WELCOME
W
hen I first floated the idea of a magazine to the old man we thought, ‘What a great idea!’
Then when we looked at the time schedule to make, print and deliver before the first round of us taking ownership of the FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Series at Phillip Island, he said “Good luck with that!” and wandered off to another project. Well dad, we did it - and just in time! This is the first of many Publications we are using as another way of communicating to the competitors, sponsors and racing fans that have that special connection between a Porsche, Ferrari, Lambo or even a Toyota... or even if you just love the thrills and spills of arguably Australia’s favourite buzz boxes. Either way what better way to get exposure than printing a mag with lots of cool pics and interesting facts about the series? We plan to print new mags as feasibly often as possible, but not just any mag; one that gets noticed. (And one that people want to steal because, if you check the cover, you will note that it’s priced at $999.95 – with all proceeds going towards the Ferrari rebuild!) This will be a mag that people keep giving us content because they want to be in it to for their sponsors, and a mag that sponsors want to be in. It will be a directory for both series so it will be entertaining and informative. The next 12 months are going to be very exciting and we can’t wait to share the ride with you as we take these incredible series’, with great people and fantastic cars, to an entirely new level. In FW1 Aussie Racing Cars, Phil has created a great product and we thank him for his efforts over the years. You can read his point of view of the series creation on page 22 – and there will be more from the man next issue. I am also launching a ‘bring back Paul Kemal’ campaign. He beat me once – on paper – but I would have had him with another lap... I want that chance again and we need him back in the category! We hope you enjoy the ride.. and the read! See you at the track,
Klark
6 Aussie Racing Cars Gets New Blood 8 In Focus With Jason Bargwanna 10 Australian GT Championship protected by Sargent Security 22 Phil Ward 24 FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Series
CONTENTS 3
Australian GT General Manager, Ken Collier keeps competitors and teams up to date with the latest news, facts, and everything interesting from the world of Australia’s Premier GT Racing Series in this periodic pit board bulletin. Ken’s Pit Board proudly brought to you in time by JAS Forwarding.
NEWS
The 2012 Australian GT Championship will be contested over 7 rounds, with the 1st round at Clipsal Adelaide already run. The next 4 rounds are run in conjunction with the Shannons Nationals at Phillip Island (May 25-27), Winton (June 22-24), Eastern Creek (July 13-15) and Phillip Island (Sept 21-23). The penultimate round is being held at the Gold Coast 600 over October 19-21 with the final round at Homebush Sydney on November 30 to December 2.
NEWS
This year the Australian GT Championship has introduced the same vehicle homologation standards as the international FIA GT3, supported by locally CAMS approved homologation and variant rules for the non FIA race cars. By adopting the FIA homologation standards the teams are able to source any approved vehicles from overseas so long as the race car is at the specification of the previous year. Therefore, all FIA GT3 race cars entered in the 2012 championship are 2011 spec.
DID YOU KNOW?
From 2005 to 2012, there have been 47 rounds of the Australian GT Championship and a total of 115 individual races held at those rounds – with a further two races deemed ‘no races’ due to stoppages, Safety Cars and red flags. There have been single driver and two-driver events as well as a variety of race distances.
NEWS
One of the major features of the Australian GT Championship is the inclusion of many 1 hour races, all of which include a compulsory timed pit stop. You will find a full article regarding the pit stops in this magazine. The 1 hour races allow for the field to be bought close together for the last portion of each race and also allow for the 2 driver teams to safely change drivers within the pit stop time.
NEWS
The most winning race car manufacturer in the Australian GT Championship has been Porsche. Porsche have won 16 rounds, followed by Lamborghini with 10, Ferrari with 8 and Mosler has taken 5 rounds. Aston Martin have taken 2 round wins with Audi having success at the 2011 round at Phillip Island. In 2005 Ian Palmer took out the Queensland raceway round in a Brabham Honda.
NEWS
The Australian GT Championship is supported by our very important sponsors. Like all motorsport series there is a high cost to conduct events and also a high cost for each competitor to participate. All competitors seek sponsors to assist with their sporting ventures and these sponsors are respected highly. The championship sponsors allow the series to run and all of these sponsors offer our teams and associates very special deals on their products and services. We thank our series major sponsor Sargent Security, our series tyre suppliers Michelin, Hankook and Pirelli and our freight forwarding supplier JAS Forwarding Worldwide.
