Super effort to keep fans happy

That's where the Supercars drivers are in a class of their own.

Defending Supercars champion Jamie Whincup meets four-year-old Oliver Emerson-Fay at the Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint Community Day. Picture: Cordell Richardson

IN the busy, often controversy-marred world we live in, it's refreshing to know some simple pleasures remain.

Like following elite sport as a loyal fan.

However, it's not always easy to meet the high-achieving people you admire.

It's near impossible in many sports to chat to those you watch on TV or cheer on at major events.

There are so many barriers these days to getting access to top sportspeople.

That's where the Supercars drivers are in a class of their own.

Anyone who joined the community day at Orion Shopping Centre on Saturday witnessed one of the wonderful opportunities that do still exist. It was a chance to say hello, get an autograph signed and sit next to a sporting star.

Drivers like Jamie Whincup, Scott McLaughlin, Fabian Coulthard, Tim Slade and Nick Percat provided a lesson in how to look after valuable fans.

They were genuinely friendly, welcoming and happy to spend time with fans in a safe and relaxed environment.

There were no big egos as the drivers projected a positive image that families and young people in particular can appreciate.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.