V8 Supercars fans turned up in force for this year’s Open Day at Garry Rogers Motorsport’s Victorian race headquarters in Dandenong on Saturday 21 March, eager to get a look at the team’s behind-the-scenes operation and take part in the fun day.
Billed as bigger and better than last year, the free GRM event didn’t disappoint and everyone had a great time wandering around the displays, checking out the blue #33 and #34 race cars and joining in the entertainment. There were lucky door prizes and competitions, with framed photos and merchandise packs for the winners.
As one of the major sponsors of the Wilson Security Racing GRM team, PAYCE had a strong presence with its red corporate arch spanning the forecourt entrance, helping to add to a colourful day.
Team drivers, Scott McLaughlin, David Wall and Chris Pither were kept busy all day chatting and posing for photographs with fans and signing autographs and team posters.
Popular with everyone were the pit stop challenges, with the drivers prepared to take on all comers from the crowd. Kids were also able to challenge Scott on the workshop race simulator while the little ones had a ball on the “Cars’ jumping castle.
GRM opened up the doors to its massive B-double transporter so fans could take a close look at all the equipment and facilities needed to support the race cars at the tracks around Australia.
As well as the two race-going Volvo S60 Polestars on show, the Volvo Car Club displayed a fantastic collection of immaculate vintage and not-so-old Volvos.
Volvo Car Australia also brought some of its latest models along, including the sensational road version of the S60 Polestar and Volvo Trucks added to the brand flavour with two of the biggest trucks in its range.
GRM team owner, Garry Rogers said he totally enjoyed the day and was pleased to be able to give something back to the many fans who support the team throughout the season.
“When we are at the track we have to focus on getting the job done, so the time we have available to spend with our many supporters is limited,” he said.
“But at the Open Day with the pressure off, we can relax and indulge ourselves with the fans and have a bit of fun, before getting back to the business side of racing.
“It was great to see so many families, along with their young ones, decked out in the team’s apparel. Definitely the youngsters are the next generation of motor sport enthusiasts and hopefully some will be future competitors.”
PAYCE Managing Director and avid motor sports supporter, Brian Boyd congratulated Garry and his team for putting on a great show for the fans.
“Garry is a legend in a sport he has excelled in for more than 50 years, both as a driver and team owner and his followers are a loyal band,” he said.
“The Open Day was an opportunity to repay that loyalty and the team unselfishly gave up their time at this busy point in the season to acknowledge how important their fans are to them and to the sport.
“Garry’s decision to partner with Volvo Polestar Racing and Wilson Security last year brought on board a whole new group of supporters who would no doubt have appreciated the opportunity to see the hard work and dedication that goes into getting two competitive race cars to the grid throughout the season.”
Brian Boyd said PAYCE was excited to be part of the Wilson Security Racing GRM team and he was looking forward to the team enjoying many successes during the 2015 season.
