you have to know what you are talking about even though some male customers will specifically wait for a male consultant to be available. “I can’t do anything about that point of view. I can only be as professional as possible and prove my knowledge to them,” Tabatha said. As well as women being more involved in the sale and the purchase of vehicles, Tabatha believes the perception of the industry and of car sales people has improved in the broader community. “There is no two ways about it, the industry has certainly changed for the better with strong regulation of the industry, but also, more recently, the power of social media means that word spreads if you do the wrong thing. We cannot afford to be seen burning through our prospective clients. We have a smaller customer base than say Sydney and word would get around,” Tabatha explained. We are admiring an SUV which occupies centre stage in the Jeep showroom, a Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The vehicle is sold but is on show prior to going to its new home. The Trackhawk is the fastest SUV in the world, going from 0 to 100km/hr in just 3.7 seconds. “Literally the walls shake when we
have started it up,” says Tabatha, a selfconfessed Jeep Wrangler fan. Tabatha concedes she was never really into cars before starting her current position. “I left school and opened my own business in Junee, a café called Off the Rails”. However, discovering she had a natural talent for dealing with people face-to-face she decided to follow up an advertisement for a sales position at Wagga Motors. “I thought to myself I could buy a Jeep, what if I could say I sold a Jeep? I liked the way the ad read. Dare I say, it seemed like a cool, different sort of job,” Tabatha explained. She also has strong views on what is required to be in car sales. “Firstly a people person. Not only that, you have to be able to bounce back. This job involves talking to people and not every conversation is going to result in a sale. You have to accept that some people are just simply kicking tyres. However, if they are treated in a courteous, friendly manner then hopefully they will remember you for that. “This job involves learning how to deal with rejection. However, I’m a firm believer in the power of positivity. In this business prospective buyer’s walk in and walk out all the time, you just have to realise it’s nothing personal,” Tabatha explained, adding that a successful sale was the most enjoyable aspect to her job. “Undoubtedly the smiles on people’s faces when they come in to pick up their new vehicle. Knowing that you have helped people achieve their dreams makes it all worthwhile,” Tabatha concluded. Already Fiat Chrysler Australia 2017 National Sales Consultant of the Year, it appears that Tabatha’s driving ambition is paying off.
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“There is no two ways about it, the industry has certainly changed for the better with strong regulation of the industry”
PATH TO PURCHASE
THE DIRT ON || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
I promised the boys that when we moved from Sydney to the farm we’d get a motorbike. Believe me, they haven’t forgotten about it, especially the 16-year-old. So I’m on the path to purchase a bike and thought I’d start by looking at second hand Japanese brands. But when I see advertised private sale prices such as $2000 for a 20-year-old Kawasaki 125, I wonder if I should be considering a new one. A quick check online revealed a range of Chinese brands varying in price from around $2000 to around $5000. Surely this is too good to be true. Also, like many people, my initial reaction to a Chinese brand is one of uncertainty because they’ve had years of unflattering press. But I also know through experience working in automotive that a great attribute of the Chinese manufacturing machine is its ability to improve products dramatically and quickly. Best I speak to the experts, so earlier this week I dropped in to Wagga Outdoor Power Equipment with my super excited 16-year-old. We met Dean Norman, a motorbike mechanic and general motorbike enthusiast. I started by asking him about negative perceptions of Chinese made brands.
conditions. Many don’t have an odometer and if they do it probably stopped working years ago. Also, structural damage and cracks aren’t always obvious. I bought a second hand bike that grenaded on me shortly after I bought it – and I’m a bike mechanic. “The bottom line is motorbikes can be dangerous, whether you are riding on or off road, so is second hand worth the added risk,” Dean summarised. OK, so if I were to buy a new bike where should I start my journey. “Sort your budget out first.” He advised. “Unless money is no object, you want to find a balance between the perfect bike for your needs with how much you want to spend. If you are a beginner or first time owner, don’t forget to budget for the basic extras like a helmet, boots, gloves and armour.” My 16-year-old’s ears pricked up at his point. He stopped salivating over the rows of shiny new machines long enough to utter: “Armour — Cool!”
“The bottom line is motorbikes can be dangerous, whether you are riding on or off road, so is second hand worth the added risk.”
