What an awesome trip it was for me – the memories will last a lifetime.
There is too much that happened to write about, so I will just mention some of the highlights for me (if you want to know more, just ask).
1. My chance to
drive the CS – mindblowing!! I thought the owner was joking but was amazed when he tossed me the keys on Sunday morning. I drove the thing for about 100km to the Olgas and back, with my top speed a paltry 170kmh (in a 110 zone though
). I don't have any pics of the drive, but some video which I will treasure forever.
I sure got some funny looks getting into and out of the car, but it was a great feeling driving such a sexy car around. The acceleration was phenominal, though I didn’t get to test the handling much as I mainly drove on straight roads.
2. Overtaking a cop car at 220kmh in the GT2…..and they couldn’t do a thing about it.
3. Me and one of the other passengers waiting outside our relatively cheap hotel in the morning anh having 8 exotics roll up in convoy to pick us up.
4. The insane speeds that we managed to achieve, and all with nothing to worry about. (although we did manage 289kmh in a 110 zone at one stage
ops: ) The GT2 was the ‘winner’ with a top run of 332kph, then the CS with 308kph, Murci 300kph, Gallardo at 298kph and then the rest in the 280-290kph range.
5. The mini drag races that took place near the Cannonball Run memorial – nice stretch of road to compare acceleration. We had the GT2 and Murcielago facing off, CS v F360, CS v Monaro, Monaro v Boxster…..all captured on video of course.
6. Driving along at about 120kmh and having 4 cows run across the road infront of us. :shock: I was in the CS at the time and we had to slam on the brakes to miss them - at least they worked!
The Monaro in front of us had to swerve to avoid them......got the heart racing.
Time for the pics, we didn’t stop for probably half as many photo opportunities as we could have – but still came up with some nice ones I think. Also not morning or evening footage as we simply didn't find time, but thats something for next year I suppose.
How fitting are these plates?
Just a couple of speedo shots taken by others.....the first is about 300kph in the Murci, then the 330kph in the GT2 and 308kph in the CS
FRIDAY
One of the trucks being unloaded.....the sound of the beasts in there was awesome.
Then straight for the unlimited roads - I started in the Murcielago and have to admit the acceleration was scary at first.
ops:
Whenever you saw a car in the middle of the road it meant we were on a high-speed run.....here in the CS:
The leftovers of a bird on the GT2.....
The cars in their beds for the night - at the home of the Murci owner.
SATURDAY
At the petrol station in the morning, we were quite an attraction for the locals.
The attendant there actually gave us 4c off per litre of petrol since he was so excited.
One of the first stops for a photoshoot....and then a drive-by:
The Monaro doing one of its many burnouts.
At a scenic Gorge, it was full of tourists (Germans) so hard to get shots without them getting in the way. :x
The GT2 in the middle of the road ready for a 0-200kmh sprint......my god was it flying! I have that sprint on video too.
Another stop, this time only with a couple of the cars....
A little lineup at the unrestricted speed signs, and again the Monaro had to steal the show.
The Cannonball Run memorial (where 4 guys died in an F40 crash) - also the location of our drag races.
This is where the NSX had a crash on Friday.....very scary!
SUNDAY
On Sunday morning we headed to the Olgas and Ayers Rock - part of which was where I drove.
The CS with MOTOR magazines camera mounted on the back.....looks funny.
The CS sitting on the side of the road, waiting for the others to catch up. After this stop I got in and drove it to the petrol station.....ahh the memories.
the others finally arriving....
a couple of us returned to climb Ayers Rock.....what a way to rock up (pardon the pun
).
a few more from the road, and man did that CS sound great when overtaking us.
Cruising at 220 in the Gallardo, and then up to 260...
the GT2 cooling down after its 330kph run
That night while waiting to get picked up I had the GT2 outside the house for myself, and the only real chance for night shots.
MONDAY
What a thrill this was - overtaking a huge road train in the CS! We were in an 80 zone, but got well over that (280 on the speedo at this stage).
Then a side-by-side race with the Murci at around 270kph....unbelievable! We kept up for a bit but then the big V12 just pulled away from us....
Some more moving shots.....I put my head on the line for the pics out the window.
I really like the shot looking over the GT2's big ass at the Gallardo following it...
We then headed to Glen Helen and hired a helicopter, so we could get video and photos from the air as the cars raced down the highway.
It was absolutely brilliant up there and watching those cars fly down below. The thing is that MOTOR were not present for this and have said they may use some of my pics from that flight in the magazine. Therefore I will not post them yet just incase, don't want to piss them off.
check out the stone chips on the CS.....in need of a respray!
and the Murcielago back at home after its final run.....sad moment.
Hope you enjoyed all the photos......there could have been alot more but its hard to think about them when your having so much fun.