11:40am Wednesdays on the Neil Mitchell program
Like many others, Tom got his start on community radio. In Tom's case at Monash University while he was a student (with a slimmer David Wright-Neville as one of my lecturers).
My late Father Richard’s love of motor vehicles and motorsport meant that this apple would not fall far from the tree and I began freelancing as a motorsports writer while holding down a full time job in IT.
In 2005, an editor of a motorcycling magazine was asked to be 3AW’s MotoGP “expert” on race day and he declined as (in his own words) he said he sounded “like Shaggy from Scooby Doo”. He was asked “Do you know anyone who knows the industry, can talk a lot and is not afraid to have a go…?”
Tom's videos:
VE COMMODORE
The billion dollar baby: does it live up to the hype? 3AW's Tom Reynolds goes for a drive and gives you the virtual experience.
ELFIN
These Aussie made V8 mini super cars punch above their weight and dollar price. They also scare the living daylights out of all who drive them.
DANGEROUS DRIVING
Tom and 3AW Breakfast producer Jay Mueller head out for a Murcotts Dangerous Driving course. See if they pass the tests.
Q & A with Tom:
What was your first job?
Chemist delivery/odd job boy. Let’s just say I spent more time goofing off doing wheelies on my BMX than vacuuming…
What is your favourite on air moment thus far?
2005 MotoGP- I secure the only after race interview with then little-known 10th placed Chris Vermuelen. The interview goes gangbusters and I cross back to Clinton and Dwayne with the crowd cheering loudly — at my encouragement. I fell in love with radio at this point.
What is your most embarrassing on air moment?
As a relative newcomer I have none. Yeah … right! In the Never Ending Search for a new car for Neil, we’ve had multiple cars in the studio car park and I’ve called the Honda Integra an Accord, a V10 a V8, etc and generally undermined any semblance of “expert” status that I might have had.
If you could interview anyone (living or dead) who would it be?
Without hesitation I would choose the late, great Barry Sheene. Not so much for the interview, but rather for the opportunity for a beers and a yarn after the interview. The super models, larrikinism, smashed hotel TVs and related would be a bonus.