“Yes, there’s still a bit of a stigma attached to motorbikes made in China,” Dean said, “But like most products, some are a lot better than others.” Before we got into specific models I asked his perspective on my second hand versus new conundrum. “Buying a second hand bike has the same inherent risks as buying a second hand car. But probably more so in my opinion. Not many second hand bikes have service records and by their nature have probably been driven hard at some stage, off road and possibly in rough
DIRT BIKES
Dean made an interesting observation. “Armour is obviously a very good safety option. But it can make young riders feel invincible and potentially try to ride beyond their capability – especially when they are inexperienced and still learning the fundamentals.”
As I mentally added significantly more dollars onto my initial estimated purchase cost, I asked Dean how we should select a list of potential candidates. “Once you have a budget in mind, determine what function the motorbike needs to fulfil. If it’s going to be travelling across sharp rocky roads or rough terrain you don’t want to be scrimping on tyres - unless you like fixing punctures. Is it going to be used for ag work, like poking around a paddock moving sheep. Or do you want recreational performance, or a bit of both. How much power do you really need. A dirt bike will go as hard as you drive it so think about how much capability you
genuinely need, especially for beginners,” Dean advised. He also added information about something I was unaware of. “NSW doesn’t offer recreational rego so many trail bikes can’t be ridden on public roads or any roads with a lot number.” With this information and advice mentally stored away for further consideration and research, Dean invited my son to try out a few of the bikes on display, and added a little intelligence. “At the end of the day, it’s still important to buy a bike that catches your eye!” From the expression on my son’s face, that would be all of them, but at the end of our formal interview, and after Dean had taken us through the pros and cons of three different models, we agreed that a YCF 125 or 250 looked like the best options at this stage. “YCF is a French brand started by a professional motocross rider,” Dean explained. “They have their own research and development facility and factory in China. They’re light, so if a young rider is tipped off, it’s easy to pick up and get back on. I reckon they offer good performance and are robust enough to have some serious fun.” At around $3500 new, it’s hard not to consider these options seriously – and that’s where we are at this stage. Stay tuned for further updates. Safe riding!
In a recent Path to Purchase report (Torque 4th May Issue 3, Page 9) I interviewed farmer Doug Bruckner from the Gandbro Pastoral Company about his plans to buy a new ute or two. After narrowing his short list down to two brands, his final choice was a Toyota Hi-Lux SR single cab chassis 4x4, tray fitted. And what was the clincher for Doug? He believes he has established a good business relationship with a particular dealer.
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 1 JUNE 2018 || 5
MOTORSPORT PLAN
GETS REVVED UP || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
There is a growing chorus of people calling for a specialised facility in Wagga to cater specifically for motor sport enthusiasts. They say a motorsport precinct is long overdue and would be a win-win for Wagga with a consensus among motorsport fans saying that although previous proposals have hit a roadblock, be it either financial infrastructure related, or nimbies, such a facility would only improve Wagga’s local recreation and tourism opportunities. An opinion from local motorsport fan responsible for the Facebook page, Wagga needs a drag strip, Clinton Candy, illustrates just how passionate the feeling is in Wagga. “People are travelling to Temora for example to attend motorsport events. Wagga Monthly Meet is held here in Wagga and people are travelling three hours to get here for it. Literally, if you build it they will come,” Clinton said while recalling visits to Yarragundry on the Sturt Highway as a young boy for the sounds and sights of car racing at the speedway, and the hotdogs. He believes the demise of Rev Fest about seven years ago spelled the end of street displays of horsepower in Wagga.
