On Saturday 2 April a "Top Gear" type shoot-out took place at the AutoPavilion when some 150 contestants attempted to set the fastest laps in four different categories of computer racing games. The four simulators were Golf GTi racing (Monza track Italy), Le Mans Audi R8 (Le Mans track, France), Golf rally car (Australian round of the WRC championship).

Finally, the winners in each category, went through to the newly installed Formula VW (F1) game built into a state of the art simulator, comprising an actual F-VW race cockpit and high-tech LED flat screen, custom build PC and LG surround sound system. An imported Logitech G27 steering and pedals set completed the setup.

Of the nine finalists to get to try the F1 car on one qualifying lap for the Australian round of the Grand Prix championship in Melbourne, the top three went through to a final shout-out. This was a qualifying lap for the Canadian Grand Prix. This would also determine the overall champion for the day. Competition was fierce but the eventual overall winner for the day was Louis Aylward with a time Lewis Hamilton would have been proud of....1m:17,10 sec. A proud Louis went home with a gift voucher worth R1 500, the biggest prize of the day. There were also prizes for best kiddies colouring-in and a lucky draw. The winner in each category of the simulators also won gift vouchers of R1000 each.

The day....which saw a total of 215 people discovering the AutoPavilion, was so successful that further "champions" simulator days are being considered.

If you missed out this time, we are planning the next mid year June AutoGear Event, so start practising at the AutoPavilion!