V8 and Red Checkers
It was the stuff of dreams for SQNLDR Shaun Clark when he swapped the cockpit of his Checkers one Airtrainer for the front seat of a NZV8.
SQNLDR Shaun Clark with Johnny McIntyre. OH-08-0131-32-tn.jpg.
It began with the arrival of Andy Booth, Johnny McIntyre and Craig Baird to the tented camp that was home to those on Exercise Wiseowl in Timaru. The drivers were in town for the NZV8 race and had a joy ride with the RNZAF Red Checkers aerobatic team.
Once the three were kitted up and given their safety briefing it was a short walk out to the bright yellow airtrainers. A few nervous smiles for the cameras and everyone was up and away.
One wonders what was going through the respective minds of Booth, McIntyre and Baird as the Checkers launched into a couple of loops and a few nicely executed twists and turns before completing the visually spectacular spaghetti break, but it must have been good judging from their faces when they landed.
While getting out of his flying gear, John McIntyre was full of praise. ‘It was absolutely unreal. Sensational! I have a new respect for flying,’ he said.
Craig Baird and SQNLDR Paul Stockley return from the Checkers display over Levels raceway. OH-08-0115-62-tn.jpg.
Later in the afternoon the roles were reversed and this time the Red Checkers headed out to the race track.
For SQNLDR Shaun Clark who had been go-karting since he really was a junior, this was the stuff of dreams.
‘I've been into motor sport for a long time but have never had an opportunity such as this before. It's easy to see why Johnny is the V8 champion.'
‘I thought being a passenger ride he would take things easy but the car was drifting through every corner - he was 'on it' from the moment we left the pits. The level of grip, braking and cornering speed was awesome. It was an amazing experience, and one I won't forget for a long time.’