Speed Read May 2019

SPEED READ M

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HISTORY AWAITS SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK

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Excitement is building for much awaited Shannons Nationals’ season opener thanks to the highly anticipated debut of the new TCR Australia Series.

SU PE R MC L AU GH LIN SET S T HE PAC E A big month for the Supercars sees both Shell V–Power Racing Teams on top.

MAY UP COMING STATE E VENTS

Check out the May upcoming club and state events for 2019 from all around Australia.

CONFEDERATION OF AUSTRALIAN MOTOR SPORT

BE NNETT BACK TO HIS BEST IN WA

Scott Bennett has pulled off a stunning comeback in CAMS Western Australian Motorkhana Championship.

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CONTENTS 4

May upcoming events

8

Super McLaughlin sets the pace in April

10

Saturday night fever

12

Townsville wants you

14 Dominant Rentsch shines in St George 16

One-two lockout for Bates Brothers

18

The Forests of Canberra await the ARC

21

Bennett back to his best in WA

22

History awaits Sydney Motorsport Park

26

Hicks survives Simpson Six Hour

28

SXS jumps into Cessnock for 2019 opener

30

2019 Auto Test calendar confirmed

33

Ricciardo’s Racers ignites for 2019

34

Entries open for Club Challenge Tasmania

36

Halpin exceeding his own expectations

38

Good luck Caitlin

39

Inspired females take to the track

40

Scrutineering at 5th Category events

10 14 18 24 32

COVER PHOTO Local and international drivers are gearing up for the grand debut of the TCR Australia Series.

The much anticipated category will be headlining Round 1 of the Shannons Nationals later this month.

Photo: TCR Australia Series

851 Dandenong Road, Malvern East VIC 3145 PO Box 147, Caulfield East Vic 3145 Member Hotline. 1800 883 959 (9am - 7pm AEST) Telephone. 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Office hours. 8.45am - 5.15pm Monday to Friday Website. cams.com.au E-mail. info@cams.com.au

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SPE E D READ

MAY UPCOMING EVENTS NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT 4-5 May: CAMS NSW Mantic Clutch Hillclimb Championship R4 5 May: Bathurst Light Car Club Motorkhana (incorporating Come & Try)

QUEENSLAND 4 May: Whitsunday Rally 4-5 May: HRCC Queensland Autumn Historic 4-6 May: Whitsunday Festival of Motorsport 4-6 May: Maryborough Khanacross

5 May: GFB Junior Khanacross R3

11 May: Mt Cotton Test 'n' Tune

5 May: (ACT) Southern District Motorsports Association Hillclimb (Picture Page 6)

11-12 May: Proston Khanacross and Burnouts 12 May: IWMAC Dirt Sprint

12 May: 2018/19 Mazda MX-5 Club of NSW Championship R7

18 May: IWMAC Test 'n' Tune

18 May: Bathurst Light Car Club's Flying 1/5

18 May: Gravel Khanacross

18 May: Toyosports Car Club Of New South Wales' Colo Autocross

19 May: WSCC Khanacross

17-19 May: CAMS NSW Off Road Championship R2

25-26 May: QLD-NSW Sprint Challenge

18-19 May: Tri-Challenge R2 19 May: Bathurst Light Car Club Mountain Straight Hillclimb

19 May: Millmerran Dirt Sprint 26 May: Mt Stuart Hillclimb

19 May: CAMS NSW Rallysprint Series R4 25 May: CAMS NSW Khanacross Series R2 25 May: CSCA Supersprint Series R3 24-25 May: CAMS NSW Motor Race Championship R3 26 May: CAMS NSW Supersprint Championship R3 26 May: Cooma Monaro Historical Automobile Club's Mount Gladstone Hillclimb

Photo: Whitsunday Sporting Car Club Photo: D&S Photography

The 2019 CAMS NSW Rallysprint Series continues in May with Round 4 taking place at the Sydney Dragway.

Participants will compete in the Volksmuller Rallysprint, hosted by the North Shore Sporting Car Club.

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CAMS SPEED READ

The first round of the Queensland Rally Championship will be part of the inaugural Whitsunday Festival of Motoring.

Taking place on spectacular stages along fast gravel roads around the Bowen foreshore and Airlie Beach, it's an event not be missed.

In memory of the late Steve Corcoran, a big supporter of the Central Australia Rally Sports Club, the popular CARSC NT Dirt Motorkhana Title invovles competitors taking on four different challenges - their best two scores are calculated into their final score.

