V8 Chariots of Fire

V8 Chariots of Fire
Roland Places EGX Customer on the Fast Track

QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – Late last year, I was given a “once in a lifetime” opportunity – joined by Matthew Daley, a proud Roland EGX-300 owner. We were able to sample first hand the heat, smell, sound and sheer power of a ”race ready” Stone Brothers prepared V8 Supercar. I had been presented with the opportunity by Roland DG several months prior to our adventure and a last minute change made a 2nd seat available.

It’s always fun to be the bearer of good news, but this was something else! I was elected to call on a great customer and let him know that in less than 24 hours he would be sitting beside a professional race car driver hurtling around Queensland Raceway in a Stone Brothers Super V8 Falcon!

Matthew Daley (left) and Richard Miles (right) from A. Miles suiting up for a HOT LAP!

Narrowing the list of deserving candidates was quite difficult, and Matthew was stunned and excited when he learned he had been selected.

Matthew bought his first Roland Engraver, an EGX-30, from our company, A. Miles & Co., to make industrial labels for his employer. Within a month, he realized that he’d underestimated just how much work would be thrown his way. A quick upgrade to an EGX-300 was the answer and this powerful engraver has served the company well ever since.

Fast forward to race day, a hot and ‘muggy’ morning, typical for Ipswich. It was obviously a Stone Bros. test and ride day, as they were the only ones at the track. I was amazed at how many people were lined up waiting for a turn. The rides had already started and there were a number of Stone Brothers cars circulating. We signed up, suited up, and waited nervously for a V8 chariot of fire to arrive.

Roland Sponsored V8 Supercar

I must say that I was seriously impressed with my racing suit. I race at a club level in an angry little Triumph Dolomite. My own suit is an old dual layer canvas thing, some 10 years old now. Here I was wearing a beautiful triple layer nomex suit – a replica of James Courtney’s – and it fit like a glove! I've got to get one of these....

So before long my Taxi arrived. But hang on! This wasn’t the purpose-built 3-up car. This was the ”real deal,” with a passenger seat “gaff-taped” to the floor for special occasions. Awesome! My driver was 2007 Fujitsu Series Rookie Jonathan Webb. His 4th place finish in the ‘07 championship was not representative of his better race performances. I was also led to believe that this car was a former championship winning car of Marcus Ambrose.

The engine exploded into life and off I went down the pit lane, strapped into the 2nd best seat in the house. The three laps were done and dusted in no time flat, but it was still just long enough to soak up the experience – and also a lot of heat. They aren’t kidding when they talk about cabin temps over the long races. The car was rudely fast. The cornering and braking forces were great, and once the car was pointing straight the acceleration was awesome! I definitely have to get one of these!!!

I am indebted to Roland DG for giving me this experience. As both a fan of Motorsport and a struggling participant (who would turn pro at any opportunity), this was one of the single greatest moments of my life. It gave me the chance to really get close to the pinnacle of Australian Motorsport and actually feel what it’s like first hand.

Thanks again, Roland DG.You made my year! (and Matthew Daley’s!)