Performance & Racing

ACL BACKS HYUNDAI SERIES

The bearing company focuses on the development of the drivers of the future

ACL Bearing Company (Australia) says it is pleased to announce a partnership with the Hyundai Excel Racing Association of Victoria. The Hyundai Excel Racing Association of Victoria Inc was formed in 2014 with the aim of establishing a budget entry level category for Circuit Racing as a development platform for young drivers. “We have a long and rich history in motorsport in Australia and globally and this partnership is the perfect opportunity to continue the tradition by supporting a category which is expected to launch the careers of the next generation of top line drivers,” ACL General Manager, Chris Brooks, said.

“We developed a RACE Series product for the Hyundai Excel a few years back and we are pleased to now be a partner of the category. The category provides close and exciting racing and we look forward to its continued development. “Hyundai Excel racing has been running in Victoria for five years and continues to increase in popularity. This is proven by the maximum grid of cars for each event. We focus on the development and preparation of the drivers for future career opportunities. “We are very excited to have an Australian automotive icon in ACL partner with our program. Whilst Season 2021 has been interrupted by the Covid challenges, we are hopeful that in the coming years we will see some drivers moving through to the higher categories,” Hyundai Excel Racing Association of Victoria Inc President, Neville Blight, said. ACL says its extensive range of ACL RACE Series Performance Engine Bearings is the first choice for discerning engine builders the world over. For further information on ACL, visit www.aclperformance.com.au For further information on Hyundai Racing Association of Victoria, visit www.hyundaiexcelracing.com.au

NEW FEEDER PROGRAM FOR 2022 BLU CRU OCEANIA JUNIOR CUP

motoCHAMPION launches step one to MotoGP for young Australian motorcycling talent

motoDNA recently announced the launch of motoCHAMPION, a world-first data driven motorcycling competition open to riders aged between 11 and under 16 aimed at finding and supporting the next generation of Australian MotoGP superstars. The COVID-friendly competition harnesses the new motoDNA Digital Academy technology, leveraging over a decade of rider data to analyse behaviours such as braking, steering and more, to measure, grade and coach competitors, helping improve core skills and elevate their riding ability. It’s super easy to take part – using a GoPro on your motorbike, riders can compete on any bike, on tarmac, on any tyres, on the Figure 8 layout from anywhere in Australia. Upload a video of your best lap and motoDNA algorithms analyse your riding, grade your skills compared to the other riders and place you on the motoCHAMPION leaderboards. Visit https://motodna.com/motochampion/ to learn more, or sign up now. motoDNA Chief Executive Officer, Mark McVeigh, sees motoCHAMPION as a unique bridge to international competition. “The development of young Aussie motorcycling talent has been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions so we’re happy to be able to facilitate a return to competition in the safest way possible,” Mark said. “motoCHAMPION is stepping in to help our next generation by giving them a leg up and showing the world through riding data that our Aussie talent is world-class.” motoCHAMPION is launched in partnership with Motorcycling Australia, who are committed to developing riders through the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) and the Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK). The OJC Academy is designed to open a pathway into junior road racing and, through its development academy format, lift our youngest motorcycling talent through national competition and set them on a path to international success. “Developing and facilitating our next generation of riders is a key focus for Motorcycling Australia,” Motorcycling Australia Chief Executive Officer, Peter Doyle, said. “We’re excited to be a part of motoCHAMPION in partnership with motoDNA which provides riders with an additional tool in their tool kit to further develop their riding technique and skills.” The top prize is a sponsored place in the 2022 bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, worth over $10,000. The top five motoCHAMPION riders will earn an automatic place in the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup selection event where they will have the chance to qualify for the 2022 season. The competition opened on Monday, September 6 and entries will be accepted until Tuesday, November 30 with the winners decided on Friday, December 10. motoCHAMPION is sponsored by Bendix, and will be a key part to the new partnership between motoDNA and Australia’s leading brake manufacturer. “As Australia’s leading brake brand, Bendix are proud to support the motoCHAMPION, and the development of our young Aussie talent. Bendix is now taking its stopping expertise to the two-wheeled category,” Bendix General Manager, George Kyriakopoulos, said. Motorcycle riders will gradually see Bendix brake product become available for their bikes in the Australian market and also see an increased presence of the Bendix brand in the two-wheeled scene. For more from Bendix, visit www.bendix.com.au

