Life Member - Graham Wild

Graham's earlies recollections of motor sport were, as a kid, going to Teretonga with my uncle and cousins to watch the international events with drivers such as Bruce McLaren, Jack Brabham, Jim Clarke and Jacke Stewart. Graham's  uncle would take his truck with a sheep crate on it, so we had a grandstand view of the racing. Another cousin was a member of the SSCC and I went to a few events with him also.

Graham heard that the Queenstown Car Club had reconvened in 2008 and decided he needed to be involved.He didn’t have a car to use at events so helped with setting up and marshalling. The timing system and radios were very basic, and Graham developed a better timing system and obtain better radios. The timing system has gone through a few versions since then to what we have today which has proved to be reliable at all venues including the Coronet Peak Hill Climb.The radios we use are good at all venues except Coronet Peak where NZ Ski kindly loan us a number of theirs for the event.

In 2012, Graham and a couple of mates decided we needed a car to get out there at events and they bought a 1995 Subaru Impreza from Hraham's brother for $200, stripped out the interior, built a half roll cage, installed a race seat and harness and we were in business. It had a few improvements over time which included swapping the 1800cc engine for a 2200cc engine, adjustable suspension, and rear disk brakes. The 3 of them had  blast using it at lots of events and I never gave them any problems.

Graham has on the club committee several times and served as secretary/ treasurer for a time. For a number of years, he looked after the timing system and radios and setup the system at all events.

About 11 years ago it was announced that The Highlands Motorsport Park was going to be completed. This has been a great asset for the area, and Graham has been involved as a volunteer at events over the years including all three days at the opening weekend. He have had various jobs at events, from being the speed traffic cop on pit lane to track marshal to spotter in the safety car. Graham found any job was very enjoyable and that it was great to be involved with a great organisation and a great bunch of people.

Graham's advice to those interested "If you want to get up close to the action at a racetrack without driving then becoming a volunteer is the way to do it"