He says that as well as helping business doing it tough in Wagga, establishing a motor sports facility could offer solace for people who might regard themselves as depressed by providing the company of other motoring enthusiasts. Wagga’s own burnout king, mechanic Jack Seaman, has firsthand experience of travelling long distances to motoring events at designated facilities such as a facilities. A facility similar to that being sought in Wagga is the Morgan Park Raceway in Warwick, Queensland which hosts drag meetings, burnout competitions, car and motorcycle racing, driver and rider training, and driver education classes. The President of a club associated with the raceway, the Warwick Dragway, John Loy, suggests that the benefits offered by a motorsport precinct far outweigh the disadvantages. “Last October we hosted Dragfest, which saw 5000 visitors attend over the two days of the event,” John said. For Jack, who has built a reputation among his fellow car enthusiasts as a champion in the sport of burnouts, a trip to Queensland or Perth and other venues, such as the Summernats in Canberra, are not out of the ordinary. His latest effort at the Summernats resulted in a national fourth place in the Burnout Masters. A member of local car owners group Riverina Thrashers, Jack is known around Australia not just for his burnout skill, but also for his pride and joy, LOOSEQ, a HQ Holden ute which is so well known it has its own Facebook page. Wanting an automotive action precinct in Wagga, Jack, who operates Jack Seaman Automotive, sees only positive outcomes from such a proposal going ahead. “We went to a burnout event in Leeton at Easter and there may have been as many as 2500
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people in attendance. A similar event in Perth saw between 20,000 and 40,000 people turn up,” he said. “Fuel, accommodation, food, sold during an event – small business in Wagga needs as much help as it can get. There would be a flow on effect when an event is not on. Extra tyres, general mechanical work, specialist mechanical work, aftermarket supplies.” Jack also believes a designated motorsport precinct would have social benefits for the whole community. “The simple fact of the matter is we have some drivers in Wagga who believe that public roads are their own racetrack or burnout paddock. We need to get these people off the street. If they knew they could let rip in a safer environment it might stop them doing it on the road and putting other motorists at risk,” he said. However, Jack concedes it could be some time before a proposal is put to the Wagga Wagga City Council. “It might take a while, but we want to lock this thing down. We can build it and it might take a while, but hopefully by this time next year we will be fully prepared to take our plans to council as an airtight case for this sort of development,” Jack concluded.
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PATRIOTS BROTHERS
WHO RIDE || BY MARGUERITE MCKINNON
When it comes to Australia’s Defence Force, nothing is done by chance. So, too, the Patriots Australia Military Motorcycle Club, which was founded in 1993 by three serving members of the Royal Australian Navy. The trio saw the need for military personnel with a shared love of motorcycles to have a common point of contact, regardless of where they were posted.
went for a ride with Leeroy and a couple of the guys and thought, yes, I like this. This is what I want to be a part of,” Spider explained.
Now, 25 years on, the national membership of Patriots has swollen to more than 400 who served in the Army, Navy and RAAF, with the Riverina experiencing a membership spike.
“I married a local girl, bought a local house and became trapped here,” he added, laughing.
“We have 22 current members and are one of the fastest growing Chapters in Australia, thanks to active recruiting and being in the Riverina, and especially Wagga, which is a large military city,” said club president Quentin Tomkies. Every member of the Riverina Chapter has a club name which they either choose or are given. Quentin Tomkies is Big Q, while the Sergeant at Arms, David Webster, is dubbed Spider. “Well, it’s to do with my name; Webster, web, spiderweb. You get the connection?” There’s also Mojo, Disco, Leeroy, Kookie, Dobbo, Jiggles, Stu, Mij, which is simply Jim backwards. But the most intriguing of them all is Five Maps. “Five Maps got his name because he’d take you on the equivalent of five maps before you reached the agreed destination,” Spider explained. The members show a genuine affection and respect for each other. Like brothers-in-arms, they continue the Defence-family connection through their shared love of riding. Spider has been a member for more than two years. “Ever since I was 16 I’ve had a passion for motorbikes, but after I left the Army, I missed the camaraderie. I found out about the Patriots and 8 || FRIDAY 1 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
Lee Mottee, whose nickname is Leeroy, is the NSW State Vice President, based in Wagga. “I was in the Army in infantry for six years and finished my time in Wagga,” Lee said.
Purely connected for the love of motorcycles, mateship and helping the community, the Patriots are staunchly against drugs, violence and sexism and warmly welcome both male and female past and present defence force members. The club already has a full female member, Janice Dickson, known as JD and support members, including the never-to-be-lost Mojo. The Patriots badge is designed to include all three services, Army, Navy and RAAF, along with three colours; red to signify the blood shed by men and women in past conflicts, a black skull and beret to mourn those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, and white for the peace members have fought for, and won. The Patriots meet two-to-three times a month and have reached out to current service men and women who have arrived in Wagga without knowing anyone. Youngest club member, Benjamin-John Baird, nicknamed Jiggles, is currently a Corporal in the RAAF and has been in the Air Force for the past 10 years. “When I posted here, I posted here alone so joining the club expanded my friend-base because I moved from Adelaide and didn’t know anyone other than those in my course,” Benjamin-John said. Originally from Queensland, it’s the second time Benjamin-John has been posted in Wagga before
he finishes his latest three-year posting at the end of 2019 as a recruit instructor. Other members were keen to reveal that he is a deft hand at the bagpipes and after the giggles at Jiggles, Benjamin-John simply rolled his eyes and bemoaned the pipers who aren’t up to scratch, prompting more laughter. The club also is involved in charity rides with the next major event, the annual Murraguldrie Brass Balls Run, in July, which will see members camp in tents and swags at the Murraguldrie Veterans Retreat. However, they’ve relented this year to allow camper vans for those wanting more comfort and warmth. All profits from the run will go to the retreat. Membership inquiries and details about upcoming events are on the club’s Patriots Riverina Facebook page. Dressed in leathers, with their bikes neatly parked, the Patriots strike a presence wherever they go, and that’s the way they like it. “I suppose at times, we don’t terrify old ladies, but it sometimes works in our favour,” Spider said.
