SFC FEATURE – CHRIS PITHER – ICE BREAK RACING V8 SUPERCAR DRIVER AND SCUBA FOR CHANGE AMBASSADOR.

Chris Pither – Ice Break Racing V8 Supercar driver and Scuba For Change Ambassador.

As a V8 Supercar driver for the Ice Break Racing team, my day to day activities are generally very unpredictable and varied. My days can include an early morning fitness training session, followed by planning for, and undertaking sponsor’s promotional events, driving the Mack transporter to and from events, working as an Advanced Driving Instructor, general maintenance and preparation on race cars and on the team transporter – and of course practice and race days at different circuits around Australia.

There is never a dull moment and there is always something I can be doing to improve my competitive package as I strive to be the best in my field.

That is one of the reasons that I love what I do.

My story started in 1993 at the age of 5 when I was fortunate enough to have my first drive in a go-kart. I was instantly addicted and the dream of being a V8 Supercar driver was quickly planted.

I don’t come from a wealthy family but they supported me as much as they could over a 6 year period of competitive kart racing until the time came to get behind the wheel of a race car at the age of 12. At this point it was out of my parents league but thankfully I gained support from a number of backers who made possible the next crucial steps in chasing my dream.

From that perspective I have been fortunate to have had the supporters who have made it possible for me to race at the pinnacle of Australian Motorsport while gaining 8 national titles thus far on my journey.

The highlight for me would be my 4 Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercar starts. To race wheel to wheel with guys who I aspired to from a young age was special and at that point I knew I was living the dream. I had always felt that I had what was required to compete at the highest level but I knew that I would need ongoing support and the help of others along the way to make each next step possible.

I have been fortunate to have had that support and now I operate on a ‘Pay It Forward’ philosophy to try to help others. That is one of the reasons I admire and support the Scuba For Change concept.

Scuba For Change – a social enterprise – is supporting people from lower socio-economic countries providing them with the tools required for them to move forward, reduce Tourism Leakage, boost their economy and living standards.

I believe that the concept of helping others yet expecting nothing in return fits with my personal philosophy.

I know how challenging it can be to get ahead when you have limited resources and support. This is why I am such an enthusiastic supporter and ambassador to the Scuba For Change organisation.