the australian grand prix.

During our first weekend in Melbourne, as we went on our grand tour of the city with our good friend Anne, she explained to us that Albert Park is transformed in March for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.  She specifically took us for a drive around the lake to show us what it looked like on a normal day, so that when we witnessed the transformation we could fully appreciate and marvel at all the work that goes into preparing for this annual event.  And it definitely is a sight to behold.

Candice and I had been contemplating going, after all it is another one of those Melbourne events that we want to experience while we’re here, but due to the cost of this particular event, the fact that I was still dealing with a lingering sickness, and the weather forecast of rain and wind, we had decided to just stay home and catch some of it on TV.  Literally just a few minutes after deciding this, we got a text from our good friends Cindy and David, who offered us free tickets that David had gotten through work and wouldn’t be able to use.  Just like that, the weather report didn’t sound so ominous and my health took a turn for the better – looks like we’d be going to the races!

Fun fact – I know pretty much nothing about car racing, let alone Formula 1.  However, I did manage to learn a few fun things during our time at the Grand Prix.  The most interesting thing I learned is that this year they used a new supercharged hybrid V6 engine in the cars.  Good thing about the change: the cars were a bit faster.  Bad thing about the change: they weren’t very loud.  Now the loudness issue may not seem like a big deal to you, dear reader, but allow me to explain.

Leading up to the Grand Prix all my coworkers had been explaining how loud the cars are and that ear plugs are a must have, but it’s worth it as the roar of the engines is such a great part of the experience.  So we came prepared (because who wants to spend $5 on ear plugs at the gate) and as the race started I had my ear plugs out and ready for use.  Then the cars went by...  And it wasn’t very loud.  In fact I could have a conversation with Candice just fine.  It was really no louder than a Toyota Prius driving by.  Hmmm, must be just a warm up lap, I thought.  After a few laps, the race officially began, but as the cars were racing by I observed that it was barely louder than before.  So I came to the only logical conclusion that the lack of noise could justify – Australians have really low tolerance for noise, and apparently will need hearing protection when in the presence of other ear-splitting sounds such as a butterfly flapping its wings, a baby drumming on a stuffed animal with a scarf, and other sounds that are almost imperceptible to my highly undeveloped ears.

Needless to say, I was shocked to learn that my conclusion was incorrect.  I found upon my return to work that everyone was complaining because the cars were so quiet, and that it caused such a stir that the Australian Grand Prix organizers are considering suing Formula One because of a lack of engine noise.  Now that is a people that really and truly appreciate their car racing and want it to be loud!  And to be honest, Candice and I were both a little disappointed with the lack of noise.  When something gets so built up in your mind and expectations, it’s always a little sad when it doesn’t quite meet them.

(shhhhh)

Aside from the racing, which was actually really fun to watch, they also had lots of other cool events and interesting things to see.  Tony Hawk was there, along with some other probably well-known skateboarders, putting on a display in the half-pipe.  Then there was the BMX bike area, the extreme zone which featured the classic “motorcycle on a high-wire” act, and of course lots of really nice cars on display that had been involved in other racing events throughout the weekend.  We also got to enjoy a couple of really impressive aerial displays – the first from six Roulettes of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), followed by a second display involving an F/A18 jet.  Speaking of noise, the jet did not disappoint – that thing was extremely LOUD!

skateboarders on the half-pipe

RAAF

F/A 18 jet

Qantas jet flyover

All in all, it was a really fun experience packed full of lots to see and do.  We even got a bit of excitement in our portion of the track during the race when one of the drivers lost a wheel, and got to watch with fascination as all the other drivers were forced to avoid it until the track crew could run out and remove it.  Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that really make the experience worth it.

BK