Fun Stuff

Jonathan Lahy-Neary started Tanks For Everything in Christchurch about five years ago – after a long flight from London.  He blames a lack of sleep – or a dodgy airline meal – but he woke with an idea, to import some tanks and let people drive them.The former IT manager has been full-time at it for a year now.  They have half a dozen vehicles ranging from a jeep all the way up to the Russian T-55AM2 tank and the 52 tonnes Centurion.And it’s a daunting line-up - I was scared just belting around the course in the jeep, that thing flies… and feels like it’s gonna tip.  “Eeek, I don’t want to roll a tank,” I thought as my knees starting knocking together!Then I realised it’s a tank…. it goes through, over and crushes things, it doesn’t tip.  So we started off small, well, in tanks terms anyway, with the FV-432 armoured personnel carrier.  Despite being terrified before stepping in, it wasn’t long before I was wearing that dopey expression only pure joy brings.The guns have been disabled on all the tanks, which sounds like it would be disappointing, but just driving the hulking machinery is more than enough to get the adrenaline pumping.Then it was time to climb up into the Centurion, a British-built, ex-Australian army tank used in the Vietnam war.  To drive the Centurion, you need to be able to (semi) drive a manual…. Bunny hops aren’t advisable when there is a thick metal ledge right at teeth height.Weighing in at 52 tonnes, this sucker gets just 50m out of one litre of petrol - try that at the height of an oil crisis.  And how’s this for cool - you can even arrange to run over cars… perhaps the boss’s car for a work team-building exercise!If driving the tank sounds a bit too scary, you can always be driven around by Lahy-Neary and they even do kid’s birthday parties.Based an easy 30 minute drive out of the centre of Christchurch, it’s still remote enough to be able to run a tank around the paddock without the neighbours complaining.The tanks themselves aren’t that hard or expensive to buy – you can pick one up for a lazy $100,000 from a dealer.  But be warned, the maintenance costs are prohibitive.An hour’s driving time requires anywhere up to eight hours maintenance – remember we’re dealing with 50 year old machinery here.  You really don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy this, but you do need to do a bit of saving.With packages starting at $495 to drive two vehicles and going up to $995 to drive all the biggies, it can be pricey. But you only live once… and how often do you get to woo hoo out loud these days? www.tanksforeverything.co.nz  

1.    STANDARD TERMS1.1    Information on how to enter forms part of the terms of entry. Entry into the promotion is deemed acceptance of these conditions of entry.2.    WHO CAN ENTER?2.1    Subject to clause 2.2, entry is open to residents of Australia who are aged 18 years or over. 2.2    Employees and their immediate families of News Limited, Peugeot Automobiles Australia and their associated agencies and companies are not eligible to enter.  Immediate family means any of the following: spouse, ex-spouse, de-facto spouse, child or step-child (whether by natural or by adoption), parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, brother, sister, step-brother, step-sister or first cousin.2.3    Winners must be aged 18 years and over. 3.    HOW TO ENTER3.1    The competition commences on Friday, 15 October, 2010 (17:00PM AEDST) and concludes on Sunday, 24 October, 2010  (23:59 AEST) (“the Competition Period”).3.2    To enter the competition, entrants must SMS their name and code word to place their vote in the Carsguide Car of the Show.  SMS cost 55c (inc GST) per entry.SMS number and code words for votes can be found via the following ways:a)    Within the Carsguide liftout in the following newspapers during the competition period.            State:  NSW/ACT - The Daily Telegraph (NSW & ACT) State:  VIC - Herald Sun (VIC)State:  QLD - Gold Coast Bulletin & Courier Mail (QLD) State:  SA - The Advertiser (SA)State: WA - Perth Sunday Times (WA)State:  TAS - The Mercury (TAS) State:  NT - Northern Territory News (NT)b)    At participating exhibitor stands at the Australian International Motor Show, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from Friday, 15 October 2010 to Sunday, 24 October 2010.c)    Online at www.carsguide.com.au from Saturday, 23 October 2010.3.3    Entrants (including winners) in the competition can enter as many times as they like.  