Hey Guys,

[Black Widow]

Can anyone give me examples of Charities that have been supported this year, or have received donations through SAU (whether from cruises or directly)?

I can only think of the Jane McGrath foundation

[Black Widow]

This is a start, while it may not be perfect, at least the ball is now rolling (if anyone wants to offer some professional editorial advice, please do so)

It’s no secret to society that owners of modified cars are seen in a dim light. It’s no secret that there are modified car owners out there who do provoke this view, and deserve to be seen in this light. However, the majority of modified car owners are just normal, everyday people, who just pursue a hobby they love.

I do agree with society that there are some bad apples among our community who try to ruin it for the rest of us, by not driving responsibly, or safely on our roads, and perform illegal tasks such as street racing or drifting on our public roads, and this is what is made visible to the world. However, there is a side of the modified car scene that, while is just as visible to the public, isn’t made as accessible as the media choose to ignore it.

There are many dedicated car clubs who continually hold charity cruises to help raise money for certain charities. In 2009 alone, there have been multiple charities donated too, some of which include the Jane McGrath Foundation insert more charities. While they may not be major donations in the thousands of dollars (sometimes they can be), every little bit counts, and everyone is always keen to try and raise as much money as possible for the charities being supported.

The amount of revenue that is produced from keen motorsport enthusiasts for state governments is phenomenal. There is a high amount of Club/Forum affiliated track days that are constantly being organized, with the days nearly always being booked out, obviously raising funds for motorsport tracks, and state governments. For enthusiasts to be able to attend these track days (whether they are circuit days, or drift days) – spare parts are needed. These include things like tyres, brake fluid, spare engine parts, all engine fluids. These all have to be purchased from somewhere, whether it be a retail chain such as SuperCheap Auto, or a specific high performance aftermarket store such as Just Jap, all money spent assists these stores, and allows them to keep trading.

Edited December 23, 2009 by Black Widow

[Black Widow]

work for you guys???

These all have to be purchased from somewhere, whether it be a retail chain such as SuperCheap Auto, or a specific high performance aftermarket store such as Just Jap, all money spent assists these stores, and allows them to keep trading. Also the education that comes from these days is of infinite times more value, than the amount spent on attending the day. These days allow you to learn the limitations of your car, you can improve your reaction speeds, you can learn how to handle your car in the safest possible way. The affect this has when doing normal, everyday driving is extraordinary

also i've added (not entirely sure on this though):

Modifying cars is the same as any other hobby. Some people collect model planes, some go bird spotting, we build and modify cars. Its who we are. In our day to day dealings though we are just the same as everyone else. We could be the polite person on the end of the phone who has helped you resolve a complaint, we could be the bank teller that has helped you with your transactions, we could be the architect that designed your house. We are all just normal people, its just that we enjoy something that most dont consider normal

[nicr4wks]

There are many dedicated car clubs who continually hold charity cruises to help raise money for certain charities. In 2009 alone, there have been multiple charities donated too, some of which include the Jane McGrath Foundation insert more charities. While they may not be major donations in the thousands of dollars (sometimes they can be), every little bit counts, and everyone is always keen to try and raise as much money as possible for the charities being supported.

imo the word charities is a little over used here, not that my attempt is anything to rave about

There are many dedicated car clubs who continually hold community events to help raise money for various charities. In 2009 alone the car scene has donated to charaties such as the Jane McGrath Foundation, Salvation Army, insert more charities. While they may not be major donations in the thousands of dollars, every little bit counts, and everyone is always willing to come out and donate their hard earned cash for the charities being supported.

Edited December 23, 2009 by nicr4wks

[Black Widow]

imo the word charities is a little over used here, not that my attempt is anything to rave about

There are many dedicated car clubs who continually hold community events to help raise money for various charities. In 2009 alone the car scene has donated to charaties such as the Jane McGrath Foundation, Salvation Army, insert more charities. While they may not be major donations in the thousands of dollars, every little bit counts, and everyone is always willing to come out and donate their hard earned cash for the charities being supported.

um...it doesn't look any different apart from you added Salvation Army, and changed the end bit to "hard earned cash"???

[nicr4wks]

um...it doesn't look any different apart from you added Salvation Army, and changed the end bit to "hard earned cash"???

As I said, only IMO, if you don't agree then please disregard.

removed reference to cruises, as only "hoons" gather to go on cruises, this mindset has already been placed by the media.

older generations (possibly a majour target?) won't relate so well to phrases such as "everyone is always keen" as it isn't something the majority of them would use in their daily conversations.

