Junior Journos talk V8s

V8 Supercar drivers were put through theirpaces on Friday at the Symmons Plains circuit, fielding questions fromTasmanian high school students at a Junior Press Conference.

The press conference is run at every eventand provides an opportunity for students to get up close and personal with thedrivers, and focus on their journalistic skills and knowledge of the sport.

Team Jeld-Wen driver Alex Davison said itwas more intimidating being interviewed by the kids than the adult journalists,but liked the idea of giving students the experience and insight into thesport.

“For most people not directly involved inthe industry in some way, shape or form, a lot of that stuff isn’t as obviousas it may be to us,” Davison said.

“It’s cool to let people know a bit moreabout what we do from the inside.”

The day’s questions revolved aroundbehind-the-scenes aspects of V8 Supercars, including diet and preparation for arace, driver training, and sponsorship. But the key question came late in thequestion session – how does it feel when you’re driving a V8 Supercar?

The four drivers at the session – Davison,Erebus Motorsport V8’s Tim Slade, ekol Racing’s Scott Pye and Norton 360Racing’s Michael Caruso – relayed how fortunate they were to be racing. Davisonexplained the focus needed in the car – trying to get driving linesright, while engaging with his engineer on improving the car and thinking aboutchanges.

The drivers also spoke about how crucialfamily support had been for them to get into and progress through their careersin motor racing. “At nine/10/11 years old you can’t by your own go kart,”Davison said.

The session finished with the driverslisting their favourite circuits and there was a quick rushfor autographs and the like before the drivers were ushered off to focus on theday’s practice sessions.

“Most of the questions are what you’d expect– I’ve only done one or two of these junior press conferences, but there’salways one or two kids you can really see are a little more switched on and whowe’ll probably see in the future as real journos,” Davison said.

“Not all people are into motor racing… butthey’re all asking good questions.”

For more information about the Junior PressConference, which is part of V8 Supercars’ Students on Track program, visit http://www.supercars.com/about/students-on-track.