SNN_July 2021 Issue_web low res

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 19
Mustang V8 Experience
Brett Ladbrook and Stephen Grant sum up the Highlands driving
experience
For most people this was their first experience on a
racetrack and for some the first time in a V8. It was
entertaining to see everyone from the start of the drive
with a slight look of nerves on their faces to excited smiles
at the end of their laps. Everyone really enjoyed it and
those smiles didn’t go away for quite some time.
Thanks to the super crew at Highlands Motorsport,
Melrose Wheelchairs and all the people that came with
their support people to make the day an absolute success.
Here is Steven Grant’s account of the day.
Having successfully raced at Highlands Motorsport Park
previously and going back after my accident plus being
hosted by them for a weekend, I was excited to have the
opportunity to drive there once again. The track itself is
superb with a wide variety of challenging corners, bridge,
and camber changes, leaving scant time to take your
attention off the track. The clockwork organisation of
events led by Josie Spillane, Chief Operating Officer is a
benchmark for other clubs to work to, all delivered in a
professional friendly manner, and contributing to the
enjoyment of being there.
Brett Ladbrook says the chance to visit the Highlands
Motorsport Park in Cromwell is always a highlight.
On 10 October Brett Ladbrook, NZ Spinal
Trust Senior Peer Support Coordinator,
organised a group of 14 people to head down to
Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell,
where they hired the Mustang V8 for the day to
give everyone an opportunity to have a drive.
As many of you will know the crew at Highlands
Motorsport Park in Cromwell, have a hotted up, race
kitted Ford Mustang, adapted with push-pull hand
controls and a Spinner on the steering wheel.
Now this thing is seriously wild. Fully stripped out, full
race roll-cage, race seats, big brakes, semi slick tyres and
of course a rowdy exhaust, to help the 5 Litre V8 breathe.
Yet again, Melrose Kiwi Concept Chairs in Christchurch,
made a generous donation per person to get the price
down. Highlands Motorsport Park discounted the price
per person as well which made for an affordable fun day.
First driver was on the track at 9am and the last was at
4.30pm. People came from as far away as Canterbury,
Otago, and Southland.
I have and still do, harbour the idea of driving on the track
again and have been researching driving a 130i BMW for
that purpose. I have found two women tetras that race, one
in Australia the other in England, both driving Porsche
Cayman Clubman GT4’s. Both the BMW and Porsche are
able to be driven in auto mode. While I drive every day, I
wanted to be sure I could manage the loads on my body
particularly through corners and my ability to steer
through all corners safely using the grip attachment on the
steering wheel. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of not
taking time to adjust my seating position which severely
reduced a decent drive as I was unable to see the inside of
the track while turning left. Regardless, I was able to
tick-off the lateral load and range of steering movement
concerns. You are left wanting more, five laps just flash by.
Despite the issue with my seating position, the day was an
absolute joy, as was getting out of town and visiting my
childhood home area. Driving at Highlands in a mildly
modified Mustang, in the company of many happy
wheelchair chaps was a definite highlight. Catching up with
Brett, Josie, Nick and Kate, my son and daughter in-law and
Revell an old Queenstown friend, aided by my excellent
carer, Shelley. Along the way we had a great meal at Kika in
Wanaka, lots of chatting and sight-seeing with the odd
decent Central Otago wine. Perfect. If there is a next time,
memo to self; adjust the seating and stay an extra night.
Find the full interview at tvnz.co.nz/one-news
To see the interview with TV1 news in 2017, visit
www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news and search “race car”.