FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || ISSUE 002
INSIDE >> P5 Path to Purchase >>
P15 Memorable moments in your car >> P23 Rosewood Rally
BATTERY ELECTRIC COUNTERBALANCE
FORKLIFT PAGE 3
KIDS TORQUE
with Bentley Tupuono
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
If you would like to be included in next weeks edition please contact Kieren on:
HELLO EVERYONE AND WELCOME TO OUR SECOND EDITION OF WEEKLY TORQUE.
Tom Schade tells us about living with an Italian super-car and his son Brendon Schade gets us up-to-date with his personal take on racing go-karts.
To say the response to our inaugural edition was overwhelming is a massive understatement and everyone in the team at Weekly Torque are incredibly proud and rightly so of what we have created. We have been blown away by the reaction, not only to Girl Torque in particular, but the idea of dedicating part of the publication to the pursuits of the female wheel enthusiasts in our region.
With a great read including our regular Q&A column we hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to hearing suggestions for future stories, even just feedback. And please, if you have images of your wheels for either business or pleasure send them in. We and everyone in the region would love to see them. You might even become one of our featured profiles.
Tegan Muirhead our apprentice mechanic’s story touched many people in light of her families experiences on the land and her determination to succeed in her training and Erin Kean our auditor with a love of speed is obviously breaking the mold in terms her pastime and her profession.
KIEREN L. TILLY
TORQUE BIG WHEEL kieren@waggaweekly.com.au 0406 533 569 | 02 6923 3900
This week in Girl Torque we interview Wagga lady Tammy Gamble about her CanAm Spyder called Gavin and her views on a three wheel lifestyle.
Just email kieren@waggaweekly.com.au And in closing this week a couple of wheel related jokes to brighten your day... Two cheese trucks ran into each other. De brie was everywhere…. sorry buts here’s another... “I didn’t realise how bad a driver I was until my sat nav said, “In 400 metres, do a slight right, stop, and let me out.” Have a great read...until next time, Kieren.
|| IN THIS ISSUE Drivers Side
2
What’s On
2
Battery Electric Counterbalance Forklift
3
Path to Purchase
5
Kids Torque with Bentley Tupuono
5
Ride a BMX and see the world
7
Grabbing the bull by the horns
8
Go-karts: a doorway to glamour racing
9
WHAT’S
ON
Australian Motorsport Action Group (AMSAG) Rosewood Rally
Sunday 29 April
At Tumut State Forest, Sydney Street. So, if you have a mountain bike and feeling fit the three hour event is a great way to test your endurance.
Saturday 28 April
Girl Torque with Tammy Gamble
12
Hosted by Wagga District Car Club at Rosewood Golf Course Tumbarumba Road, Rosewood.
Memorable moments in your car
15
Round One Wagga Motocross Club Championships
Karting Q&A
17
Natural wonders await on the Newell
21
Rosewood Rally
23
2 || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
Sunday 29 April.
Wagga Motorcycle Sports Club, Cloughs Road, Yarragundry. Riders of all capabilities are encouraged to get involved so head out for a day of senior and junior motocross racing. Canteen facilities will be available on the day.
Tumut MTB Three-Hour
2018 Cootamundra Haycarters Handicap Weekend Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th May
With $5000 in prize money road cyclists from all over NSW will gather in Suttons Lane for the two-day event around Cootamundra and through the surrounding countryside. The riders will begin a 77km tour on Saturday at 1.30pm which will be followed by a 57km ride on Sunday starting at 10.00am.
ON THE COVER BATTERY ELECTRIC COUNTERBALANCE
FORKLIFT The impressive orange vehicle is a purely battery powered, counter balanced model 8FBE18 forklift produced by Toyota Material Handling and is one of a number of electric vehicles sold and serviced by Liftek in Wagga.
