SimDeck Simulators helps raise funds for historic building restoration.

The wiining bidder could be on the way to starting their career as the next Formula One or Indy 500 world champion!

St Michael’s Church in the upmarket Auckland suburb of Remuera was hailed as a masterpiece of architectural skill 75 years ago. The church building was built in 1932 during the global depression which lead to some aspects of the structure being cut back. Ironically with the largest financial shockwave reverbarating around the world since the church was built, the church is now again timed to address some notable building issues, namely the tiled roof and strengthening the structure to meet modern earthquake standards.

Lead by parish priest, Monsignor Brian Arahill and a dedicated team, a development fund has been established to meet the required upgrade costs of $825,000. A budget blowout has meant a $135,000 short fall. The church appreciates that prayers can only go so far and some practical steps are required. To co-incide with the 75 Anniversay, an anniversay dinner and auction called the Roof Shout will be hosted at the Ellerslie Conference centre on Friday 13 October.

When I learnt of the budget shortfall a prompt email to Monsignor Brian Arahill bought a smile to the committe faces, as we offered a free auction item in the way of a 2 hour SimDeck Virtual GP Event for the winning bidder valued at $700.

No one fell off the scaffolding!

“I felt it was a way we could support the church as earlier in the year, SimDecks parent owner, ICE AV Technology Ltd had to perform some major remedial and installation work in the santuary area using our ICE Digital Daytime Screen. It turned out to be a challenging job, first designing and then installing an automatic system 5m up the inner sanctuary wall. We had to be concerned that the weight of the system did not actually pull out one of the filled in brick walls and yet at the same time met with Historic Places Trust acceptance.

This rare view from up top provides a splendid interior view of this historic church

Patience and perseverance won out at the end of the day. The system had to be out of view of the congregation when not in use, fitted in with the church interior, automatic operation, no building alteration or reinforcement possible to take the 150 kg weight, and did not restrict the church service or movements. The work was supervised by well known Auckland architect and church member Ron Seeto”.

This Friday the SimDeck PET250 simulator will be setup in the Convention entrance area and as guests arrive for the gala evening function they will be able to see and hear the race car simulator in action. We hope it will inspire the guests to fully participate in the auction as they bid for the SimDeck Virtual Grand Prix.

The SimDeck PET250 in a mobile configuration all ready for a night of racing and to raise funds to restore the roof

SimDeck Event booking discount

Exclusive Cash Back Voucher for your next SimDeck GP

We have a unique gift for you. How would you like to be paid a $50 cash back discount simply by writing some positive comments about your SimDeck Racing Event. This offer is only valid in NZ and closes on 30th November. Some conditions do apply of course which are on the displayed voucher. This offer requires that you print the voucher off, it must be either physically posted or emailed to us with your booking and when you pay your initial event deposit.  It can and not be applied at any other time.

After the event you will need write a blog entry on this web site after we have posted your Simdeck Virtual Grand Prix.

Where else can you be paid for writing on a blog? Contact Pit Lane Booking Office Today. 09-414 2348 before someone else secures your prefered date.

Online SimDeck Videos

We have a wide range of video’s and content that is continually being added to.

A good place to visit at present is the Simdeck library on YouTube There are about 30 plus at present.

New Zealand Speed ShowExpo

The second Speed Expo in NZ is now looming up fast and will open on the 20 September at the ASB Showground, in Greenlane, Auckland. SimDeck will be present with the PET250 race car simulator where visitors will be able to buy race time.  The Speed Expo has grown substantially from its first outing last year. Recently confirmed is that Scott Dixon’s winning Indy 500 race car will be on display at the expo. An amazing win by a kiwi race champion and now the chance to get uo close and personal. Whispers have been heard that Scott might even make an appearance but nothing has been publicly confirmed.

Persistence will allow even the novice driver to achieve moderate improvement.

Visit the expo web site at www.speedshow.co.nz to get the latest news. TV3 Video clip http://www.speedshow.co.nz/video.php

20-21 September, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland.

Opening times
Saturday 20th September 2008
9.00am – 6.00pm:  Open to public

Sunday 21st September 2008
9.00am – 5.00pm:  Open to public
Admission
Adults:  $15
Students:  $12 (student ID required)
Children:  $10 (15 or under)
Family:  $40 (2 adults and 2 children under 16)

Bonus Voucher

As a small gift for visiting this Diary I would like to offer all drivers who buy race time in the simulator at the Speed Show Expos and extra two laps of race time. Simply print out this page and bring it with you.