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PROTECTED BY SARGENT SECURITY SECURED BY 2012 TYRE SPONSORS
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BREAKING NEWS
Photo by John Morris
T VIP SPONSORED EVENTS & DRIVERS Will Power (his first ever major sponsor) Grant Denyer Russell Ingall Steve Owen Cameron Mclean Peter Fitzgerald Mark Larkham Tony Quinn Klark Quinn Brett Francis Paul Kammal Ryal Harris Mathew White Craig Baird Marcus Marshall Luke Youlden
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Clark Proctor Jo (smokey) McAndrew Glen Allerton Dennis Mercini Maurice Mercini Kevin Bell James Cressy Travis Edwards Sherriden Phillips Bob Hughes Robby Bolger V8 Supercar Top Dog Awards QLD 500 V8 Supercars Eastern Creek VIP V8 Supercar Finale NZ Endurance Series 3hr Showroom Showdown Australian Production Car Series
he recent purchase of the FW1 Aussie Racing Cars organisation by the Quinn family isn’t just the work of a moment. In fact, ask Klark Quinn about his favourite races and a trend quickly becomes clear. “My third favourite race was at Easter Bathurst this year,” he says. “We had a magic dice in the fourth race the entire distance and I’ve never driven in a race where aero has made such a difference to the way you race. “The second,” he continues, “Is racing at the Nurburgring 24 hour race in 2009. I came out of pit lane I got stuck behind a Lexus LFA and spent the entire hour of my stint behind him in a massive dice. It was crazy racing and I was on the grass, the mud and everything. “If Mum had seen it she would have killed me!” “But my favourite race of all was in FW1 Aussie Racing Cars back at Winton in 2003. I had a massive battle with Paul Kemal and it remains the best race of my life.” So it is apparent that there is a clear passion for the category evident amongst the Quinn clan – they have, after all, sponsored the likes of the above-mentioned multiple FW1 Aussie Racing Cars champion Kemal (amongst others) for many seasons, as well as raced in it themselves.
Australian GT
Racing is in the vein of the Quinn’s Family – Tony, Klark, & Ryder Quinn
Will Power’s first ma
jor sponsor was Tony
The sale of the category will assist in taking the championship to the next level. The Quinn’s purchase of the FW1 Aussie Racing Cars isn’t just the work of a moment, either – the distinctive VIP Petfoods branding has been heavily involved both in front and behind the scenes of the sport for years. It’s not the first category they’ve owned, either. As well as the recent purchase of Australian GT, Tony Quinn was behind the introduction of Porsche Carrera Cup from 2003, so they know about servicing competitors and building a championship. VIP Petfoods was also one of Will Power’s first real commercial backers, supporting the then-young Toowoomba driver in Formula Ford and on the pathway to his current IndyCar stardom. “I think we’re suited to each other,” Klark continues, enthusiastic about the prospect of driving the category forward. “Dad often says ‘if you’re not three wide then you’re not trying’ so I think that’s appropriate for the category given the incredible racing it produces. “The old man (Tony) was involved in the foundation of Carrera Cup and this isn’t the first category we’ve owned. We know what we’re doing and what competitors want because we’re on both sides of the fence. We know what we look for from a category so
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Quinn in 2001.
that will help us deliver to our competitors joining the series. “It’s not going to be revolution but we’re going to evolve the category forward, grow it, add value and see it expand. “But the main thing is that we want to preserve the level of exciting racing and incredible competition it provides.” FW1 Aussie Racing Cars remain unique in the Australian Motorsport landscape as a uniquely local product that includes a manufacturing base. Where many series import racing cars from overseas, FW1 Aussie Racing Cars are designed and constructed locally and have evolved over a period of more than ten years to the product they are today. The introduction of the AU Falcon and VZ Commodore body shapes was followed by the unique Toyota Aurion body that has become increasingly popular. Quinn says that all of these attributes will help shape the long term direction of the company, and the series. “We’re not going to re-invent the wheel,” he says. “But we’re going to make decisions that increase stability, keep the fantastic competition and continue to build one of Australia’s most exciting categories. We can’t wait to work with everyone involved. “I just hope they don’t tell mum about the Nurburgring...”
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IN FOCUS
In Focus W
JASON BA Every edition, Jason takes a look at category and explains the latest about the new headquarters.
I
t’s about time I grew up and got a real job you know, the one where I get to hang around race tracks, work with commercial partners, grow relationships and spend time with manufactures working out how to leverage this amazing racing category. My late grandfather used to pull me aside and would tell me ‘it was about time I grew up, stopped this silly racing business and go a get a proper job, a career.’ Well, ‘PA’, I turned 40 this month and the time has come! I am very excited to be able to use my 17-year apprenticeship as a professional race driver to take on this new role with the Australian GT Championship protected by Sargent Security. My role is as the commercial director, driving standards officer, telecast presenter and, basically, another motorsport brain around the series. I want to make the championship exciting, atmosphere filled, close and competitive and most of
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Australian GT
ith
RGWANNA
Australian GT and Aussie Racing Cars development. Next feature will be
The 2km Norwell test facility will be the headquarters for AGT and ARC. More to come in the next edition!
