Russell Ingall (left) and Josh Smith at the Sydney Telstra 500.
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12:34 PM Sat 4 December, 2010
Source: BigPond Sport
While most V8 fans will have their eyes firmly fixed on the drivers during the Sydney Telstra 500, Brisbane V8 fanatic Josh Smith will have his eyes fixed on his personal message to V8 hero Russell Ingall, emblazoned on the track.
Mr Smith will be flown to Sydney, where he will meet Ingall as part of Telstra’s ‘Get On Track’ ultimate HeroMessage® promotion, which gave one lucky fan the opportunity to take a section of Telstra’s on track signage and scribe their personalised message to their favourite driver.
The message will be displayed as a sign of support and encouragement to Ingall, also known as ‘The Enforcer’, during the final race of the 2010 V8 Supercar Championship Series – the Sydney Telstra 500, from 3-5 December.
Mr Smith couldn’t believe his luck when told he had been selected from thousands of entries as the winning fan that would get to display a message of support to his on-track hero.
“This is an amazing opportunity. I’ve been following the V8s and The Enforcer for years and I never thought I’d get the chance to personally show my support other than vocally,” he said.
“Russell is such a steely and determined driver and that’s what I’ve always liked about his racing attitude. To be able to display a message to him so publicly and to be there at the race to see him drive past it is an honour,” he continued.
Mr Smith kept his HeroMessage® very simple and come Friday 3 December, when Ingall gets behind the wheel for the first drive of the weekend on the Sydney circuit, his message will be clear for all to see; “Enforce the streets of Sydney Rusty”.
Ingall was encouraged by the message when told of Mr Smith’s win and the fact he would have the extra support visible on track.
“It will be a great feeling on every lap when I look up and see Josh’s message cheering me on,” Mr Ingall said.
“All the drivers are really aware of how much passion the V8 fans have, irrespective of whether you’re a Holden or Ford fan. Competitions such as the one that Telstra has created, really allow the V8 fans to connect and I know I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure I not only get a win for Josh, but for all the Holden fans out there!”
Along with his personalised message on track, Mr Smith will attend the official V8 driver’s breakfast on the Thursday prior to racing, where he will get to meet Ingall.
Mr Smith will also receive a VIP pass to the Sydney Telstra 500 race, ensuring he has some of the best seats at the track to enjoy the race and what he hopes will be a win to Holden and The Enforcer.
Telstra is the official naming rights sponsor of the Sydney Telstra 500 and is an overall Championship Series sponsor under the BigPond brand.