Perhaps it's just an SA thing, state is full of olds after all

[Black Widow]

oh i just read the "community events" part..i missed that yesterday..i like it

[Black Widow]

Hey Guys,

This is the new edited article, i hope i haven't missed anything:

It’s no secret to society that owners of modified cars are seen in a dim light. It’s no secret that there are modified car owners out there who do provoke this view, and deserve to be seen in this light. However, the majority of modified car owners are just normal, everyday people, who just pursue a hobby they love.

I do agree with society that there are some bad apples among our community that don’t driving responsibly, or safely on our roads, and perform illegal tasks such as street racing or drifting on our public roads, and this is what is made visible to the world, and in turn creates bad publicity for the entire modified car world. However, there is a side of the modified car scene that is not commonly shown. Most Hot Rods are highly modified, including modifications to the chassis, and general frame the vehicle, which can sometimes affect the safety aspects of the vehicle, however the feeling that these vehicles provoke is one of euphoria (as most “Hot Rods” are vintage vehicles). Most modified vehicles (mainly focusing on Japanese import vehicles) are modified in a way that improves handling, braking, and general performance of the vehicle, yet due to the generalization of “young hoons” are frowned upon.

There are many dedicated car clubs who continually hold community events to help raise money for certain charities. In 2009 alone, there have been multiple charities donated too, some of which include the Jane McGrath Foundation, The Salvation Army etc. While they every donation may not bring in thousands of dollars, every little bit counts, and everyone is always willing to try and raise as much money as possible for the charities being supported. There are also annual events which take people take part in, whether it is to support a certain cause such as the Bracehearts event in Queensland, or if its held in memory of those who are unfortunately no longer with us, and support the cause of Youth Suicide, such as the Ben Simpson Memorial Cruise held in South Australia.

The amount of revenue that is produced from keen motorsport enthusiasts for state governments is phenomenal. There is a high amount of Club/Forum affiliated track days that are constantly being organized, with the days nearly always being booked out, obviously raising funds for motorsport tracks, and state governments. For enthusiasts to be able to attend these track days (whether they are circuit days, or drift days) – spare parts are needed. These include things like tyres; spare engine parts, all engine fluids. These all have to be purchased from somewhere, whether it be a retail chain such as SuperCheap Auto, or a specific high performance aftermarket store such as Just Jap, all money spent assists these stores, and provides huge waves of cash flow into the economy. Also the education that comes from things such as Defensive driving days is of infinite times more value, than the amount spent on attending the day. These days allow you to learn the limitations of your car, you can improve your reaction speeds, and you can learn how to handle your car in the safest possible way. The affect this has when doing normal, everyday driving is extraordinary. Most modified car owners love driving, and love finding ways to better their skills and make them safer drivers. Days such as defensive driver days, drift days, and even track days allow the drivers to learn the limitations of their vehicle, and know what both themselves, and the vehicle are capable of.

Modifying cars is the same as any other hobby. Some people go mountain biking, some go bird spotting, others ride motorbikes. It's human nature to find something of interest, and pursue it. So why should people who like to build and modify cars be looked at differently because of the hobby they pursue.

We are just the same as everyone else. We could be the polite person on the end of the phone who has helped you resolve a complaint, we could be the bank teller that has helped you with your transactions, we could be the architect that designed your house. We are ‘ENTHUSIASTS’. We share a common interest and enjoy building something that gives us as much self-satisfaction as the next person who has an interest in model planes

[bR33nt]

just proof read it buddy, only a few minor errors

Lookin good otherwise

[bR33nt]

Hey Guys,

This is the new edited article, i hope i haven't missed anything:

It's no secret to society that owners of modified cars are seen in a dim light. It's no secret that there are modified car owners out there who do provoke this view, and deserve to be seen in this light. However, the majority of modified car owners are just average, everyday people, who just pursue a hobby they love.

I do agree with society that there are some bad apples among our community that don't take driving responsibly, or safetly on our roads, and perform illegal tasks such as street racing or drifting on our public roads, and this is what is made visible to the world, and in turn creates bad publicity for the entire modified car world. However, there is a side of the modified car scene that is not commonly shown. Most Hot Rods are highly modified, including modifications to the chassis, and general frame of the vehicle, which can sometimes affect the safety aspects of the vehicle, however the feeling that these vehicles provoke is one of euphoria (as most "Hot Rods" are vintage vehicles). Most modified vehicles (mainly focusing on Japanese import vehicles) are modified in a way that improves handling, braking, and general performance of the vehicle, yet due to the generalization of "young hoons" are frowned upon.

There are many dedicated car clubs who continually hold community events to help raise money for certain charities. In 2009 alone, there have been multiple charities donated too, some of which include the Jane McGrath Foundation, The Salvation Army etc. While they every donation may not bring in thousands of dollars, every little bit counts, and everyone is always willing to try and raise as much money as possible for the charities being supported. There are also annual events which people take part in, whether it is to support a certain cause such as the Bracehearts event in Queensland, or if its held in memory of those who are unfortunately no longer with us, and support the cause of Youth Suicide, such as the Ben Simpson Memorial Cruise held in South Australia.

