Taupo's Motorsport Park
Is there any car enthusiast not envious of the lucky judges who for six days get to tear up the track road testing a vast range of brand new cars on an A1GP track?
Imagine 52 new vehicles worth a combined total of more than $3.2 million, and only six days to transport the cars to Taupo's Motorsport Park, thoroughly test and examine each car and identify the 13 award categories winners.
The judges have a tight schedule and a set amount of time to road test, track test and examine the cars inside and out before tallying up their scores. The aim of the game is to get the car into all situations likely to occur on the road - how well does the vehicle handle the road, how effective is the braking system, when does the electronic stability control system kick into action and with what intensity?
This is not about the most expensive car winning the show. It's about having all the required safety features, and going beyond its category peers by exceeding expectations with that something extra, as well as providing good value for money.
Basically, the smallest car has just as much opportunity of winning the top award as the largest or most expensive.
Judging week blog
Judging Day Five - When the rain came down
By Phil Clark | 20 February 2009
The final few hours of judging and testing took place amidst very different conditions. After a hot dry week Taupo hosed down the cars, track and roads, but failed to dampen the judges spirits. It gave them all the chance to complete their final rounds of judging exploring different limits, traits and behaviours with the cars.
Time then to re-check braking distances, off-road competencies, on-road handling as well as grip on the Taupo circuit. The judges, who by this point had together racked up over 186 hours of combined testing, showed their professionalism and skill by not taking any unplanned excursions.
As the testing week wound to a close, cars cooling down quietly in the rain outside and possibly now feeling a little unloved, the judges finalised their scores and reflected on the successful week. None the wiser for each of the official category winners or indeed the overall supreme winner, the judges only have their gut feel to give them some indication. Just two weeks away the results will be revealed at the awards dinner on Friday 6th March. Watch this space.
Check out the Motoring Excellence Awards image gallery
Judging Day Four - Partners, sponsors and finalists take a bow
By Phil Clark | 19 February 2009
Judging day four started with a live TV cross-over, then followed by a heady mix of judging three contenders for each category plus setting up and entertaining the event sponsors and partners, all under another scorching hot day in the Taupo sun. The Partners and Sponsors are important, not just for their intended brand exposure but for making this years event possible in a very real sense.
The judging circuit was turned into a mini circus to provide insight and entertainment. The judges provided practical demonstrations on how they judge a cars merits, and attendees caught a V8 ride around Taupo Motorsport Circuit and get up close and personal with rally driver Emma Gilmour in the Driver Training vehicle on the slalom course.
As part of the days events it was our privilege to host Rory from Make a Wish. He and his brothers got to ride in the V8s and see hot laps with judges in hot cars like the Audi RS6 and Lexus ISF.
Today provided lifelong memories and lasting impressions. Foremost was our ability to provide Rory with heaps of fun and great memories. According to the judges there was lots of laughter and giggles from Rory and his brothers during the hot laps.
Next up - the sponsors and partners staff absolutely loved the Driver Training Slalom with Emma Gilmour, each recording best times and the overall winner receiving a prize. Of course everyone thinks they can drive, but Emma sorted out the wheat from the chaff and the times told the real story.
Lastly, what can I say, the Mercedes AMG C63. For no particular reason other than the fact that it was 'the car' that everyone wanted to be seen and driven in. It may or may not be a winning car for the AA Motoring Excellence Awards but its popularity was evident by the fact that it ended the day running only on petrol fumes. Oh, yes and the fact that the two female judges loved the way the seats hugged their bodies, ahem.
Wow - what a day, busy, hot, hectic but extremely worthwhile and rewarding.
Check out the latest images in the Motoring Excellence Awards image gallery
Judging Day Three - Blood, Sweat & Gears
By Phil Clark | 18 February 2009
Early morning Taupo greeted us with misty conditions. Cars were bathed in early morning dew and judges were expectant of the day ahead.
Long before the mist had evaporated the six strong MEA Judging team were cracking on with their assessments. Another scorchingly hot day at the Taupo Motorsport Park delivered baked car exteriors tested against chilled air-conditioned interiors, as the judges desperately tried to keep their cool in the otherwise sweaty conditions.
