Speed Read September 2018

SPEED READ SEPTEMBER 2018

STATES UNITE TO RACE AROUND THE BAY Over 70 drivers took part in the 115km rally around Batemans Bay, uniting the NSW, ACT and Victorian state rally championships at the 2018 AMH Automotive Rally of the Bay.

S EPTEMBER U PCO MI NG E VENTS

Check out the long list of upcoming club and state level events from all around Australia.

ESPORT S - SHA NNONS NE W E S T CAT EGORY A new breed of drivers will be given their chance to shine at Sydney Motorsport Park, with the Shannons Nationals hosting their first ever eSports round.

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CONTENTS 4

States unite to race around the bay

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Scooby Doo seals WA Club Challenge

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Upcoming Events: September

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Sunraysia success for Smith and Denham

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Tasmania elections nominations open

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New challenges at ARC’s BOTT Adelaide Hills Rally

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Speed Festival heats up Winton

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Winton ready for drama filled Nationals

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Shannons' newest category

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Two for the price of one for Grills

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Brilliant Brinkman beats Benarkin

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Awards Nominations Closing Soon

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Rentsch on cloud nine

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Blindside drama in 12 Hour victory

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McClue marches to maiden 2018 victory

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It’s more than just officiating for Danny

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Destination Singapore for GP officials

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Ricciardo Renault switch

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Frontal head restraints crucial: crash survivor

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Brant new era for Garage 1

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Fairytale finishes for iconic Targa West

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Monash Motorsport’s record run complete

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Successful year so far for Ricciardo’s Racers

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Swan Hill seals interclub double

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Investing in our best

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Investors needed for Mildura’s grand plans

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WAMS Trans-Tasman recipient announced

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Charters Towers to host Off Road Gold rush

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36 Women of Australian Motor Sport a CAMS initiative

Women of Australian Motor Sport a CAMS initiative

COVER PHOTO Jack Monkhouse Katie Fletcher in their Datsun 180B SSS ripping up the trails in Rally of the Bay

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Photo: Wishart Media

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 Facsimile. +61 3 9593 7700 Office hours. 8.45am - 5.15pm Monday to Friday Website. www.cams.com.au E-mail. info@cams.com.au

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SPE E D READ

STATES UNITE TO RACE AROUND THE BAY Despite being held firmly in NSW territory, the AMH Automotive Rally of the Bay in Batemans Bay bought together rally championships from three Australian states.

The event welcomed Round the MTA NSW State Rally Championship, the ACT Rally series and the Focus on Furniture Victorian Rally Championship.

Out of the 70 competitors it was Richard Dalton and Dale Moscatt who emerged winners of 2018 Rally of the Bay. Behind the wheel of the world-class Skoda Fabia R5, the pair didn’t put a foot wrong all day, claiming all bar 4

one of the nine stages to power to an outright win.

Eventual runners-up Glen Brinkman and Harvey Smith were the only other team to finish every stage in the top three in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, while fellow Lancer Evo 9 pilots Justin “JJ” Hatton and Nathan Long rounded out the podium.

Finishing fourth outright, Michael Harding and James Thornburn’s stage four win made them the only team other than Dalton and Moscatt to win a stage, while Chris Higgs and Daymon Nicoli’s third place on the final stage of the day saw them finish fifth outright.

Photo: Wishart Media

Looking forward, the MTA NSW State Rally Championship will next head to the iconic Bathurst on 22 September for Round 5 of the championship.

The Focus on Furniture Victorian Rally Championship will next meet on 16 September for the Western Victoria Crane Truck Valley Stages in the Yarra Valley, Victoria.

The ACT Rally series heads to Termeil on 15 September for their next event.

Results for the 2018 AMH Automotive Rally of the Bay are available at rallynsw.com.au.

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Photos: Wishart Media

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SPE E D READ

SCOOBY DOO SEALS WA CLUB CHALLENGE The CAMS Club Challenge in Western Australia saw 41 competitors across nine teams take centre stage at Perth’s popular Hillclimb course, Jack’s Hill.

Top honours went to team Scooby Doo who dominated the weekend as all five drivers from the WRX Club of WA finished inside the top 10, Cody Harris leading the charge to post the fastest time of the day.

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Finishing second outright was Michael Lloyd from WRX Club of WA’s second team, Scooby Too, while Harris’ teammate Mat Softley rounded out the podium to make it successful day for the WRX club.

Just two hundredths of a second separated Team SSES’s Bevan Cook and Scooby Doo’s Neil Herbert as the WA Sporting Car Club Inc’s top driver took out fourth outright behind the wheel of a Ford Escort RS.

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Cook’s Team SSES managed to take out second outright while Scooby Too took out third overall, despite having three drivers inside the top 10.

Team Infinite Time Attack managed to secure fourth while Leam Totus rounded out the top five.

An entertaining three-way battle for sixth ended with the HSV Owner's Club of WA team sixth, Tome Leatus securing seventh and The 86'ers’ eighth, while the MG Car Club of WA came in last on ninth.

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The next CAMS Club Challenge takes place at Mt Cotton in Queensland on the 29 September with the MG Car Club of Queensland to host the event.

Click here to view the full team results.

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SPE E D READ

SEPTEMBER UPCOMING EVENTS

29 September, QLD: The Queensland round of the CAMS Club Challenge Australia

NEW SOUTH WALES 1–2 September: Gunnedah Mount Porcupine 50th Anniversary Hillclimb 1 September: MGCCN September Day/Night Dirt and Tar Khanacross 7–9 September: CAMS NSW Motor Race Championship Round 6 7 September: Porsche 70 Years Celebration 8 September: CSCA Super Sprint Round 6 8 September: Gadget Repairs Rallysprint 9 September: Multiclub Concourse D' Elegance + Show N Shine 15 September: Mini’Dulla Rally 16 September: Impreza WRX Club Motorkhana Championship Round 6 16 September: 2018 NSW Supersprint Championship Round 6 16 September: BMW Drivers Club NSW Clubsport Supersprint Round 5 15–16 September: Mantic Clutch NSW Hillclimb Championship Round 8 22–23 September: Historic Spring Festival 22–23 September: CAMS 2018 Australian Motorkhana Championship Photo: Seth Reinhardt

Historic Spring Festival on 22-23 September boasts a healthy dose of historic racing cars and sports sedans, on track and on display at Wakefield Park. Hosted by the Historic Sports and Racing Car Association of NSW (HSRCA), the festival is the best way to welcome the 2018 Spring season.

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22–23 September: Shannons Nationals, SMSP, Round 6 23 September: GSSMA Inc. Triple M Albany Show and Shine 28–30 September: The Shannons Mattara Hillclimb 29–30 September: NSW 2018 Dirt and Dust Challenge 29 September – 1 October: Riverina Mini Car Club Mini Muster

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NORTHERN TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND

9 September: CARS NT Dirt Motorkhana State Titles

31 August – 2 September: Targa Great Barrier Reef

1–2 September: NAMSC 2018 Megakhana

1–2 September: TIGHE CAMS Hillclimb Series Round 5

14 September: TEDA Driftkhana/Learn 2 Drift

7–9 September: 2018 MSCR Reid Park Sprint

28 September: TEDA Driftkhana

8–9 September: Queensland Circuit Racing State Championship Round 3

8–9 September: Alice City Tyrepower Khanacross – Round 3

8–9 September: Round 8 Club Championship – Round 2 Interclub Challenge 8–9 September: Come and Try Khana X 9 September: Queensland Motorkhana Series Round 3 15–16 September: Pump Energy Markwell Demolition Gold City 126 15 September: Beaudesert Swap Meet and Super Sunday Show and Shine 16 September: Sprite Expo 22 September: SR Automotive Manumbar Rally 23 September: King of the Mountain Bitumen Hillclimb Titles

Photo: Trevor Page

Another month equals another driftkhana from the hugely popular Top End Drift Association (TEDA). Visit the TEDA facebook page to get involved, click here.

