My Unplanned Sabbatical

Challenge Cancer Charity Drive Day

I spent last night and today in the company of 24 friends who came together to raise some money for cancer. I was touched by the their generosity. We raised $24,000 on the day.

We spent the day racing our own cars around Phillip Island race track. We had 3 professional race drivers help out with tips and advice. It was a crazy day of testosterone and fun. It started the evening before with pasta, steak and red wine. As most are of Italian and Greek origin the food and wine was of the highest priority. It was a very funny night with plenty of stories. I put myself to bed early as the rest kicked on for a while.

We started with a 7 am breakfast before heading to the track for briefings etc. Managed to watch the mens 100 m at the Olympics which was a great race and set the tone for the rest of the day.

The boys had an amazing collection of cars. Ferraris, Porsches, Elfins, Morgan’s, BMWs, AMG Mercedes and even a F3 race car.

It was raining on and off and we had an amazing time. Most of us are experienced track drivers and we were hitting speeds of more than 250 kmh at the end of the main straight. Even my little Golf R was clipping 215 kmh. A number spun off into the gravel traps and mud and only one car hit the wall and sustained some damage. No one was hurt.

Although we had a great time, the objective was to raise money for a worthy charity and $24,000 was a solid effort. I had not been away from home for a long time so spending the night in Phillip Island was a pleasant change.

I am home now feeling very tired but extremely satisfied.