What is a Frenzy
- Wild excitement or enthusiasm (attributed
to the energy associated with shark’s feeding).
- Mental derangement.
- A gathering of speedy landsharks.
.
All of the above, as it turns out. The first two are dictionary definitions…
the last the topic being examined here.
Frenzies take place around the world, Australia included as the
tag “landshark” is a worldwide term. (Let’s face it –
the 928 does look like a shark from the side!).
Frenzies …What are they? A Frenzy could
be as few as 3-4 cars or as many as 25 (the Australian record as far as
we can find out).
Frenzies have run through to parks in the suburbs as sedate show
and shine affairs, with a picnic lunch...
Or they have been three-state affairs over a month (the 25th Anniversary
Frenzy, involving many cars at the different stops).
Photos of the 2005 AGM Frenzy (click here)
Photos of other Frenzies and events (click here)
Is a Frenzy a collection of people who share an interest in the best car model out of Stuttgart (or anywhere for that matter)? It is, but it is more. In my humble opinion, the people are interesting and great latitude is given when one meets someone who owns a landshark. But a Frenzy is landsharks in a pack eating up a highway; or line astern winding at controlled speeds through a mountain forest road; or simply all parked in a line outside a restaurant. There is nothing like it – and nothing like the feeling that being a part of this sort of group invokes. A tribal thing – but the tribe is made up of cars.
On a Frenzy, the cars take on an image separate from their drivers – watch the expression on faces as the line of sharks comes into town. Sons and daughters get locked up – the streets are cleared – just kidding! There is a lot of interest however, and why not. Even those who do not know what model the cars are, know they are looking at something special – a super-car by any measure.
How to organise
a Frenzy
1. When organising a Frenzy, start by identifying the theme
– is it a meeting for breakfast/lunch, going to an event, having a
social weekend, a tour of a region, a purist drive only through an area,
or a social thing – a bar-b-que/picnic.
2. All Frenzies should involve a good stretch of driving that you believe people will enjoy – Think about what the likely participants will enjoy – fast open roads; twisty/winding roads that stretch the cars; or easy, comfortable roads without traffic - and make it the core of the Frenzy.
3. Maps – copy a street map to show the route of the Frenzy and identify times for the various sections if possible. Plan stops as per the style of the day and clearly list the address of the stops.
4. Rendezvous points – if the Frenzy is travelling over distances or is likely to get dispersed by intermittent traffic, plan for rendezvous points during driving legs. These could be fuel or drink stops obviously. A frustration on Frenzies is losing people and having to change plans to find lost sharks and wait for catch-ups.
5. Notices – information notices beforehand add to the interest. Use the Landshark site for messages or, if your internet savvy extends this far, create a special site for email communication. Remember, most people don’t read notices so be creative about the really important bits (date/time, set off point, yours/others mobile phone numbers). Remind people to bring their UHF radios for easy communication whilst driving. You will need to nominate the channel number (eg Victorians and Queenslanders use Ch 28),
6. Timing – if you can, time the route beforehand if being at certain stops by required times is important (eg Lunch bookings). It also helps if some are joining the group on the way.
7. Fuel stops – many landsharks need 98RON fuel. It is useful to pay attention to distances and the availability of fuel. 98 and 95 unleaded fuel is becoming more available but better to be certain. 98RON is with Shell (Optimax), BP (Ultimate), Mobil (Synergy 98) and Caltex (Vortex 98).
8. People food & drink stops – in my experience, landsharkees prefer short sharp driving stints with a break to chat and yarn. Planning breaks depends on the nature of the Frenzy. If it is about getting somewhere, plan accordingly. If not, have breaks every hour or so on a full days Frenzy. Stop at likely looking sites, watch out if Brian Chappell gets out the camera!! Seriously, landsharkees love a few shots of the countryside, the cars, the people, the cars, the local attraction, the cars…mostly the cars!
9. Spares – For a while, every Frenzy seemed to have a breakdown of some form. So carrying spares has gotten to be good practice. The common items are fuel pumps, belts, hoses, air pumps, & spare tyres. A good tool set somewhere in the team may be useful – together with someone who knows how to use them!
10. 928 Frenzy Inc. membership application forms – needed from all those on the Frenzy who have not previously completed one (and become a member of 928 Frenzy Inc). These are for your protection if something does go wrong and someone gets litigious! Frenzies are conducted under the auspices of 928 Frenzy Incorporated. A not for profit registered association in Victoria, but able to be used throughout Australia. Membership is free. The What is 928 Frenzy Inc. section explains the incorporation in more detail and the membership application form can be retrieved from the downloads section.
Things to be
aware of...
Losing people
Losing people is frustrating – especially when you spend a lot of
time getting back together instead of having fun or relaxing. Follow the
guidelines above for planning a Frenzy and make sure everyone
knows the plan(s). If possible, give out an information kit of maps, planned
stops, timings etc at the start. Make sure people read it – or at
least know what is in the kit!
Whilst driving, a common sense principle that should be rigidly enforced
is – always pay attention to the person/car behind you. Before you
turn, check in the rear view mirror to see if the person/car behind you
has their indicator on. If not you should slow down and wait. Use the radio
to advise those in front if problems occur. An experienced driver in the
lead and in the rear can make convoy Frenzy driving a little
les problematic!
Fast / slow
drivers
Some landshark drivers like to give their shark a little squirt (within
the law of course!) and others like to drive more sedately. Frenzies
involve all types of driving preferences. If you are the organiser, get
a feel for what people want to do on the Frenzy and work
to ensure everyone has a good outing. Some Frenzies have
split into smaller groups – one group going off on one route while
others go another way to meet up at an agreed point. Other Frenzies
have involved a balancing of temperaments to stay together as a group. A
long line of sharks is fun no matter at what pace, so all need to be conscious
of others. Everyone should drive within their capabilities safely –
and, obviously, within the law. Get used to giving others feedback, particularly
if you don’t like something. That’s not about shouting or making
a scene, it is just about making your views known. Everyone I have seen
on a Frenzy are dead keen on everyone having a good time
and are quite happy to make adjustments, if they know about an issue.
Iain
Polley
928 Frenzy Inc. member
and regular Frenzy participant
(pictured 6th from the right)
Cick on the image for
a larger view.