29 September: CAMS Club Challenge Australia 29–30 September: Round 4 QLD–NSW Sprint Challenge and Round 4 Short Circuit Touring Car Series 30 September: Noosa Beach Classic Car Show

SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1–2 September: Tour de Fleurieu 8 September: Weedon Spring Boarding Kennel TRE

Photo: Noosa Beach Classic Car Club

8–9 September: Clive Dubois Memorial Mannum Short Course 15 September: SEAC Autocross Round 3 15 September: PCSA Modern Regularity 16 September: All Ford Day 16 September: Collingrove Challenge Trophy Series 4 Hillclimb

Taking place at Lions Park at Noosa Heads, up to 300 exotic and classic cars worth more than $10 million between them will be on display for the Noosa Beach Classic Car Club’s Classic Car show that has been going strong since the 1990s.

23 September: Reynella Subaru Collingrove Club Day

TASMANIA 8 September: Rocky Cape Sprint Rally 8–9 September: The Statewide Earth Works 300 15 September: 2018 Khanacross Series Round 3 21–23 September: Baskerville Historics 30 September: Drifting Tasmania's Sunday Sesh 30 September: MG Car Club of Tasmania Multiclub Motorkhana

Photo: Off Road Racing Tasmania

Rescheduled to 15 September, Round 3 of the SEAC Autocross, held at the purpose-built Autocross facility in Mt Gambier, is set to be a muddy, fast and fun, community focussed track day. The event also incorporates a club Khanacross.

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After a minor delay to the 2018 season, Pro-Buggy driver Michael Donohoe will be working hard to maintain his lead heading into Round 2 of the Tasmanian Off Road racing Series. Hosted by Off Road Racing Tasmania, the Statewide Earth Works 300 will be held at the Cambridge Moto Off Road Park.

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SEPTEMBER

SPE E D READ

UPCOMING EVENTS

VICTORIA

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

1-2 September: Shannons Nationals, Winton, Round 5

9 September: Southern District Motorsports Association Hillclimb

1 September: AROCA Sprint Round 8 2 September: Trydel Victorian Hillclimb Championship Round 4

23 September: ACT All Holden Day

2 September: Rob Roy Observed Section Trial 8 September: Mt Porepunkah Rallysprint 8 September: Deniliquin Truck Show 8 September: Ararat Airport Challenge 8–9 September: SFFCC 50th Anniversary Gymkhana Weekend 9 September: Volkswagen Driver's Club of Queensland Inc. 2018 Action Day 9 September: MG Car Club Geelong Multi–Club Motorkhana 9 September: Pakenham Auto Club Multi–Club Motorkhana 14–16 September: Western Victoria Crane Truck Valley Stages 22 September: MSCA Supersprint and Regularity 22–23 September: Top Gear Venturer 2018 23 September: RSOCV vs TCCA 2018 Motorkhana 23 September: VCAS Autocross 23 September: PCV Phillip Island Super Sprint

Photo: DC Photography

22 September: Sandown Super Saturday 23 September: Gippsland Car Club Multi Club Hillclimb 29 September: CAMS Victorian Supersprint Championship Round 5 29–30 September: Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships Round 5

The Southern District Motorsports Association’s annual Hillclimb has been running strong since 2000 where drivers attempt the ultimate achievement in trying to establish the fastest time of the day.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2 September: Father's Day Burnout 15–16 September: WASCC September Race Meeting 15 September: Make Smoking History Experts Cup

Photo: Ivan Glavas

Set in the picturesque Yarra Valley, the Western Victoria Crane Truck Valley Stages rally showcases some of Victoria's best forest and shire roads. The event combines Round 5 of the 2018 Focus on Furniture Victorian Rally Championship (VRC) and Round 3 of the Victorian Club Rally Series.

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Photo: Terry Hill Photography

Is there a better way to celebrate Fathers Day than with a Burnout Competition? The Collie Motorsports Group doesn't think there is. So if you're near the Collie Motorplex this weekend, come and check it out. Take your dad along too.

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SPE E D READ

Photos: B Team Rally Media

SUNRAYSIA SUCCESS FOR SMITH AND DENHAM Jacob Smith and Michael Denham have taken out their respective divisions in the 2018 Sunraysia Safari as a 59-strong field made up of both two wheel and four wheel vehicles in the Victorian cross country rally.

Behind the wheel of a 2014 Ford Ranger alongside navigator Daniel Adam, consistent driving from Denham earned them the Auto Division victory with a time of 11 hours, 48 minutes and 58 seconds.

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Finishing second in the division with a overall time of 12 Hours, 31 minutes and 11 seconds was Jason Noonan and Sam Sapuppo in a 2000 Nissan Patrol, while 2010 Jimco Buddy pilots Rob Herridge and Sam Hill rounded out the top three with a time of 12 hours, 23 minutes and 49 seconds.

Riding a 2018 Honda CRF 450 R, Smith’s time of 10 hours, 44 minutes and three seconds was both the fastest time outright as well as in the Moto Division.

Rod Faggotter fell just short of Smith with the 2018 Yamaha YZ 450 F driver settling for second place, his time of 10 hours, 47 minutes and 12 seconds, three minutes behind the winner. Luke Hayes secured third with a time of 10 hours, 57 minutes and 30 seconds.

Click here for more information on the Sunraysia Safari.

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Click here for the full story.

TASMANIA ELECTIONS NOMINATIONS OPEN Nominations for the position of Tasmanian Elected Director and Tasmanian State Council roles are now open.

CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca encouraged all Tasmanians to consider nominating for the positions.

“There are significant responsibilities that come with being a director of a public company, such as CAMS, or holding a position on State Council,” Arocca said.

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“The CAMS Board is committed to promoting diversity and encourages our female members to consider nominating as candidates for these positions to further represent the diversity that exists within motor sport.”

Nomination forms can be forwarded by email to tas@cams.com.au or delivered by mail or otherwise to the CAMS Tasmanian State Office, Sport and Recreation House, 1 Self’s Point Rd, Cornelian Bay TAS 7008.

Completed forms must be received by 8pm, Sunday, 16 September, 2018.

Click here to download the nomination form for State Council Office.

Click here to download the 2019 State Council Elected Director Nomination Form.

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Photo: Ryan Schembri

NEW CHALLENGES AT ARC’S BOTT ADELAIDE HILLS RALLY The CAMS Australian Rally Championship heads to South Australia later this month for the penultimate round of 2018.

Following on from the newest event on the ARC calendar, Subaru Rally Tasmania, Australia’s top rally crews will be faced with more fresh challenges at the BOTT Adelaide Hills Rally on 21-23 September.

New organisers Ultimate Motorsport Events have given the South Australian round a shakeup, with the event featuring a new service park and rally headquarters, a mix of different stages and an exciting Super Special Stage at The Bend Motorsport Park.

Using the purpose built rally-cross track, competitors will compete head-to-head with two

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cars completing two passes of the 1.7 kilometre stage at a time.

Spectators will also have the opportunity to mingle with the teams and check out their favourite cars between the two runs.

Saturday will see competitors taking part in stages throughout the Adelaide Hills eastern regions from Callington to Kersbrook, before it’s rally with a twist on Saturday evening.