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“We’re looking forward to getting out in the country and doing some miles in these cars, which is what people have them for and it should be a great weekend.”
A CLASSIC
LONG WEEKEND RALLY || BY MARGUERITE MCKINNON Ask Wagga’s 2018 Australian of the Year Phil Hoey about cars, and you’ll be met with a broad grin as he opens up about his lifelong passion. “There’s no difference in anything that’s restored. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Ford or a Chevrolet, a Buick, Chrysler, or an Oldsmobile,” Phil said. “They’re all just beautiful vehicles, and preserving some of our motoring history is really what it’s all about. And that’s what got me involved 26 years ago,” Phil said smiling. Phil’s passion for vintage cars, Chevrolet’s specifically, will be fulfilled during the coming June long weekend, as it is every year, when magnificently restored cars from across Australia gather in Wagga for the Veteran Vintage Motor Rally. “We will have well over 120 cars coming from all over Australia for the long weekend Rally,” Phil said. Held on Friday 8th, Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th of June, it’s the Wagga Wagga Veteran and Vintage Motor Club’s 51st rally, and after last year’s milestone, Phil, who is the master of ceremonies for the event, said the club is looking to build on its success. “We’re looking forward to getting out in the country and doing some miles in these cars, which is what people have them for and it should be a great weekend,” Phil said. Catering for vintage, veteran and post-classic motor vehicles on restricted registration or club registration, the rally allows like-minded car owners to gather as a group and share their passion. “Some members have been coming to the Wagga rally for 30 and 40 years,” Phil explained. “It’s an amazing event. These rallies happen all over Australia, but Wagga is really unique in as much as we’ve had the June long weekend known for our club’s rally, and people love coming to it from all over Australia.” A spin off is the economic benefits of having so
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many visitors coming to the city. “We bring a lot of people into Wagga and they get to explore and enjoy what the city and surrounding towns have to offer. “Hotels are booked, restaurants and shops are enjoyed, and people go back home and spread the word about the event. That’s why we have a great roll up every year,” Phil said. The rally begins with an afternoon and evening gathering on Friday before the participants take a leisurely drive on Saturday to Tumbarumba prior to afternoon tea at the Murraguldrie Veterans Retreat. On Sunday, the cars will assemble at the club house on the corner of Docker and Morgan Streets before heading off at 9.30am for a run to Marrar, Junee and Eurongilly before a dinner presentation on Sunday night at the Rules Club (Riverina Australian Football Club) on the corner of Fernleigh and Glenfield Roads. “It will be a big weekend and on Monday morning there is a big club breakfast before they leave Wagga, for another year,” Phil said. Unlike previous years, the cars won’t be heading to Downside. The vehicles can be seen at the Wagga Veteran and Vintage Motor Club on the corner of Docker and Morgan Streets on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8.30am before they leave for the rally destinations at 9.30am. “They’re more than welcome to come and have a look at the cars before they head off,” Phil said. Every car has been meticulously restored and is a work of automobile art and as an added attraction a sidecar motorcycle which featured in the 2018 Wagga Anzac Day Parade will be part of the rally. “It’s a 1943 Harley Davidson Army service vehicle from World War Two complete with its regimental number and it’s been restored to pristine condition,” Phil said.