The amount of revenue that is produced from keen motorsport enthusiasts for state governments is phenomenal. There is a high amount of Club/Forum affiliated track days that are constantly being organized, with the days nearly always being booked out, obviously raising funds for motorsport tracks, and state governments. For enthusiasts to be able to attend these track days (whether they are circuit days, or drift days) – spare parts are needed.(also good bussiness for locally owned take away shops etc) These include things like tyres; spare engine parts, all engine fluids. These all have to be purchased from somewhere, whether it be a retail chain such as SuperCheap Auto, or a specific high performance aftermarket store such as Just Jap, all money spent assists these stores, and provides huge waves of cash flow into the economy. Also the education that comes from things such as Defensive driving days is of infinite times more value, than the amount spent on attending the day. These days allow car enthusiast's to learn the limitations of their car, they are able to improve their reaction speeds and have fun in a safe enviroment off of the public roads. The affect this has when doing normal, everyday driving is extraordinary. Most modified car owners love driving, and love finding ways to better their skills and make them safer drivers. Days such as defensive driver days, drift days, and even track days allow the drivers to learn the limitations of their vehicle, and know what both themselves, and the vehicle are capable of.

Modifying cars is the same as any other hobby. Some people go mountain biking, some go bird spotting, others ride motorbikes. It's human nature to find something of interest, and pursue it. So why should people who like to build and modify cars be looked at differently because of the hobby they pursue.

We are just the same as everyone else. We could be the polite person on the end of the phone who has helped you resolve a complaint, we could be the bank teller that has helped you with your transactions, we could be the architect that designed your house. We are 'ENTHUSIASTS'. We share a common interest and enjoy building something that gives us as much self-satisfaction as the next person who has an interest in model planes

not fully edited, and disregard anything that is incorrect, was just going by what my old english teacher would say to me if she was readings this.

and the last paragraph has change tense to we, possible for something more formal perhaps?

i dunno just an opinon, hope some of it was constructive for ya

[ARTZ]

Can anyone give me examples of Charities that have been supported this year, or have received donations through SAU (whether from cruises or directly)?

I can only think of the Jane McGrath foundation

I think the problem here may be that, unlike football or cricket for instance, that needs an area of grass a few balls and bats, car modification costs bucketloads of cash so the average joe has very little left to give back to society..

That said the amount of of cashflow car racing provides for for the economy would belittle that of any football game i believe..People that run top shelf F1 teams employ thousands of staff not to mention what they learn towards technological advancement usually ends up in daily vehicles that everybody drives..As modified car owners we are merely like a junior football clubs in comparison...

However i think alot of people may feel the world is moving to fast already and we need to look at ways to slow it down , what with climate hoohaa and all...And now with the intranet, is there really any need for us to be driving around everywhere when nearly everything can be done from home now..the only real need for transport is for stuff not people..

I often think myself car modification a waste of time, when the new models usually surpassing what we have built especially saftey wise..However it is a hobby just like any other and deserves recognition,

Rodders as you said may have a euphoric effect, but this is a good thing, it makes people feel good which is what we need, Thousand of people have died in the poorly built rods of the past which is why we have the rules we have now, But most (and i say most) rodders are an older more mature bunch that know when and where its ok to do things, but they have often learnt the hard way, And this is the big problem ,kids dont get it yet , they see the video footage and maybe dad drops a huge burnout oneday..Anything you can do i can do better..especially when young, we dont always realize consequences of our actions, or dont care..If you do see a young person in a Hot rod they often have the maturity that most young people dont.. Most younguns have small dick syndrome, and are not building safer cars at all.. Instead its about the size of the wheels and the kws...this usually leads to f**ked suspension and a twisted and cracked chassis..

Far from safe!!!

Also, unlike football or cricket we dont have ovals everywhere, we dont have a place to legally vent (although we have tempting roads everywhere) ....The only place i know of is shepparton ( i think) that has a permanent skidpan where people can go and do burnouts for fun..Even melbourne city of 4 million has one drag strip that is open sometimes, and its an hour drive from the east where the bulk of population is..Friday night drags are great but i dont finish work till 6 and then its an hour drive from home.. Its pathetic..Make it saturday at least....But the good guys that run summernats and other shows like it, are constantly working on new events to change this..And making reasonable ground too, as these events bring much wanted cashflow (and excitement) to the quiet towns they are run in. The other reason they are held there is because there is too many people complaining in the city..There were said people trying to close down Sandown for christs sake , the track was there long before there crappy houses were..But unfortunately one small (new) suburb almost outweighed the car loving community...Luckily this was rallied against and won

Another major problem we face is that australia has a better chance than any country to become a "green" country

We have all along with the rest of the world been americanized for the last 50 years (since the invention of TV) and america car culture is huge, but however, as it turns out unhealthy for the planet..The powers that be are trying to prevent the same here and are winning..They feel we should be learning from americas mistakes not basking in its once was glory. Which is also why guns are almost abolished here, (that and that tasmanian nutcase Bryant. though that story has its own conspiracy theories)

Because of this I sometimes have trouble convincing myself my hobby is justified ..

