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Look out – Grove Racing is coming for you in 2024.

Image: MARK HORSBURGH

ADELAIDE WINNER TARGETS MORE IN 2024 MATT PAYNE IS THE 66TH DRIVER TO WIN IN THE SUPERCARS ERA AND 85TH IN THE AUSTRALIAN TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP. HE SPOKE WITH ANDREW CLARKE ...

YOUNG KIWI Matt Payne is now a Supercars race winner, claiming the 2023 Vailo Adelaide 500 in dominant style.

The 21-year-old took just 28 races to win, in his rookie season, stamping himself as a champion of the future and setting Grove Racing up for a Championship challenging 2024 season.

“It’s been a year since I’ve won a trophy, so it’s a good feeling. We all know Supercars are super competitive; I’m really, really stoked to win here on Sunday,” he said before talking about skipping steps on the pathway with his first podium – a win.

“Straight for the win, I’m always wanting to win. I was aiming for top 10s, and then once we were there consistently, it was, ‘Okay, we can get a little bit more now.’ I always knew the podium was possible.

We’ve had really good speed in the last few rounds, especially in qualifying.

“We’ve tried to put ourselves in a really good position for the race to achieve a good result. I think today we just maximised everything. The pit stops were

good, the car was super-fast. I didn’t make too many mistakes, the result shows.

“It definitely feels pretty good. It’s just sort-of a weight lifted off my shoulders. I think I was always a bit nervous, I really wanted to get my first podium this year.

It was hard because I felt that I probably could have achieved it the last few rounds. I was almost getting to a point where I was saying, ‘We’ve had a pretty good year’, and those sorts of things to convince myself it was okay.

“Then, after yesterday looking at some of the lap times, even when we were a few laps down, I think we had really good speed, even with some of the damage we still had on the car. I knew coming in today that we had good tyres, we had good car speed, and I knew it would be possible and here we are.

“I don’t set too many excuses for myself anyway, even if I’m a rookie. It’s always pushing for the win.”

He is now an Adelaide 500 winner and a winner in his rookie season, and he says that feels good.

“I’ve grown up watching this track. I always remember when McLaughlin and Whincup were battling, and he’s on the microphone, giving it the ‘jandal’. It’s pretty incredible to win the Adelaide 500. Next year, when I roll in here, my name will be up on the grandstand with all the other famous names, and I think it’s a good starting point for us next year to have a good shot at the championship.”

The results at the end of the season for Payne and Grove Racing have been stellar. Since the final parity adjustment, Reynolds has been on the podium in each race, and both Reynolds and now Payne have won races.

Payne says that is a great reward for the team, which has worked hard all season and is now building something special.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it – we’ve had a really hard year. It’s been hard on our side. Our team really struggled in the middle part. We probably had some things on the car and the setup that weren’t helping us and some of the other things with the category.

“But I don’t put any blame on that (parity); I think we’ve really come on in the last six rounds, and our pace has shown what we can do. We always roll out, and we’re always up there straight away. It is really positive heading into next year.

“I think if we start next year with a high and try to keep that going, we have a real shot at having a good result.”

In terms of the Championship, he says that is the target now. Like Broc Feeney, who won for the first time at last year’s Adelaide 500, and Brodie Kostecki, who won for the first time earlier this season, he said there is no reason why he can’t be a regular race winner in 2024 and contend for the title.

“Next year, we’re definitely going for the championship. Wouldn’t be trying for anything else. I think we are up to speed. Today, we proved that we can win races, so we need to be more consistent next year. Just try to be fast everywhere. That’s what counts, and the rest sorts itself out.”

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‘NUMB’ KLIMENKO HAPPY TO BE HUNTED EREBUS HAS COMPLETED A DECADE-LONG FIGHT TO THE TOP, ONLY TO HAVE ONE OF THE BIGGEST BENEFITS STRIPPED FROM UNDERNEATH IT. ANDREW CLARKE SPOKE WITH THE 2023 TEAMS’ CHAMPIONS AS THEY PREPARE TO MOVE FROM BEING HUNTERS TO THE HUNTED, AND WHY THE FLOATING PIT ORDER SUCKS ...

WHEN ASKED about moving from being the hunter to the hunted, Erebus team owner Betty Klimenko said ‘that’s cool’ and her team will take that on as a badge of honour.

