INTRODUCING ERIN NEWSON

Age : 27
Occupation : Vet Nurse in training
Location : Upper Hutt

When did you first get involved in the NZ Show scene?
About 3 years ago when i brought a car off a girlspeed member,

What made you decide to enter your first show?
I first entered phobia in the wellington auto salon as part of a girlspeed stand, while there i thought umm might go to Auckland and see what happens, I didn’t win anything that was why did something out off this world and fully airbrush my car.

Can you tell us a little bit more about Phobia?
Well it started off as just a plate for my new WRX, I just wanted a plate that would stand out, so my sister in law sat on the personalise plate website for hours and found PH0B1A and I loved it, then I had my seats re done in purple and black and it has escalated like a snowball down a hill since then, I have found that there are so many people who want me to do my car there way or how they think I should do it, I have followed little of their advise and this p**** people off cos they go to such details to explain what they mean to me and I love to hear peoples views and ideas, but I'm building phobia to what I think a show car should look like, people have commented on how my engine bay is a mess but so what I didn't want a mirror finish engine bay I wanted a tidy one I want people to look at my engine and see what It has and how its done and how a normal engine bay can look nice, and anyway de looming a WRX isn't the easiest job.

Phobia is a big part of my life because it’s me in a car form I’m a strong minded person who loves rock music and u could say I’m a true bogan but i also love pink and purple and i think phobia reflects my personality.

Can you remember the date of the first show you entered?
Not really but it was April 2007 i think

What is the next event we will spot you @?
Air to there in Paraparaumu I have promised some people ill take it up there, after that I’m not sure

What was the best piece of advice ever given to you?
Now that would be giving away my secrets nah I’m not sure. I would have to say the negative stuffs been good it motivates me to do better, but it would have to be "that girls can build cars just as good as boys, so go for it"

What is a quote that you live by or believe in?
There’s a few "A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." "A well-developed sense of humour is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life." to me they mean live every second like its ur last (heehee another one) and life is hard but keep ya chin up and see the funny in things then u will live a long and happy life.

Any advice for likeminded woman wanting to give it a go?
Do it screw all the haters out there they are just that haters. I have had such a blast of a time building phobia, yep ive cried and scream and threatened to give up shit loads over the car, but I just had to pull my socks up and move on. this car isn’t for anyone but me and that’s what all the woman wanting a show car or drag or drift car should do. Its ur ride ur way ur passion and we all deserve it.

What is your favourite make/model of car? (or Dream car)
64 pillarliss impala ohhh such yummy cars - my cousin has just given me one blush.gif

When you not dabbling with Phobia, where would we most commonly find you?
Umm really i don’t have much off a life at the moment thanks to studying to be a vet nurse. but I’m normally close to a pub if im away from home.

What plans do you have for the future?
Oh god umm live it to its fullest who knows what ill do or where ill be but its going to be fun and maybe just maybe we might see me and phobia down a drag strip soon but just an idea.

Name three things you couldn't live without?
my kids, my hubby and my cars

With the current media releases happening throughout New Zealand what do you see happening with the show scene in the future?
Well What can I say.... but man there are some c**** out there, I think the car crushing idea is awesome. I think that Azhar has done a amazing job with the 4 and Rotary shows this year as theres never any problems with the people involved with the show. It the little d***heads who have nothing better to do then ruin it for the rest... and I think it would be a huge loss to lose the car show scene, it would be like taking rugby off the TV, it's not fair to the people who love it, and to the ones who insist on pulling stupid crap on our streets cut it out your killing yourselves and others and it has to stop.

What is your favourite all time thing to do when you’re not working on Phobia?
Would have to be with my daughters yep that’s right i have 4 daughters they are so amazing to watch grow in to little adults. I can’t wait to see them every morning. also can’t wait to put them to bed at the end of the day, but I love just going and watching them sleep it reminds me how life can make ya day.

What do you believe is your biggest achievement to date?
My children the fact that we own or own home and have a great little(big) family, and then there’s my phobia.

Is there anybody you would like to take the opportunity to thank?
Oh u ask hard questions but here i go. all my awesome mates who dress up or help me do my displays sorry about the 3 year old tantrums, to chee at dynamic auto, rapid radio, all car and marine upholstery, Daniel power from kreative power, Steve Levine, azhar from 4 and rotaries, speedtech, shred, Mendoza Auto Upper Hutt, Maidstone mufflers Upper Hutt, Dave ward towing, and to my wonderful husband he’s a gem.


While writing this interview, Wheels and Heels would also like to Congratulate Erin for taking out 1st Place Overall at the recent 4 and Rotary Series for 2009

Thanks very much for your time today Erin and from the Team at Wheels and Heels we wish you the best of Luck for the future