Photo: Yuri Kardashyan

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY 4-5 May: Richard Bennett Memorial Enduro 5 May: MSCA Peter Hall Memorial Six Hour Regularity 12 May: SEAC Motorkhana 12 May: MANSC Shannons Point Score 12 May: ASORRC Mother’s Day Prologue Brekky Bash

TASMANIA 11 May: MSCT Motorkhana 18 May: Tasmanian Rally Championship R2 18 May: Tasmanian Off Road State Series R2 19 May: State Motorkhana Championship R1 25 May: CAMS Club Challenge 26 May: Navigation Trial

12 May: (NT) CARSC Steve Corcoran Memorial Motorkhana 17 May: (NT) TEDA Driftkhana 18 May: SDCC Junior Development Program Day 2 19 May: SDCC Khanacross R2 19 May: SCCSA Winter Cup 2 19 May: A7C / ASC Superkart Races and Regularity 26 May: SMCSA Mudslingers 26 May: (NT) CARSC NT Dirt Motorkhana Titles (Picture above) 26 May: NDCC CAMS SA Motorkhana Championship R2

Photo: Tony Donoghue Photography Photo: Chantel Collins

Held every year on the first weekend of May, the Richard Bennett Memorial Enduro attracts some of the biggest names in Australian off road. This year, 2016 BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road champion Jack Rhodes is back to defend his title after taking out victory last year.

An event like no other, the CAMS Club Challenge Tasmania sees local clubs enter in a team of three to five and battle other clubs for cash prizes.

CAMS.COM.AU 5

The Southern District Motorsport Association holds its first hill climb after the successful HeartKids Hill climb. Every month the club holds an event at its purpose built circuit. Entry is free for all.

Photo: Michael Briguglio

VICTORIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

4 May: Eastside Cruisers Skid Pan Day

2-4 May: Pirtek Perth SuperNight

5 May: AROCA Sandown Sprint

5 May: Autocross

5 May: VHRR Rob Roy Hillclimb

11 May: Trade Hire Karri Rally

10 May: Motor Ex Drift Demonstration

11-12 May: WAORRA Short Course

10 May: The Alpine Epic 2019

12 May: CAMS Speed Event Series - Barbagallo Raceway

11 May: 2019 Rich River Revival

17-19 May: Make Smoking History Targa South West

18 May: DSCC Autocross R4 & Khanacross

18-19 May: Ernie Hastie Memorial

19 May: Multi-Club Hillclimb

26 May: SWTCC Motorkhana R2

25 May: Khanacross & Motorkhana 26 May: Broadford Autumn Super Sprint

Photo: Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia

The Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia will be hosting a club sprint meeting incorporating driver familiarisation.

The event will be held at Sandown Raceway on Sunday the 5th of March over a distance of 3.1km.

6 CAMS SPEED READ

Photo: Supercars

The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship lights up Barbagallo Raceway with a brand new night racing format.

WA's Historic Touring Cars joins the line-up as the local support category.

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SUPER MCLAUGHLIN IN APRIL SETS THE PACE

Photo: Supercars Media

8 CAMS SPEED READ

It’s been a busy month for the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship with two stops seeing both the Shell V – Power Racing Team drivers cement the top two spots in the Championship.

McLaughlin has not budged from the summit and after two wins and a runner-up finish in the previous four races, he now healthy lead over second placed Fabian Coulthard.

April has been good to Coulthard and finishing every race on the podium has shot the 36-year old up the standings - his victory in Phillip Island the highlight of his year so far.

Holden finally got their first win of the year with 2018 runner-up Shane van Gisbergen getting the victory after a sluggish start to the year, while Phillip Island saw new faces on the podium with Andre Heimgartner and Anton De Pasquale both putting in a fantastic performance.

The biggest talking point heading into the Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint was the new regulations surrounding the ‘centre of gravity’, as well as the new parc ferme regulations trial that will be considered for future rounds.

All eyes now turn to Perth, with Barbagallo fittingly given the honours of hosting the special night after celebrating its 50th anniversary earlier this year. A three-week break sees the Championship fly back to Victoria for Winton at the end of May.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS After Race 10

1. Scott McLaughlin 1058 2. Fabian Coulthard 934 3. Chaz Mostert 815 4. Shane van Gisbergen 802 5. David Reynolds 791 6. Will Davison 722 7. Nick Percat 703 8. Tim Slade 693 9. Jamie Whincup 679 10. Mark Winterbottom 652

THE MONTH AHEAD Pirtek Perth SuperNight 2-4 May Barbagallo Raceway

TYREPOWER TASMANIA SUPERSPRINT

2018 Race 11 Winner: Scott McLaughlin 2018 Race 12 Winner: Scott McLaughlin

Race 7

24-26 May Winton Motor Raceway

1. Scott McLaughlin 2. Fabian Coulthard 3. Shane van Gisbergen 4. Mark Winterbottom 5. James Courtney

Race 8

1. Shane van Gisbergen 2. Fabian Coulthard 3. David Reynolds 4. Scott McLaughlin 5. Jamie Whincup

“What an awesome race. It’s been a mega weekend to bounce back from our shocker last time.”

Truck Assist Winton SuperSprint 2018 Race 13 Winner: Rick Kelly 2018 Race 14 Winner: Fabian Coulthard

- Shane van Gisbergen

WD –40 PHILLIP ISLAND SUPERSPRINT “We just sort of controlled the race from the start.

It’s awesome to get a win here again, I love this place.”