Only one major prize nationally will be awarded.3.4    The time of entry will, in each case, be the time that the call or SMS is received by Salmat Interactive.3.5    The Promoter, its agents, affiliates or representatives will not be liable for any lost, late or misdirected entries.3.6    Incomprehensible and incomplete entries will be deemed invalid.4    HOW TO WIN4.1    Each entrant who has entered the competition over the Competition Period and registered all details in accordance with clauses 2 and 3 will be entered into the prize draw. All draws will take place at Salmat Interactive, Level 1, 116 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 on Monday, 25 October 2010 at Midday (AEDST).4.2    1 major prize winner and 6 runner up prize winners (1 per state – NSW/ACT, VIC, TAS, NT, QLD and SA/WA) will be selected from all valid entries received over the Competition Period.4.3    The prize winners will be notified by mail and phone call within 2 days of the prize draw. The winner’s details will then be forwarded to Peugeot Australia for prize fulfilment.4.4    The Promoter’s decision in relation to any aspects of the competition is final and the Promoter will not enter into any correspondence regarding the result.4.5    Entries not completed in accordance with these terms and conditions will not be considered valid and will not be included in the draw. Indecipherable or incomplete entries will be deemed invalid.4.6    It is a condition of accepting the prize that the winner may be required to sign a legal release in a form determined by the Promoter in it’s absolute discretion.4.7    The Promoter reserves the right to request that the winner provides proof of identity, proof of residency at the nominated prize delivery address and/or proof of entry validity in order to claim the prize. Proof of identification, residency and entry considered suitable for verification is at the discretion of the Promoter. In the event that the winner cannot provide suitable proof, the winner will forfeit the prize in whole and no substitute will be offered.4.8    The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries and to disqualify any entry which, in the opinion of the Promoter, includes objectionable content, profanity, potentially insulting, inflammatory or defamatory statements, disqualify any entrant who tampers with the entry process, who submits an entry that is not in accordance with these terms and conditions or entry, or who has, in the opinion of the Promoter, engaged in conduct in entering the promotion which is fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or generally damaging to the goodwill or reputation of the promotion and/or Promoter. The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify a winner if the Promoter becomes aware that the winner and/or the winner’s entry is of a type described in this clause.4.9    Subject to any written directions given by the relevant Lotteries Agencies, an unclaimed prize draw will take place at Salmat Interactive, Level 1, 116 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 on 27 January 2011 at 10:00 (AEST). 4.10    Winners details will be published within The Australian newspaper on Friday, 29 October 2010. 5.    PRIZE5.1    One (1) x national prize winner will receive one (1) Peugeot RCZ Anniversary Model (2.0 litre Turbodiesel HDi manual) including: •    Premium Metallic Paint – Pearl White •    Stylised Front Grille •    19” “Sortilege” Midnight Silver wheels •    Carbon Fibre Roof - Satin •    Matt Black Onyx Brake Calipers •    200 Year Anniversary Badge •    Certificate of Authenticity Included•    RCZ Carbon Fibre Luggage Set Total major prize value $68,739.00 (incl GST) driveaway.Six (6) x runner up prize winners (1 per state – NSW, VIC, TAS, NT, QLD and SA/WA) will receive Caltex StarCash to the value of $3,000 (incl GST).  Total runner up prize value $18,000 (incl GST).TOTAL PRIZE VALUE:  $86,739 (incl GST).5.2    Value quoted are as shown on display vehicle for the AIMS 2010 & are the maximum recommended driveawayprices at the manufacturer's maximum recommended drive-away prices, based on the relevant statutory charges,CTP insurance (CTP is averaged out between three insurers and based on a 40 year old male driver in Sydneymetropolitan area), and the Peugeot maximum recommended dealer delivery price.5.3    Registration fees are in accordance with the individual state legislation and based on private ownership.5.4    RCZ HDi Manual has fuel economy data below the 7.0l per 100km threshold and therefore is exempt from the Luxury Car Tax.5.5    Once News Limited has all major prize winner details, information will be passed onto Peugeot Australia, who will manage prize fulfilment. 5.6    Prize values are correct at the date of printing.  The Promoter accepts no responsibility for change in prize value between now and the ultimate date on which the prize is taken.5.7    In participating in the prize, the winners agree to participate and co-operate as required in all editorial activities relating to the Competition, including but not limited to being interviewed and photographed.  The winners agree to grant the Promoter a perpetual and exclusive licence to use such footage and photographs in all media worldwide and the winner (and their companions) will not be entitled to any fee for such use.5.8    The winners agree they will not sell or otherwise provide their story and/or photographs to any media or other organisation.  