show off the amazing machinery we have on offer. We are truly unique as a category in Australia; we have front engine, rear engine, mid engine cars as well as power from V8’s, V10’s and even V12’s, along with the awesome flat six Porsches and without forgetting the over worked four cylinders of the little Lotus. These exotic cars are the stuff dreams are made of and believe me when I say that, even as a professional V8Supercar driver, standing in pit lane watching these exotic machines racing by there is plenty of ‘green with envy’ running through my veins. As a kid I had a small cabinet in my bedroom that housed my model Ferrari collection; I had all the road cars, sports cars and of course Formula 1 as well. I dreamt of winning the world Formula 1 world championship for Ferrari, then racing sportscars for them at Lemans, Daytona, Sebring and Spa. The machines that make up this championship are world standard, respected and admired. They are the basis of the dreams of not only kids, but most grown men as well. It’s my goal to get out there and tell the world about what we
have, share the excitement and let them see the passion in my eyes for the sport I love. And we can all build this together. I truly believe we all have something special here and the passion in the fan base proves we are all on the right track. I love racing cars, I love being at the track and I love the thrill of competition. I have spent just about my whole life at a race track and started competing myself at the age of 9 and since then I’ve been lucky enough to win some pretty cool trophies and race at some amazing tracks in some awesome cars. Whilst the helmet hasn’t been put away just yet, the main focus for me has slightly changed to more the business side of the sport. The exciting news that I will also be playing a role in the ever present parity issue, and using the experience I have built up over the years to ensure we have level playing field for all. So guys, make sure you have a telephone book handy for me to sit on, a full tank of gas and some green tyres (Mmmmmmm.. green tyres!), as I might just have to make a new rule that states that I must drive every car in the championship.. at least twice.....
Photo by Graphic DAK Photography
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AGT
G
ET ON GOOGLE and search for ‘Sex Appeal’ (be careful for obvious links that might take you to websites not safe for work) and see what results come up. The definition you will likely find will likely be something along the lines of; ‘Immediate appeal or obvious potential to interest and excite others, by appearance, style, or charm.’ Then an image much like the one on this page pops up on screen and you get the picture: You’ll probably need a quiet moment or two alone and we understand that. The Australian GT Championship protected by Sargent Security
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is about great cars, great racing and great people and basically the dictionary definition of the term above. With its origins back in the early 1960s and through several different eras, regulations and a series of great champions, the series as we know it today was re-introduced into Australia in 2005 and has since evolved to mirror the rapidly growing world of GT racing, in particular GT3’s diverse regulations. The legendary Leo Geoghegan was the inaugural Australian GT Champion, back in 1960, and the list of winners since then is like a ‘who’s who’ of Australian motorsport. Names like Alan Jones,
Australian GT
Bob Jane, Rusty French, Allan Grice, Brian Thompson were all winners back in the day whilst the likes of Allan Simonsen, Greg Crick and David Wall have all added their names to the list since the series returned eight years ago. Two-time champion Mark Eddy remains a key contender amongst the growing ranks of series newcomers and familiar faces racing in the championship. The regulations are now almost entirely FIA GT3-based – with an Aussie twist for more inclusions – and feature the latest and greatest cars like the Audi R8 LMS, Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, Ferrari 458 GT3 and Ford GT – amongst others. The series ideology is simple: To run a professional and sustainable national championship designed for all levels of drivers, focused on the competitors, series partners and audience. It sounds like the series trying to be ‘all things for all people’ but it’s more than that. The aim is to produce a championship that generates camaraderie both on and off the circuit whilst also offering competitors a high level of satisfaction and a desire to keep on coming back to play. But it’s also about being inspirational – these are the cars that people dream of owning. Now they can watch them fight it out to get to the chequered flag first. The series runs four classes, designed to be as inclusive as possible for as many different vehicles both current specification and those of an older specification. The ‘GT Championship’ is for FIA GT3 vehicles, the same as those
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that race in the FIA GT3 European championship, Blancipain series and the like. Meanwhile, GT Trophy has been introduced to cater for the older specification FIA GT3 vehicles that were amongst the catalyst for the series growth in recent times, such as the Ferrari F430 GT3 and similar cars. GT Challenge caters for cars that no longer fit within the FIA GT3 regulatory framework and GT Sports has been implemented recently to allow for the GT4 class vehicles that are becoming more and more prolific around the world. As part of the new management structure, Bathurst winner Jason Bargwanna has recently assumed the role of commercial director and says the value in GT is more than just skin-deep. “There are some pretty impressive facts about Australian GT,” ‘Bargs’ says. “In 2011 we raced in front of more than 710,000 paying customers, were watched on TV by over 1.8 Million viewers and this year we will have more than $10m worth of stunning racing cars on the grid. “We race at some of the best events and best circuits in the country and continue to remain the leading multi-manufacturer championship in Australia. Our category is full of successful businessmen that are always on the lookout to find a new customer, a new deal or create a partnership that is a ‘win-win’ for all – and that’s what Australian GT is all about. “This category has so much potential and so much already going for it. The pieces are in place for this to be quite huge.”
