Nigel at the Grand Prix

About a month ago I, Nigel, volunteered up in Kinglake setting up PC's for the community to use. It was part of a Telstra/NAB initiative called Helping Hand.

Didn't think much about it until last week when Telstra offered me a corporate pass to Day1, Thursday, of the Melbourne 2009 Grand Prix.

I have never been, due to a deprived childhood, so I quickly snapped up the opportunity (fortunately my new boss was supportive with the act first and ask for forgiveness later policy).

Thursday 26th March 2009 - My day at the Grand Prix

The Telstra corporate box was located at turn 1, and had a fantastic view. I soon found out that Day 1 doesn't include any actual Formula 1 racing, but it was still rather packed.

First up was a trip down memory lane with some historic racing cars:

Then we had the Formula Ford's where the kids who aren't old enough to hold a drivers licence get let loose on the road:

Next came the mini's:

I think Grant should stick with the Monster Trucks.... his mini kept breaking down!

I went for a walk around and got up close to some nice cars:

Don't tell Nathan, but I met Roary!

Next... I snuck into the stands above Pit lane:

Just in time to see the V8 supercars take off:

Turn 1 was busy:

I was also treated to see the Roulettes and Black Hawk helicopter fly bys:

Finally we had the Australian Racing Cars:.. they were like cut down versions of Holden's, Fords, and Toyotas:

Well that was it... It was a long day and I was completly stuffed at the end. Two days later I came down with the flu, but thats a different story.