Klimenko and team CEO Barry Ryan put together a dominant season after switching to Gen3 planning earlier than most, but she said she was just feeling numb after the biggest achievement of her time as a motorsport team owner with both the driver and team title now resting inside her team.

“I’m feeling a bit numb – surreal. I’d love to tell you that I’m jumping, but there’s no jumping yet,” she said. “The changes I’ve been through with all the people that come and go in the teams and everything else, each single one of those – it doesn’t matter where they’ve ended up – have contributed something to today.

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“Barry, he’s the pinnacle. I’m just a figurehead. Barry is the one who should be congratulated.

“I’m trying to find a word that means more than proud. It doesn’t exist. They have astounded me. They have amazed me. The team is just unbelievable. This is their win.

I’m a guest. I just stand around singing and feeding lollies!”

Klimenko has always talked about her ‘little’ team as part of her family, and she was surprised when she saw her son walk into the garage, but that just proved to her what the weekend really meant.

“They live in Sydney and I live down south. They’ve got children. They’ve got kindy. They’ve got school sports, so I wasn’t expecting any of them to come, and then I

saw my son – my baby son, who’s six foot five and it hit home.

This year, I’ve had my brother dying, the boys in the team with the ups and the downs, and then Will leaving, and it was like someone’s just punching me in the head while feeding me caviar.

“That’s exactly what it felt like.

I’m sure I’ll have a good cry but now, all I can do is just look at these boys and thank God they came into my life.”

Betty and Barry – Supecars’ new ‘A’ team ...

Left: Young engineer Tom Moore (centre), alongside lead engineer George Commins (right), is a classic example of the Erebus philosophy ...

Images: MARK HORSBURGH

When Klimenko bought Stone Brothers Racing at the end of 2012, she found some resistance among the traditional teams but was embraced by the fans. Eventually, she has earned her place at the table and the respect of her peers, but she has done it her way, and she says that is what the fans like.

“They’ve (the fans) always let me know that I’m like Switzerland. I’m neutral; I’m the team that if their team doesn’t win, they want to win. I’ve always had a very special relationship with the fans, and it doesn’t matter what fans they are – from which team. They’re always patting me on the back, saying, ‘Go, Betty.’

Betty, husband Daniel, their new champion Brodie ... and some silverware ...

“I think they see me in a different light to the other teams because we’re a little bit kooky.

“Today we just broke the wall down. There’s been a wall for the last 15 years of that top position, and it’s always been factory-backed.

We weren’t factory-backed. We didn’t get a helping hand. And I like the fact that now the rest of the field can see it and go, ‘They did it – we can do it.’”

She is a bit peeved at the move to change the way the pitlane garage order is being done next year, which is the first time the order will change from round-to-round instead of being fixed for the season, but she’ll make her thoughts known as the year progresses, as she has done so to now.

“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings. At the moment, the fat lady is yelling. I don’t know if I can change their minds, but I might be able to show them their stupidity.

“Can you imagine when a race driver’s concentrating really hard and he pulls into the wrong garage because, ‘Oh, that’s a garage I was in last time.’ I’m not saying that I have drivers who can’t work it out and other series do it, but it’s not a V8 thing.

“It’s a Band-Aid to try to keep the fans happy, but the fans don’t need that. Fans buy seats in the grandstands across from their favourite team. How are they going to know where their team is? It’s not the V8 way.

“If they change their minds at the end of next year and decide they made a mistake, then it’ll be on for old and young. Young and old … but old first.”

Team CEO Ryan reflected similar views on the pitlane order but said the easiest way around that was to lead the Teams’

Championship from the first round. Ryan first joined the Supercars program at Erebus in 2015 and has enjoyed some success – including a Bathurst 1000 win in 2017 – but he said this was something else even in his own pragmatic way.

“It’s good ... it’s not that it hasn’t hit me, or I’m not that excited about it. I’ve ticked the box,” he said. “This is what I go racing for – the win.

It’s probably the first time I can say what we’ve achieved, what we do it for, just like if you pass your first Maths test. That’s what you’re supposed to do. You don’t get excited about it.

You go, ‘Yep. We’ve done it. Let’s move on and make sure we get the next one right.’