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‘AGT Drivers’ is brought to you by:
AGT DRIVERS
AUSTRALIAN GT
DRIVERS #1 MARK EDDY
#1 WARREN LUFF
#2 ANDREW TAPLIN
Vehicle: Audi R8 LMS 2009
Vehicle: Audi R8 LMS 2009
Vehicle: Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 Sponsor: Supaloc Racing
Highlight: 2nd 2011 Bathurst 12 Hours 2 x AGT Champion
Highlight: 2 x V8 Brutes Series Champion
Highlight: Australian Mitsubishi Mirage Champion 2002
#3 NATHAN TINKLER
#4 STEPHEN GROVE
#5 KEVIN WEEKS
Vehicle: Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car Sponsor: Hunter Sports Group
Vehicle: Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car Sponsor: Grove Group of Companies
Vehicle: Ford GT3 2011 Sponsor: Suplaloc Racing
#8 NICK O’HALLORAN
#8 ALAN SIMONSEN
#11 TONY QUINN
Vehicle: Ferrari 458 GT3 Sponsor: IL BELLO ROSSO
Vehicle: Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 Sponsor: IL BELLO ROSSO
Vehicle: Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 Sponsor: Sargent Security
#12 KLARK QUINN
#13 JACKY YEUNG
#15 KIANG KUAN
Vehicle: Porsche GT3-R Sponsor: VIP Petfoods
Vehicle: Ferrari 360 Challenge Sponsor: ULX110 Oil
Vehicle: Porsche GT3-R Sponsor: ULX110 Oil
#15 KEITH WONG
#17 PETER EDWARDS
#21 PETER BOYLAN
Vehicle: Porsche GT3 R (996) Sponsor: ULX110 Oil
Vehicle: Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 Sponsor: IL BELLO ROSSO
Vehicle: Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car
#22 ASH SAMADI
#22 DEAN GRANT
#23 ROGER LAGO
Vehicle: Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 Sponsor: Mother Energy Drinks
Vehicle: Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 (LP600) Sponsor: Mother Energy Drinks
Vehicle: Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 (LP600) Sponsor: JBS
#23 DAVID RUSSELL
#26 JOHN MODYSTACH
#29 ROD WILSON
Vehicle: Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 (LP600) Sponsor: JBS
Vehicle: Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car
Vehicle: Corvette Z06 GT3R Sponsor: Trofeo Motorsport
#29 JIM MANOLIOS
#38 BEN EGGLESTON
#61 JORDAN ORMSBY
Vehicle: Corvette ZO6 GT3R Sponsor: Trofeo Motorsport
Vehicle: Aston Martin DBRS9 Sponsor: Ala Moana Luxury Residences
Vehicle: Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car Sponsor: Adelaide Shores Golf Park
#62 JAMES BROCK
#63 PETER HACKETT
#67 PAUL MORRIS
Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS GT3 Sponsor: Erebus Racing
Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz SLS GT3 Sponsor: Erebus Racing
Vehicle: Aston Martin DBRS9
#69 BRENTON GRIGUOL
#70 JOHN BRIGGS
#71 DEAN KOUTSOUMIDIS
Vehicle: Ferrari 360 Challenge Sponsor: Koala Car Rentals
Vehicle: Mosler MT900 GT3 Sponsor: Sydney City Prestige
Highlight: Former Australian Sports Sedan Champion
Vehicle: Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 Sponsor: Equity- One Mortgage Fund
#71 ANDREW MCINNES
#72 GREG CRICK
#77 JAN JINADASA
Vehicle: Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 (LP520) Sponsor: Equity-One Mortgage Fund
Vehicle: Dodge Viper Competition Sponsor: Mopar 75th Anniversary
Vehicle: Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car Sponsor: Clipsal
Highlight: Australia’s Wealthiest man under 40
Highlight: 2nd Place Australian GT Championship 2011
Highlight: First year of Racing 2011
Highlight: scored his 1st race win at SA in the Porsche Carrera Cup in 2008
Highlight: Won NSW Formula Ford Championship in 2001
Highlight: 2012 First time racing in Adelaide at Clipsal 500
Highlight: Has competed at 2 of three iconic motor racing circuits of the world
Highlight: 2010 & 2011 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Champion
Highlight: 2007 Intermarque Sports and GT Champion
Highlight: Current lap record holder at Bathurst for Formula Ford
Highlight: Winner Bathurst 12 Hour 2007 (BMW)
Highlight: Mount Panorama 2003Winning with Peter
Highlight: Raced Commodore Cup for 10 years
Highlight: 2011- 3rd Australian GT Championship
#50 DARREN BERRY Vehicle: Ginetta G50 GT4 Sponsor: Clipper Motoryachtsn
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BEN EGGLESTON
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Australian GT
AGT TECH AGTTALK TECH
AGT
TECH TALK WITH MARK TROUNSON
AGT TECHNICAL COMMISIONER Mark commenced his career in motorsport during the late 70’s when he was working as a mechanic at Clemens Sporting Car Services. Clemens were an Alpha and Jaguar dealer and the owner Bill Clemens had various race cars which Mark was preparing. In 1984 Mark was working with Rex Colliver, again doing both general mechanical and race car preparation. In 1990 Mark purchased Australia’s oldest established Dyno business “Dynomotive”. This allowed Mark to expand his motorsport involvement and he was preparing several of the very popular HQ race cars. His involvement with the HQ’s saw him get behind the wheel, which at the time included the Thunder Dome with both HQ’s and Formula Falcon. Some of the Sports Sedan teams started using Mark and his Dynomotive team to prepare their cars, again with Mark getting behind the wheel whenever he could. Dynomotive now includes Marks sons and his oldest, Paul is the manager. Mark has been able to take a step back from the workshop and looks forward to being a part of the Australian GT Championship category management team.