- Scott McLaughlin

Race 9

1. Scott McLaughlin 2. Fabian Coulthard 3. Andre Heimgartner 4. David Reynolds 5. Chaz Mostert

Race 10

1. Fabian Coulthard 2. Scott McLaughlin 3. Anton De Pasquale 4. Will Davison 5. Chaz Mostert

Photo: Supercars Media

CAMS.COM.AU 9

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER

10 CAMS SPEED READ

Photo: Supercars Media

There is always something special about a night spectacle, especially when it comes to motor sport.

The entertainment, the lights and the fireworks make the atmosphere all the more exciting.

On the first weekend of May, the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship will enjoy races under lights with the Pirtek Perth Supernight.

Following on from the success of last year’s night race in Sydney, the championship decided to back it up again this year, only this time moving out west to the impressive Barbagallo Raceway.

“I’m very excited to get out there.

The track should be super fast and at night we tend to go faster too. So it should be great. ” - Scott McLaughlin

“The night race has a very different dynamic. There are more mistakes made... but it’s still fun.”

- Anton De Pasqaule

AWESOME FOURSOME With Barbagallo securing one of the biggest events on the Supercars calendar, it also became just the fourth venue to host a night race in the Championship’s history.

Victoria’s Calder Park held the first event in 1980 before gaining the rights again in 1997.

Before Calder Park’s second time round, Sydney Motorsport Park got its first taste of the evening action in 1996 before running the night race again last year.

Photo: Supercars Media

The third venue was outside Australia in Abu Dhabi with the Yas V8 400. The special round was run as a support category for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix between 2010-2012.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

SHANE’S SUPER SYDNEY Sydney’s blockbuster event in August last year was the first time the championship had raced under lights in 21 years, making it a new experience for most drivers on the grid.

While the spectacle itself was one to behold, it was the performance of Shane van Gisbergen that stole the show with a brilliant victory over teammate Jamie Whincup and pole sitter Scott McLaughlin.

In 2019, it is McLaughlin who will be going in with the most confidence after claiming seven of the opening 10 races. In Barbagallo’s round last yearMcLaughlin managed to win the first race in incredible fashion after starting the race in 19th.

WHAT ELSE IN MAY? Following on from the Supernight, crews will have three weeks to prepare for the next stop at Winton Motor Raceway on 24-26 May. The event also marks Volunteers’ day – celebrating all the hard work and dedication of CAMS officials in Australian motor sport.

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TOWNSVILLE

WANTS

YOU

The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship is on the hunt for officials to take part in one of the most exciting rounds on the calendar, the Watpac Townsville 400.

The Championship’s eighth round will take place around the streets of Townsville in July, as officials will have the opportunity to soak up both the sun and the action through the best seats in the house.

Based in the picturesque North Queensland town, the event requires a number of officials in different roles ranging from flag and fire marshals to pit lane marshals.

Triple Eight Race Engineering dominated last year’s round with Shane van Gisbergen and Jamie Whincup sharing the spoils with a race win each.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Eventual champion Scott McLaughlin finished both races in third.

To register your interest in being part of the Championship’s eighth stop in 2019, click here.

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DOMINANT RENTSCH SH INE S IN

ST GEORGE Photo: Terry Hill Photography

14

CAMS SPEED READ

Shannon Rentsch has taken out his fourth consecutive BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) round victory after winning the Cobb & Co Hotel St George Hotel 399.

Outside of a small period during the first section where Rentsch gave up top spot to Beau Robinson, the nine-time Australian champion was comfortably in control of the whole race, finishing every section as leader.

Unfortunately for Robinson and another challenger in Josh Howells, both drivers were out of the race by the end of the first lap, allowing Rentsch to build on his lead.

“We thought the track was going to be fairly tight, but it opened up and it was really fast in the end.”

St George debutant Glen Towers also had a memorable day at the office, plucking a top five finish for the first time in his AORC career.

“I am hoping to win another title to add to my seven”

“We’re pretty happy with third in class,” Towers said.

“First time here and we’re really pumped with the way we started the championship. We are looking forward to the remaining two rounds.”

In the class battles, one of the most notable - Mark Burrows moments came in the SXS Sports class when Rick Chambers collided with John Wise “It’s a really good start to the season. It was during the second section. Both drivers were good to have led from start to finish but in unphased by the spectacular incident and off road, you never know what can happen,” continued racing hard against each other.

Rentsch said.

“I was a bit nervous on those final laps, but thankfully we didn’t have any issues at the end which was great.”

By the end of the race, Rentsch had won by a whopping 12 minutes over former AORC champion Mark Burrows, while young gun Toby Whateley made it two St George podiums in a row.

“What a great race,” Burrows said.

“It’s a fantastic track that really evened out the field, with the trucks, SXS and buggies all fighting it out.

“I am hoping to win another title to add to my seven.”

In what was possibly the drive of the weekend, Sport class winner Steven Graham enjoyed a brilliant St George debut with a fourth placed finish, less than seven seconds behind Whateley.

“First time here, we absolutely loved it,” Graham explained.

The BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship moves to the Northern Territory for the iconic Tatts Desert Finke Race in June.

