The teams from Mount Shop and Rattla Motorsport hit Pukekohe Park Raceway for a totally different reason recently, and that was to bring smiles to the faces of students from Pukekohe’s Parkside School.
Parkside School is dedicated to children who fall into the broad categories of having a profound, severe, or moderate disability, and many had never before had the chance to get so close to the amazing cars that were present on the day.
The drivers who attended, including past D1NZ champion Curt Whittaker and up-and-comer Shane Allen, blew the kids away with wild rides around the circuit, giving them something they’ll remember for many years to come.
Rattla Motorsport crew chief Chris Allen said it was all about giving back to the local community. “We wanted to do something for the kids, and give them the opportunity that they really wouldn’t get the chance to do otherwise. So the team at Mount Shop rallied together and got some tyres, fuel, and refreshments, and put on a day for the kids. A lot have helped us be here today, and the look on the kids’ faces when they get out of the cars says it all really,” said Allen.
All up, 34 students took part in the day, some of which managed to drive a specially set-up twin-control vehicle, which was quite an experience for many who will never legally be able to drive on the road.
Curt Whittaker said, “We really enjoy our passion and it’s great to be able to share it with the community. The kids have been just magic, there wasn’t one who didn’t want to go faster. We are all locals around here and it’s good to be able to give something back to the community that has shown us so much support. We hope we can do more of these days in the future.”
Mount Shop would like to thank Chris Allen of Rattla Motorsport for bringing out the cars, drivers Shane Allen, Curt Whittaker, and Hemi Toia, the team in the pits for keeping the cars on track, John Hume and Pukekohe Park Raceway, Phil Blythe from the motorsport driving school for giving the kids a chance to drive a vehicle, Nan Su and The Bling Company for donating the tyres, and Tony from Pure NZ for supplying refreshments.