All event competitors will take part in an online rally competition with each pitted against the other for outright honours in the inaugural Adelaide Hills Virtual Rally Experience Cup.

The Bend's purpose built Rallycross/Drift/Kart circuit

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THE CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Photo: Wishart Media

Tankformers’ Eli Evans and Ben Searcy are in the box seat in the 2018 CAMS Australian Rally Championship, holding a 51-point lead with just two rounds remaining.

Photos: Ryan Schembri

Sunday will find the crews back in their cars and heading to the southern areas of the Adelaide Hills, the event finishing with a podium presentation on the Sunday afternoon.

The Adelaide Hills Service Park and Rally Headquarters will be the other place to get up close to the teams - this year based at the Mount Barker Showgrounds in what promises to be a “country fair atmosphere.”

The service park will also host some of South Australia’s ‘funky food trucks’ and sponsor displays from BOTT, Shannons, Leader Computers and City Holden and other event partners.

The BOTT Adelaide Hills Rally also doubles as the final round of the South Australian Rally Championship and will host Clubman, Introductory and Tour events.

Click here to purchase tickets for the Super Special Stage at the Bend Motor Sport Park.

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The pair have been dominant for much of the 2018 season in their Skoda Fabia R5 but still face a strong challenge from Contel Communications’ Steve Glenney and Andy Sarandis, currently second in the standings.

Sitting third, Toyota Genuine Parts’ Harry Bates and John McCarthy have been nipping at the heals of Evans’ Skoda for much of the season but multiple mechanical issues with the Yaris AP4 have seen them unable to capitalise on their pace.

2016 Australian Rally Champion Molly Taylor, with codriver Malcolm Read, is just four points behind Bates, while Adrian Coppin rounds out the top five.

The Bott Adelaide Hills Rally is the final round for competitors to earn points for ARC2 and grab one of five spots in the winner-takes-all ARC2 final at Kennards Hire Rally Australia.

Glen Raymond currently leads the way, with Brad Markovic second, Adam Kaplan third and Haowen Chu fourth - the top four having completed their home and nominated ARC2 rounds. Glenney, in fifth, has nominated South Australia as his second ARC2 round.

Visit rally.com.au for more information.

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SPEED FESTIVAL HEATS UP WINTON The Winton Festival of Speed took place at the start of August with up to 200 competitors taking part across 11 categories in an action-packed weekend.

From Formula Vees to MGs to Italian Classics, there was plenty of classic and modern cars on track throughout the Victorian Historic Racing Register’s annual event as motor sport enthusiasts did not leave disappointed.

Off track, the entertainment available was just as good with fans able to get up close and personal with the cars during the Shannons Show ‘N’ Shine as well as a host of a food and trade stands also on show.

Click here for more information on the annual Winton Festival of Speed.

Photo: Automotive Event

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Photos: Automotive Event

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WINTON READY FOR DRAMA FILLED NATIONALS The Shannons Nationals will kick off spring in style when five categories hit Winton this weekend.

20-minute qualifying sessions in the afternoon and two 50-minute races on Sunday,

With double rounds, title bouts and silverware all on the line, the event promises to provide competitors and spectators a mixture of action-packed drama all weekend.

The Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge is another category that is reaching the business end of their season, with Cooper Murray leading the series after four rounds.

The CAMS Australian GT Trophy enters its fifth and final round of the season with just 32 points separating the top three and the rest of the ninecar field.

The result of this 24-car field round could well and truly decide who will win the series with just five points separating Murray and second placed Simon Fallon.

A podium finish is likely to seal the series for leader Nick Kelly, however with title rivals Rio Nugara and Matthew Stoupas breathing down his neck, anything can happen.

The Jim Richards Endurance Trophy will also be up for grabs with the first 50-minute race on Saturday to determine the winner of the side-event, in addition to the two 20-minute races on Sunday.

The GT Trophy kick off their weekend with a 30-minute practice session on Saturday morning before holding two

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While no Championships will be handed out this weekend for the

CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship, however with a double round on offer, it could go a long way in deciding who salutes at the end of the year.

Jayden Ojeda sits on top of the standings after two brilliant rounds saw him leapfrog Cameron Shields.

The 11 drivers competing in the CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship will qualify twice on Friday, followed by round four’s three 20-minute races on Saturday, and round five’s three on Sunday.

Returning to the Nationals for the third time this year is the Jacuzzi Spas Australian Production Cars, with Beric Lynton and Tim Leahey looking to add to their two consecutive round wins.

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With double rounds, title bouts and silverware all on the line, the event promises to provide competitors and spectators a mixture of action-packed drama all weekend A field of 23 cars across seven classes kick off their weekend with a practice session and two qualifying sessions on Saturday morning, before a two-hour race on both Saturday and Sunday wraps up proceedings.

The final event of the weekend is the special invitational category in the Porsche 944 Challenge with a 13-strong field competing in the Dennis O’Keefe Cup that features a reverse and handicap grid.

The Porsche 944 Challenge’s qualifying session on Saturday morning will set up their first race on Saturday afternoon, their two remaining races taking place on Sunday.

The Shannons Nationals at Winton Motor Raceway will take place on 1-2 September with live coverage of Sunday’s sessions available live and free at thenationals.com.au.

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THE FINAL SHOWDOWN IN SYDNEY

The final round of the 2018 Shannons Nationals will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park on 21 – 23 September with six categories to be involved.

The Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge continues with the Nationals for its final round for 2018, while the Radical Australia Cup returns after a two-round absence to also hold their last round.

It is the penultimate round for the Hot Wheels Australian Prototype Series making their return to the Nationals, as well as the Jacuzzi

Spas Australian Production Cars series, who host a special in Phillip Island in November.

Following the exciting double round to occur at Winton Motor Raceway, the CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship will also hold their second last round for the year.

The final category of the Nationals last appearance in 2018 is the Alfa Romeo motor racing enthusiast run Veloce Racing Association.

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SHANNONS' NEWEST CATEGORY A new breed of drivers will be given their chance to shine at Sydney Motorsport Park, with CAMS teaming up with Motum Simulation to host the Shannons Nationals first ever Esports round.

As part of the final Shannons Nationals round for 2018 in September, Motum Simulation will provide a number of its industryleading full motion, professional racing simulators complete with VR technology to the country’s best online racers, with qualifying open to all.

The winner of the event will get a chance to show off their real world skills, with a test day in a CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 car.

Motum Simulation Managing Director Steve Hoinville said the event would draw a lot of interest among the Esports community.

“There are more and more people embracing online racing and it’s a very competitive world,” Hoinville said.

“We’re excited to see Shannons Nationals host such an event on 20

the national stage, highlighting that Esports is a growing and evolving industry that has huge potential around the world. It furthers Motum’s latest program to meld the two worlds of motor racing, the virtual and the physical, that we launched last December at Etihad Stadium with the hugely popular inaugural VSR Showdown.”

“As CAMS official simulation partner, we are thrilled to be working with them to ensure a successful debut at the Shannons Nationals.”

The upcoming Shannons Nationals round this weekend at Winton will also feature Motum’s MP6VR Simulator, for fans to test the latest in simulator technology. Motum Simulation will also be showcasing their wares at the Esports Open in Melbourne on the same weekend.

More information can be found at motumsimulation.com.

Those interested in taking part in this groundbreaking event can head to virtualsimracing.com.au.

HOW IT WILL WORK Qualifying will take place on Friday 22 September at Sydney Motorsport Park at Round 6 of the Shannons Nationals.

