Profile: Jac Phillips

Sport:          Bike and Car Events | Activity:      CATO – Race Official

While watching a Super Cars event on TV, Jac noticed all these people (Officials) performing different roles and was keen to know how they got involved and thought that it would be exciting to be part of the action. So not one to just sit around and think about it, she applied to Phillip Island Circuit for an event role. Not expecting much of a response, Jac was surprised when out of the blue Peter Nelson (RIP) from PIARC rang to discuss the application. It didn’t take him long to realise how enthusiastic she was about all things Motorsports and her general love for cars. That was 6 years ago.

Jac has the best seat in the house for the MotoGP and World Superbikes – the Pit Entry Wall, and represents CAMS as a race official at car events with one of her roles being alcohol testing. No, this doesn’t mean she has to taste test the alcohol in the VIP tent, it means she has to check the racers, other officials and race crew haven’t been hanging out in the VIP tent.

“Blow in the bag please.”

It’s not a difficult role, but you do need to be fit as there can be quite a bit of running around to do, and there’s a little bit of training to do via an evening course run by CAMS. It’s a great way to get involved in the action if you’re not involved with a race team, and it allows you the perfect opportunity to get up close to the drivers with a legitimate reason. Jac recommends checking out the wide variety of volunteer roles available at all CAMS events for anyone who is as addicted to motorsport as she is.

And if the photos of Jac mixing it with the best, all in the name of her job, isn’t enough to get you inspired, then perhaps her fondest memory is.

Sebastian Vettel threw his cap directly at me during the Driver parade at F1 Albert Park

While Jac has mentors, great race buddies and partner supporting her, and her close friends and family think what she does is great, Jac proves that you don’t have to come from a motorsport background or even have a family who is passionate about it to find your own love for the sport. Jac has her own mission to travel around and officiate at as many events as she can with her ultimate dream to participate in some overseas events. And there’s also a little race driver deep down inside waiting for an opportunity.

I have no doubt that Peter Nelson (RIP) would be very proud of how far you have come since he rang you 6 years ago, and how your enthusiasm and love for motorsport hasn’t wavered.