“I’m happier for the team and for Brodie than anything. The driver’s title is always the big one. But to see the work that all the boys put in and Will and Brodie combined as drivers makes it pretty special to win the teams’ title, too.”

It was Ryan who decided to set the team on the path to Gen3 dominance; he believed the change in the way Supercars was going to go racing opened the door to doing something different and could easily shake the running order. Erebus had been there or thereabouts, but Gen3 would take massive budgets out of the game and return the racing to the racers.

“Gen3 coming a year later than what we really wanted hurt. We stuck it out with Gen2 for the extra year. We really wanted the rookies for a year to learn their craft and then get a new car – everybody into the same equipment and if you can do the best job you win. Anyway, it was a year late, but we ticked the box.”

He gambled on rookie replacements when Dave Reynolds and Anton De Pasquale left the team, wanting a full season on Gen2 before attacking Gen3. He got two seasons.

But he stuck to his guns despite detractors.

“It makes me even more determined just to keep trusting myself and my instincts,” he said of the doubters.

“But it wasn’t just me who made a decision; it wasn’t easy to convince everyone at the start, but then, once we learned who they were, we were OK. We already knew Will, and once people learned who Brodie was, they knew he would be something special, and he’s proved it to everyone.

“Brodie’s already talking about setup, how we went wrong today, how we can be better next year, and what we need to do at the first test. He’s not just sitting there thinking where he will get his next latte like half these

drivers. All he does is think about how he’s going to win races.

“We butt heads too, because you can’t just be friends all the time – that doesn’t work.

For successful relationships in this game, you’ve got to be able to butt heads and then move on. I think that’s what works well with me and Brodie. Not just me and Brodie, but me and the team that we’ve got.”

Building that team took a while, and not everyone dealt with Ryan’s honesty, so they left. Which, he says, is fine because the people who remain can cope with that and are there to win races and understand no criticism is personal. He’s not immune to being told when he is wrong either, so he has to take that onboard and grow.

“The wrong staff don’t like being told that they’ve done something wrong and don’t like being told we could be better. Now the right staff are all here. The people that didn’t like that are gone.

“There were a couple of drivers who were like that and everybody’s a different character – it is about finding your place.

You’ve got to get the right people with the intelligence to handle being told they haven’t done a good job. I get told that sometimes by my staff, and I handle it. I move on, and I get better.

“That TV show made it easy to portray part of who I was, but they only saw one side of it,” he said, referring to the infamous year inside Erebus TV series. “Or they never saw the reasons why I was saying that, and then five minutes later, when I went up and patted them on the back and said, ‘You know why I’m having a go at you?’ That’s the stuff they didn’t show. It’s just creative editing. They had to have a villain.

“We’re here to win. We’ve already started thinking about next year. Last night, we said, ‘We won this championship. How are we going to do it again next year?’ We don’t stop; we’ll be talking about it at Gala Dinner tomorrow night. I’m sure Brodie will be sitting next to George, talking about how we go faster. That’s just what we do.”

He said Sunday night would be relaxed in the Erebus way, a few beers and just enjoying each other’s company.

“The best thing is that our team will all want to drink beers and be mates. We’ll see how it rolls. We’ll just have some fun, we’ll have a big night. We’ll wake up and have another big night tomorrow night … drinking responsibly, of course. And then we’ll get set for next year.”

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GROVE AIMING FOR THE TOP

GROVE RACING HAS FINISHED THE SEASON ON FIRE, NOW STEVEN GROVE SAYS HE WANTS MORE OF THAT NEXT SEASON. HE SPOKE WITH ANDREW CLARKE ...

GROVE RACING’S revamped squad will hit the track next year with momentum after four podiums in a row for the departing Dave Reynolds and wins to him and rookie Matt Payne. After a tough 2023, which started well but then fell away, the season’s recovery hasn’t shifted the goalposts for next season since winning was always the goal, but it has shown the title is possible and not just a dream.

Next year, Bathurst winner Richie Stanaway will join the team to replace Reynolds, and the new look team will be wanting more of the wins and podiums it has enjoyed in the closing run of the season.

Payne was seen by many as a gamble by Grove, but he says nothing was further from the truth.