AN A-GRADE MODEL || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
The first drive in a test car you are planning to buy is a special event and for Wagga mechanic, Alan Gamble, it was extra special. “It was the first time I had driven a car that old. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” Alan said as he recalled the day he took his 1930 Model A Ford for a test drive. Alan had been looking for such a vehicle for around two years and could not believe his luck when he found the Ford in almost 96 per cent original condition, befitting the term barn find which is used by car fans, to describe a vehicle that hasn’t been interfered with or modified in any way from original. Alan knew he had done well with this car, but is realistic “You can’t expect to find any car that’s 80 years old not needing some sort of work,” he said.
“However, the mechanical brakes were not much chop back in the day, and in comparison to modern brakes – well, let’s just say you drive for yourself and everyone around you.” Because it is so original it is becoming a reference point on how the car was put together for fellow car enthusiasts.
“Join a club. The hard work in terms of gaining knowledge and obtaining spare parts has all been done.”
This Model A runs a 201 cubic inch 4-cylinder Ford engine. “It runs surprisingly well on the road and travelling along at 45mph (72km/hr) you can almost steer it one handed,” Alan said.
“You can see the final work that was done in the factory. Car people can build up ideas as to how they think the work was done. With this car the bones are laid bare for all to see.
“I wanted to buy a vintage Chrysler to restore. I’m from a Chrysler family and it would have been nice, but with the price asked and the lack of availability it was not going to happen,” he said. The Model A Ford was sold from 1927 until 1931 and by the time Ford finished with the model almost five million cars had been produced. It was the first Ford motor car to have a recognisable clutch, brake and gear shifter that we know today and was the first car to be produced with safety glass in the windscreen.
A
Alan’s first licenced set of wheels was his Mum’s step through 70cc scooter on which he did a lot of kilometres before he bought his brother’s Hillman Hunter, but advanced to Chrysler Valiant when he started an apprenticeship in 1979. “They were cheap, reliable and if necessary easy for an apprentice to work on,” Alan explained. Working on both vintage and modern cars, Alan believes the greatest technological achievement has been anti-lock braking or ABS. However, he believes that purely relying on technology in an emergency is no substitute for being a proactive driver on the road. “Even turning down the volume of your car stereo can have a positive effect on knowing what’s going on around you while you are driving,” he advised. And Alan has some advice for people thinking about buying a vehicle similar to his Model A. “Join a club. The hard work in terms of gaining knowledge and obtaining spare parts has all been done. You join the club that suits you and you enjoy yourself.” And let’s face facts, enjoying yourself, isn’t that what driving should be about!
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 1 JUNE 2018 || 11
GIRL TORQUE “BIG GIRL” AND A LADY || BY KIEREN L. TILLY The staff at Wagga Iron Foundry must have wondered what was going on when Angela Nye started her VK Commodore outside their office. The car’s appearance is stunning, but it’s the noise created by its stroked 383 Chevy engine that will stun you. “We don’t believe in doing anything half arsed,” Angela said with a laugh. Christened Big Girl by Angela, the VK is the result of 8 months of late nights in the family garage, skinned knuckles and a family effort to make one Mum’s dream come true. The registration plate says it all. “We worked on the car right up to the start of the Summernats in Canberra,” Angela explained. And what was it like in Canberra first time driving such an eyecatching beast. “It was absolutely amazing,” Angela beamed. “All the blood sweat, and tears were so worth the feeling of pride and satisfaction I felt driving and cruising with all the other cars.” But there was a reaction from the usually male dominated sport when they discovered who was driving Big Girl. “Some of the security guards did a double take but then gave us the thumbs up. A few blokes had a little something to say, but all in all the organisers of Summernats are certainly working hard to make it more female friendly for competitors.” Born in Wagga, Angela moved extensively with her husband Damien’s role in the armed forces and is looking forward to moving back with her family as soon as practical. “Wagga has a vibrant car community and not many people realise that we have so much talent in terms of the drivers who live here.” But why go to the expense of creating such a vehicle. “I have always been interested in cars, but I always wanted a properly built muscle car,” Angela certainly has her built muscle car now and it comes complete with a glovebox signed by the late motoring legend, Peter Brock. She puts the creation of the car down to her personal philosophy – “Go for it, and live each day like it’s your last!” 12 || FRIDAY 1 JUNE 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
“All the blood sweat, and tears were so worth the feeling of pride and satisfaction I felt driving and cruising with all the other cars.”