THE COBB & CO HOTEL ST GEORGE 399 TOP 10 1. Shannon Rentsch – Pro Buggy 2. Mark Burrows – Pro Buggy 3. Toby Whateley – SXS Turbo 4. Steven Graham – Sports Lite 5. Glen Towers – Pro Buggy 6. Greg Gartner – Extreme 2WD 7. Allen Henson – SXS Turbo 8. David Spokes – Pro Buggy 9. Jeff McNiven – SXS Turbo 10. Rohan Williams – SXS Turbo

CLASS WINNERS Pro Buggy: Shannon Rentsch Pro Lite: David Hall SXS Turbo: Toby Whateley SXS Sport: Rick Chambers Extreme 2WD: Greg Gartner Extreme 4WD: Christian Trusz Production 2WD: Andrew Barber Production 4WD: Geoff Pickering Super 1650: Hans Werner Zett

Photos: Terry Hill Photography

Click here to view a full gallery of photos from the event.

CAMS.COM.AU 15

Photos: Wishart Media

ONE-TWO LOCKOUT FOR BATES BROTHERS

Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia’s Harry Bates and John McCarthy have won the Make Smoking History Forest Rally and claimed maximum points in the opening round of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC).

Bates and McCarthy also took home the bonus point for most stage wins aboard their new Toyota Yaris AP4, securing 13 out of a possible 18 stage victories, as well as victories in both heats.

“We came here hoping to get the win but we did not expect such a clean weekend,” Bates said.

16 CAMS SPEED READ

In outright second and emphasising Toyota’s dominance across the weekend was Lewis Bates who enjoyed a successful debut in the Yaris AP4. Alongside co-driver Anthony McLoughlin, Lewis picked up his first career stage win in the ARC and added another three to by the end of the weekend.

Thanks to a solid second heat, Western Victoria Crane Trucks’ Darren Windus and Daniel Brick lead the Activ Rally Sport charge, ending the day on the podium’s final step.

“We had no expectation going into the round,” Windus said.

“I feel like we didn't put a foot wrong all weekend.

“It’s been nine years since my last ARC round and I was a bit rusty.

“To start the year off like this is really positive.”

“We had a nice consistent run, nothing stupid so it paid off.”

Photos: Wishart Media

“I feel like we didn't put a foot wrong this weekend.”

- Harry Bates

Some promising signs in the first heat from Subaru do Motorsport’s Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read were undone in the second heat, when their brand new Subaru WRX STI sufferred mechanical gremlins – ending their chance for a podium finish.

THE TOP 10

Shamrock Haulage’s Richie Dalton and Dale Moscatt had a scare midway through Sunday – a rollover meaning they had to park their Ford Fiesta for the day. However they showed impressive pace in the lead up as they start to learn more about what the car can do.

=5. Molly Taylor/Malcolm Read

The ARC moves to the nation’s capital this month for the Netier National Capital Rally on 11 May, the second round of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship.

ARC2WD Winner: Haowen Chu/Caleb Ash

1. Harry Bates/John McCarthy 2. Lewis Bates/Anthony McLoughlin =3. Darren Windus/Daniel Brick =3. Tom Wilde/Madelin Kirkhouse =5. John O’Dowd/Toni Feaver =7. Troy Dowel/Simon Ellis =7. Luke Anear/Steve Glenney 9. Haowen Chu/Caleb Ash 10. Richie Dalton/Dale Moscatt

ARC2 Winner: Lewis Bates/Anthony McLoughlin CAMS Western Australia Rally Championship: John O’Dowd/Toni Feaver

CAMS.COM.AU 17

THE FORESTS OF CANBERRA AWAIT THE ARC The second round of the CAMS Australian Rally Championship is shaping up as an exciting one with a lot on the line for the Netier National Capital Rally.

18

CAMS SPEED READ

THE CREWS Outside of the familiar regulars featuring in Canberra, including Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia’s Harry and Lewis Bates alongside John McCarthy and Anthony McLoughlin, Subaru Do Motorsport’s Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read and Snickers Racing’s Luke Anear and Steve Glenney all in the mix.

After taking part in four rounds last year, Adrian Coppin returns to the ARC for a special round under the Abode Hotels banner and will be paired up with Dare To Be Different ambassador and Channel 10 personality Kate Peck.

THE ONE-DAY FORMAT There has been a lot of hype surrounding the event’s new slick one day format, which should prove beneficial to competitors, crews and fans a like.

With two heats spread across one day of action, there will be no opportunity for competitors to take it easy with every stage crucial for a good result.

Both heats will cover 88 competitive kilometres each, with four special stages accounting for approximately 72km. The catch for competitors will be that entry into the second heat will be determined on if their vehicle started the first heat.

Other major inclusions for the Netier National Capital Rally is White Wolf Racing’s Tom Clarke and Ryan Preston, High Country Motorsports’s Chris Higgs and Daymon Nicoli, and AMS TechResource’ Peter and Katrina Dunn.