The vehicle is one of a number in the Toyota range and is designed with warehousing and materials handling in mind. With a one-and-a-half tonne lifting capacity its aimed at a smaller sized operator needing to transport goods in a smaller workspace. Even though the vehicle doesn’t have a traditional petrol or diesel fuelled engine the electrical engine is sufficiently powerful to get the job done without creating unpleasant exhaust fumes that can adversely impact on the health of employees. It’s extremely quiet also, helping to create a work environment with low noise levels – another workplace health consideration. The batteries in the 8FBE18 store enough energy to run the forklift for eight to 12 hours on a single charge, an increase of 20 per cent over the performance of its predecessor. The electric motors approach the power of combustion engines in similar sized forklifts.
|| BY KIEREN TILLY
The vehicle comes as standard with a Toyota two-year factory warranty, solid rubber tyres and halogen lights, which can be upgraded to LED lights. Other safety features include System of Active Stability (SAS) which ensures that should the machine operate outside of its safety parameters the SAS will take over. Since introduction of the system more than 500,00 forklifts equipped with this feature have been sold around the world. Side shift capacity to allow loads to be moved left or right is standard also, while the container mast allows shipping containers to be moved when required. The renowned durability of Toyota forklifts not only results in less downtime saving organisations thousands of dollars, productivity and confidence also increased As well as the battery operated forklift, the large Toyota range includes LPG/petrol and diesel in its power range and Skid Steer Loaders.
sales and service Liftek is a one stop shop for all industrial needs. Proudly independent, Liftek is run by the Staltare family out of its head office in Griffith and the office in Edward Street Wagga headed up by Branch Manager, Aaron Gilmour, delivers the same level of professional care and after sales service. Liftek in Wagga can also assist with advice about finance options. When asked about the advantages of dealing with Liftek Aaron said that it is a customer friendly organisation which acts on undertakings given to customers. “We are a friendly happy team growing all the time. We sell only the best products and back our products with great after sales service,” he said. Call Aaron on 0447 046 528 for a test drive on the 8FBE18 or any of the other vehicles at Liftek.
With more than 23 years experience in materials handling, cleaning, access and pallet storage
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 3
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PATH TO
PURCHASE
|| BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
Aussies love new cars. Each year we buy around a million of them. Considering our population, that’s an amazing number. Which leads me to a question many of us will consider at some stage: “Should I buy a new or a second-hand car?” It’s a difficult question to answer simply.
for seven years with unlimited kilometres, that’s a pretty good deal. Buying a new car has much less risk. New cars are less likely to break down and more likely to remain mechanically sound.
“Should I buy a new or a secondhand car?”
Yes, a new car will start depreciating the moment you drive it out of the showroom. But, although a second-hand car will most likely be cheaper, there are risks involved which you need to consider, or at least be aware of.
If you’re buying a second-hand car from a private owner even a thorough examination of the vehicle may not truly reveal how hard the car has been driven previously, and in what conditions. When it comes to safety, don’t assume that a five-year-old second-hand car is still the Five Star New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety rated vehicle it might have been when first sold. Time and travel takes its toll on cars, including safety features and mechanisms. Check the vehicle has been serviced regularly and where it has been serviced. This is easily found in the vehicle’s logbook. And always do a background check to ensure there’s no money owing on the vehicle and it hasn’t been reported stolen. On the upside, most new car warranties and Fixed Price Servicing plans carry over; meaning that if a second-hand car still has two years left on its warranty, you get that two years balance when you purchase the vehicle. Considering some warranties last
Also, most new car warranties and Fixed Price Servicing plans on offer are pretty amazing.
Being the first owner means the car’s history starts with you. Buying new also gives you the freedom to choose the specs, extras, options and colour that you particularly want or need. Another big advantage is you’ll have a much more accurate idea of future servicing and maintenance costs compared to buying second hand. To sum up, a well maintained second-hand car can be a good solution, particularly for young drivers who may accidently nudge a concrete wall or two in a shopping centre car park. But if you buy a lemon privately, there’s not much you can do about it. You don’t want to be in the situation of trying to on-sell a lemon, or spending money on it that you hadn’t budgeted for. Start by looking at new cars. At the very least, it will help you identify a second-hand bargain if you see one. Finally, if you can wait, ask the dealer when the next plate clearance or run out sales event is scheduled. These events can be a good time to get a little extra value on the new car of your choice.
