In our latest NSW member profile, we sit down with HGNA’s HSRCA Delegate David Roberts to learn a little of his story in motorsport.

With thanks to David Roberts

I was introduced to motorsport by my father, who started and ran the Australian Castrol Racing Team. In my teenage years I worked with the team when they were competing at Oran Park and Warwick Farm. From there I would head out to events as a spectator, photographing the action as well.

I started racing in my later years (when I could finally afford it!) I built a Hillman Imp and campaigned it for a number of years before I was persuaded by David Wheatley to build my current Mini Cooper S.

I bought the car, which had been prepared as a rally car in Queensland, as a Christmas present to myself. It’s a tribute to Dad and carries the original rear number plate from the company’s chauffer-driven Jaguar in the UK during the seventies.

After racing the Imp, which was underpowered and over-tyred, it was nice to dice in the busy mid field. The change from rear-engined, rear drive to front-engined front wheel drive required some adjustment. I went from snap oversteer in the ‘Poor Man’s Porsche’ to the Mini’s controlled understeer. I love racing the car in the rain!

We’ve had fun together, although I did manage to take three corners off the car at Bathurst with an unplanned meeting with one of the circuit’s many walls. Thankfully the car pulled back square, and I wasn’t damaged.

I do have dreams of other cars. My current collection is a bit heavy on four cylinder (AMG and Raptor) and twelve cylinder (Aston and Ferrari) so I need an eight and possibly a six for a well rounded life.

I was drawn to Group N by a great bunch of characters and I’ve been competing for the past 15 years, although rarely at the pointy end (I did enjoy one particularly competitive run in heavy rain at Sydney Motorsport Park.)

The competition is not that important to me as I enjoy the camaraderie and close racing afforded by the category. I’ve formed a lot of close friendships over the years and those keep me coming back to the sport. Even outside of those close friendships, historic race meetings have a wonderful, friendly atmosphere and it’s good to spend the time with likeminded individuals.

If you’ve ever had an interest or thought you may like to give it a go – jump in with both feet. You'll sport a smile that lasts until Wednesday when it’s all going right. If not, you need more practice.

During the years I’ve held office as Secretary then President of HTCA NSW, Group N representative at both CAMS and HSRCA, committee member for the HSRCA as well as with FoSC. After Charlie (Jardine) passed, I served as President of FoSC and that is the role in which I was happiest. I also category managed at Bathurst in the Troy Williams era. More recently, I handed back my CAMS official’s licence and currently hold a license as a promoter with AASA. I currently represent HGNA with the HSRCA.

It’s inspiring to give back to the sport and I urge more people to take on roles as volunteers right across the board. It’s truly rewarding.