New regulations introduced into the Australian GT Championship protected by Sargent Security late last year, however, have made things that bit simpler. Instead of restricting vehicle performance (and starting fifty new threads on internet discussion forums as a result), balance of performance will be achieved by adding time to the compulsory pit stops that each vehicle must make during a race. The time will be dictated by the qualifying position of each vehicle and decreases the further back you qualify. For instance, teams qualifying on the front row for a 60-minute race will be required to execute a 75 second pit stop. Those qualifying a row behind 70 seconds, the third row 65 and so on. The table included on this page gives a rundown of the times relative to grid positions. Drivers classified as ‘seeded’ – the Pros to you and I – get additional time added to their pit stop. During a Compulsory pit stop, competitors are permitted to change drivers, make a wheel change or a combination of the two and, aside from refuelling, there’s no restriction as to what work can be undertaken. This system completely removes the need to modify vehicle performance through weight or air restrictors, allowing drivers to utilise their given machinery to the maximum allowed under the series regulations – which are now essentially in line with the FIA GT3 Championship. It’s a simple way of making the racing more exciting and creating a level playing field for those involved.
COMPULSARY PIT STOP TIME
COMPULSARY PIT STOP RULES Balance of Performance. Parity. Competition enhancement. Call it what you will, the adjustment of vehicle or driver performance to increase competition in a motor race is one of the most challenging things for a racing series to get right, these days. In the wide world of GT racing, it’s even more of a challenging subject. Not only are the cars drastically different – a front engine, V10-powered Dodge Viper isn’t particularly similar to a mid mount V8-engined Ferrari now, is it – but the drivers are too. Professional drivers regularly mix with the amateur drivers who make up 95% of GT grids, only adding to the challenge.
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AGT CALENDAR
Australian GT GIGS
ROUND 1 - ADELAIDE STREET CIRCUIT 2012
ROUND 2 - PHILLIP ISLAND - VIC 2012
MARCH 1 - 4 Length: 3.22kms Lap Record: Allan Simonsen- Ferrari 360 1:23:6796 (23/02/2008)
MAY 25 - 27 Length: 4.45kms Lap Record: Allan Simonsen- Lamborghini 1:33:6203 (17/05/2009)
ROUND 3 - WINTON VIC 2012
ROUND 4 - EASTERN CREEK NSW 2012
JUNE 22 - 24 Length: 3.00kms Lap Record: John Bowe- Ferrari 360 1:29:1420 (Aug 1998)
JULY 13 - 15 Length: 3.93kms
Lap Record: AGT- Allan Simonsen Lamborghini 1:28:0570 (28/05/2011)
ROUND 5 - PHILLIP ISLAND - VIC 2012
ROUND 6 - GOLD COAST STREET CIRCUIT, QLD 2012
SEPT 21 - 23 Length: 4.45kms Lap Record: Allan Simonsen- Lamborghini 1:33:6203 (17/05/2009)
OCT 19 - 21 Length: 2.98kms Lap Record: James Courtney- Ford Falcon 1:13:1332 (Oct 2010) ROUND 7 - HOMEBUSH, NSW 2012 NOV 30 - DEC 2 Length: 3.50kms Lap Record: Max Twigg- Porsche GT3 Cup 1:33:4649 (06/12/09)
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PETER
HACKET
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Australian GT
KYLE CLEWS AUSTRALIANGT.COM.AU
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JORDAN ORMSBY Australian GT 20
Australian GT
FEATURE
AUSSIE RACING CARS……
“I DID IT MY WAY” by Phil Ward
W
ell, I have to say that the establishment and development of my Aussie Racing Car category over the past 14 years has been my labor of love for motorsport and of my passion for driving and engineering racing cars. I guess my enthusiasm to get behind the wheel of something that steers and handles so perfectly was the catalyst for my desire to get the product right.