KIDS TORQUE WITH
Bentley Tupuono Although only five-years-old, Wagga based Bentley knows a good car when he sees one. To prove his point, Bentley invited Weekly Torque to go along with him to Wagga Motors to check out what was on offer. The result, the green 2016 Holden Commodore VF II, Let’s find out a little more about this junior motoring contributor. What is your favourite colour?
Green
What is your favourite sport?
Basketball
What is your favourite food?
Hot chips, sausages and gravy
What is your favourite type of vehicle?
Cars, and trucks
Who is your best friend?
My little brother, Maeson
What is your favourite pastime?
Playing guitar with my Dad
What is your favourite Pet?
A dog called Pua named after the little pig in Moana What is your favourite character from movie or book?
Harley Quinn (Batman villain, DC comics)
What is one thing you want everyone to know about you?
I love to go swimming with my Dad.
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BMXer Brock Horneman.
Drummer John Irish from Sydney.
RIDE A BMX
AND SEE THE WORLD || BY KIEREN L. TILLY Join the defence force and see the world – well sometimes you don’t have to join the army, navy or air force, just be part of a military family. That’s just what happened to Brock Horneman who was in Wagga for the first six months of his life before moving to Brisbane and then England, following that France, South Africa, England again, Germany, Canada and the United States. Brock is still living pretty much the same life travelling the world – not with the military, but as a BMX rider, which saw him return to Wagga and the Bolton Skate Park this week. He is one of a group of performers who help young people in the communities they visit under the banner of Branch Nebula. The group aims to give youth at risk, and the broader youth demographic, a focal point as an alternative to self-harm or being involved in illegal activities. Branch Nebula includes free runners, dancers, skaters and musicians who have wowed audiences from Sydney to Hong Kong and from Finland to Chile. Although he travels the world, 23-year-old BMXer Brock is under no illusion as to the importance of his work with Branch Nebula and believes he is having a positive effect on the kids he meets. He says that talking to fellow BMX riders about BMX opens the door to deeper conversations centred on making decisions which will result in positive outcomes for their futures. “I love working with communities and the sense of accomplishment of seeing these kids doing well in all aspects of their lives makes it all worthwhile. I want to know that moving forward my sport of BMX is in good hands and I believe it is,” he said.
“I just can’t believe I am lucky enough to do this for a living” Brock makes the point that he might have headed down the wrong road if not for his first love, riding BMX bikes Brock also had some advice for “little shredders” going to the skate parks in Wagga, “Have fun that’s what it’s all about!!” Freerunner Antek Marciniec with BMXer Brock Horneman. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 7
GRABBING THE
BULL BY THE HORNS I am waiting in the warm autumn afternoon on Tasman Road. It’s no accident that I’m here. I have a date – a date with a European lady, an Italian lady to be exact; all with the blessing of my wife...Bonita.
I see the Italian lady coming towards me and I can’t help smiling as heads turn in her direction to look at her, and with that Tom Schade knocks her back a couple of gears to turn into Wagga and District Kart Racing Club track, My Italian lady is Tom’s pride and joy, a 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo, and she is stunning. A keen fan of both Earthbound and winged vehicles, Tom guides the spectacular car down the driveway to the kart track, avoiding the larger stones and making for the grass. I can see he is a little disappointed that the car isn’t to his total satisfaction.
designed to cut through the air, have at least 500 horsepower on tap and travel very fast with drama, presence and beauty. The 2006 Lamborghini Gallardo has all those attributes in spades. With a 4.9 litre V-10 engine developing 585 horsepower and capable of travelling at 285km/ hr this car has been the jewel in Tom’s motoring collection for three years and he’s delighted with his choice.
