Wrapping Up Our Inagural Driver Training Day at Marulan

31st January, 2021

As the Historic Group N Association of NSW continues to evolve and contribute to the long history of Group N historic motor sport, we are working to support not only our shared passion for historic motorsport, but a strong social commitment to the community as well.

Our association is making an effort to develop unique experiences that cater to our diverse community of members, families and supporters. To provide more driving opportunities outside of those found at historic race meetings, we developed the Marulan Driver Training Day, which ran at the end of January, 2021, to great success.

Positive feedback from the day exceeded all expectations as a large number of non-motorsport participants were able to enjoy the atmosphere and experience of taking part in a race meeting.

The event program consisted of a track walk, kindly conducted by David Roberts, drivers briefing and vehicle scrutineering. Novice drivers and their individual instructors entered the track in designated groups and early sessions saw drivers familiarise themselves with the track layout mostly in their own vehicles.

The scheduled program of four groups entered the track under supervision to get an understanding of braking, acceleration, and track placement, building an understanding of optimum lines to enter, apex and exit tight corners. One of the most important skills in motor sport is safe navigation of track traffic; using mirrors to overtake and to be overtaken at speed.

Later on in the day, a privileged few had the opportunity to drive actual Group N race cars as part of an on track experience. This provided a hands-on lesson of how difficult these period cars are to drive in a racing environment, considering qualities like braking inefficiencies, heavy steering and heavy, unforgiving clutches – a world away from the comfortable, easy drive of a modern road car.

We’d like to extend our appreciation to all of the people who made this rare opportunity a possibility. Jenny and Paul Tierney provided administration and the vital information that kept participants up to date.

John Battersby made use of his government grant application skills and organised the financial component of the event. David Roberts performed a dual role as the Clerk of Course and also grid marshal. David is more than experienced at conducting these roles in a professional manner and this contributed to making the event a success.

The following flag marshals selflessly manned flag points to not only provide a safe on-track experience but also to add to the authenticity of a real race meeting experience.

Michael Kennedy
Bruce Whitford
Geoff Pike
David Wheatley
Paul Tierney
Jake Roulstone
Chris Collett
Trina Battersby
Damien Ross

A number of families and friends were there to enjoy the on track atmosphere. Frances Meier and son Joel, the Battersby family including granddaughters Emily and Caitlin tutored by their ever patient father Paul. The family also extended to cousin Ashley with instruction provided by her father Chris Roulstone.

John Battersby had his Mini Cooper race car on hand for Joshua Jennings to cut a few laps. I witnessed some confident lines from the passenger seat - well-done Josh.

John Burke also provided his race driving skills to pass onto daughter Natasha and her partner Liam O’Gallaghan driving a Toyota 86.

Grahame Loughnan provided his Toyota Corolla race car for sons Lloyd and Luke to enjoy the experience of being on a race track at speed; “Maybe they’re just parked watching the lines of the other participants.”

Mark Walsh, our club photographer, was on hand to take a few action shots and also do some on track work. Mark drove an EH Holden race car many years ago and still has a strong passion for motorsport. I was a passenger with Mark on track and must say he acquitted himself quite admirably.

Danny Berry brought his race Mini Cooper for friend Eamon Smith to have a drive. Ladies from our committee, Michelle Cocks and Elizabeth Wilks turned up and provided some much needed assistance with the event but also did some extensive track work. Michelle hit the track with instructor Ian Johnson and later joined me in my EH Holden race car for a passenger experience.

Liz also did substantial laps, first in her red Holden utility with David Stone providing pointers on driving at speed. David was also providing driving assistance to debutant Jason Kong, who from all reports displayed expertise in piloting his Honda around the circuit in a very professional manner.

Later in the afternoon Liz suited up for the period race experience, driving my EH Holden. It took a while to come to grips with the selection of the gears and she was a bit disappointed that the straight was not quite long enough to get it into top gear. As a passenger with Liz, I felt that she came to terms with the situation rather well.

My daughter Nicole also drove my EH Holden, which at first was quite daunting for her and myself. However, after some welcome support from Liz and Michelle and some understanding from the grid marshal ‘The Thin Controller’ went on to do a couple of laps much to her amazement and achievement.

Matt Sullivan was in attendance. Matt was on hand to give Lennon Sullivan some lessons on driving a VN Commodore race car. Matt, as did I, experienced some severe motion sickness on the tight circuit.

New HGNA member Brett Eggleston did a few laps instructing his wife. I think it may have been Brett receiving some advice on on-track and off-track behavior, as he seemed unsure of whether it was a drive day or a Rugby League tackling session. Next time Brett try racing on bitumen and tackling on the grass!

The HGNA would also welcome and recognize the following new members that participated on the day and look forward to a long and enjoyable partnership with our club.

Ashton Coughlan
Bernard Coughlan, introduced by John Battersby
Bruce Groat, introduced by Danny Berry
Damien Ross, flag marshal on the day

Thank you!

Our sponsor Michael Kennedy was on hand with daughter Elise driving her Ford Falcon with Ross Muller providing the instruction on race craft.

Our HGNA club sponsor Sue Swain from Statewide Car Carriers was represented by her extended family including daughter Sharon and grandchildren Taylor Pember in her Ford focus and Mitch Pember and Brett Pember driving an immaculate Mitsubishi Colt.

The weather was kind to us, not too hot and although rain threatened to eventuate it held off to allow for the presentation of the certificates. Everyone present declared how much they had enjoyed the day and that considering it was such a success agreed that the club should consider arranging another similar event in the not-too-distant future.

Created by
Stephen Pitman

Edited by
David Roberts