THE JOY OF TORQUE
THIS FUTURE OF ROAD || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
I’m a shocking back seat driver. My wife has spent years trying to find a second hand, ex-police car that still has the divider between the front and back seat so she doesn’t have to hear my constant advice such as “Shouldn’t you be a little more to the left hand side” and “You might need to slow down a bit”. I can’t help it, I love to drive. My poor kids took months longer than their friends to progress from their L plates to their P’s because of my inability to relinquish the wheel. I’m so bad that when I feel a micro-sleep coming on and we swap drivers, I’m suddenly wide awake, worrying that we’re about to blow a tyre while I’m not behind the wheel. Last year I test drove a Volkswagen Tiguan from the Mornington Peninsula into the heart of Melbourne’s CBD to experience its dazzling array of driver assist technology. I barely needed to touch the brakes or steering wheel, but had to fight my driving instincts the entire trip. It wasn’t quite the driverless car experience, and I could only marvel at how well the Germans do technology, but I was a gibbering mess by the time we pulled in to the dealership. So you can imagine how excited I am at the prospect of driverless cars. Not just because I’m a control freak who thinks he’s a better driver than Daniel Riccardo (an accusation from my wife that, although harsh, is probably fair). An ex-client of mine who works for one of the
world’s largest car brands assures me they’ve been testing driverless cars in the Riverina for a couple of years. These tests revealed a major headache for the developers. Driverless cars use the ground as a reference point to calculate how near, or far away, objects are. So when something is in the air the car gets confused. That can’t be good when you’re driving in a region where thousands of kangaroos and wallabies are lurking by the side of the road. If I ever do own a driverless car I’ll need a fake steering wheel fitted - like the ones in kid’s playgrounds. Then at least I can pretend to have some sort of control. But if it was up to me, I’d skip this step in the evolution of automobiles and move straight into space travel. Now there’s some future technology I’m excited about. Can you imagine how it’s going to revolutionise the family road trip. Here’s my prediction of what it’s going to be like: “Hi Readers. We just got back from our annual family holiday to planet Torquine. Unfortunately, we forgot to pack the droid so we were late taking off from The Rock Space Port. An hour into the trip I thought I’d give our new Space Cruiser a bit of rein, but was pulled over by a Space Patrol Officer for doing 250kph over the speed limit. Really, when you’re allowed to go 3100?
TBI
TRIPS
Then the hyper drive broke down. Thank heavens for the Intergalactic Roads and Motorists Association. They’re always so friendly and helpful – reminded me of when they used to be humanoids. We definitely need some new family games and entertainment. There’s only so many times the kids can spy something beginning with P (planet) and S (star) before it gets tedious. As we were running late, we ordered our McMoon Burgers and chips from the fly through, but forgot to turn on the gravity control. More bloody stains on the roof of the Cruiser! To make up some time, I tried taking a short cut to avoid the congestion at the notorious Planet Waggarius roundabout, but we ended up getting lost in space. Added an extra five parsecs onto the journey, but it has given me a great idea for a TV show. We got there eventually and Torquine was hot! The temperature topped 250 degrees when entering the outer atmosphere. It’s such a shame you can’t wind the windows down anymore…. Now I think about it, maybe the future road trip won’t be as different as I was imagining. But perhaps that’s a good thing. It would be such a shame if the joyful chaos and unpredictability of a family on the road became a thing of the past.
