2020 is a year that will be remembered for many things, Bushfires, Covid 19 and other events we wish didn’t happen but amongst all the heartache we still manage to find fun and creative ways to boost morale and keep ourselves busy.
Covid 19 locked us all inside and created a new way of living (Isolation). It was this isolation mode that generated an idea for Wippa from Sydney radio Nova 96.9’s hit show “The Fitzy & Wippa Show”
Wippa, a proud father, spent many days in isolation with his Family and one of the activities they would regularly do together was build Hot Wheels tracks. A visionary Wippa wanted to take this to the next level and turn track building into a challenge like no other and make a track longer than had ever been done before. 700 meters of track, how hard could it be!
Take 1: The original idea was to build the track at his house with the kids but as the track started to take form he soon realised it was a job beyond one man and it would be time to call Ben from 1800 For Promo who he’d work with on other creative builds at Nova 96.9.
Ben met with Wippa at his Sydney home and together they started plotting ways to make the vision a reality!
The tape measure came out and was soon realised in order to make the 700 metre distance they would need to wrap the track around the house a full 12 times, starting from the gutter and working its way down. This was a huge undertaking but not one that was totally written off by the small team. 1800 For Promo got to work, making CNC cut track supports that were mounted with elastic so they could be adjusted giving the track fall and allowing the car to roll. Testing began offsite at Ben’s house and it was quickly realised although possible it would need some additional access equipment for the build and also people to operate and assist with the build. This was not an option as Nova 96.9 were very clear that there was to be no breaching of Covid 19 restrictions during the construction of the track for the world record. It was now that the plan had to be re-thought and a new venue had to be found!
Take 2: After the story was LIVE ON AIR many location suggestions were rung through by eager listeners hungry to see Team Nova bring this prestigious record to our shores. Bathurst, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Opera House all good suggestions but not possible for a variety of reasons. The venue had to be down hill and as an Australian ambassador Wippa wanted the location to be iconic so there was a place that stood out and just happened to be closed due to Covid 19, Taronga Zoo. After a few conversations with the amazing staff at Taronga it was on. The boys assembled a small Covid 19 Compliant team and hustled our way to the Zoo!
700 Metres now that’s a long track!
8 hours of solid track building weaving from the entry gates of the Zoo down past Gorillas, Elephants, Turtles and Bears all the way to an epic finish location showcasing the world renown Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. This was sure to be the most amazing day ever!
All keeping a solid 1.5m apart from each other there was a Camera Crew, Guinness World Record Adjudicators and even a custom Hot Wheels car from Cricket Star Shane Warn. The world record was a strong scent in the air and the boys were ready to bring it home to Australia…
Take a look at the videos!