If cones could bleed, they would have done so today. Individuals, who will remain nameless, certainly got on intimate terms with some of the cones in the simulated parking section. So much so, that we were tempted at one point to call it the 'last cone standing' section.
As the judges marched through their programme for the day, Kylie and I took the opportunity to ride shotgun with Brian Cowan in the $140k Lexus ISF with, count-em, eight gears. Brian displayed expert knowledge with his drive of the road section, pointing out each aspect being assessed at different points on the road. It gave us both insight into the hearts and minds of the motoring journo-come test driver. Awesome.
Check out the latest images in the Motoring Excellence Awards image gallery
Judging Day Two - The long good Tuesday
By Phil Clark | 17 February 2009
It's not all glamour and fame being a Motoring Journalist! Judging rounds started at Taupo Motorsport park this morning at the uncivil hour of 7.30am.
It was a big day, with each judge covering 28 or so cars. Each car was subjected to real life conditions on a mix of roads and gravel, as well as parking challenges. The latter simulated by cones, included a parallel park and reversing into an angled driveway. All the cones did live to see another day, but some were less 'cone shaped' than when they started out.
The judges went from zero to 28 cars in around 10 hours, a gruelling schedule, you'll agree, but nothing compared to my efforts. I went from zero to 156 in the same amount of time. I covered all 52 cars in the photo-shoot during the day - 156 relates to the total number of 'bum impressions' made in drivers seats as I hopped in and out of the cars three times each to get different angles for the camera. More than one type of 'seat' got worn out, I can tell you.
So another great day in Taupo and this time with a lot of one on one activity between judges and cars, as it should be. How else can they get to know one another better?
Check out the latest images in the Motoring Excellence Awards image gallery
Judging Day One - That's entertainment!
By Phil Clark | 16 February 2009
Today the judges were treated to a challenging mix of manufacturer presentations, self-served assessments plus overhead entertainment, courtesy of WW2 Warbirds leaving Taupo airfield.
With some manufacturers or distributors not willing to participate in this new section of the judging process, it's only fair to congratulate those who presented their brands, including Subaru, Hyundai, Skoda, Honda and Renault/Jaguar/Volvo/Land Rover.
Particularly entertaining was Subaru's demonstration of their four-wheel drive capability, plus Volvo's new crash-avoidance technology feature in the new XC60.
Subaru's presentation clearly showed how the car dealt with different combinations of traction on each wheel. Impressive stuff, plus a bit of comedy courtesy of the tech guru demonstrating low centre of gravity in a human context.
Volvo's presentation was equally impressive, thanks to their new crash avoidance technology v1. Head straight towards a barrier at up to 25km/h and the car will just brake for you as it senses the oncoming collision. Future Volvo models will include more advanced versions of this apparently, providing smarter software for the sensors, allowing different shaped collision obstacles to be included in the equations.
Meanwhile, overhead in the skies, we were treated to classic WW2 Warbirds doing fly-passes and barrel-rolls, somewhat saluting the AA Motoring Excellence awards. Well, I like to think so.
Check out the Motoring Excellence Awards image gallery
AA Motoring Excellence Awards are go!
By Phil Clark | 15 February 2009
52 cars, 13 categories, six days, six judges and one track - no other NZ motoring awards come close. So Sunday 15th saw the arrival of all the cars, just. There was one late arrival, which we won't mention. All cars were checked over, marked up and parked up in Taupo Motorsport Park pitlane ready for the arrival of the six judges.
All of the judges arrived, just. There was one late arrival, but we won't mention who she is. Anyway, it was apparent from the judges briefing session that all are looking forward to the next few days. Less cars for 2009, being a sign of the times, means a less demanding schedule for the judges, at least allowing them the sleep normally and avoid any 'testing' nightmare dreams.
And, so, let the judging commence - day one features presentations from the manufacturers, a new feature this year, allowing them to highlight particular features or technologies on their vehicles.