5.9    The prize cannot be transferred and cannot be redeemed for cash. No responsibility is accepted for any variation in the value of the prize.5.10    If the prize (or part of the prize) is unavailable, the Promoter, in its discretion, reserves the right to substitute the prize (or that part of the prize) with a prize to the equal value and/or specification, subject to any written directions from a regulatory authority.5.11    The winners must, on request by the Promoters, be able to provide evidence which, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Promoters, demonstrates that the winner is an eligible entrant (as per clause 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) and has complied with these Terms and Conditions.5.12    The prizes must be taken as stated and no compensation will be payable if a winner is unable to use the prize as stated. If a winner is unable to satisfy these terms and conditions or a prize is not utilised able to be taken as the prize will be forfeited by the winner and cash will not be awarded in lieu.5.13    The prizes are subject to the terms and conditions of participating service providers or any other terms and conditions that may be notified from time to time.5.14    Any additional expenses incurred by the prize winners, other than those outlined in these terms and conditions, are the responsibility of the winners. Other than as specified above the prize does not include any other costs, insurance, taxes or any other ancillary costs or use of any facilities requiring the payment of any fee unless expressly stated above.5.6    Any taxes (other than GST, if any) which may be payable as a consequence of the winner receiving this prize are the sole responsibility of the winner.6.    NO LIABILITY6.1    The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for any personal injury suffered or sustained in connection with any prize/s except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law. Neither is the Promoter responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, either caused by the entrant or any of the equipment or programming associated with, or utilised in this competition, or for any technical error, or combination thereof that may occur in the course of the administration of this competition, including any omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line or telephone, mobile or satellite failure, theft or destruction or unauthorised access to, or alteration of, entries.6.2    If for any reason, this competition is not capable of running as planned, including due to infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this promotion, the Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, take any action that may be available and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition subject to any written directions given under State Legislation.6.3    Except for any liability that cannot be excluded by law, the Promoter (including its officers, employees and agents) excludes all liability (including negligence) for any personal injury, loss or damage (including loss or opportunity) whether direct, indirect, special or consequential, arising in any way out of the promotion, including but not limited to, where arising out of the following:a) any technical difficulties or equipment malfunction (whether or not under the Promoter’s control);        b) any theft, unauthorised access or third party interference;        c) any entry or prize claim that is late, lost, altered, damaged or misdirected (whether or not after receipt by the Promoter) due to any reason beyond the reasonable control of the Promoter;        d) any variation in prize value to that stated in these conditions of entry;        e) any tax liability incurred by a winner or entrant;    f) the broadcast of any program relating to the competition or the publication of any material, including statements made by any compere, staff member, journalist, other entrants or any other person; and/or        g) participation in the prize.6.4    Once prizes have left the Promoter premises, the Promoter and their associated agencies take no responsibility for prizes damaged, delayed or lost in transit.6.5    The Promoter reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who the Promoter has reason to believe has breached any of these conditions, or engaged in any unlawful or other improper misconduct calculated to jeopardise the fair and proper conduct of the promotion. The Promoter’s legal rights to recover damages or other compensation from such an offender are reserved.7.    PRIVACY CONSENT7.1    News Limited as the Promoter of this competition, collects your personal information to assist us in providing the goods or services you have requested, to process your competition entries and to improve our products and services. We or any of our Australian related companies may be in touch by any means (including email or SMS) at any time to let you know about goods, services or promotions which may be of interest to you. We may also share your information with other persons or entities who assist us in providing our services, running competitions (including administering the competition or distributing prizes) or with other companies who provide prizes for competitions or reader offers. We may also disclose your personal information in accordance with these terms and conditions if you are a prize winner or finalist.    This company is part of a global media and entertainment company. We would like to share your information with these overseas-related companies so that they can contact you with special offers. If you would prefer us not to, please contact our Privacy Officer on 02 8114 7400 you can gain access to your personal information by contacting our Privacy Officer.8.    PROMOTER’S DETAILS8.1    The Promoter is News Limited (ABN 47 007 871 178 of 2 Holt Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010)8.2    The prize provider is Peugeot Automobiles Australia of 2 Hill Road, Homebush Bay NSW  2140 (ABN 26 000 426 282)8.3    Authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/10/09552, ACT Permit No. 10/04414.1, VIC Permit No. 10/3606, SA Permit No. T10/2423