SUMMERNATS APPROACHES

Organisers say “there’s a billion good reasons to look forward to Summernats in January”

Summernats organisers say they were excited to hear the ACT Chief Minister recently announce a path forward to the return of large events in November and December, and stand in full support of the Government’s plans to safely reopen the ACT. Vaccination rates are expected to be above 90 percent by December, and borders between New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT are expected to be open. Given that, organisers say they can’t see any reason why Summernats 34 shouldn’t go ahead in a COVID-safe format. “We congratulate ACT Health and Government on keeping the latest outbreak well under control and getting ACT vaccination rates at the highest level nationally,” Summernats Co-Owner, Andy Lopez, said. “The ACT reopening plan is a document of hope, and provides the perfect platform for the 2022 ACT event season. “This will enable the return of Summernats, Big Bash, Super Rugby, NRL and Enlighten, as well as many other important local community events.” COVID has decimated tourism and hospitality in the ACT, with many operators at the brink. A recently commissioned economic impact study shows that Summernats has brought $750m into the ACT economy over the last 30 years, and more importantly, will inject a further $250m over the next seven years. That’s a billion reasons why Summernats, and destination events like it, are so important to the recovery of the ACT tourism and hospitality sectors. The $30m that Summernats will generate at the 2022 event will be the perfect kickstart to the tourism economy recovery, providing jobs and surety for accommodation, hospitality, national attractions, and other local business. Andy said the Summernats team has been in contact with ACT Health, Venues ACT, Access Canberra, Visit Canberra and the Chief Minister’s Office throughout the COVID ordeal. “We’ve been working with all parts of government with the number one aim of delivering a safe, fun and sustainable event when the conditions are right. The right conditions are coming, and the work needs to ramp up now so we’re ready to go in January,” Andy said. Summernats presented ACT Health with a 200-page COVID Safe event plan (prior to the current outbreak) demonstrating high levels of compliance and readiness, using lessons learned from the team’s safe delivery of festivals in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia during the pandemic. Andy says the plan simply needs to be finessed to match the current conditions. The Street Machine Summernats 34, proudly supported by Rare Spares, is scheduled to be held across Thursday 6 to Sunday 9 January 2022 at Exhibition Park in Canberra. For more information, visit www.summernats.com.au

GCG TURBOCHARGERS NOW DISTRIBUTING FORGE MOTORSPORT UK IN AUSTRALIA

The products of the UK tuning company are sought after by track and performance enthusiasts

GCG Turbochargers has announced it is now a distributor for the UK brand Forge Motorsport. Forge Motorsport is one of the top aftermarket tuning product providers in the UK, having climbed its way to the top from entering in major competition events and conducting research and development programs to produce world class products. Forge, being a worldwide brand, has established positions in the UK, Asia, and America and offers an extensive range of vehicle specific intercoolers, turbo blankets, induction kits, turbocharger actuators, oil catch cans, exhausts, carbon intake systems and silicone hoses. GCG Turbochargers says Forge has developed a reputation among hot hatch owners for the use of silicone for their hoses which have reportedly proven to be more durable than the plastic alternative, lasting the extreme conditions that occur on tuned engines. The products also come in a variety of colours, elevating the engine bay and providing synergy between the mechanics and kerb appeal. Steering into a new direction, Forge has recently taken hold of the Japanese and Korean tuning market with products specifically for the A90 Supra and the Kia Stinger. “Since connecting with the owner Peter Miles at SEMA in 2017and learning about his Company’s ethics, I have watched Forge develop a world class brand which made the decision of becoming a distribution partner some three years later an easy transition,” GCG Turbochargers Australia Director, Brett Lloyd, said. This exciting news offers opportunities for the Australian aftermarket industry, making it easier for locals to purchase and access the Forge product range. GCG has invested extensively in a stock holding for local distribution and support of the local tuning scene. “We understand our customers and want to provide them with access to valuable products that enhances their cars performance and visual appearance. Forge complements our brand and values, fitting in nicely with our current product range, and at a fair value,” Brett said. Since launching the products on the GCG Turbochargers website, the company says it has seen huge interest in Forge, demonstrating the brand’s popularity and demand locally. “We’re looking forward to seeing cars sporting the Forge range, hearing about the engine build process and stories from the tracks. We also cannot wait to return to the show scene to allow customers to touch and feel the product,” Brett said. For more information, visit www.gcg.com.au