Qualifying sessions can be booked online, more information shortly via thenationals. com.au and virtualsimracing.com.au.

Competitors will also have the opportunity to qualify online prior to the Shannons Nationals event – the top online racers will be fast tracked into the Saturday and Sunday finals.

The event will be CAMS sanctioned and have its own Race Director, regulations and driver briefings to ensure a professional environment for all competitors.

The top three racers across the weekend will make the final race on Sunday shown on the Shannons Nationals live stream, with the event also being streamed on the iRacing Esports Network.

Competitors to use iRacing software to qualify and race.

Competitors will pay a small entry fee to take part ($30 payable at Sydney Motorsport Park on the day).

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“When I got my named called out as the Burson Future Star was pretty awesome... and then to go out to South Australia and get the same award again was really cool.”

Photo (Above): Katie Thompson

Photo (Right): Bob Gloyn

TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE FOR GRILLS

For any junior driver to be recognised as a future star in one state is a fantastic achievement in itself, but to receive two in the same year is outstanding.

“I think winning the Burson Future Star Award in general is really special and then to go out to South Australia and get the same award again was really cool.

Blaine Grills exceeded his own expectations when he was awarded with both the 2017 SA/NT Burson Future Star Award and the Victoria Burson Future Star Award earlier this year.

“Seeing my achievements recognised is really awesome.”

After competing for three years in Formula Vee throughout both states, Grills’ consistent and exceptional results laid the foundations for receiving the award, although it still came as a shock when his name was read out.

“At the time, I was just racing Formula Vee which I thought was on the lower end of the CAMS ladder, even though I was getting some good results,” Grills explained.

“But when I got my named called out as the Burson Future Star at the Award nights, it was pretty awesome because I wasn’t expecting to receive anything.

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While Grills himself was surprised with receiving both awards, his hard work and dedication alongside his father justified the accolades after three years of competing.

In his second year of competing in the category, Grills finished second outright in the 2016 Formula Vee South Australian Championship, before a stellar following season saw him take out top spot in the 2017 championship.

The youngster backed up his South Australian victory with a runnerup finish in the 2017 Formula Vee Victoria Championship, making it three outright podiums in two years.

“Dad and I put in a lot of hard work into the Formula Vee seasons both financially and getting time off work,” Grills added.

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“We also had someone helping us with setup because we didn’t really have much of an idea when we first started.

“However once we got over the teething problems, we started to get a lot of good times and put in a lot of good drives so eventually it was only a matter of time before we started winning races.”

Now with the taste of success and Grills competing in Formula Ford, the teenager has his sights on his ultimate goal of competing at the highest level.

“I am really happy with where I am at right now, even racing in general is really amazing,” Grills said.

“Right now for me, to have the Burson Future Star Awards come my way is even better because it shows that I’m on the right direction.

“The eventual goal will be to keep chipping away and hopefully move onto the something bigger.

“Ultimately I would like to compete in Supercars.”

For more information on Blaine Grills and his journey, click here.

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BRILLIANT BRINKMAN BEATS BENARKIN Glen Brinkman and Harvey Smith have won the Benarkin based P3 Solutions Rally to go back-to-back in the 2018 P3 Solution Queensland Rally Championship after taking out four out the seven challenging blind stages.

Finishing second were fellow Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 pilots Ian Menzies and Robert McGowan, while Marius Swart and Alan Stean won a final stage showdown to squeeze onto the podium’s final place.

Just one second separated third and fourth place at the end of the event as Swart and Stean in their Capalaba VW Polo S2000 just managed to finish above Melinda Bergmann and Larisa Biggar, preventing a Lancer Evo 9 podium lock out.

A consistent drive from Gerard McConkey and Matthew Davidson piloting a Subaru WRX saw the pair round out the top five. Not far behind the pair were Rodney and Belinda Reid who also ran as the fastest 2WD. Young Brayden Wilson took out the junior driver award and sitting alongside Anthony Tanzer, Nicholas Griffin was awarded the junior codriver, despite facing motion sickness throughout the 82km event.

A entertaining Mazda battle between Jesse Heitman and Grant Burisch in their RX7 and the GTX of Connor Oldham and Colin O'Brien saw Heitman take a 29 second victory in the Clubman category.

Behind the wheel of a Subaru WRX GC8 was Ben Crisp and Brad Jones who won the Novice event, while

Dasha Racing Subaru WRX Sti pilots Shaun Dragona and Ryan Preston took out the multi-club pace noted event.

The next round of the P3 Solutions Queensland Championship will be the SR Automotive Manumbar Rally on 22 September, which will also act as the final round of the championship.

Officials are encouraged to take part in the event with a day in the countryside sure to refresh the body.

Register here to get involved.

Photos: CH Images

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CA M S S P EED READ

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AWARDS NOMINATIONS CLOSING SOON Nominations for the annual CAMS Motor Sport Awards, presented by Burson Auto Parts, are currently being accepted and the motor sport community is being encouraged to ensure those worthy of recognition are honoured.

Across a range of categories, the high achieving events, event organisers, officials, competitors, volunteers and long-serving motor sport participants can all be nominated for their commitment and service to motor sport.

Nominations must be received by 12 October, except for the annual Media Awards, which have a cut-off date of 30 November.

CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca encouraged people to ensure those who deserved recognition were nominated.

great achievements of those in the motor sport community who go above and beyond, or are high achievers in their selected discipline or event,” Arocca said.

“There are many across Australia who are worthy of recognition and I am always filled with great pride when we start to receive nominations each year and hear about the wonderful stories that we uncover in our sport.”

The full list of awards categories are available for viewing on the CAMS website.

The winners of each award will be presented at the 2018 CAMS National Gala Awards Dinner will be held on Saturday, 23 February 2019.

Meanwhile, nominations for individual State Awards are also open.

Photo: Mark Teague

Click here to see the full list of National Award categories and to submit your nomination.

To nominate for State specific awards, click here.

“Every day at CAMS we are lucky to hear stories about the

The dates for each State Awards Dinner around the country can be found by clicking here.

CA M S .COM.AU

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SPE E D READ

RENTSCH ON CLOUD NINE Photos: Show 'n Go Photography

Shannon and Ian Rentsch have claimed a history-making ninth BFGoodrich CAMS Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) after taking outright honours at the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro.

The father and son duo completed a clean sweep of the AORC, winning all three rounds in 2018, including a record sixth Tatts Finke Desert Race.

Shannon Rentsch was thrilled with the race win and admitted that his team had put together a pretty faultless performance throughout the year.

“It couldn’t really get any better. It was almost perfect,” Rentsch said.

“Getting the three wins at each round was awesome. Hard to believe we have won nine (Championships) now.

“I’m starting to feel a bit old now. It’s good to see all the hard work over the years has paid off.”

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Home in second was Outer Bounds Racing’s Beau Robinson, pleased to grab a solid result after a couple of recent events ended with mechanical issues.

“It was a good weekend all round. It was good to finish and have a good run,” Robinson said.

“It was pretty tough, we had a lot of rain at the start of the weekend which made it chaos.

“Shannon did a good job. It was good for BFGoodrich for him to be up front and obviously us keeping the trucks going.”

Making his Rainbow Desert Enduro debut, off road legend Mark Burrows enjoyed his first hit out at the event and it showed, Burrows completing the five-lap race in the fastest time.

“Getting the three wins at each round was awesome.

Hard to believe we have won nine (Championships) now.”

- Shannon Rentsch

“It has been a great weekend,” Burrows said.

“We had a really good prologue and the weather was perfect for it.