It’s been two years since Repco Rally Team’s Mick Patton’s last outing in the ARC, but the Canberra local is back in the driver’s seat and will be joined by co-driver Bernie Webb.

Rounding out the crew list is debutant Ethan Pickstock from South Australia, with the Mitsubishi Mirage pilot driving alongside Lisi Phillips.

Click here to view the full Entry List.

THE LAST TIME THEY MET It’s a very different looking field compared to the last time the ARC visited the nation’s capital with only five drivers in Harry and Lewis Bates, Molly Taylor, Adrian Coppin and Haowen Chu returning.

Out of the five drivers, it was Coppin who ended the event on top, finishing behind only eventual 2018 champion Eli Evans.

The only difference being Coppin was steering the world class Skoda Fabia R5 last year.

Behind the wheel of the Contel Communications Subaru WRX, Glenney and Andy Sarandis finished the event in third ahead of both Harry Bates and Taylor.

While Glenney will back at the event in 2019, he has taken on co-driver responsibilities alongside second-year driver Anear.

For the others, Chu managed to finish the event in seventh outright, while Lewis Bates’ campaign alongside legendary co-driver Coral Taylor was cut short after crashing out early on in the first heat.

The 2019 Netier National Capital Rally takes place around the forests of Canberra on 11 May.

Photos: Wishart Media

CAMS.COM.AU 19

20 CAMS SPEED READ

Photos: David Elliot

BENNETT BACK TO HIS BEST IN WA Scott Bennett has pulled off a stunning comeback in CAMS Western Australian Motorkhana Championship to claim victory in the season opener.

The former champion had a less than desirable start to the round, losing the first five challenges to Jim Newell before winning his first one on the sixth challenge.

Newell bounced back to reclaim the seventh challenge, but a strong charge from Bennett saw him claim the remaining five challenges and claim a convincing win over his rival.

Despite putting Bennett to the sword in the early stages, Newell’s ninth challenge played a major role in his downfall, his time 11 seconds slower than Bennett's time, which eventually allowed the winner back into the game.

Rounding out the podium was Ross Bennett, who finished second on a number of occasions throughout the event.

The remaining two drivers in the top-five also managed to claim class victories with the fourth placed Peter Bergman steering his Mazda RX7 to class victory, while David Elliott was another class winner behind the wheel of his Leyland Moke.

With the 35 competitors completing 12 timed challenges to reach their accumulated total, the battle for fifth between Elliot and Peter Marsh was he most thrilling as Elliot prevailed by less than two tenths of a second.

After two disastrous challenges early on, Elliot chipped away at Marsh’s healthy buffer and finally made his move on in the last challenge, making up more than five and half seconds to squeeze into fifth.

Marsh didn’t go empty handed though, taking out his respective class win in the process and ending the day in a gallant sixth place. Nissan 350z pilot Zachary Lofts was the other class winner for the event.

Click here for the full results.

Photo: TCR Australia

22 CAMS SPEED READ

Photos: TCR Australia Series

It’s been more than seven months, 31 weeks to be exact, since the Shannons Nationals held its last round and it’s been an incredible off-season to say the least.

On 21-23 September 2018, the Nationals capped off a highly successful year in Sydney and now Sydney Motorsport Park will kick off the season.

During the summer, there were two announcements that made for lots of water cooler talk – the introduction of a seventh round and the new TCR Australia series.

In 2018, the Shannons Nationals made headlines with its opening round, as it was the first official race meeting to be held at The Bend Motorsport Park. Fittingly, there will be double the fun at the Bend this year, with the South Australian circuit to host two rounds of the Nationals.

In 2019, the Nationals’ season opener will once again have a significant amount of interest thanks to the highly anticipated first meeting of the new TCR Australia Series – which will race at every round of the Nationals in 2019.

Like the corresponding round more than a year ago – fans, officials and competitors involved in the 2019 season opener will all have the opportunity to be part of a historic Shannons Nationals.

CAMS.COM.AU 23

THE CATEGORIES TCR AUSTRALIA ROUND 1 The headline act makes its long awaited debut to Australian shores after launching in November last year. One of the most anticipated categories to start in Australian circuit racing, the European inspired tin-top category will have three races across the weekend – All live and free on SBS.

PORSCHE MICHELIN GT3 CUP CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA ROUND 2 The GT3 Cup Challenge returns to the Nationals after taking part in every round of 2018. With one round already done and dusted, Max Vidau currently leads the series after a clean sweep in Tasmania, while CAMS PAYCE Australian Forumula 4 juniors Aaron Love and Ryan Suhle are providing a strong challenge to the South Australian.

RADICAL AUSTRALIA CUP ROUND 3 Peter Paddon and the Radical Australia Cup return to the Nationals after a big year in 2018.

The 2017 champion missed most of last year, but is back on top after a win at Sydney Motorsport Park in the second round. Fans shouldn’t get used to seeing the Radicals part of the Natioanls line up, as it’s their only appearance for 2019.