SuperX organisers have announced that Reed's Kawasaki teammate, American Ryan Villopoto, will compete at the events.  Villopoto, 21, was leading the American supercross series with seven wins before he was forced out with a broken leg, while Reed last month pulled out of the American motocross series with glandular fever.  Both riders are expected to be fit for the SuperX series, starting in October.Villopoto will compete in the final two rounds at Parramatta Stadium, Sydney, on November 27 and Brisbane's on December 4. It will be the first time he has raced in Australia."The Sydney and Brisbane races are going to be the only major events I will race in before the 2011 AMA series so it's going to be great preparation for me and I'll be going for the win at both," Villopoto said.Other American supercross riders to compete in the series include Kevin Windham, Davi Millsaps, Mike Alessi and Justin Brayton. Kiwi Ben Townley, who is running third in the American motocross championship, will also compete.Super X seriesOctober 16: Newcastle, Energy Australia StadiumOctober 23: Canberra, Canberra StadiumOctober 30: Launceston, Aurora StadiumNovember 13: Auckland, North Harbour StadiumNovember 20: Dunedin, Carisbrook StadiumDecember 4: Brisbane, QSAC 

So Carsguide is truly flattered that pharmaceutical giant Proctor and Gamble has followed our lead with a video ad featuring a man in a shower.Even if it’s a poor imitation.We took a handsome, buffed Carsguide staffer, constructed a luxury set with lavish props and even put new batteries in the lighting kit Dolphin torch.They were reduced to hiring some footballer to tout their Old Spice body wash. And curiously, there seems to have been a little interest in said footballer’s performance, with more than a hundred encores infesting youtube.We expect that Proctor and Gamble will shortly acknowledge the creative debt they owe Carsguide – you be the judge.Become a fan of Carsguide on Facebook

For 10 years, the carmaker has supported the AIDS charity event with decorated Minis that were auctioned as fundraisers. This year, they've handed the keys to three high-profile designers: Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole and Diane von Furstenberg.Cole has gone for a post-punk look, with the body covered in studs. "In our collection we always aim to bring fashion and function into harmony. And that is precisely what the Mini Convertible stands for," Cole says.Diane von Furstenberg's red Mini is sprinkled with colourful lips and features a white roof and alloys. "I wanted to create something that celebrates life and reminds us of the importance of health," she says. "The red colour of the Mini expresses the awareness of HIV/AIDS, the lips represent Diane von Furstenberg. This car is bursting with life and love."Calvin Klein designer Francisco Costa went for self-assured minimalist style. His crossover Countryman features an understated matt black body, and bears the hallmark CK signature in reflective rubber on each of the front doors.The cars will be auctioned at the amfAR Gala in Vienna on 17 July.

It's the month when the master blaster of the current lineup, the wide- body STi sedan complete with rally-style giant rear wing, hits Australia.  The STi sedan dominated sales of the go-faster Subaru Impreza models through its previous run in Australia, then went missing when Japan decided on a hatch-only sales policy for the current car.But the USA went its own way, demanding a sedan, and it's now the building block for the upcoming local hero.  "It's set for September. It could even be late August, which would mean some hot August nights," says Nick Senior, managing director of Subaru Australia.He says the STi sedan will have everything from the pumped-out guards of the latest 'wide body' WRX to a competition-style rear wing and bigger alloy wheels and brakes.  "It's more aggressive, it has the big wing," Senior says.  He is expecting a big boost to WRX sales when the STi hits, partly because of the car and partly as customers return to Subaru showrooms after the global financial crisis."We're probably selling 10-15 cars a month and we hope to lift that to around 50 when we launch the STi sedan. That market has been the one that's been most impacted by the GFC. It's more of a discretionary spend than any other model we have."Senior says the regular WRX now also comes with a sedan body, a move is already giving a boost to sales. "We're selling two sedans for every hatch. That's consistent with WRX since we first launched it. For many years it was 90 per cent sedan in Australia."Over time we would expect 70-80 per cent of WRX sales will be sedans.  Globally, hot hatches are the thing in Europe but in Australia it's exactly the other way around. We're rather unique in that."