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HINDMARSH SHIRE RAINBOW DESERT ENDURO EVENT PLACINGS TOP TEN 1.

#33 Shannon Rentsch/Ian Rentsch - 5:02:57.705

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#413 Beau Robinson/Shane Hutt - 5:14:52.599

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#21 Mark Burrows Colin Hodge/Mathew Burrows - 5:29:36.589

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#410 Greg Gartner/Jamie Jennings - 5:33:53.659

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#482 Michael Magher/Daniel Hose - 5:50:19.581

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#153 Alan Dixon/Jonothan O’Connor - 5:56:29.300

7.

#603 Jeff McNiven/Andrew Reid - 6:05:52.831

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#621 Toby Whateley/Simon Herrmann - 6:09:07.815

9.

#26 Nathan Monk/Daniel Monk/Damian Monk - 6:14:09.773

10. #15 Josh Howells/Bryan Erskine - 6:14:25.386

2018 BFGOODRICH CAMS AUSTRALIAN OFF ROAD CHAMPIONS OUTRIGHT DRIVER Shannon Rentsch

OUTRIGHT CO-DRIVER Ian Rentsch

PRO BUGGY DRIVER Photos: Show 'n Go Photography

Shannon Rentsch

PRO BUGGY CO-DRIVER Ian Rentsch

“We have had a great day today, had virtually no troubles at all. We went with the one pit stop strategy which worked really well for us.”

It was difficult ending for some of the big names as young-gun Josh Howells got bogged twice due to the sandy conditions, while last year’s winners Greg Gartner and Jamie Jennings were on track for a podium finish until they were forced to stop on two separate occasions to change punctured tyres.

In the class battles, Rentsch and Robinson took out the Pro Buggy and Extreme 2WD wins respectively, while Alan Dixon and Jonathan O’Connor claimed the Prolite win and secured the Australian class title in the process.

Jeff McNiven and Andrew Reid earned a hardfought SXS Turbo class win while Zachary Marsh and James Clarke took out the SXS Sport win.

In the Super 1650 Buggies it was Peter Stevenson first across the line while Matthew and Shaydon Witmitz won the Production 4WD class.

PROLITE DRIVER Alan Dixon

PROLITE CO-DRIVER Johnny O’Connor

SUPER 1650 DRIVER Hans Werner Zettl

PRODUCTION 4WD DRIVER Geoff Pickering

PRODUCTION 4WD CO-DRIVER Dylan Watson

EXTREME 2WD DRIVER Brett Taylor

EXTREME 2WD CO-DRIVER Chris Hinspeter/Peter Treis

EXTREME 4WD DRIVER Paul Malt

EXTREME 4WD CO-DRIVER Michelle Malt

SXS TURBO DRIVER Toby Whateley

SXS TURBO CO-DRIVER

Simon Hermann/Tony Whateley

SXS SPORT DRIVER Read more at aorc.com.au.

Rick Chambers

SXS SPORT CO-DRIVER Patrick Geraghty

CA M S .COM.AU

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BLINDSIDE DRAMA IN 12 HOUR VICTORY Photos: Alice Springs Off Road Racing Club

Click here for full results on the 2018 Sporties 12 Hour Enduro.

Team Blindside has taken out the 2018 Sporties 12 Hour Enduro in one of the most dramatic endings in the competition’s history.

Commodore ute of Mark Bluell and Karl Feranda, the first-year team providing a strong statement to the rest of the competition.

Craig and Sam Prettejohn alongside Richie Hayes in their Razorback buggy and Jason Wilson, Louie Miller and Mark Harvey in their Yamaha SXS put on a stellar performance to win the Enduro by three and a half minutes.

Although Team Rif Raf occupied top spot at multiple points throughout the race, they could not hold onto their lead, as Ben Oliver and Nina Kells in the Kingswood ute and Ranger campaigned by Lincoln and Alicia Sheedy eventually settling for fourth outright.

Finishing second were five-time champions Team 4XXX with the Southern Cross buggy piloted by Greg Hicks, Sam Lord and Craig Pankhurst and Jack and Tim Weir’s Holeshot machine unable to make up enough ground during the competitive 1000km.

As the only two teams to complete 17 laps of the 59km course and battling it out for the whole event, Team Blindside managed to pull away on the final lap and hold onto a monumental victory.

Rounding out the podium after completing 16 laps was Team White Knuckles lead by the David Bird piloted Trophy Truck and the

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Despite starting the day in pole and claiming the fastest lap of the day, Alex and Paul Heinze and their Nissan Southern Cross racer alongside Darren Wright, Chelsea Wright and Graham Robert in their Mitsubishi Southern Cross, Team Wildcards could only sneak into fifth after being reduced to one car when Wright broke down after one lap.

With more than $18,000 prize money available for competitors, the event was enjoyed by all who attended with plans for the 2019 event already in motion.

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MCCLUE MARCHES TO MAIDEN 2018 VICTORY Photos: Alan Mcintosh Photography

For full results and more information on the championship, click here.

Ewan McClue has produced a brilliant final display during the fourth round of the 2018 DEWALT SXS Australian Championship at Queensland Moto Park to secure his maiden victory for 2018.

McClue faced tough competition throughout the day from championship leader Simon Evans but found a new gear to edge past Evans and take out the round.

“It was a tough race. We got an ok start and decided to use the joker lane early again which paid off this time.”

“I was pretty happy actually because It was a bit unexpected and we had not even made the final in the two previous rounds due to mechanical issues,” McClue said.

“We went to Queensland with the thought of just trying to make it to the final, so we could get points back and with Simon and Tadamitsu Niihori being super fast all day, we decided to take it a little easy so we could make the final.

“The final was really good. It was a tough race. We got an ok start and decided to use the joker lane early again which paid off this time.

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“Simon has been consistent all year, it’s been really good for him so it’s going to be very tough to catch him.”

Despite winning four of the five heats, his Semi-Final and pushing the 2017 champion all the way to the end of the final, Evans was unable repeat his winning efforts from round one and settled with second place outright.

An entertaining battle between brothers Jarrod and Mitch Keyte in the final saw Jarrod claim the final spot on the podium for the first time this year.

Japanese sensation Tadamitsu Niihori rounded out the top five.

In the SXS Sport class, Mitch Keyte’s fourth outright was enough to secure the class victory, while Shannon Leach picked up second in his second race of the year and Tom Evans rounded out the class podium.

It was a disappointing day for Stephen Henry with the round two winner jumping out of the blocks early, only to suffer ECU dramas not long after, preventing him from scoring serious points in the championship.

The DEWALT SXS Australian Championship’s fifth and penultimate round will take place at Nowra Motoplex in New South Wales on 15 September.

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IT’S MORE THAN JUST OFFICIATING FOR DANNY

Photo: Katie Thompson

For more than 20 years, Danny Jonas has been a hard-working official who has helped shaped aspects of motor sport for CAMS in both Victoria and Australia.

His healthy 20-year racing career saw him take part in sprints, hill climbs, circuit racing and tarmac rallying before being offered a job in a newly created position on the other side of the track, one that was initially not so well received.

“I went into officiating in 2005 when I was approached by CAMS to be involved in different aspects of safety in motor sport,” Jonas explained.

“I became the first compliance checker in the country and the first at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

“It was difficult at first because people were not used to the changes we were bringing to make the sport safer.

“They originally didn’t accept us and constantly challenged us so we always had to explain that it was different now, we had to protect the clubs, the competitors and the public.”

Through his good work as a compliance officer alongside important CAMS figures such Peter 3 0

Nelson and Michael Holloway, Jonas formulated many changes that improved the safety of the sport.

