Event date: 16 July 2022 

The BMWDCM Come and Try Day was a fantastic experience that is highly recommended for both competitors and officials wanting to get their first experience of motorsport.

I am very grateful that the Club allowed me to officiate at the event and having the opportunity to experience the sport at entry level was very rewarding. In the past I have volunteered at motorkhanas and I have obviously attended many motorsport events both here and overseas, however, standing at a flag point gives you the best possible perspective on how exciting and demanding our sport can be.

Motorsport Australia has always appreciated the outstanding passion and loyalty of our event organisers and the officials who assist at those events, but the opportunity to actually “work” with them was invaluable.

I want to thank Jo Mawson and her Committee for hosting me and making me feel so welcome. I also wanted to thank all the officials that were there to encourage and support both me and Chantel Collins, who also attended from Motorsport Australia. A particular thank you to my flag buddies Bruce Cameron (post 10) and Andy Kelk (Start/finish) for their invaluable mentoring, direction and conversation.

I am also chuffed to have been invited as an honorary member of the Club (particularly as I love BMWs!). 

Eugene Arocca | Member #910
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

It all begin with a 4:45am alarm. Now just to catch you up to speed, mornings and I have never got along, but motorsport seems to be the exception. Half awake, I asked myself, why are you doing this? Because it will be worth it once you get out on the track - there is no feeling comparable. So, after arguing with myself and still only half awake I set out for the two hour drive to Broadford. Did I know where Broadford was, or if it existed until now? No. After this weekend give me a map and I’ll draw you up the coordinates! It now comes as a highly recommended travel destination. A quick trusty maccas breakfast with a then 7:30am arrival at the track. Straight into the motions - find a garage, drivers briefing, safety car circuit laps (for beginners), check in, sort your car, anticipate your first run session. 

The weekend was made up of two events, Saturday 16 July BMWDCM & E30 Racing Come & Try Day/Driver Training & Sunday 17 July AROCA Sprint Event - sign me up for both!

As I have never been to Broadford before and this was my second track day, I decided my first few sessions I would go with instructors. You can never stop learning in this sport, everyone has something unique that they can teach you from their own experiences and knowledge. My first instructor’s name was Andy,. He was very informative, patient and calm all great traits for an instructor to have. But even given how lovely Andy was I wanted to add some excitement to his day, so I decided on the third lap to do a spin out on corner 9. Once we’d come to a complete stop to which Andy then said “it’s OK you just went a bit fast around that corner” while only I was left red faced, we continued on in our session. As Andy continued to teach me invaluable tips, I decided you know what Andy I think I’m going to spin out again on corner 9, as I approached at the speed, I heard Andy make a comment that didn't register until after the fact - “this is going to be interesting” he said in his calm tone. But look, this is all about learning, that’s what these days are for to do spin outs (not recommended) to find your footing, to learn the limits of your car, get the feel of the track and to develop your skills. After my session it came to my attention what happens on the track is seen and heard by everyone, but everyone's main concern is always that you are alright. 

It came to my second session and a gentleman called Matt entered my vehicle, Matt pushed me to my limits and I needed that. He knew what I was capable of very early on and with that I learnt to trust him. But I thought to myself why should Matt miss out on all the fun? Surely a spin out on corner 9 would just make his day and I thought two times wasn’t enough, that a third was needed and so it was. But this time we did a 180 and ended up off the track on the wrong side facing the wrong way. I really did it, I gave it a red-hot go. 

Like Andy, Matt took it rather well - explained why that had happened and how to prevent it from happening in the future (I think I got it out of my system by then and learnt my lesson, that was the last spin out for the weekend). The third session came around and I was contemplating that I would go out by myself but thought one more session with an instructor wouldn’t hurt, it would only be a benefit. So, then the delightful Rod came out with me. Rod is a really laid-back guy and such a pleasure to chat with. Unlike the previous two instructors I decided to spare Rod from the corner 9 debacle, he’s just too nice I thought to myself, don’t you do it Jessie. And so, we had a smooth and beneficial session and I knew the next session I was on my own. It was time. Feeling comfortable and confident enough to give it a go. And it felt like one of the best sessions I had all weekend. I applied what I had been taught earlier and corner 9 was just a distant memory. Finishing with a feeling of achievement, like I had really accomplished something and knew I can now do this. 

The long day had come to an end and it was back to the infamous Sugarloaf Motel to check in, have a nice hot shower and just lay still for a minute. Then members of BMWDCM with the likes of Shannon, Wayne, Martin, Lawrence and of course our VP Jo, our leader and President Graeme with others went out for a good old country pub meal at the Broadford Hotel. The social aspect with belonging to this club is both important and a priority which is always welcomed. 

Struggling to keep awake it was back to the Motel for a good night sleep. 6.30am alarm, Sunday morning. Back to the track. 

Now sprints are a different kettle of fish - but I knew I had to keep my calm and trust I was capable. Take 2 - drivers briefing, check in, sort your car, anticipate your first run session. My first session was as a passenger this time with none other than the man, the myth, the legend, Graeme Bell behind the steering wheel. I remember when I first went in an E30 with Graeme, it never gets old. This is a privilege that should never be taken for granted. The amount you can learn from being in the car with this man at one time and be witness to the skill level that comes second nature is something else. 

I was then up, it was my practice session and this time Graeme was the passenger (I started having flash backs to corner 9) keep your cool Jess, just breathe.

Off we went, as well as letting me do my own thing, Graeme gave me direction, pointers, hints & tips and praise all combined fitting nicely into one. What. an. Instructor. 

Feeling confident after that, I was ready to do my first timed sprint event on my lonesome. Off I went, I got this. And I did, I had it. Something changed for me over the weekend - I got my confidence, more understanding and learned to trust myself. 

But that wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for all support that is constantly shown by Graeme & Jo and the members of BMWDCM. They are always reassuring and encouraging. Associating with people who share the same passion as you and want the best for you gives you a great sense of feeling safe. I have never felt more welcomed by a sporting club in all my life.

x2 Days. 500kms later. Home sweet home. Bed. 

Jessie Keogh | Member #894
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne