Powerbase returned to Highlands this year with some lucky clients and customers to enjoy a day of fun, healthy competition and to improve their driving skills at the same time. The event was a repeat of an exclusive promotion first run in 2017, developed by Powerbase and sponsored by Nexans Cable.
The group of 32 was split into eight groups with four people per group which allowed for a real hands-on and exclusive experience. Each group rotated through the different activities every 45 minutes so everyone experienced all that Highlands had to offer.
First up 4 teams headed off with Highlands Professional Driver Steve for a 3 hour driving experience in the Highlands fleet of six Subaru WRX’s for high-performance activities on the track including skill testing with ABS braking and high-speed lane changing. Then the group participated in a gymkhana, with each person having a practice run before they were timed and awarded points based on their efforts. This was a hands-on driving experience with each person behind the wheel accompanied by an instructor in the passenger seat. Apart from having lots of fun, the group took away practical skills they can use while driving back home in their own vehicles.
Then it was on to the Go-Kart track. Each driver had 10 minutes on Highlands purpose built 650m outdoor track to do as many laps as they could. Once they thought they had the hang of the track, their next race was on the reverse track! This was a highly competitive activity with everyone vying for a place on the podium and to improve their points total.
Our guests had the option to drive either a Radical (open top racing car) or a V8 Mustang. Drivers were kitted out and Highlands’ professional drivers Damon and Matt were in the passenger seat to offer instructions and guidance. The first two laps are instructional laps, so the driver gets a feel for the car and the track. Then the instructor gives the go-ahead for the driver to go faster (there are no fun police at Highlands!) for an additional five laps.
Afterward, Highlands lead professional driver, Andrew Waite showed the Powerbase group how to really drive the Highlands’ circuit with each of our guests getting a quick lap in a Ferrari 488-GTB. Andrew was doing about 225 km/ph down the back straight and it was the thrill of a lifetime for many of our guests.
Everyone had time to explore the National Motorsport Museum which features over $22 million worth of cars, including the $4.3 million Aston Martin Vulcan, one of only 24 in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere.
Then each group took to the skies, with a helicopter flight over the Highlands’ track and surrounding Cromwell area with great views of the Kawarau River, Lake Dunstan, Pisa Range and over the vineyards and orchards that were bursting into spring blossom.
The helicopter landed on Mt Michael and everyone had a small tasting of a stunning Mount Michael Pinot Noir before heading back to the Cromwell Airfield.
At the end of an exceptional day, everyone enjoyed a well-earned beer and food platter in the GT Members Lounge where they swapped stories and some tall tales. The scores were tallied up and the winners announced over dinner.
Powerbase appreciates the support from Nexans Cable to make this event possible.