“ I really enjoy taking the car up to the Snowy Mountains around Talbingo. The roads just flow, and the car performs beautifully through the corners, it’s never short of power,”
“I had to go through roadworks and she’s a little dusty,” he explained. I reassured him that the car looked stunning. The Gallardos’ body is unreservedly built for speed low slung a full inch (2.54cms) lower than the worldfamous Ford GT40 race car, which, as the name might suggest, extends only 40 inches (101.6cms) from the ground to the top of the windshield. The front of the Gallardo is all business with its gold bull emblem at the front. Legend has it that the emblem came about when Ferruccio Lamborghini visited Don Eduardo Miura’s ranch in Seville, Spain, in 1962 and was so impressed by Miura’s bulls that he decided to adopt a raging bull in Lamborghini’s logo when he established the Lamborghini brand in 1963. It’s also worth considering that Ferruccio was a Taurus. Take your choice. Lamborghini is a producer of some of the finest cars in the world, and along with its marque competitors such as Ferrari, Bugatti and Pagani they have created a breed of motor vehicle called Super Cars, which in essence are mid-engine cars, 8 || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE
“ I really enjoy taking the car up to the Snowy Mountains around Talbingo. The roads just flow, and the car performs beautifully through the corners, it’s never short of power,” Tom said. When pushed for a downside operating such a machine Tom suggested its low stance in city traffic is problematic because it might not be seen.
Unsurprisingly, the car is a people magnet whenever it stops for a while. “Little kids will generally ask one of two questions, how fast is it and how much did it cost.” Like the kids, I was in awe of the looks both inside and out, and, yes, I managed to get into the driver’s seat, but, unfortunately, I got out again. Exciting as it is, there are downsides to owning such a well-known car. Tom says its disconcerting to experience the response from some drivers in traffic, who aren’t concentrating on the job in hand while they try to snap photos on their ‘phone. “People don’t realise that this car is designed to stop on a dime, and if you don’t expect it to stop, you’ll end up wearing 200,000 dollars of Lamborghini as a hood ornament,” he said. Tom also experiences problems with young street racers at traffic lights.
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
“You know how it is, they want to race you and when you don’t take them up on it, you’ll get the finger as they leave you behind. They’re not thinking about the consequences of their actions. With this car you have to constantly think about outcomes of your actions and drive accordingly.” But Tom isn’t deterred by the actions of some irresponsible motorists. “The car is designed to be driven and enjoyed, not left to rot in a garage. All cars need driving to pump the fluids through the systems. A car driven regularly is easier to own, less repairs” Tom explained. At the end of the photo shoot Tom took to the car for a run around the Kart Racing Club track. The burble of those big round exhausts was the icing on the cake. So, I watched, a little jealous, as Tom drove those Italian curves away the day seemed a little less bright. A wonderful dalliance, but all too short. With that I phoned my wife “Sweetheart?...we need to talk!!”
“Any adjusting of the set up of the kart is usually based on the driver’s experiences during the race, through the hands and through the driver’s seat,”
GO-KARTS
A DOORWAY TO GLAMOUR RACING || BY KIEREN L. TILLY
The thermometer says it’s a balmy 28 degrees on the tarmac talking to Cootamundra based go-kart driver Brendon Schade, but it feels closer to 30 something. Brendon’s certainly feeling the heat, as are most of the drivers with their race suits unzipped to the waist and tied in front. A variety of T-shirts and singlets dry out in the breeze as drivers either chat with one another in small groups, or check over their machines prior to going out on the track, or quietly prepare themselves for the frenetic action that’s about to take place. Frenzied, but definitely friendly. They’ve gathered for the Southern Stars event at Wagga and District Kart Racing track in Tasman Road and Brendon is getting me up to speed on the technical aspects of driving a go-kart.
adjustments which can be made in an effort to gain that extra one hundredth of a second or two, just enough to win. “A reasonably good condition used kart can cost around $3000 to $4000 and on top of that is the cost of travel which can involve up to 6000 kilometres a year for dad and I attending race meets,” Brendon said. On the plus side, Brendon said that attending race meets meant catching up with friends, meeting new people and spending quality time with his father. And when asked where karting could lead, Brendon painted a glamorous picture of V8’s and Formula One.