It was the impact he made, in addition to the all the years officiating at both the national and club level that saw the 71-year-old offered a CAMS Service award at this year’s CAMS Victorian State Awards.

While it may not have been a surprise to Jonas that he was going be recognised for all the years of service, it definitely caught him off guard when he left the awards night crowned the Castrol Victorian Official of the Year.

“I went into the awards knowing I had won a CAMS service award, which in itself was fantastic, but I didn’t know it was going to be more than that,” Jonas laughed.

“When Andrew Papadopoulos called my name out as the Castrol Official of the Year. It was unbelievable. That evening was mind blowing.

“I really enjoyed myself. My wife was with me and we had our photos taken and made a little speech. It made me very proud to have won the award.

“It was just a very special moment. In fact it was the pinnacle of my motor sport career.”

“When Andrew Papadopoulos called my name out as the Castrol Official of the Year. It was unbelievable... In fact it was the pinnacle of my motor sport career”

Although Jonas has now lived out one of his greatest moments, he won’t stop contributing to the sport.

“I enjoy training officials and am a great believer in succession planning,” Jonas explained.

“I like to stand back and see how everything runs smoothly, as well as making sure the competitors and the public have a safe and enjoyable time.

“The friendships that I have gained over the years are one of the biggest highlights of volunteering because we will never forget each other.”

Learn more about becoming an official here.

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DESTINATION SINGAPORE FOR GP OFFICIALS

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Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

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As the Formula 1 season moves to Asia for the Singapore Grand Prix in mid-September, 10 Australian officials will be flying north to volunteer at the event.

The list of experienced Australians to be making the trip includes Anthony Thorne who is part of the Supercars chief marshal team and a Sector Marshal at the Australian Grand Prix along with Bernadette Cappello.

Paul Townsend and Mark Hawes attending.

of the most popular events on the calendar.

South Australia and New South Wales have two officials each heading to Singapore with Graham Dickson and Alexander Varcoe coming from the south and Alan Firth and David Macefield from New South Wales.

The 10 Australia officials on their way to Singapore are:

Anthony Thorn QLD Alan Firth NSW Paul Townsend VIC Graham Dickson SA Mark Hawes VIC David Macefield NSW (03) 9419 0066 Alexander Varcoe SA lifestylebrands.com.au Bernadette Cappello ACT Sarah Croft VIC Ryan Elliot VIC

The experienced Thorn is Queensland’s sole representative while Cappello will make her way from the nation’s capital.

The Australian team hails from all over the country, Victoria having the largest representation with four officials in Ryan Elliot, Sarah Croft,

The Singapore Grand Prix will take place from 13 – 16 September as one

CUSTOM

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RICCIARDO RENAULT SWITCH The start of August saw a move that shocked the Formula 1 world as CAMS Ambassador Daniel Ricciardo confirmed his career at Red Bull Racing would come to an end in 2018.

With the West Australian spending more than 10 years at Red Bull, we have a look at some of the highlights to date ahead of his big move to French team Renault.

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Click here for the full story regarding his move.

A young Daniel Ricciardo gets some friendly advice from Formula BMW teammate Sebastian Vettel in 2006.

In action during his debut Formula 1 season for HRT in 2011.

Ricciardo holds his first piece of Formula 1 silverware after guiding his Red Bull to third in the 2014 Spanish Grand Prix.

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In action during the 2011 Formula Renaullt 3.5 series before making his F1 debut later that season.

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A 22-year-old Ricciardo surrounded by some great names in Formula 1 ahead of his first ever Australian Grand Prix for Torro Rosso.

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Just two races later, Daniel wins his first ever Formula 1 event at 24-years-old, claiming the 2014 Canadian Grand Prix.

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An excited Ricciardo signs with HRT after spending the first half of the 2011 season as a test driver for Torro Rosso.

Ricciardo relaxes following a race during the 2013 Formula 1 season for Torro Rosso.

Time to cool off for the 2018 Monaco Grand Prix winner, his last win for Red Bull before announcing the move to Renault.

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Photo: Wishart Media

FRONTAL HEAD RESTRAINTS CRUCIAL: CRASH SURVIVOR Chris Higgs and co-driver Daymon Nicoli had been competing at the highest level in Australian Rally before disaster struck during a local club round in Narooma 12 months ago.

As the pair approached a corner at speed, one of the mounting brackets of their Subaru WRX STi GC8 steering rack broke causing the wheel to lock up.

As a result of the lock up, their car uncontrollably speared into a tree at more than 120km/h which spectators described as one of the worst they had seen.

Fortunately for both Higgs and Nicoli, they only suffered minor injuries with Higgs sustaining a broken foot.

“We were definitely lucky to come out alive,” Higgs said.

“We had a roll cage, FIA approved belts, wing seats and Frontal Head Restraints (FHR) which were all big things.

“Without a doubt in my mind, if were not wearing neck support (in the form of FHR), we would have probably both broken our necks because it was an instant stop.

“Looking back at the footage, our bodies moved a lot on impact, so if we did not have FHRs on, we would not be here now and that is a guarantee.”

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Frontal Head Restraints (FHR) are now mandatory in state and national level rallies and CAMS has previously confirmed the safety equipment will be compulsory in Multi Club level events from 1 January 2019 and Club level events from 1 January 2020.

While Higgs was an advocate for safety gear before the accident, he has since become a bigger believer that all levels should be required to wear them after experiencing their benefits first hand.

“I ran two years of ARC and never had a crash but then doing a club round is when I had my biggest accident,” Higgs added.

“At the end of the day, for the small cost of around $1000, is it worth saying ‘I can’t afford that’? Is your life not worth that much?

“If we did not have FHRs on, we would not be here now and that is a guarantee.”

- Chris Higgs Volkswagen Polo AP4 for the 2019 rally season.

Fittingly, the pair’s first competitive event was the same one where they had an accident 12 months previous.

“It felt really good to get back into competition. Our first round was a big mental thing, which is why I wanted to do Narooma,” Higgs said.

With the accident well and truly out of their minds, Higgs and Nicoli now turn to the BOTT Adelaide Hills Rally next month for their first CAMS Australian Rally Championship event since last year.

“For us it’s simple. We were not even at fault during our accident.

We had no control because it was a mechanical failure.”

Not long after the accident that could have ended in tragedy, Higgs was back behind the wheel of friend Simon Evans’ SXS (side by side) turbo regaining confidence.

When a Mitsubishi Evo 6 became available, Higgs and Nicoli jumped at the opportunity to start competing again while they work on a new

In Formula 1, Sauber driver Charles Leclerc was lucky to walk away unh armed from a nasty accident during the first lap of the Belgian Grand Prix thanks to the new halo device.

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SPE E D READ A DVE RTORIAL

BRANT NEW ERA FOR GARAGE 1

From his early years working as a Fabricator in the Group A era, Marty Brant went on to start his own business Independent Race Cars in 2001.

Lessons learnt from working with greats like Fred Gibson, Ross and Jimmy Stone and many others had Brant set a high benchmark for himself, to try and recreate some of the success he had been part of in those years with his own team.

While Brant raced and won championships for many years following, the biggest thrill for Brant was to be able to help others achieve their goal, be it pole position in a State meeting, National Championship win or even a simple personal best on a test day.

It was the success gained through these many years working at the highest level that helped him build his new business, Garage 1, alongside long-time friend and coowner John Evans.

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“We can do pretty much everything for a race car owner, professional or amateur, which is why we do what we do�

Garage 1 has been developed to create an avenue for Australian and New Zealand motor sport competitors to access quality motor sport equipment and advice.

