Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch revs up support for veterans on the racetrack

The Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch with Young Veterans will hit the racetrackin Warwick this weekend, competing in a two-daymotor race that facilitates mateship, camaraderie and welfare supportfor current and former Australian Defence Force members.

Hosted by Motor Event Racing at Morgan Park Raceway, the fundraising event will see the team race to complete the most laps within 20 hours, focussing on reliability and consistency rather than speed. 

Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch President Scott May says his team of 15 veterans will this year compete in a modest but mighty 1986 Ford Laser dubbed The Flying Pineapple.

The team meets every Thursday night at the Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch for a Garage Night where members socialise, strategise, get the Laser race ready and practice their racing on a drive simulator.

Scott says the social connections made among veterans at these Garage Nights - and across the upcoming race weekend - were more important than any podium finish.

“This is very much a welfare initiative of the Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch to get veterans out of the house and participating in a sport that will connect them with other veterans in their community,” he says.

“RSL Queensland’s reason for existence is to support fellow veterans in transitioning from the military and achieving a positive quality of life. This race team is just one way that we are doing that at the Toowoomba Sub Branch.”

When team members aren’t racing, they form the pit crew that keeps the car running.

“That’s when the teamwork mentality indoctrinated in Defence really comes to forefront,” Scott says.

“By the end of the event we’re doing tyre changes in four minutes and driver changes in 30 seconds.  

“There is no experience necessary to take part and our focus is not on winning, but on participating.

“I’ve never seen anyone get out of our car without a huge grin on their face.”

All money raised at the Motor Event Racing endurance event supports the Rare Cancer Foundation.

Any local veteran looking to meet new mates, enjoy a free barbecue or tinker with the car can attend a Garage Night held at the Toowoomba RSL Sub Branch from 5pm every Thursday.