“A lot of those drivers began their careers in go-karts. Unless of course mum and dad are millionaires, then you have to start somewhere,” Brendon concluded as the gathered drivers began to prepare for the next race. The sleeves of the racing suits are untied and hands pushed through, helmets and gloves are fitting snugly, engines are started and with a quick wave to the camera Brendon joins his fellow competitors. Brendon’s vision of V8’s and Formula One could have moved just a little closer after securing a win in the event. Watch this space.
“Any adjusting of the set up of the kart is usually based on the driver’s experiences during the race, through the hands and through the driver’s seat,” Brendon said. And it doesn’t appear to be that one kart chassis fits all drivers. In fact, it seems that for every driver there are literally hundreds of
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 9
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GIRL TORQUE WITH
TAMMY GAMBLE
“Have fun. Ride your own race at your own speed and do your own thing.”
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY There are many reason for owning a motorcycle, a motortrike or a Can-Am Spyder — the open air, direct relationship with the surrounding environment, either flowers or road kill, the feeling of freedom. For Spyder rider Tammy Gamble from Wagga there is one more benefit to include with all the tradional benefits — copious storage space. “It’s a practical machine with room for 16 kilos of shopping in its “frunk” it’s front trunk,” she observed. Tammy dabbles in a variety of crafts, including resin and fleece weaving and concedes that her favourite stretch of road is one that ends in a craft shop, “I know that I can buy 16 kilos of craft supplies minimum.” Tammy’s panniers either side of the trike also help out. The Can-Am Spyder is proving a popular mode of transport in Australia, both as a commuter and a touring alternative. Officially released in 2007 the Can-Am Spyder created by Bombadier Recreational Products looks unlike anything else currently on Australia roads.
The Canadian/Californian organisation behind the Spider has built its reputation on a variety of recreational vehicles and the production of aeronautical engines. Unlike a motortrike with two rear wheels and one in the front, this muscular looking vehicle has two wheels at its front and attracts interest from all ages with little kids asking for a ride and older ladies wanting a “dink” on the back. Tammy has been delighted to find young girls thinking the rider may have been male and were surprised to discover a lady riding the machine. “They just don’t think a vehicle of this size could be handled by a woman,” Tammy said. Known as Gavin in the Gamble family, the Neutron Green vehicle has provided Tammy with an opportunity to rebuild her confidence following an accident on a two-wheeler. She knew it was the right vehicle immediately she took a test drive. Reminiscing, Tammy said she was prepared to accept both dry and wet weather is part of riding motorcycles, but admitted she was a “bit of a sook” when it came to really wet weather. During one holiday Tammy decided to go for a run to Cootamundra, found herself in Harden and then joined with some fellow Can-Am enthusiasts on a road trip to Goulburn. So, engrossed in her jaunt up the highway it wasn’t until her teenage daughter ‘phoned that she realised she hadn’t told anyone where she was going. She conceded that it was so easy to lose yourself while enjoying the freedom of the open road and good people to share it with.
Her grandfather was a motorcycle rider but her father wasn’t and preferred that she not associate with motorcycle riders, including the young, Alan Gamble, who “came a courtin”. Now husband, Alan is well known in the local mechanical trade through Alan Gamble Automotive.
When asked about her treatment by other motorists, she’s happy they give her a wide berth.
As members of Wagga Classic Motorcycle Club, Tammy and Alan do and see a lot in their travels. Having her partner riding with her, Tammy loves the fact that she always has someone to share a cuppa with at the end of a run.
“I think it’s because the vehicle is so distinctive in its shape and colour. They can’t help but hold back, even if it’s to take photos. I like the fact it’s so big and wide. Plenty of bike around me for protection,” Tammy said.
And Tammy says it’s important for potential motorcycle riders to undertake a course with Stay Upright and the rest comes with experience. Her advice, “Have fun. Ride your own race at your own speed and do your own thing,”. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 13
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
IN YOUR CAR || BY MATTHEW VANDERMARK
So many wonderful, memorable things happen in cars. They’re a facilitator of life, providing mobility, freedom and independence. Can you imagine living without one – or two? That’s the inspiration behind this week’s contribution to Torque Magazine. I’m calling it ‘Memorable Moments’ and it’s proudly brought to you by all the cars I’ve owned!
