Cheyne Coates, lead singer of Madison Avenue, takes time out from celebrity racing at the Clipsal 500 to talk flying with the RAAF Roulettes.

Eyes were focussed on the sky rather than solidly staring at the track thanks to the RAAF's racey fly-pasts and displays at this year's Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar Challenge.

While the 168,000 spectators were certainly eager to watch the traditional challenge between Holdens and Fords, the turning heads in the crowd showed they were also keenly interested in the RAAF Roulettes aerobatic displays and the P3C Orion, F/A-18 Hornet and Royal Air Force Nimrod fly-pasts.

This year, Network Ten devoted significant track-side 'air time' to the Australian Defence Force, showing 60 ADF recruiting advertisements and conducting numerous interviews with Defence personnel.

The RAAF push was led by Aircraft Research Development Unit Hornet pilot, Squadron Leader Phil Arms, and 10 Squadron Orion pilot, Flight Lieutenant Patric Nott, who were both interviewed about their careers in the RAAF and the aircraft they fly.

Corporal Trent McIntosh, of Defence Recruiting - Adelaide, also played a key role, speaking about careers in the Navy, Army and Air Force during his interview.

RAAF members manning displays at the ADF oval also did a fantastic job in drawing the crowds to their stands, as did the RAAF Balloon team from Fairbairn's No. 28 Squadron.

The Australian Army 'ground force' was also involved, displaying Rapier air defence equipment, Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs), the Leopard Tank and M113 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) as well as equipment used by the Royal Engineers, Signallers and weapons of the Infantry.

And when the fast-paced displays got too much, visitors relaxed by listening to the Royal Australian Air Force Band, 10th/27th Royal South Australian Regiment Band and the Royal Australian Navy Band Adelaide.

Senior Defence Force Representative - South Australia, Air Commodore Philip Byrne said the Clipsal 500 Adelaide provided a great opportunity to improve public awareness of ADF assets and employment options.

'We need to be innovative if we are to attract the quality of young person we're after to join the Defence Force,' said AIRCDRE Byrne. 'That is why our personnel work very hard to promote the employment opportunities that are available in the forces when the ADF is involved in activities like the Clipsal 500.'

Story by Deanna Nott
Photograph by LAC Rodney Welch