Sandown 500: Notebook Edition
It’s all of the things you don’t get to see at home: this is the Sandown 500 Notebook.
Everyone’s Favourite BBQ was Back!
Many Tickford racing machines were sacrificed to make the best BBQ setup in the history of motorsport.
Sadly, the old girl will need a good Gerni after the Sunday commute into the circuit…
Sandown 60th Celebrations
The festivities were noted with some branding around the venue, which was a nice touch.
There was also a merchandise drop, with some lines significantly discounted by the end of the weekend.
TV Host Desk
The old 1984-spec pit garages are pretty cramped for space, and while everyone wants the exposure of hosting the TV desk, it sure pushes teams and broadcasters for elbow room.
Is anyone missing a caravan?
Sandown is home to a lot of events throughout the year, including a caravan and camping show. This Jayco pop top has been sitting in place under the grandstand stairs for numerous years. Does anyone want to claim it?
Cherry Ripe Time
Channelling his inner Peter Janson, Jack Perkins’ free Cherry Ripe giveaway was in full swing over the weekend.
Empty
In years past, this lawn to the south of the grandstand was brimming with activations, but this year, it was bare.
Additionally, the display area under the grandstand was decidedly empty…
Pole Position
Reserve parking was at a premium at Sandown, with the Supercars C-suite and the drivers each provided with a dedicated car park.
The Big Wet
Meanwhile, in the pleb parking lots, this was the scene first thing on Saturday morning…
By Sunday morning, things were pretty grim…
Nice Setup
There’s no doubt these guys have done motorsport before…
Flip Top Podium
To let the fans see the racing, the podium featured a flip backdrop, which was quickly erected when it was time to hand out the trophies.
Media Assemble
While for other events, such as the Shannons SpeedSeries, the media are placed in a track-facing corporate suite at the top of the grandstand, for the 500, the scribes and photographers can be found on the first level of the grandstand in an old function space.
Putting the ‘stand’ back in ‘grandstand’
While the grandstand was a ticketed area, a platform at the rear of the grandstand allowed punters to take in the action from the dry, albeit on their feet.
Is this supposed to be 36 or 38?
Probably important…
Camera Perch
Due to the noise barriers surrounding the venue, multiple cameras can be found on the outside looking in.
Spare Lights
For those starting down the back, these are the relay lights for the race starts.
Cones
A look at how the cones are fixed to the ground in the Esses.
Tucker Time
As opposed to the fine dining options at the Australian Grand Prix, for Sandown 500, the beige food group got a fair workout.
The Future is Here
The new Hino 300 Series Hybrid tow truck is in place next to the model it superseded.
Pit Markings
Each of the teams has its own way of marking its place in the pit lane. The below is how the different teams shape up from pit in to pit out.
Is this some Formula Ford undertray left behind after the recent Vic State Race event?
Old Stacks
Previously, large stacks were used to mark the apexes at turns two and three. This is how they were constructed.
Some first-class parking from this BMW. Well done mate.
Wildlife: Sandown Edition
Not pictured: the local fox population.
Up Next: Unseen Sandown
We examined Unseen Sandown previously on these pages. Two years on, we have taken another deep dive into the classic circuit—stay tuned in the coming days for that special feature.
Mark Walker (administrator)
A vastly experienced Motorsport Public Relations operator, journalist, commentator and photographer, Mark brings his unique angle to The Race Torque in both words and imagery. As well as serving as our key photographer on the ground at major events around Australia (and overseas), Walker will often chime in with his unique and pin-point sharp viewpoint of the racing world via the keyboard too.
