FAN'S THOUGHTS ON MARK
Below are some thoughts from some of Mark's biggest fans, in their own
words, about why they like him so much.....
** "Why Mark Skaife is my hero..... He is a truly great sportsman, he gives
as much as he gets to the game of motorsport. I've never seen anyone
give as much time as Mark does to his loyal fans, nothing is ever too
much. His natural skill and talent go a long way, but Mark is also very
determined to achieve, and you can just tell he gives every race his all,
that's why he is now and always will be a winner and my hero".
Kelly Todd, Bathurst NSW **
** "Why I admire Mark Skaife..... Race 3, Barbagallo Raceway, Perth,
Western Australia, May 2005 - While the television cameras focused on
Russell Ingall and Steven Richards vying for the race win, I was watching
one of the most inspiring drives that I have ever seen. Mark Skaife may not
have won the race, he may not have even placed on the podium, but what
he did accomplish was mind numbing to this fan. After having to start
from the rear of field for the last race of the round, Skaife guided his
Commodore through slower, less experienced back-markers without making
his presence felt. Mark Skaife showed that you do not need to force a car off
the track to make a pass. You don't even need to swap paint. But this was not
the most awe inspiring part of the drive... Whilst in the pits after the race I
saw Mark's windscreen. Oil was completely smeared across the entire screen.
To drive a road car at normal speed would be impossible with a screen like that,
but to drive a thoroughbred race car at speeds in excess of 200km/h, bumper
to bumper, right on the limit, I don't think I need to say more...
Mark Skaife is the epitome of a true race car driver. Mark just leaves me
speechless. His driving is amazing. He is the nicest person I have ever met. He
is just one of those special people that there is no short way of describing...."
Kelly MacLeod, Denmark WA **
** "I like Mark because he is a great role model for younger ones that
are thinking of getting into the sport of motor racing, sets his goals
high and strives to achieve them (hasn't necessarily happened this
season though). He's basically the whole package when it comes to a
race car driver - talented, focussed, in tune with his car and his team.
Good people person - has time for his fans. Have liked him since back
in the Nissan days with Gibson Motorsport .......has taught him to
become the complete package I reckon ", Alison Greening, Adelaide **
** "He's a Gosford boy and a Holden Hero. He is fair, skilful, loyal and
intelligent, with a great sense of humour. He is a great driver and
takes time for his fans ", Belinda Allis, Adelaide **
** "Mark is someone that you look up to, he is not only a popular and
well-loved figure within the motor racing sport, but within the charities
that he supports. He always has time for his fans and this shows in
the large number of dedicated followers. Mark is an inspiration to
the younger generation that want to follow in his footsteps and is
a great asset to the V8 Supercars ", Kim Humphrey, Canberra **
** "I have been a Holden fan for many years and as such, have watched
with keen interest the rise of Mark Skaife's career. I admire his determination
to succeed and the way he refocusses for the next assault when he does
not.. His professionalism is second-to-none, which is evident in the way
he approaches everything, both on and off the track. He has an amazing
sense of humour, which in the motorsport field I think, at times, you
really need. His fans are very loyal, as he is to them. I was amazed that
he actually thanked me for asking for his autograph, that was fantastic.
It was absolutely wonderful that after another devastating early exit at
Queensland Raceway, he was there signing autographs for his fans
when it was almost dark. He is an incredible inspiration to all who
love sport of any kind ", Roxanne Cran, Brisbane **
** The Official Holden Racing Team Site **
*********** Mark Skaife "There Goes My Hero" ************