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I think it’s fair to say there are not really very many people in the industry who have had the privilege and exposure opportunities to all the facets of the sport as I have, and the FW1 Aussie Racing Cars Category has grown as a result of the expansive experience I have gained over the 42 plus years of continual involvement in the sport since my very first Continued to page 22
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Continued from page 21 competitive drive in a hotted up road registered Ford Anglia, at an Oran Park lap dash, in 1968. Over the next couple of decades I raced various cars with a moderate degree of success giving me a high industry exposure and profile across Australia but particularly in Sydney, prompting an approach by a group of business men who wanted to satisfy their need for speed. So in the early 80’s I started mid week Karting events for them I called ‘Kart Blanche’, at Oran Park and other Karting venues. The concept was that all the Karts were owned by each person but we stored and serviced them in my workshop, transported them to the track and ran the events: as such, a concept was born. As the Karting market became saturated across NSW I realized that my customers at both Kart Blanche and at the Indoor tracks were ready for and in fact looking for something new. There was a small US made car called a Legend that was being run at the Calder Thunderdome, I saw the concept and it appeared to have possibilities: So, with that as a basis of the idea, Aussie Racing Cars was born, the small visual outward size of the US concept was loosely employed but all the entire chassis, suspension and engineering design was totally developed by me in a tiny back section of a factory I was renting over a period of about two years. The first chassis was fitted with an American inspired 40 Ford body which was proven to have a very limited market appeal so I spent months working away on a replica of Australia’s Iconic FJ Holden, which really hit the spot and as such the orders began to flow in. At the time I certainly didn’t perceive what it has become today: The Aussie Racing Cars category. V8 Supercar commentator of the time, Mark Oastler, did a story on my cars and it really opened up everyone’s eyes as to what a great product we had - and it was from a suggestion of his that the AU Falcon body
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Aussie Racing Cars
FEATURE
style idea came from. By 2001 I had built 16 cars all of which had been sold to the Kart Blanche racers. My first race events were held on the Oran Park 1.2km figure eight layout. Drivers at the time included competitors who are still involved today like Richard Fricker, Paul Kemal and Kyle Clews. One day at Oran Park I was given permission to do a couple of laps of the south circuit in my Black FJ. This was the first time I had the opportunity to see how it performed on a full circuit and I was absolutely delighted how well it steered and surprised how really quick the car was: I was able to break the 50 second mark in only a couple of laps. By now the motoring industry was buzzing about this new racing product that had an uniqueness unlike anything before it. In 2002 Tony Manson who was, at the time, the V8 Supercars Operations Manager had seen our cars and could envisage the potential to have us as a support category. We were invited to run a couple of races at the 2002 V8 event at Oran Park to test the water and fronted with a 27 car field at that event: The races were a resounding success with the spectators, the promoter, our drivers and the V8 teams… aside from a small hitch with a red-flagged second race when a couple of the younger ‘Wards’ came together in the Esses… However, the Aussie Racing Cars category was up and away and best of all it was now accepted and loved at the highest levels. Since that historical event the category has gone forward in leaps and bounds to be now recognized as the strongest National category in the country. Keep an eye on the thrills and excitement that is Aussie Racing Cars: I reckon it is the best motor racing category in the world and under new the leadership of the enthusiastic Quinn family I am sure my baby is in good hands.
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ARC
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Aussie Australian Racing Cars GT
2012 FW1 AUSSIE RACING CARS
SUPER SERIES D
EFENDING CHAMPION Adrian Cottrell and long-time FW1 Aussie Racing Cars series competitor Kyle Clews are tied at the top after the first two rounds of the 2012 season. As we went to press, the pair has found themselves deadlocked on 101 points apiece after Cottrell won in Adelaide and Klews took the Mountain win. Consistency has Peter Carr third in the championship with Brendan Pingel and Mark Clements completing the top five after two of a scheduled six-round national tour. But as ever it’s been a ferociously competitive campaign.. but that’s pretty much par for the course. Constructed from purpose-built tubular Steel chassis and powered by a 1.2-litre, 125 BHP engine derived from a motorcycle, FW1 Aussie Racing Cars – if you’ve not seen them before - can look amusing. But don’t mistake their size and stature for anything other than a very serious racing car. The cars weigh just 450kg and with race-bred suspension and sticky tyres are about the closest thing you can get if you locked a Sports Sedan and a Go Kart in a room to breed. And the racing is, to put it frankly, insane. This is the kind of competition where a driver can enter a corner in sixth place and exit it leading – or vice versa. It’s the kind of racing where the lead can change three or four times on a straight and where finishes are decided in tenths of a second more often than not. FW1 Aussie Racing Cars attracts a wide range of drivers, from those looking to gain exposure to further their racing career to those who do it for fun.