The company creates FIA and CAMS certified roll cages, fuel systems and other racing equipment, while also building race cars from scratch using many of their own parts.

The two started the retail business when they realised that there was a gap in the market for easily accessible motor sport parts, CA M S S P EED READ

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for established race teams as well as racers building cars at home from their garage.

“We just thought that there are very few people in Victoria selling motor sport parts, and we saw an opportunity to fill that hole,” Brant said.

“As far as I know, we are one of the few businesses around that can take a road car, design and build it, supply componentry then race it, 100% in house.”

As the business continues to grow with more drivers bringing their cars to Garage 1, there is little time to reflect on how many challenges Brant has had to face both on and away from the racetrack.

“We can do pretty much everything for a race car owner, professional or amateur, which is why we do what we do,” Brant added.

For more information on Garage 1, click here.

CA M S .COM.AU

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Photo: Targa West/CMR Photographic

FAIRYTALE FINISHES FOR ICONIC TARGA WEST Competition Modern category winners Peter Rullo and James Marquet have won the hearts of thousands of fans who flocked to Perth to witness four action packed days in the 2018 Make Smoking History Targa West The Porsche 996 Turbo pilots fought off a late challenge from Will White and Matt Thompson to claim their first Targa West since their debut a decade ago, ending their ten-year wait for silverware.

Despite Rullo and Marquet heading into the final day with a one minute and 14 second lead over White and Thompson, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

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9 drivers managed to win the first five stages of the day, before Rullo and Marquet held their nerve in the final stage to secure a monumental victory.

“This has been ten years in the making and I couldn’t be happier, I’m ecstatic,” Rullo said.

“I’d like to thank Ross and Jan Tapper and the organisers, all the volunteers, my fellow competitors for keeping me honest, Team DDTB, Peter Major for leasing me his winning car, my family, my co-driver Jimmy and everyone who’s helped us over the past ten years.”

Mark Dobson and Nigel Jones dominated the Competition Classic class with the 1975 Triumph TR7 V8 duo starting the final day with a lead of more than two minutes and 50 seconds, only to build on it throughout the final six stages.

Dobson alongside veteran co-driver in Jones, the only competitor to compete in every Targa West since its inception, was thrilled with the victory on his eighth attempt.

“I’m chuffed, totally happy and ecstatic,” Dobson said.

“My co-driver Nigel has been great.

I’ve been doing this event for eight years and I love it.”

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Photo: Targa West/CMR Photographic

Photo: Targa West/Michele Seymore

Photo: Targa West/Pronto PR

“This has been ten years in the making and I couldn’t be happier. I’m ecstatic” - Peter Rullo

Teenager Nick Mitic has announced himself on the big stage by winning the Challenge category in convincing fashion, the P-plater driving the 2017 Lotus Elise, alongside veteran Geoff Duckworth to a six and half minute victory.

“The Lotus is so well suited to the city stages, it was a lot of fun, I still can’t believe it,” Mitic said.

“Geoff has been a phenomenal co-driver and the Lotus has not skipped a beat.

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“It was a full on event but really awesome, this just feels surreal. I’d definitely like to do more rallies in the future.”

The ‘two day rallye’ category saw a dream come to a reality for Cody Harris who claimed an incredible clean sweep of the class in his first attempt in a 2004 Mitsubishi Evo 8.

“I’m speechless. This is the craziest most intense thing I’ve ever done and I’m so stoked,” Harris said.

“I am so grateful to Andy van Kann, he and Ross Tapper, the event manager, have made my dreams come true.”

For more information and full results from the 14th Make Smoking History Targa West, click here.

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MONASH MOTORSPORT’S RECORD RUN COMPLETE Monash Motorsport has officially wrapped up their dream 2018 Formula SAE campaign with a record win in the UK, a record placing in Austria and a gallant sixth in Germany.

Competing against 129 other student teams from more than 30 countries around the world, students’ cars were graded on a variety of assets that included engineering, business, efficiency and acceleration.

Their three week tour couldn’t have started better with the Clayton-based team claiming top honours in the first leg at Silverstone after three days of intense testing and presentations.

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The combustion car, M17 – C ‘s impressive score of 863.6 points was 81 points ahead of closest rival, Oxford Brookes University’s score of 772.4, while the electric car, M17-E managed to secure third outright, posting an overall score of 767.0.

Following their monumental victory, which marked Monash Motorsport’s highest international competition result ever, the team then moved to the iconic Red Bull Ring in Austria for the second leg.

Despite not winning the Austrian event, Monash Motorsport still finished in their highest ever position, placing second for the combustion

car and fourth outright for the electric car.

The combustion car, M17 – C scored 789.9 points in total, second only to Technische Universität Graz, the Austrian team scoring an impressive 846 points.

In the electronic car category, M17-E scored a total of 741.5 points as E78 TU Hamburg from Germany won the category, edging out fellow German university TU Bergakademie Freiberg and Chalmers University of Technology from Sweden.

Full of confidence from their two previous results, Monash CA M S S P EED READ

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Photo: Formula Student Austria

Motorsport then went to their final destination, the world renowned Hockenheimring in Germany for the Formula Student Germany.

Finishing the Combustion category with 750.33 points, the M17 – C placed sixth outright, their highest section Engineering Design where they placed second. Germany’s own Rennteam Uni Stuttgart e.V won the category with 888.60 points.

The M17 – E also finished sixth outright, posting a score of 633.55, with Switzerland’s Zürich ETH finishing on top with 883.76 points. The M17 – E

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came away from the event with a first in the business presentation.

After placing in some of their highest ever positions to date, it has been a successful tour for Monash Motorsport, who will return to Australia with their heads held high as they begin to prepare for their next European tour in two years time.

Photos: Monash Motorsport

Click here to read more about CAMS's extended partnership with Formula SAE-A.

In a brilliant month for the Formula SAE competitions, CAMS and Formula SAE – Australasia have announced a new partnership extension through to 2021.

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Photo: Chantel Collins

SUCCESSFUL YEAR SO FAR FOR RICCIARDO’S RACERS More than 120 junior drivers across four states have taken part in the 2018 Ricciardo’s Racers Junior Drive Days in a successful year so far.

The CAMS initiative aims to build confidence and skills in young drivers through professional driving instructors and multiple driving challenges.

This year saw the inclusion of a new level three course which allowed juniors to learn how to drive on a race circuit while putting together all the skills learned in the lower two courses.

During the most recent event at Wakefield Park in New South Wales, a participant’s father, Ian Johnson, indicated how important the course

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is to help drivers in both a race and casual setting.

with guidance from local racer Annabel Ranford.

“The Ricciardo Racers course was a good day and I’m confident that Todd learned quite a lot,” Johnson said.

Just four more events remain for the year with Sandown to host both level one and two courses on 26 September.

“Just about every other Dad there said, “How lucky are these guys?” because we never had anything like this growing up.”

A three level Gold Coast event is next on 3 October, before Tasmania’s Symmons Plains host a level one and two course on 6 October.

As more participants have been taking part in Ricciardo’s Racers, another positive development for the program is the increase in female participation.

The final event for 2018 will take place on 8 October at Sydney Motorsport Park with level one and two courses available.

The level three Ricciardo’s Racers in Wondonga saw a solid representation from four participating female drivers

Learn more about Ricciardo's Racers here.

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WAKEFIELD PARK

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Photos: Dave Oliver

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- Ian Johnson, father

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“Just about every other Dad there said, “How lucky are these guys?” because we never had anything like this growing up.”