Here’s five of my favourites in chronological order:
Discovering new music
Driving new baby home
I love listening to music in my car. Most people do and it’s why so many car advertisements feature singles, couples and families singing along lustily as they drive. My memorable moment number five occurred during one of our earliest excursions from Sydney to Wagga. It was our 12-year-old daughter’s turn to choose the music, and as she inserted a CD from a ‘new band she had just discovered’ she asked if we had heard of The Beatles.
How surreal it is, that moment when you place your newborn, nestled in its capsule, into the back seat to drive home. The sense of responsibility was almost overwhelming – the two most precious things in my life, new baby and wife, both in the back seat. I was definitely more nervous then than when I was taking my driving test. Suffice to say the drive home from the hospital was about as different to the drive there, as you can possibly imagine. When you think about it, the odometer of your car is a bit like a chronological timeline of your life. Every kilometre tells a story. So make it last as long as possible. Get your car serviced when recommended. Simple things like changing the oil and filter can make a huge difference to its lifespan. The more you look after your car the more it will look after you, delivering more memorable moments along the way.
Getting my licence
Goodbye to begging parents for lifts or riding a bicycle through Canberra’s mid-winter cold. Hello to going where ever I wanted, whenever I wanted. Is there a moment of freedom and independence quite like it?
The waters have broken
Picking up new girlfriend
I’ve never parked in a driveway as slowly and carefully as when I picked up my new girlfriend from her parent’s house for the first time. I’d like to think I opened the door for her – not sure. But I definitely remember her mother waving us off and encouraging us to ‘have fun’ – although her father’s baleful stare suggested he’d rather we didn’t.
No, we didn’t have a baby in the back of the car, but it was awfully close with our first one. I strongly recommend to women living in Sydney not to go into labour during Monday morning peak hour. It’s certainly a drive I’ll never forget – especially the looks from people in other vehicles. Although the birth of our first child signalled a new chapter in our lives, it sadly meant the end for my preferred vehicle at the time – an immaculate, black, 1960 FB Holden. The new addition meant it was time to upgrade to a more practical vehicle with luxuries (!) such as power steering, electric windows, air-conditioning and a turning circle under 30 metres. YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 15
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*Finance to approved consumer applicants on a secured fixed rate loan product. Finance is under a consumer fixed rate loan with a maximum 48 month term. 10% deposit required. †4.99% P.A. Comparison Rate is based on a 5 year secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Credit criteria, fees, charges and terms and conditions apply. Standard Lending criteria applies. Terms and conditions available on request. Subject to suitability. Harley-Davidson Finance is a registered brand name of Harley-Davidson Financial Services International, Inc. and is operated under sub-licence by St.George Bank – A Division of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit license 233714. Offer available 3 April 2018 and expires on 31 May 2018. Applications must be submitted and approved by 31 May 2018 and vehicles must be delivered by 15th June 2018. Offer available on selected Street, Sportster® and Softail® model HarleyDavidson® Motorcycles. Offer excludes Touring, CVO’s™, Trike and Anniversary models. While stocks last. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. © H-D 2018. Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.
KARTING Q&A CAMERON LONGMORE Wagga based Cameron appears to have the world at his feet in his pursuit of go-karting success. A quietly spoken achiever, the 17-year-old lets his driving do all the talking. Cameron took time out of his pro tour schedule at last outing in Albury where he was racing an X30 kart in the Australian Kart Championship and Rotax 125 Light to talk to answer a few questions about himself and his career. What is your nickname? A: At the track, Longers What is your favourite food? A: Spaghetti Bolognese
ZACH BATES Fourteen-year-old Zach from Queanbeyan is a go-kart racer in KA4 Junior Light who says he likes the excitement, fun and the friendship associated with the sport. “Go-karting is a fantastic adrenaline rush,” Zach said. He also enjoys the way the karting community is so welcoming of new arrivals to the sport.
Who is your hero? A: I don’t have one to speak of.
Despite his youth, Zach is clear in his belief that go-karting can prepare young people for learning how to drive.