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Its affordability and sheer competition has enabled several drivers to make their own mark despite not having the budget to race in other major national categories, yet still receive the national TV exposure and awareness in the process. The category has, over the years, also attracted several ‘name’ drivers who are keen to experience the close racing and the pure experience of driving something so small yet so quick. Former racer and V8 Supercar commentator Neil Crompton drove at Bathurst and described the racing ‘amongst the best I’ve ever been involved in’, whilst the likes of Paul Morris and Rally champions Neal Bates and Simon Evans have been amongst several notables to have raced the cars and loved it. The series has also created its own stars, too. Paul Kemal has won four championships – including his first in 2001 – and there are calls for him to return to the category he dominated for years. The remainder of the 2012 championship features racing at Phillip Island and Winton (Victoria), plus major events at the Townsville 400 and Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercar Events, all featuring TV on Channel 7. Waterless Car Cleaning Company, FW1, has returned for a second year as the naming-rights sponsor of the category that continues to play to big crowds and offer big fields. “After the prolific 2011 Super Series we knew that FW1 had to sponsor the series again in 2012,” said FW1 Chief Operating Officer Ty Pedersen. “The category is continuing to gain popularity in Australia, it provides the perfect platform for young drivers to launch their careers and sponsorship of the category is an excellent way to promote our range of car cleaning products.”
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‘ARC Drivers’ is brought to you by:
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DRIVERS
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#1 ADRIAN COTTRELL
#2 RICHARD FRICKER
#5 MICHAEL HOVEY
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: Artmetal Racing Team State: SA
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: BC Coatings / VEK Tools State: NSW
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: ESP Print Management State: QLD
#8 MARK GRIFFITH
#9 TONY MARTIN
#10 PHIL WARD
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: Vodafone State: QLD
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: Australian Hardfloor Maintenance State: QLD
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: VEK Tools State: QLD
#4 LAUREN GREY
#15 TIM MILES
#16 TRAVIS EDWARDS
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: LAFMEMME Acadamy of Motorsport State: VIC
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: RDA Brakes State: NSW
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: FW1 Cleaning Wax State: NSW
#17 GUS ROBBINS
#18 KYLE CLEWS
#19 TROY ADAMS
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: KTEQ Rentals State: VIC
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: Australec / Siemon State: NSW
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Betta Computer Services State: NSW
#20 DEAN COTTRELL
#29 BRENDON PINGEL
#34 MARK DUCKWORTH
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: Artmetal Racing Team State: NSW
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: League Engineering State: QLD
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Parts Plus Smithfield State: NSW
#36 DARREN CHAMBERLIN
#38 RUTH BOWLER
#39 JUSTIN RUGGIER
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: FW1 Cleaning Wax Racing Team State: NSW
Vehicle: Ford Coupe Sponsor: Armstong Motorsport State: VIC
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: My Race Team State: NSW
#40 KYM COTTRELL
#42 TRENT YOUNG
#48 NATHAN TOWNSEND
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Artmetal Racing Team State: SA
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Young Racing State: NSW
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Townsend Racing State: NSW
#50 JOHN REYNOLDS
#53 ALLEN SMITH
#55 TYLER OWEN
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Kart Equip Racing State: NSW
Vehicle:Falcon Sponsor: Allen Smith Racing State: QLD
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: Artmetal Racing Team State: SA
#60 SAM CHESTER
#61 PETER CARR
#64 CRAIG WOODS
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Spray Booth Services State: NSW
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: Mako Eyewear State: NSW
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: AMP Power/ TLE/ NWC State: NSW
#66 MARK CLEMENTS
#69 JAMIE SHARP
#74 DARRIN MASINI
Vehicle: Toyota Aurion Sponsor: Yamalube / Clements Motorsport State: QLD
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Trussworks Racing State: SA
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: VIP Petfoods State: NSW
#75 ADAM SHARP
#80 MAURICE MASINI
#89 BEN DOWLEY
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: L&H / Clipsal State: SA
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: VIP Petfoods State: NSW
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Ben Dowley Racing State: SA
#91 ROB HAY
#93 BROCK HEYDON
#95 SIMON SMITH
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: Hay Racing State: NSW
Vehicle: Commodore Sponsor: Overland Electrical Racing State: NSW
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Big Kart Track State: QLD
#96 SHANE HOWARD
#98 SCOTT NICHOLS
#71 SHERIDAN PHILLIPS
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Freeworld Racing State: VIC
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: STR Builders Racing State: QLD
Vehicle: Falcon Sponsor: Independent Motor Auctions State: NSW
Aussie Australian Racing Cars GT
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MARK GRIFFITH
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Aussie Racing Cars
ARC TECH TALK
TECH TALK
DRS DYNAMIC RACING SYSTEM
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DRS
HE E T A CTIV
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W1 Aussie Racing Cars have been synonymous for generating some of the most exhilarating racing seen anywhere in the world. The breathtaking 5 wide action, braking duels and extreme slipstreaming all results from a tightly held business model aimed at not only providing the spectator an on the ‘edge of the seat’ experience every time they watch, but also providing the driver the opportunity to develop excellent race craft skills through the closest racing possible. But why do they race so close? Aussie Racing Cars are often referred to as the purest form of circuit racing: one manufacturer, one engine, one set of springs and shocks, a control ADVAN tyre – a true one make series. These are a majority of the reasons why Aussie Racing Cars racing is so Dynamic. With the objective of providing the most exhilarating race cars to drive and the most exciting racing to watch, Aussie Racing Cars implemented an inlet manifold restrictor to be known as the ‘DRS’ or Dynamic Race System.