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Photo: Lyn Andrew

SWAN HILL SEALS INTERCLUB DOUBLE

The Swan Hill Sporting Car Club (SHSCC) have successfully completed the double over the Shepparton District Car Club (SDCC) in the second round of the clubs’ interclub challenge.

The victory comes just two months after the SHSCC dominated the first autocross challenge in Swan Hill to take out more class wins over their cross-town rivals.

With the event taking place in Shepparton, it was a closer affair this time around as the home club’s seven class wins was not enough to claim victory, SHSCC’s 10 of the available 18 classes earning them the win.

Also attending the event was the Kyneton Car Club, as Patrick Swingler won one of the classes on the first day of action.

Swingler’s win saw both clubs equal on four class wins after day one, with Lachlan Melton, Rick Graves, Russell Smith and Justin Aylett claiming top honours for the SDCC, while

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Ian Johnston, Carolyn Donnan, Jake Vallence and Neil Donnan won their respective classes for the SHSCC. Day two saw Russell Smith and Lachlan Melton from the SDCC and Neil Donnan, Jake Vallence, Carolyn Donnan and Ian Johnston from SHSCC all claim back-to-back class victories.

With Swingler not attending the second day, the SHSCC’s Nathan McNeill took out class E, while Reginald Johnson’s victory over Aylett in class C sealed the deal for the SHSCC. Following the success of 2018’s two events which saw 43 competitors compete in the first event in Swan Hill and 31 in the second, both clubs are now looking to double the challenge to four rounds in 2019.

For more information on the Interclub Challenge, click here.

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INVESTING IN OUR BEST CAMS has piloted a new coaching program for its Appointed Officials in 2018 to ensure they continue to operate to the highest standards.

The coaches have taken responsibility for almost 40 officials across some of CAMS’ top level categories including Supercars, Carrera Cup and Australian GT. The program aims to mentor, coach and assess the performance of Series Stewards, Race Directors and Technical Delegates, led by respected officials Steven Chopping, David Mori and Ewan Cole.

As well as developing their officials’ skills and working towards consistent performance, the coaches are tasked with identifying promising officials for future appointments.

CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca said the program would have a positive impact on the future of Australian motor sport.

“This program not only brings CAMS in line with other professional sporting bodies, but will continue to ensure our officials are regarded as the best in the world,” Arocca said.

“The calibre of personnel at our disposal is first class and we are thrilled to pass their knowledge onto the next generation.”

For those interested in stepping up in 2019, CAMS will again open up Appointed Officials positions for application.

This process occurred for the 2018 season with the aim of transparency and ensuring the best talent is sourced for these crucial roles in Australian motor sport.

The application process will formally open in November 2018.

If you are interested in becoming a National level Race Director, Series Steward or Technical Delegate under the guidance of one of CAMS’ expert coaches, please direct all enquiries to: Ainslie.gardner@cams.com.au.

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INVESTORS NEEDED FOR MILDURA’S GRAND PLANS Mildura Rural City Council is inviting investors or organisations to be part of what promises to be one of Australia’s most exciting new motor sport precincts.

The CAMS supported Mildura Motorsports and Community Precinct (MMCP) is planned for a 557-hectare plot of land close to Mildura’s city centre, known as Block H at Koorlong.

The new facility will serve as a national hub for a diverse range of motor sports including off-road and motorcycle racing, circuit car and motorcycle racing, karts and jet boats.

Business Case economic modelling estimates an operating revenue in excess of $23 million, and an operating surplus of nearly $8 million over 30 years (at net present value).

The project could also generate 324 jobs and a $162 million benefit over 30 years.

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The $22 million first stage is ready to be developed but requires private and additional government funding to become a reality. A comprehensive Business Case and Investment Prospectus have been completed, detailing the exhaustive research and study that has gone into this project.

Mildura Rural City Council is now seeking expressions of interest (EOI) from individuals, groups or businesses keen to invest in this exciting initiative. Varying amounts and investment models will be considered and Council is flexible and open to a broad range of business and partnership options to deliver this exciting project.

EOIs are now open and will be taken until 21 September, after which they will be evaluated and potential investors contacted for more detailed proposals.

“This really is an exciting business and investment opportunity, even if your group or business doesn’t have links or an interest in motorsport,” Eckel said.

“The exhaustive research that has gone into the business case and investment prospectus, both of which have been endorsed by Australian motorsport’s peak body, the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, speaks for itself and the figures stack up.”

EOI documentation, as well as the MMCP Business Case and Investment Prospectus are available online at mildura.vic.gov.au/ motorsports.

Mildura Mayor Mark Eckel encouraged investors to come forward.

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WAMS TRANS-TASMAN RECIPIENT ANNOUNCED

Suzanne Ashlin has been announced as the 2018 recipient of the Women of Australian Motor Sport (WAMS) Virgin Australia Supercar Championship Trans-Tasman Officials Exchange.

The third year program will provide Ashlin the opportunity to attend and work at the 2018 ITM Auckland SuperSprint in November.

Hailing for Tasmania, Ashlin’s resume is impressive, with a nomination for the 2016 National Secretary for HQ Racing Australia and time working in Supply and Timing.

After being announced as the successful applicant, the Tasmanian was thrilled with the chance to travel to New Zealand.

“It is a fantastic, once in a lifetime, opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and skills,” Ashlin said.

“I’m looking forward to bringing new knowledge back to Australia to apply at future VASC and local race events.

With many worthy officials applying for the position, WAMS Committee representative, Ebone Coats revealed CA M S .COM.AU

Women of Australian Motor Sport a CAMS initiative

that Ashlin was chosen due to her successful past.

“WAMS had a difficult time coming to a decision but Ashlin’s application presented as outstanding,” Coats said.

“We feel that as the first female National Committee member of HQRA’, along with Ashlin’s engagement with motorsport at both a local and nation level that she will be an ideal candidate for the exchange.

“Ashlin demonstrated her long term passion and commitment as a volunteer, which is at the heart of our motorsport.”

The 2018 ITM Auckland SuperSprint is the penultimate round of the 2018 Supercars series and takes place in Auckland, New Zealand, on 2 – 4 November.

Click here for more information on WAMS.

“It is a fantastic, once in a lifetime, opportunity for me...

I’m looking forward to bringing new knowledge back to Australia to apply at future VASC and local race events”

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Photos: Michael Perkins and Millchester Motor Sport

CHARTERS TOWERS TO HOST OFF ROAD GOLD RUSH

Entries are open for the Puma Energy Markwell Demolition Gold City 126 to take place on the 15 – 16 September in the scenic town of Charters Towers in Queensland.

The event, which acts as the second round of the CAMS Queensland Off Road Championship and the fourth round of the North Queensland OffRoad Super Series, will cover more than 126km across a variety of heats spread out over two days of non-stop action.

To enter the event, click here.

Following a prologue and top ten shootout, the event will be set out across five heats, the field breaking down into three separate groups for the two major 36km heats, which features two laps of the 18km circuit.

Up to $1000 worth of prize money will be offered to outright and class winners throughout the event, including a fantastic prize of $500 for the top ten shootout winner, while fuel vouchers and other awards will also be awarded to the top three of each class as well as the outright podium.

Entries for the North Queensland Off Road Association run event are $250 with the closing date listed as Wednesday 12 September.

Click here for more information.

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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!

CA M S .COM.AU

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Dean Amos taking out his fifth Historic Leyburn Sprints outright trophy, topping a quality field of more than 210 cars, held on 18-19 August.

Photo: Trapnell Creations

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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