2020 has certainly proved to be an
interesting one to date, and one that will change the way we live for the rest
of our lives. It has been confusing, challenging, and has tested us all in
various ways. No one expected to be in the situation we are currently in, as
businesses, and as human beings, we have been forced to adapt to change.
Having said that, it’s something that we are all going through together, and
has brought out the best in people.
Personally, I have loved seeing the recognition and respect for our front-line
workers. They are all amazing human beings, and deserve every single bit of
positivity they receive.
THE CURRENT
Let me start by saying that above all else has
been the health and safety of our employees. We are a family business, and
treat all our staff as family.
Across the entirety of the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, which includes HSV (the
conversion of left-hand-drive cars to right-hand-drive for the Australian
market) New Age Caravans, Walkinshaw Sports, and of course, Walkinshaw Andretti
United, we have implemented measures to ensure we can keep operating as close
to the norm as possible, but always ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff.
As I’m sure everyone is, we are trying to prepare for every situation
imaginable, running through 1001 various scenarios to ensure we are as ready as
possible. It’s an unknown, and things will always change, but even the most
outlandish scenarios now seem possible, right?
Despite the challenges, there are still positives to take. We have spent more
time with our families, we’ve taken a step back to appreciate what’s happening
around us (including the things we take for granted), and we have come together
to support each other.
ONLINE RACING
As a racing community, we are extremely fortunate to have a platform that is as
close to real life as possible, where we can continue to showcase our sport,
keep our partners relevant, and importantly, our fans engaged.
The Supercars Eseries has been one of the success stories of the last few
months, and is currently the envy of every other Australian sporting code.
Every single Supercar driver has competed, and we have been lucky enough to
have some of the biggest names in motorsport, such as Alexander Rossi, join the
field as Wildcards.
The TV and digital audience has been as strong as a ‘normal’ race weekend, and
the data shows that we are attracting a new, younger audience to our product
that should transfer over when we return to the track.
GOING FORWARD
This is going to change the way we live and
the way we operate, and that is not necessarily a bad thing.
I truly believe that sports as a whole will
boom off the back of this. We have learnt how important of a role it plays in
many lives, and the hole it leaves when not around.
The technology that has become a part of our daily lives will also stay. Many
of us would have never used Zoom in February, but it may go on to replace those
interstate flights for 2-hour meetings. It has allowed us to connect to
everyone around the world at the click of a button.
My heart is with everyone who has been directly affected by COVID-19. There are
better days ahead, and it won’t be long until we go back racing, which I for
one can’t wait for.
Stay safe and healthy.
Ryan Walkinshaw