Monday, 19 October 2020

Meet Hayden Rau: Business owner/speed freak

During the working week, Hayden Rau of Sentinel Homes Wellington and Kapiti can be seeing tootling around in his branded car. But underneath all that polite driving and professional polish? Hes a card-carrying petrol-head.

Since 2010, Hayden and his good friend Mike have been tackling the corners and straights of the Targa NZ a road race series.

While Hayden and his wife Kylie have always loved cars, it wasnt until Mike bought a race-worthy car that Hayden really started to drive his passion forward. He and Mike spent a few incredible years driving in the Targa Tour, designed for hobbyists, or as Hayden describes them, gentlemen racers.

From the Targa website: The Targa Tour was created to allow people to drive their road registered cars through closed roads, in a safe, structured environment and in a manner and speed not allowed on the open road.‍

Its the thrill of it. Ive always been into speed. I like skiing for the same reason although Im not all that good at it!

MUSCLE CAR MUSTANG

Haydens current race car is all grunty power with a 4.6 litre V8, Quad Cam 32 valve, going from 0-100 kph in 5.9 seconds. It does the standing ¼ mile in 13.99 seconds at 163 kilometres per hour.

Its been lowered on adjustable Tokico shocks and springs with Prothane bushes, and rolls on semi-slick race tires with modified/tightened Limited slip differential. A Momo detachable steering wheel, adjustable Panhard rod rear-end and a 5-speed manual transmission with heavy-duty race clutch keeps things on track.

With all those performance tweaks its good to know that its also equipped with a RaceFX roll cage, Racetech RH4000 race seats and Racetech 6-point harnesses. Wilwood 2-piece, 6-piston front brakes with braided brake lines and brake ducting/cooling, and Cobra rear brakes let Hayden glide around corners.

The muscle car also has no traction control or electronic aids, but its thatold-schoolrawness that makes Hayden love driving it so much.

Its a bit of a challenge. Youre going pretty quickly on winding roads, and its so big and heavy, its not the easiest thing to drive. Youve got to know what youre doing to get the best out of it,he explains.

Its not just the car thats specd out Mike and Hayden also need full racing suits, complete with fire-proof underwear.

Its not that cool in summer. Youre wearing a three-layer race suit, balaclava, helmet, boots, the whole lot. So it can get pretty warm.

GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT RACING

Haydens persistence and obvious business and organisational skills didnt go unnoticed by the Targa organisers. It wasnt long before he leaped from competitor to volunteer in different areas of each event.

We hung around and they gave us a job, laugh Hayden. Weve been a mid-point car, which helps marshal people and make sure the drivings up to scratch.

Later, the Targa team brought Hayden and Mike on as the Zero or double Zero car, which drives ahead of competitors to make sure the road is clear.

We go through flat out you have to do it in a competition car, with all the same safety gear and equipment, going up to 200 kilometres an hour. So, you have to be on your game. The first rule of being a Zero car is: dont crash.

Recently, the team stepped in last minute as the tour leader, which sets the pace for the tour participents.

My car is equipped to do all the different roles, so we can help out where they need us,says Hayden.We go wherever Targa need us.

Despite all the volunteering hours Hayden contributes to the events, he says that the gratitude actually flows the other way.

Were so appreciative of the opportunity that Targa NZ have given us to participate. Its such a great series more people should be involved in it.

A FAMILY SPORT

While its always Hayden in the drivers seat, he wouldnt be surprised if one or both of his sons got into racing too. Charlie, his youngest at fourteen, comes along on track racing days kitted up in his own race gear, and brushes off the heart-stopping speed as pretty cool.

If they want to get into it, Ill teach them how to drive properly but itll be in their own car, not mine!says Hayden.

That family feeling extends through to Haydens work Kylie is the co-owner of their Sentinel franchise, and heavily involved in its day-to-day operations.

TAKING SENTINEL ON THE ROAD

Haydens Mustang is proudly branded in Sentinel logoscombining his two passions.

After building a few spec houses for themselves, Hayden and Kylie knew that construction was the next big stage of their life.

Weve had Sentinel Homes Wellington & Kapiti for about four years and employ eight staff,

They wanted to join the Sentinel Homes family because they knew it would mean they could offer better, more consistent service and outcomes. The values of the group really appealed to Hayden too he could see this was a bunch of businesspeople who wanted to work together to do whats best for customers.

If Ive got an issue, Ill ring one of the others and talk about it. Its good to bounce questions around you just wouldnt get that from a stand-alone. We can also lean on Stu and Guys experience theyve been in this industry for a long time.

Thinking of building in the Wellington or Kapiti region? Give Hayden a call if youre lucky, he might even give you a ride in the Mustang.

 

Design your dream home – and $5K Kiwi holiday!