Photo: Nathan Wong

AUSTRALIAN PROTOTYPE SERIES ROUND 1 According to the reigning champion, the prototype series is going to be bigger, badder and better than ever before and there is a fair amount of evidence suggesting he could be on to something. More cars, competitors and rewards on the line make the series one to keep an eye on.

CAMS PAYCE AUSTRALIAN FORMULA 4 CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2 It might not be in the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, but there is still everything to race for in Formula 4. The returning Luis Leeds took out the season opener in style over 2018 champion Jayden Ojeda and he will be looking to make it two in a row.

24 CAMS SPEED READ

Photo: Nathan Wong

Photo: Dan Thompson

Photo: Nathan Wong

Photo: TCR Australia Series

TICKETS Tickets are now on sale for the first round of the Shannons Nationals in Sydney, with fans to get their first taste of TCR Australia alongside a host of exciting motor sport categories.

Starting from $20 per person, tickets can be purchased either online or at the gate, while children aged 16 and under can enter for free.

It has also been confirmed that CAMS licence holders will get free entry to the opening round by showing their licence on the day.

With the action to get underway at 8:30am AEST on both days of competition, gates will be open to the public around 7:30am.

Click here to secure your tickets.

CAMS Licence Holders get in free.

NATIONALS 2019 CALENDAR

Photo: TCR Australia Series

Round 1 Sydney Motorsport Park, 17-19 May

Round 5 Winton, 31 August - 1 September

Round 2 Phillip Island, 6-9 June

Round 6 Sandown, 20-22 September

Round 3 The Bend Motorsport Park, 12-14 July Round 4 Queensland Raceway, 2-4 August

Round 7 The Bend Motorsport Park, 15-17 November

CAMS.COM.AU 25

Photo: Alice Springs Off Road Racing Club

HICKS SURVIVES SIMPSON SIX HOUR 26

CAMS SPEED READ

Photos: Alice Springs Off Road Racing Club

Greg Hicks has put on a sensational display during the Alice Springs Off Road Racing Association’s Simpson 6 Hour to claim victory in the challenging endurance event.

Rounding out the podium was Jason Wilson who did a magnificent job to finish in third place, 15 minutes behind Heinzel after dropping as low as ninth during in the early stages of the race.

With the 17 competitors required to complete eight laps within the six hours, Hicks remained unchallenged for the whole event and was able to complete the eight laps in 5 hours and 50 minutes.

Both drivers ended the event on the podium thanks to a stroke of luck when Bruce Meir, who had been in second place since the second lap, was attempting his eighth lap but broke down near the end - thus failing to finish the event in heart breaking fashion.

The battle for second involved four different drivers and despite none of them reaching the required eight laps, Alex Heinzel was handed second place after finishing seven laps in five hours and 23 minutes.

drivers to complete seven laps. Gunston eventually finished in fourth outright, a further 10 minutes behind Wilson.

Former BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship champion Jack Rhodes had a day to forget, breaking down on the fourth lap after jumping to second on the first lap.

Click here for the full results.

Starting the event in second place, Zac Gunston dropped down to eighth outright before working his way back into the top-five and was one of four

CAMS.COM.AU 27

!

SXS JUMPS INTO CESSNOCK FOR 2019 OPENER 28

CAMS SPEED READ

Photos: Dirtcomp Magazine

The DEWALT SXS Australian Championship returns for 2019 after a dramatic season finale in October last year, which saw Simon Evans claim the championship from the sidelines.

There is a lot to like about the upcoming SXS season with the big names and spectacular venues back in the Championship.

Evans headlines the field as he looks to defend his well-deserved title, while round winner Stephen Henry, Japanese international Tadamitsu Nihori, Glen Aykroyd and Amber Anderson have all booked their spot in the Championship.

The first round will be taking place at the Cessnock Motor Cycle Club in New South Wales. As the track may be new for a few competitors after not being part of last year’s schedule, it makes for a very even playing field.

SXS is an off road category offering a heap of entertainment through a mix of jumps and high-speed sections on a motocross track, combined with the grunt and armour of 4Ă—4 dual-seat off road vehicles.

2019 CALENDAR Round 1 18 May Cessnock MCC (MX Track) Cessnock, NSW Round 2 13 July ACTMCC (Natural Terrain Track) Majura, ACT Round 3 24 August Monza Park (MX Track) Mt Helen, VIC Round 4 26 October MV State Motorcycle Centre (MX Track) Broadford, VIC

Want to see the exciting SXS buggies roar into action?

Now you can because tickets are FREE for the first round.

Photos: Dirtcomp Magazine

CAMS.COM.AU 29

2019 AUTO TEST CALENDAR CONFIRMED The 2019 Speed & Auto Test National calendar has been finalised after the recent confirmation of both the CAMS Australian Motorkhana Championship and CAMS Australian Khanacross Championship’s dates and locations.

The CAMS Australian Khanacross Championship will once again be the first Championship to take place for the year, with the Westlakes Automobile Club (WAC) to host it at Awaba in September.

The event will occur two months later than last year’s date and will be the WAC's first time running the Championship since 2015.

