A selection of sporting celebrities competing in the BMW NZ Open took some time out today to participate in a different sort of challenge – driving a fleet of new BMW models as part of a series of skill tests at Highlands Motorsport Park.

The
international sportspeople, consisting of rugby, cricket and golf
representatives, were put through their paces by BMW Driving Experience
instructor, Mike Eady.

The
star-studded array of personalities included, amongst others, Tour
Professionals Mike Hendry and Brad Kennedy and Adam Scott’s former caddy Steve
Williams, former All Blacks Andrew Mehrtens and Justin Marshall, cricketer Mark
Richardson plus dual rugby and cricket international, Jeff Wilson.

"As
would be expected, there was a huge amount of competitive rivalry amongst such a
group of acclaimed international sporting superstars," said BMW Driving
Experience Instructor, Mike Eady.

"It
was a closely fought battle between the codes and all players excelled in a
variety of different experiences.

"Without
naming names, there were a couple of guys who were able to adapt to the
conditions better than others and managed to set some impressive times.  All I’m at liberty to say is that, as far as
I’m concerned, the best sports team won on the day."

Each
of the three teams had to put forward one person to complete each of the
challenges, consisting of a gymkhana, acceleration test and an ‘ice slalom’
test on a skid pan. 

Points
were awarded for fastest runs, whilst clean runs didn’t attract any time
penalties.  A team challenge, worth
double points, rounded out the on-track activities.

"The
opportunity to drive a variety of new BMW models at the race track was simply
sensational," said BMW Ambassador, Jeff Wilson.

"It
was an innovative exercise and quiet fascinating to see which sports people
equipped themselves best in the different disciplines."

Team
Golf claimed the inaugural BMW Driving Experience Ultimate Driving Machine
challenge, with team members including Michael Hendry (NZ), Steve Williams
(NZ), and Brad Kennedy (Aus).

"I
would have loved for my rugby team to win, but it’s only fitting the golf team
claimed the title in the week of the BMW NZ Open," said Mr Wilson.

"I
still have my fingers crossed that one of my team members, or any player in the
field for that matter, manages to ace the 16^th hole at The Hills and
wins themself a brand new BMW i8." 

"Irrespective
of who wins the BMW NZ Open, achieving a hole-in-one and winning this amazing
new model would make for an incredible and very memorable experience."