“We always wanted to go with youth, and we knew what Matt was capable of doing,” he said after Payne’s maiden win. “We had a look at his data; he happened to be in the Carrera Cup

when I was going around, and we overlaid his data on mine, and we could see he was really special.

“He’s got that real innate quality. I don’t like to compare people with people, but already he’s got a bit of McLaughlin about him and I spent a lot of time with Scotty – that calmness, the ability to prep and get the best out of a car, and his consistency is like a robot.

“His real strength is outside a rule of speed – his real strength is his ability to work it out. If he’s down, we give him data over the radio, we tell him where he is up or down in a certain sector and his ability to work it out is outstanding. He is consistent, he just pumps it out.

“And his ability to not be using 100% of his brain when he is racing – he’s got the capacity to be able to think outside of just the next corner, the strategy of where he is going and how to manage tyres. The best car racers in the world have that. And he’s got all those

things. So, it bodes well for a really good career for him.”

Grove paired Payne with Jack Bell for the season as part of its youth push, and he has other drivers and engineers lined up in the youth program.

In January 2021, Grove Racing joined the Supercars series in partnership with Kelly Racing, but by the season’s end, it had bought the entire team. Grove says his business acumen, combined with his racing knowledge, has helped turn around the team.

“The advantage that I think I had was I brought in some business skills, and I brought some racing skills. We’d run our Carrera Cup team overseas, and we had exposure to the Earl Bambers of the world and the Matt Campbells, and we’ve seen how they do it at the highest level. So, if you put those ingredients together with a real desire to win, it balances well.

“For us, it is all about winning. We like to go

about our business as quietly as we can, per se, outside of the team, and not make bold predictions. But yes, we will be challenging it internally to be winning championships from next year on.”

Turning back to Payne, he said he has a Champion there if the team can perform.

“Matt’s got all the ingredients there and the belief. You’ve got to believe you can beat them all – and he does believe that now. He feels he’s on the same footing as them. So that bodes well for next year.

“We wanted to get him on the podium today and tick that box so we could start 2024 well – and he’s had a win! Now he knows what that feels like, so it’s really good.”

With Richie Stanaway joining the team, Grove says his team will run at the front of the field so long as they keep learning. He points to the rapid rise of Erebus this year and says that proves the order or not preset, and next year he wants that success.

Steven Grove (centre) with the team’s two 2023 drivers – calculated approach is paying big dividends ...

Image: MARK HORSBURGH

The Auto Action motorsport podcast The team that’s not trying to make friends or look after sponsors!

It’s hard and it’s fast and sometimes it’s a bit rough, but we call it how we see it and pull no punches.

Plenty of analysis and lots of opinion from some of the most experienced motorsport media people in the business - Bruce Williams, Paul Gover and Andrew Clarke.

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It’s been a rapid rise to the top in Supercars. Below: And Betty Klimenko, who sees herself as the team’s ‘Mum’ had faith in the relative unknown.

Images: MARK HORSBURGH

HUMBLE KOSTECKI READY FOR MORE

BRODIE KOSTECKI IS THE QUICKEST DRIVER TO A CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE CRAIG LOWNDES IN 1996, EQUALLING MARCOS AMBROSE BY WINNING IN HIS THIRD SEASON. ANDREW CLARKE SPOKE WITH THE NEW CHAMPION ...

BRODIE KOSTECKI has raced to his maiden Supercars Championship in quicker time than anyone since Craig Lowndes won on debut, equalling the three-season climb to the top by Marcos Ambrose. Kostecki doesn’t yet have 100 races to his name and, at the start of this season, hadn’t even won a race. Now he is a Supercars Champion.

He jumped out of the blocks, took control of the title race in the second round, and never released his grip.

Speaking on Sunday night, Kostecki said the magnitude of what he has done hadn’t really settled in, but he understood what it meant to his team.

“I don’t think it’s truly sunk in yet, but it is great to see all the smiles on everyone’s face here in Coca-Cola Racing by Erebus,” he said. “It’s been a hard-fought year, and I guess the pressure has been on us all year. We’ve led most of the championship, which is quite cool, and to beat Triple Eight is something we’re truly humbled to do.”

Kostecki extended his lead to more than 300 points, which took away any debate around the 150 points lost

by Shane van Gisbergen when he was controversially disqualified in Newcastle, removing any ‘asterisks’ from the title win. But he said that was never an issue for him – he doesn’t even look at the points.