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WAGGA TAXIS
HAILED A SUCCESS || BY MARGUERITE MCKINNON Wagga taxi driver Mark Walsh has seen a lot of people and places in the 35 years he’s owned a taxi, but it was back in the 90’s when he picked up one of Australia’s greatest motorcycle riders that he knew his driving was on show. “I had to pick up Mick Doohan one time. Lovely bloke,” Mark said. Mick is a five times Australian Grand Prix and motorbike World Champion, with 54 wins under his belt. He has long retired, but his World Championship record has been beaten only by Giacomo Agostini with eight, and Valentino Rossi with seven. Unlike most of us, Mick was used to travelling at speeds of more than 270 kmph and when he encountered Mark he needed to get to his destination. “He did say hurry up.” Mark said laughing. Mark has gone on to become Chairman of the Board with Wagga Taxis and overseen the industry’s biggest shakeup in more than 100 years following the introduction in November last year of regulations in the NSW Point to Point Transport (Taxis and Hire Vehicles) Act. “Since the introduction of the new Point to Point system, the Commissioner has thrown everything back onto the networks. So basically the government has washed its hands of all taxis,” Mark said. Under deregulation, the Taxi Authority is gone and in its place are taxi licences issued under the new Point to Point system. Instead of following rules that have been in place for decades, it’s now up to authorised service providers, rather than the NSW Government, to ensure drivers meet new safety standards. Not surprisingly, the changes have been difficult for many jurisdictions, but happily, Wagga Taxis is now being held up as an example of the system working. It comes after Wagga Taxis approached a business advisor with Wagga’s BEC Business Advice South and West Centre, David Yeates. “I was entrusted to help them in January and guide them through it and it’s been really good,” David said. “Wagga Taxis has been around for 100 years and all of a sudden the State Government told the taxi industry they’ve got to operate like a business virtually overnight and become compliant in areas they’ve never had to worry about before, like Work, Health and Safety.” Wagga Taxis quickly realised it had to adjust or fail, but after working with David and the BEC, positive changes are already becoming evident. “Sales have increased, and previously vacant shifts are being filled with more drivers or bailees,” David said. “Wagga has about 12 more drivers than last year,
and we’re looking to increase that by another sixto-12 in the short term.” Taxi shifts have been adjusted to attract more drivers, particularly mothers, who can earn good money in six-hour shifts while children are at school, or during more in-demand weekend work. “A taxi driver is known as a Bailee and they get 45 per cent of income from a taxi, while the owner in return pays for petrol and the upkeep of the car,” David said. Mark said that, while dramatic, the changes have resulted in a better taxi service for both drivers and customers. “Business is viable and growing all the time so there are a lot of positives. This came after the fear factor which saw the value of taxi plates slashed by half as people worried the changes would be negative for the industry,” Mark said. “Taxi plates now retail at around $220,000 when two years ago they were double that across NSW.” Wagga’s successful transition into the new Point to Point system, complete with a cooperative to help guide and share the workload among the newindividual taxi businesses, is now being looked at by other localities as an example of how things can work. David said the success boils down to the relationship Wagga taxi drivers have with the community. “Wagga taxi drivers are trusted and reliable members of the community. They’re heavily involved with wheelchair pick-ups and disability transport. They’re trusted in education and transport disabled children to school on a regular basis. “Even the other day, a driver had to help someone who’s dog had passed away, and after consoling them, they had to figure out a way to transport the animal to the nearby vet.
“One Wagga pub used to constantly park its bus in the taxi zone, which it legally can do, but at one o’clock in the morning when people are stumbling out of the pub, it became a safety issue when taxis couldn’t pick patrons up until nearly 200 metres away. “We approached the pub and asked them to move their bus up the road to make it easier and safer for their patrons and they agreed. That’s just one of the many changes that might seem small, but we are on the front foot,” David said. Like other areas, Wagga Taxis will be subject to an independently-appointed Point to Point Commissioner who will conduct random spot checks. “To be a taxi driver, you basically need a full licence, and no criminal record, so we are making changes which are attracting people from all walks of life, like making hours more flexible,” David said. “The compliance has grown so much more, so patrons can be confident that they are getting a much better service. “We do Working With Children checks, and, unlike the olden days when all taxis carried cash, these days it’s virtually cashless, so taxis are now much less of a target for thieves.” Mark said the addition of 12 new drivers in the past six months is seeing faster responses and better service. “Despite all the technical and administrative changes, we’re working from the same principal – it’s a car that picks people up from door to door. It’s people skills and especially in Wagga it’s very peasant work dealing with the community. You never know where you’re going to go on any day,” Mark concluded.
“These are the stories you don’t hear about, but they happen on a daily basis in Wagga,” David said. This foundation is what Wagga Taxis and the BEC say will carry them into the future with changes that the community will notice. A new operations manager has been appointed in Wagga also to focus on customer needs, so a repeat of last New Year’s Eve fireworks, when patrons couldn’t access taxis at a safe pick-up spot after the show, won’t be repeated. “It’s all a out getting the scheduling of taxis, getting the shifts right, focusing on customer needs, having enough drivers and working with the council, police and community groups to ensure taxis are providing a good service to the community,” David said. Clubs and pubs are being approached also to make sure their taxi zones are appropriate for patrons.
Mark Walsh - Chairman of the Board, Wagga Taxis with Advisor for Wagga’s BEC Business Advice Centre, David Yeates. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 1 JUNE 2018 || 15
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