The CAMS Australian Motorkhana Championship is the next event for the year as the Bendigo Car Club hosts the Championship for the third time at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange in Victoria on 4-5 October.

CAMS Director of Motor Sport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith was thrilled with all the Championship dates being locked in for 2019.

“It’s always good when these dates get confirmed and interested competitors can begin to prepare for their respective Championships,” Smith said.

30 CAMS SPEED READ

“Competitors can begin to prepare for their respective Championships” - Michael Smith “On behalf of CAMS, I would like to commend both the Bendigo Car Club and the Westlakes Automobile Club for nominating themselves to host these events.

“We wish all the competitors taking part in the Championships the best of luck and we look forward to following the events when they occur later this year.”

Entry to the events are yet to be open and will be available for competitors later this year.

2019 CALENDAR CAMS Australian Khanacross Championship 21-22 September, 2019 Awabawac Park, New South Wales CAMS Australian Motorkhana Championship 5 October, 2019 Bendigo Livestock Exchange, Victoria.

CAMS Australian Hill Climb Championship 1–3 November, 2019 Mountain Straight, Bathurst CAMS Australian Supersprint Championship 16–17 November, 2019 Phillip Island, Victoria

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32 CAMS SPEED READ

RICCIARDO’S RACERS IGNITES FOR 2019 Ricciardo’s Racers is back for 2019 and has kicked off with the season opener at Sandown Raceway in Victoria.

Both level one and two programs were on offer to the young students as experienced instructors Elliot Barbour and Supercars driver Tony D’Alberto ran the sessions after a successful campaign in 2018.

The day began with level-one participants tackling a variety of challenges on dry road under the guidance of both Barbour and D’Alberto before getting to ride as a passenger in the Drift Cadet car.

The same formula followed in the level-two session, the only differences being the added challenge of a wet road and more difficult activities to attempt.

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE! The next edition of Ricciardo’s Racers for 2019 will be a Level One and Two course on 18 May at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Click here to enter Ricciardo’s Racers – Sydney Motorsport Park.

CAMS.COM.AU 33

Photos: Chantel Collins

ENTRIES OPEN FOR CLUB CHALLENGE TASMANIA A U S T R A L I A

Entries for the CAMS Club Challenge Australia - Tasmania are now open with all interested car clubs around the state encouraged to take part.

Taking place on Saturday, 25 May, the Light Car Club of Tasmania have been given the honours of hosting the country’s second club challenge for the year.

Interested clubs have until 6pm (AEST) on 16 May to register their place with an entry fee of $300 required to get involved.

Each club is eligible to enter a maximum of two teams which must consist of three-members minimum and five members maximum.

The event is a single day team hill climb event with teams having multiple attempts on the 2.1km Baskerville course and aiming to pos the fastest time against previous track records and other clubs.

There will be a total prize pool of $3000 available and the team holding the lowest score from their accumulated run times will be crowned the state’s club challenge champion of 2019.

The Club Challenge Australia – Tasmania takes places at Baskerville Raceway on 25 May.

Click here to enter the Tasmanian edition of the Club Challenge Australia.

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CAMS SPEED READ

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HALPIN EXCEEDING HIS OWN EXPECTATIONS From racing around the streets as a young teenager to taking home the Castrol New South Wales Official of the Year award, a lot has happened to Matt Halpin in 40 years.

Before he joined CAMS as an official or competitor, Halpin would just cruise around with his mates, but a golden opportunity arose in 1980 when he joined his local club and began competing in events.

From then on, Halpin’s passion for motor sport helped him progress through the ranks and share his knowledge on the sport as both a competitor and an official.

“My story of getting into motor sport is quite cliché and there is nothing too special about it,” Halpin joked.

“Basically we were young blokes in cars, racing the streets in town and looking for something to do. That is when we found out the local club had started organising events and we decided to check it out.

“I did a scrutineering course in 1980 and did club stuff during the early 1990s until an opportunity came as a steward.

“I didn’t realise how much I had done until Greg Rust started reading my achievements at the gala dinner” - Matt Halpin

“I was then a steward for the club all throughout the 2000s before taking on the opportunity to be a state steward from 2010 and I have never looked back.”

As for the award itself, it’s not often a club official gets recognised on a state level but a hectic 2018, where the 59-year-old was the busiest he had ever been, saw him nominated and eventually awarded.

“Last year was massive and I got a lot of really good appointments, but I didn’t realise how much I had done until Greg Rust started reading out my achievements at the gala dinner,” Halpin explained.

“I was a steward at the Bathurst 1000 which is something I never thought I would be able to do. I also did the Bathurst 12 Hour and the CAMS Australian Rally Championship section of the World Rally Championship.

“They were all highlights, but the WRC stands out. To watch the incredible organisation of the WRC was unbelievable. Especially only a month after going to Bathurst 1000, which is our biggest event.”

Despite having such a busy year and being a highly deserved winner of the award, Halpin was still thrilled to take out the unexpected accolade.

“I am very proud and to be honest, it’s very humbling to win this award,” Halpin added.