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DRS is utilized within the category for two purposes: the first is the ensure that the slight variants in body shapes (Commodore, Falcon, Toyota and Classic shapes) are all base lined, leveling the aerodynamic performance. The slight variation in body shape was found to have an impact on overall speed of each model, and the DRS seeks to provide a level playing field regardless of the type of car you drive. The second purpose is to ensure that the category lives up to its reputation as the closest racing in the world! Based on set criteria: the DRS provides a mechanism to reduce the horsepower of a drivers engine every time they win or place second in a race. This ensures the race winners will only win be the narrowest of margins, and allows the front group of cars to pack up and race close. In Aussie Racing Cars, it’s not unusual to enter a corner in 6th place and come out in 1st place and it is the combination of an extremely well balanced and well designed race car coupled with the Dynamic Race Device that provides the most exhilarating racing in the world.
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ARC CALENDAR
Aussie Racing Cars GIGS
ROUND 1 ADELAIDE STREET CIRCUIT 2012
ROUND 2 MOUNT PANORAMA
MARCH 1 – 4 Event: Clipsal 500 State: South Australia
APRIL 6 – 8 Event: Bathurst Motor Festival State: New South Wales
ROUND 3 PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT
ROUND 4 TOWNSVILLE
MAY 18 – 20 Event: V8 Supercars State: Victoria
JULY 6 – 8 Event: V8 Supercars Sucrogen 300 State: Queensland
ROUND 5 WINTON MOTOR RACEWAY
ROUND 6 GOLD COAST
TBA Event: V8 Supercars State: Victoria
OCTOBER 19 – 21 Event: V8 Supercars Gold Coast 600 State: Queensland
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Aussie Australian Racing Cars GT
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Make/Model/Year: Lamborghini LP 600 FIA GT3/ 2010 Location: Melbourne Price: $440,000 Contact Name/Phone: Mark Coffey at Marenello Melbourne Description: This car was built in 2010 and has since had a 2011 LP600 Full Factory Specification Upgrade. Very limited hours on the engine and gearbox. Also provided is an extensive spares package. Race Ready.
Make/Model/Year: Aussie Racing Car/ Falcon/ 2005 Location: Sydney Price: $29,000 Contact Name/Phone: Tom Vucicevic/ 0419 686 742 Description: 2011 Bathurst Masters Cup winning car, 7th place overall. 2008 Masters Cup Championship winning car. Fully rebuilt in early 2011, new body, fresh engine, chasis crack tested. Inclusions: Spare engine, Brake rotors, Trailer,Bathurst aero kit
Make/Model/Year: Audi/ GT3 R8 LMS/ 2011 Location: Melbourne Price: $320,000 + GST Contact Name/Phone: Troy at Melbourne Performance Centre Description: Factory refurbished and only 6 hours of running since delivery to Aust. Car is ready to race in the Aust GT championship and 12hr races and comes with 8 spare wheels, car cover, V box etc and is in immaculate condition. Car has done 1.32 at Phillip Island.
Make/Model/Year: Aussie Racing Car/ Commodore/ 2003 Location: Melbourne Price: $35,000 Contact Name/Phone: Peter Jacobson/ 0428 503 072 Description: Excellent condition, fully rebuilt in mid 2010 and upgraded to Commodore. Only raced 3 meetings since upgrade and always been competitive. Finished 7th outright in race 4 at Bathurst April 2012 Inclusions: Spare front clip w/headlights, splitter etc, Bathurst aero kit
Make/Model/Year: Audi R8 GT3 LMS Location: Melbourne Price: to be negotiated Contact Name/Phone: Troy at Melbourne Performance Centre Description: Brand new and used Audi R8 LMS race cars are available direct from Germany. All purchasing and importing arrangements can be made upon agreement. Be ready to race the Australian GT Championship.
Make/Model/Year: Aussie Racing Car/ Falcon/ 2006 Location: Sydney Price: $35,000 Contact Name/Phone: Mark Clements/ 0427 214 466 Description: Previously run by Clements motorsport and driven by Adrian Moore in the full 2011 Championship, this immaculate 2006 build car is the winner of the 2011 FW1 Aussie Racing Cars best presented award. Inclusions: Bathurst wing kit, Upgraded billet spool and axle’s, Upgraded billit allow steering rack
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Australian GT
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