What is your favourite hobby? A: Golf
“Steering and throttle control are major parts of learning to drive karts as well,” he explains.
What is your favourite Movie? A: Lethal Weapon What is your favourite motor vehicle? A: Holden Maloo Describe your sport in one word. A: Competitive Describe yourself in two words. A: Ripper bloke Are you a dog person or a cat person? A: Dog person What is your favourite holiday destination? A: Narooma
What is your nickname? A: Batsey What is favourite food? A: Ribs Who is your hero? A: Daniel Riccardo Do you have a favourite hobby? A: Mountain Bike Riding Do you have a favourite movie? A: Cool runnings Do you have a favourite brand of motor vehicle? A: Porsche Describe your sport in one word. A: Exciting Describe yourself in two words. A: Friendly and determined Are you a dog person or a cat person? A: Dog…We have a chocolate lab called Scooby Do What’s your favourite holiday destination? A: Tathra
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 17
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NATURAL WONDERS AWAIT
ON THE NEWELL || BY DESTINATION RIVERINA MURRAY
From Goondiwindi in the north to Tocumwal in the south, the Newell Highway (A39) stretches 1058kms making it one of the longest highways in NSW. An important road link between Queensland and Victoria, it passes through 15 local government areas and is a premier route for serious tourers and road trippers alike. Heading south from Wagga, your Riverina Newell Highway adventure can start at Tocumwal on the Murray River. Located about two-and-a-half hours from Wagga, Tocumwal boasts 23 sandy beaches within five minutes of the town centre providing popular camping spots close to many bushwalking, fishing, bird watching and boating options. Tocumwal is an ideal centre also to enjoy exceptional food and wine or visit museums on the hunt for antiques and collectibles. Or why not go gliding from the historic aerodrome, which was the largest in the southern hemisphere during the Second World War and was used as a training base for Liberator Bomber pilots. A quick drive north to Finley, brings you to the junction of the Newell and Riverina (B58) Highways. With its shops, cafés, clubs and sporting facilities, Finley is a great spot for an overnight stay. The Mulwala Canal carries water from the Murray River to the surrounding farms and the picturesque Finley Lake, a great picnic spot. A deviation west along the Riverina Highway brings you to Deniliquin on the banks of the beautiful Edward River which provides an aquatic playground for water skiing, wakeboarding, boating and fishing. Deniliquin is known around the world also as the home to the Deni Ute Muster, an annual event which holds the Guinness World Record for the most utes gathered in one place. For a dose of country hospitality, wrap your tastebuds around some homemade salami, cheese and preserves, at Long Table Café, enjoy family time at the Big 4 Deni Resort, or indulge in a night
or two at Moira Station’s impressive Starry Nights Luxury Accommodation Quarters overlooking the world-renowned Cadell Fault. And before returning to the Newell Highway via Conargo with its iconic Conargo Pub bumper stickers, take the opportunity to explore the local waterways by paddle or the Murray Valley National Park trails by pedal. The next stop on your Newell Highway tour is Jerilderie where you can walk in infamous footsteps as you visit sites along the Ned Kelly Raid Trail. Apart from its historic link to the Kelly Gang bank raid, Jerilderie is home to Sticky Fingers Candy Shop stocking all your old-fashioned favourites, including sherbets, a range of delectable dark chocolates and the famous Melba’s Inch Licorice Block. Just over an hour away you’ll find yourself in treelined Narrandera on the junction of the Newell and Sturt Highways. A walking and cycling track links Narrandera’s hidden gems, including the Koala Reserve, which hugs the Murrumbidgee River and provides home to upward of 200 healthy koalas, and the Narrandera Wetlands with its amazing variety of native birds.