“I have made some great friends over the years and I have to definitely thank my wife Kerry for letting me go to all these events.

“The New South Wales stewards have been really helpful and mentored me as I have developed. I think they have mentored me very well and they are the reason I am where I am.

“I intend to continue to as an official and hopefully continue mentoring people myself.”

ABOVE: Talbot with CAMS president Andrew Papadopoulos

36 CAMS SPEED READ

OVER PAGE: Talbolt makes his speech Photos: Dave Oliver

CAMS.COM.AU 37

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CAMS would like to wish Australian Caitlin Wood the best of the luck for the inaugural W-series starting on 3-4 May at the Hockenheim in Germany.

With more than 60 drivers taking part in the first qualification stage earlier this year, Wood managed to make it through both stages and earn her spot in the 18-car fully paid series.

The single seater category will have six races take place throughout the year across Italy, Netherlands, England, Belgium and Germany.

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All rounds of the W-series will be broadcast live and free on SBS via an app and online.

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Photo: Hunter Media

INSPIRED FEMALES TAKE TO THE TRACK Former CAMS Club Development Fund recipients Albury Wodonga and Districts Car Club have continued their strong pathway in developing female drivers after holding a successful Women’s and Juniors Track Day late last month.

Having the added bonus of being supported by the Victorian Government’s Change our Game initiative, the club were able to transform a single-track day to a proper program focused on building confidence in prospective motor sport competitors.

Taking place at Wodonga TAFE in Barnawartha, the third-year program welcomed a sold-out number of 25 participants, 19 of which were female and six being males under the age of 20-years-old.

Event organiser Annabel Silver was thrilled with the turnout, commending those who are looking to make their mark on the male-dominated sport.

“It was really fantastic,” Silver said.

“We had quite a few women there which is what we were hoping would happen. There were lots of newcomers who had never experienced motor sport before.

“We had a collection of women who are passionate about their cars, want to give motorsport a go and want to break down any intimidation barriers from getting started in motor sport.

With the club’s members volunteering their time to help put on the event, the day was broken down in two sessions.

The first session focused on car control exercises, while the second was sprint format with open laps.

“We had many volunteers from the car club who are ex-racecar drivers and ex instructors. They donated their time to be mentors to the participants which was fantastic,” Silver added.

“The second session helped increase their confidence in the track because it was a follow the leader type exercise to learn lines, similar to Ricciardo’s Racers.

“Each person would have a mentor in the car with them helping with any questions as they learned the track and lines.

“We also had Madeline and Ashleigh Stewart on hand to pass on their knowledge and help with the driving. With Madeline part of Brad Jones Racing, it was definitely a nice tie in.”

The Albury Wodonga and Districts Car Club continues their development program with a development motorkhana on 5 May and a lap dash next month.

Click for more information on the Women's Track Day AWDCC program.

“Our event is perfect for them because it’s in a low pressure environment where they have lots of support from more experienced motor sport competitors."

CAMS.COM.AU 39

SCRUTINEERING AT 5TH CATEGORY EVENTS Further to a notice sent out to 5th Category Historic event Promoters, Technical Delegates and Scrutineers in late 2018, CAMS would like to update Scrutineers and competitors regarding the enforcement of CAMS 5th Category ROPS requirements.

CAMS received positive feedback regarding the scrutiny of roll cage heights, however, we would like to remind Scrutineers at 5th Category events that they should be vigilant in reporting any non- conforming ROPS in log books.

The correct process is that a scrutineer must note any non-conformity in a log book to ensure they are protected by CAMS liability coverage. Conversely, the failure by a scrutineer to note a non-conformity in a log book where they should have done so, may result in that scrutineer becoming liable where an adverse outcome results from that non-conformity.

Scrutineers should ensure they are familiar with Article 1.6 Roll Bars of the 5th Category, Vehicle Eligibility – General Requirements.

Click here to view the 5th Category Requirements.

CONTACT US The CAMS member hotline will be open until 7.00pm AEST (5.00pm WST and 6.30pm CST) So for all your motor sport needs call the CAMS Hotline or visit the website at www.cams.com.au Email. memberservices@cams.com.au

#WEAREMOTORSPORT l Hit up CAMS on social media for photos from CAMS events, news, videos and other great motor sport content.

SEND US YOUR STORIES!

If you have a motor sport story which you think should be told, get in touch with us and it could appear in Speed Read.

If you have pictures or videos of motor sport you would like to share with us, we encourage you to do so. They could appear on our website, social media platforms or in Speed Read.

Please email communications@cams.com.au We look forward to hearing from you!

CAMS.COM.AU 41

Lachlan Melton has enjoyed a brilliant outing in the NKG CAMS Victorian Khanacross Championship to claim the second round for 2019 in style.

Photo: Craig Hanson

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THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN SPORT COMMISSION RECOGNISES THE CONFEDERATION OF AUSTRALIAN MOTOR SPORT LTD (CAMS) TO DEVELOP MOTOR SPORT IN AUSTRALIA