But anyway back on subject we shouldnt have to raise money for charity to be accepted, and if we do its from the good of our hearts not because we are trying to be accepted..So im sorry but im not sure its a valid/solid argument.......

Edited December 24, 2009 by doozooby

[Black Widow]

Hey mate,

I completely respect your opinion, and yes at times it can be difficult to justify modifying cars as a hobby. But for the people who live, breathe, eat, and sh*t modding, we need to feel that we are at least respected a little bit by the community, and not constantly frowned upon for our choice of hobby.

[ARTZ]

I,ll drink to that

Car modification is so much more than a hobby, its a stepping stone to bigger things, an education..

Now i couldnt learn to repair an earthmover engine in my garage, but i can learn on a smaller car engine

If i wanted to learn electrics, spray painting, upholstery, fibreglassing, plastics, etc

I can practice all these skills on my own vehicle , that i use to get to work everyday..

All of these things are trades of sorts which is why car modification is so popular, now there will always be good and bad tradesman, and good and bad cars..But what people need to realize is that person who has modified something on his/her car has learnt a skill of some sort (hopefully)..

Now there is always going to be rules & regulations, as with building a house, or playing football, but to often these rules arent adheared to, occasionly resulting in deaths..But usually these arent caused by enthusiaists as much as they are caused by delinquents with not respect for any laws....for this we get a bad name.....Cool cars are a temptation and thus spawned from satan

P.S. that satan bit was a joke btw

[GTRNUR]

I honestly get as much, if not more enjoyment out of building/modifying than I do driving. The process of modifying often take a lot longer than any particular drive you might go on.

The satisfaction of achievement at the completion of a build is what makes it all worth while. Creating something from something else, or building something that has never been built before. Finding solutions to engineering chalanges.

Im sure I would enjoy driving a lot more if there were better roads, less traffic (obnoxious trailgating drivers) and more motorsport facilities in my area.

[CeJay]

Good article, you need to fix up some of the grammar though.

[GTR-N1]

I honestly get as much, if not more enjoyment out of building/modifying than I do driving. The process of modifying often take a lot longer than any particular drive you might go on.

The satisfaction of achievement at the completion of a build is what makes it all worth while. Creating something from something else, or building something that has never been built before. Finding solutions to engineering chalanges.

Im sure I would enjoy driving a lot more if there were better roads, less traffic (obnoxious trailgating drivers) and more motorsport facilities in my area.

I like your post above!

It reminds me of analogies... ie...

Looking = recognition of being driven

Talking = driving/cycling

Writing = fabricating/engineering

Vetting = diagnosing/fixing

...wish i was better at some of the above - keep it up fellahs

[Black Widow]

Good article, you need to fix up some of the grammar though.

Figured as much, sadly grammar hasn't always been my strong point.

Might get someone with a bit more expertise in the matter to look it over.

Thanks CeJay!

[Black Widow]

Ok so i've had this looked at by an editor of a well known car mag and have the official copy now.

I don't think i'll add much else to what i had, maybe just a finalisation paragraph summarising the article.

But who do you guys think i should aim this at?

My thoughts are:

Motoring sections for:

Daily Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Telegraph

Motor?

Wheels?

Thought about PI (HPI)/Fast Fours etc, however thought i'd be "preaching to the choir" having the article in there.

Local paper:

Hills Shire Times

May approach TT/ACA, however since this is a written thing, and they're obviously visual..not sure that'd be the right path to follow (unless of course it's an interview)

[Black Widow]

Not quite sure how to end it.

i'm not sure whether i leave it as that, or add something to summarise

[GTR-N1]

Car Mag in Oz editorials contain too many cliches, puns and metaphors for women, older people and young kids to appreciate IMHO.

They assume that the reader is already car/worldly-wise. Sometimes, even I have to read an article twice to comprehend it all.

I actually appreciate articles in CAR Mag and then I don't have to read it more than once; unless I really appreciate its merit and read it with a fine-tooth-comb. There are Classic Car Mags in England too.

Perhaps N&J would like to do writing & nursing in UK? Bigger population. Better not do the paparazzi thing > wait around for the Stig to undress > find out his/her identity > scoop.