than you would expect in a town of just under 4000 people. Its rich history of gold mining is reflected in the crooked Main Street that follows the original bullock track as it curved around trees and gold diggings. Its beautiful parks, gardens and wetlands are also a must for the weary traveller. Grab a bite to eat in one of the many cafés, hotels and eating establishments and check out the Royal Hotel, Major’s Mulch and the Exclusive Hot Glass and Splatter Galleries. Once you’ve recharged in West Wyalong make a final push out to visit Lake Cowall, the largest natural inland lake in NSW at 21km long and 9.5km wide. For the more adventurous traveller there are many other attractions as the Newell continues through historic centres such as Forbes, Parkes, Dubbo, Coonabarabran, Narrabri and Moree until crossing into Queensland at Goondiwindi. To plan your Newell Highway tour, visit www.newellhighway.org.au/route39/
From natural wonders to man-made marvels, a stop in Temora about 70kms east of the Newell Highway wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the awardwinning Aviation Museum. Open daily, the museum is a tribute to the role of Australia’s military aircraft and the men and women who flew and supported them during times of conflict. First and foremost a flying museum, Temora Aviation Museum also hosts regular flying displays conducted by the Temora Historic Flight Club. While in Temora, take time to relax and unwind at Lake Centenary, take your photo with the statue of famous harness racer Paleface Adios or visit the Bundawarrah Centre which houses the Temora Rural Museum and Ambulance Museum. The final stop on your Riverina Newell Highway tour is West Wyalong, the largest town in the Bland Shire. West Wyalong provides more accommodation for travellers and more shopping YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 21
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ROSEWOOD
RALLY There are certain sports which rely on trust and communication between two people and none more so that rally driving. One with head down, studying a map calling each variation in the road, the other with head up frantically working the gears, the brake and the steering as the pair career through the bush at breakneck speed. Not everyone’s choice of how to spend a weekend drive. That’s exactly what will be happening on Saturday when round two of the 2018 Australian Motor Sport Action Group (AMSAG) Pipe King series gets underway in Carabost State Forest on the outskirts of Rosewood about an hour south of Wagga. The rally will include 10 stages, starting and the finishing at Rosewood Golf Course. There’ll be seven daylight stages starting at 12 midday and three night stages. The three designated spectator spots in Carabost Forest have been chosen to provide the maximum opportunity to view the cars and be close to the excitement. It heightens the amazement to see more than 30 vehicles travelling at speed, threading their way through the trees as crews try to beat the clock to win with the drivers displaying precise skills negotiating fast straightaways, tight corners and sometimes unsettling road surfaces, while relying on the attention to detail of the navigators. It takes a special breed such as 25-year-old Nathan Breese from Wagga. Nathan stands beside his orange 2000 Proton Satria with its 1600 motor and standard five-speed manual, he has owned for four years. Nathan believes his little car will reach 140km/hr but described the vehicle as a slower example.
“Being involved in rally is a real joy, being able to race through a forest.”
|| BY KIEREN L. TILLY
“In top classes of rally racing vehicle speeds can, and do approach 190 to 200km/hr.” Starting in motor sports as a 14-year-old Nathan learned his car craft and how to maintain control of a vehicle in motorkhana motocrosses. “Being involved in rally is a real joy, being able to race through a forest,” Nathan said, adding that he believes the sport is in good hands given the quality of young drivers coming up through the ranks.
Gary Stewart and Stephanie Turk.
The Rosewood Rally will mark a family dynasty in the sport when Nathan’s brother Michael moves into the passenger seat as navigator, taking over the role from their father, Geoff Breese. The event will mark a first also for Stephanie Turk from Wagga who’ll be navigating for her fiancee, Gary Stewart. Saying that pressure from Gary led to her decision to take part in the rally, she is looking forward to Saturday’s event. “The best thing about rallying is the speed of the drivers and the challenge in rally driving,” Stephanie said adding that rally driving is great training to prepare for driving on the road with fellow motorists. Director of the Rosewood Rally, Wade Ryan, says the drivers will have to contend with changing road surfaces and traction differences. “Roads can change three times in a forest stage and there are ideal spectator spots so bring a chair, a beer, or a glass of wine and enjoy yourself in the forest,” Wade said. For further information visit www.amsag.com. au or www.waggadistictcarclub.org.
Nathan Breese.
YOUR LOCAL WEEKLY TORQUE || FRIDAY 27 APRIL 2018 || 23
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