We speak with TRACK & TARMAC owner and gaycarboys.com contributor Matt Brogan for the low-down on Australia’s newest self-drive touring experience
Beginning a new business in the middle of a global pandemic is a tough ask; especially when that business centre around touring famed tarmac rally roads and race tracks.
But TRACK & TARMAC founder, Matt Brogan, says “there’s no time like the present”, and believes spreading the word while we’re all in lockdown gives potential guests valuable time to plan ahead.
Matt’s self-drive guided tours allow driving enthusiasts the chance to enjoy some of south-eastern Australia’s most exhilarating roads and racetracks in their own car. You can join a tour individually, or arrange a group tour with friends that tailors the experience to your needs.
It’s a promising idea, and one that focusses on a customer-first philosophy. Matt calls his tour participants ‘guests’, and includes several extras his competitors don’t for a much better price.
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Q. TRACK & TARMAC is a great idea. Are you the only one doing it?
A. Thanks, Alan. Yes, we think it’s a great idea, and though we’re not the only ones with a similar concept, we are the only experience available that can be completely tailored to the wants of our guests.
Q. So I can get a group of friends together and you’ll sort out the rest?
A. Absolutely! We can work within your budget to not only arrange a tour that’s thrilling to drive, but that fits in with your preferences. If you’re a foodie, a wine buff or a avid photographer, we can tailor the trip to suit your needs – after all, it’s your holiday!
Q. What about the roads, what makes them special?
A. We research our advertised tours to include a motorsport link, but if that’s not your cup of tea we can focus on the scenery or the destination – you just let us know. At our heart we’re about enjoying our cars and the company that love of cars creates, and what better way to enjoy that experience than with like-minded people.
Q. But it’s not a race, is it?
A. Certainly not. No, the whole concept centres around keeping things safe and affordable. Racing means spending a lot of money on the car, on closing roads and on insurance, and our research says our guests aren’t really up for that. We stick to the speed limit and show people what’s out there. We have other avenues available for those with a heavier foot.
Q. That sounds exciting. Tell me about that!?
A. We’ve partnered with the Australian Tarmac Rally to offer tour packets on their events. This means you get to drive tarmac rally roads at a brisk pace, but again without the need for expensive equipment. Just bring your own car and a helmet and we’ll look after the rest. The next one is in October, if you’re interested Alan!
Q. Darl, I’d love it. Who else comes on the tours?
A. We’re a really inclusive bunch. I mean I’m gay, and so is half the team. But that’s neither here nor there, really. We want to welcome anyone to our events. We don’t want people feeling that their car isn’t good enough or that they might not fit in.
We try to make everyone welcome, regardless of their level of interest. We also have a navigator, a couple of extra staff to help out along the way, and even a paramedic on some trips. We take safety very seriously.
Q. You mentioned that experience isn’t a factor for your guests. Does that mean that you can provide training?
A. We sure can. On the TRACK or the TARMAC side of things we have experienced racers along who are happy to share their knowledge. And, if you want to take things to the next level, we’re able to organise structured track days with qualified instructors to help you work towards your AASA or Motorsport Australia licence, or just improve your skills.
Q. It all sounds great. But is it expensive?
A. We try to adjust the trip to suit the budget of each guest. There are some fixed costs that are pretty hard to work around – like accommodation, insurance and ferry transfers et cetera – but there are others we can sculpt to suit the individual.
I mean, you might be happy with a sausage roll and a latte for lunch, or you might prefer a sit-down meal. Some guests are happy sharing a room at night with another guest, where others prefer to go-it solo. All these things affect the price of a tour. Just let us know what you want.
Q. Well, I’m sold. So, where can gaycarboys readers find out more?
A. The best thing to do is visit the website: trackandtarmac.com There’s a lot of information there and an idea of where we go and what’s coming up. We also have some neat driving tips and stories from our staff that explain who they are and what they’re all about. They’re a great bunch!
Our next outing is in Victoria at the end of October and gives our guests a chance to participate in a tour section of the Australian Tarmac Rally. It’s called the Great Tarmac Rally and it’s a unique chance of driving your car at a spirited pace on closed roads. We’ve even put some instructors on the case to help you get the most out of it. It’ll be a great weekend.
For more information about TRACK & TARMAC tours visit trackandtarmac.com – and if you and your friends would like to put together a trip, get in touch with Matt and the team via info@trackandtarmac.com