 

SIGN AN UNCONDITIONAL CONTRACT TO BUILD WITH SENTINEL HOMES BEFORE 31ST DECEMBER AND GET $5K TO SPEND ON YOUR DREAM ESCAPE

We all know times have changed. Kiwis are not only spending more time than ever at home discovering theyve outgrown their present property theyre also spending less time than ever overseas, discovering breath-taking holiday spots right here in Aotearoa instead.

 

Right now, Sentinel Homes are killing two birds with one stone. If you build your new home with us (think: a cunning little office space, a teenage retreat, a mudroom, extra storage, a magnificent cathedral ceiling whatever takes your fancy), you can also build a $5,000 holiday for free! Its an incredible opportunity to finally make a dreamy domestic adventure a reality.

 

WITH US, YOU TAKE THE LEAD

Weve built our business on giving our clients the perfect mix of reliability and customisation you get the perfect home design, with the security of fixed price build.

 

Thats why your $5,000 holiday is yours to create too. You get to choose the destination, accommodation, activities take the whole family along on a whistle stop tour, or nest up in luxury with someone special. But with so many brilliant destinations around this beautiful country, it might be too hard to choose just one holiday. We reached out to our Sentinel Homes team to find out where theyre dreaming of.

 

GET READY TO SEE NEW ZEALAND

When were not full throttle in the driving seat at the office or liaising with clients, we love getting off the beaten track to make the most of New Zealand. Check out our top picks to get you dreaming about where your $5,000 adventure could take you.

 

SURREAL SCENERY

Del from Sentinel Homes in the Waikato recommends Cape Reinga at the top tip of the Far North, where Māori believe the spirits of the dead depart. Its a magical place where the two oceans meet you can actually feel what a spiritual place it is.

 

Further down South, theres more of that world-famous scenery.

 

As a resident North Islander, I find the whole of the South Island a complete gem, confesses Trudi from Auckland. It even feels different when youre down there. I have travelled and lived all around the world, but haven't really explored the South Island. I'm really looking forward to that.

 

General Manager Guy also opts to go south. His favourite trip is flying to Milford Sound through the Southern Alps. You can almost reach out and touch the snow.

 

ACTION AND ADVENTURE

If thrills and spills are more your speed, New Zealand has that in droves too.

 

Kylie from Wellington recommends Taupo. So many beautiful walks, and the Huka Falls jet boat ride is amazing, scary and fun all in one.

 

Nate from the Waikato has been eyeing up an action-packed excursion in the South. I would love to go to Fiordland to go diving for big crayfish and paua!

 

TRAILBLAZING

Exploring the highways and byways of New Zealands forgotten roads can take you to some remote, and remarkable spots.

 

The Otago Rail Trail, a two-to-three-day bike ride through Central Otago, comes highly recommended by both Maree and Leon at Sentinel Homes North West Auckland. Do it with friends, suggests Maree. Get outdoors, get active meet the locals, drink and eat the local fare, see amazing scenery a total getaway package that isnt expensive. Leon has some extra advice: You can even get electric bikes if you want to make it really easy. And you must try the world-famous cheese rolls when youre there.

 

CITY ESCAPES

Tanya from Sentinel Homes Manawatu/Whanganui is a big fan of taking her breaks in Auckland where she enjoys all the options for eating out. Living away from Auckland makes me appreciate it even more the scenery, bushwalks, a myriad of beaches and activities (both paid and free).

 

Hayden from Sentinel Homes Wellington rates Queenstown, too. Sitting in the spa having a drink looking out at the Remarkables after a day of skiing is fantastic.

 

BLISS ON THE BEACH

You dont have to jet to the islands to enjoy some sun, sand and surf.

 

Julia from Taranakis favourite spot is Tauranga and the Mount Great beaches and playgrounds, and awesome cafes but she also talks up her home turf. Taranaki and the stunning Maunga and coastal walkway are a must-see for visitors.

 

Nate from the Waikato also rates the Coromandel, with Hot Water Beach being his favourite place in the country. Sentinel Homes Managing Director Stu agrees its hard to go past the East Coast of the Coromandel for his holidays. I love the long white sandy beaches and the clear water, the barbecues, the fishing, the diving and the campfires with friends and family.

 

ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE OF SCENE

Sentinel Homes are keen for you to end 2020 visualising both a new house and a holiday.

 

Sign an unconditional contract to build before 31st December 2020, pay a deposit and youll get $5,000 to spend on a holiday of your choice.

 

Call now, or go to SentinelHomes.co.nz/holiday ts & cs apply.

Meet Todd Wakerley

COASTGUARD VOLUNTEER, FAMILY MAN AND INCOMING GM AT SENTINEL HOMES BOP At first glance, Todd Wakerley’s career trajectory has been all abo...