“I just drive my car, and I haven’t really looked to the points and don’t really follow the numbers too much. I didn’t even know what the gap was going into this round.

I just know that if I beat those cars, I’m doing my job.”

He won his first race this season and then started piling on the wins, podiums and pole positions. He ended the season with 10 poles and the qualifying award, six wins (one more than Shane van Gisbergen) and 18 podiums (seven more than Broc Feeney and Will Brown) and the eventual margin reflected the strength of his season.

“I knew that I could always do it, but this is a really competitive game that we race in here, and to win the Supercars Championship, everything has to go right.

You have to have a good car underneath you and a good team. We executed when we needed to, and we had a few mistakes, but we minimised those as much as possible. I guess that’s why we’re champions today.”

His first two seasons with Erebus were tough after it switched early to Gen3 mode, and having an unplanned extra season with Gen2 caused the team some discomfort, but they stuck to the plan.

“Suffering was to put it lightly,” he said of his first two seasons. “We didn’t really have that much of a great time in Gen2. We had some glimmers of hope, but I knew that, when I first signed up, there were plans for the infrastructure to build these cars and do everything inhouse, which was what I was really excited to see.

“I’m pretty hands-on and understand how these cars work, and I could put one together tomorrow. To have a team around me that was organising it that far ahead goes to show that preparation is what wins

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races and championships.”

Kostecki had a different path to Supercars than most, starting his car racing in the States in junior NASCAR categories before returning to Australia to run in Super2 with first the family-run Kostecki Brothers Racing team and then Eggleston Motorsport before picking up a Bathurst co-drive with Erebus.

His battle to stay on the grid financially is well recorded, but his talent pushed through that barrier, and he was chosen along with Will Brown to replace David Reynolds and Anton De Pasquale when they walked out on Erebus.

“I think if you truly believe in yourself and surround yourself with good people, anything can happen, and that’s what’s been proven here today. I’ve been very grateful to have a lot of great people around me; Paul Morris is one of them and my family, my uncle Steve, Ben and Rachel Eggleston.

“I’ll be forever grateful to them.”

He wants to be a multiple Champion and blend the next few seasons with some NASCAR Cup Series races with Richard Childress Racing while he races here with #1 on the side of his car.

“I love winning races, and that’s what I’ll focus on. The rest would take care of itself.

“Number one is due to make a comeback. I’m not too sentimental about things, but I know it means a lot to my team. They are the ones who put in a lot of their hard work behind the scenes that doesn’t get shown on TV. I think it would be a nice gesture for them.

“I’m definitely proud. But I’ve still got a lot of boxes to tick and things I want to achieve. We’ll just go about our business. Many people counted us out a few years ago, but here we are today.”

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FORD POWER TRAINS IN-HOUSE AT DJR DICK JOHNSON RACING IS TAKING OVER THE ENGINE DEVELOPMENT WORK FOR FORD IN SUPERCARS … BUT WHY? AND WHAT WILL THEY CALL IT? ANDREW CLARKE SPOKE WITH DJR CEO DAVID NOBLE ...

DICK JOHNSON Racing went to the Gold Coast hoping for a win but returned to Stapylton with Ford’s engine program.

CEO David Noble says the move makes sense and aligns the Ford homologation team with the engine development while, for Rob Herrod, it means he can get back to his booming road car business.

“There was an opportunity for us to look at the business, and we felt it was a good fit for us. We take over December 1,” Noble said.

“I think it was a culmination of a few things across a number of months that, I guess, just worked its way to a point where there was an opportunity for us to work together to make a transition.

We decided to invest in it, and as the homologation team, we felt that it fit under that umbrella.

“We were willing to invest in it and take it on board.”

The new business, which we suggested could be called DJR Powertrains, was originally a spin-out of DJR’s in-house engine shop and Herrod, when he bought the business, took it outside DJR to develop the engines for the Gen3 Mustang. But, with several issues affecting Herrod this year, including a health scare, he was open to selling it back to DJR.

Image: MARK HORSBURGH

CHARLIE UNDER SIEGE

Image: BRUCE WILLIAMS “It was originally the DJR engine program that Rob bought, or took over, and took outside. It’s sort of flipped back.

We need to look at the resourcing. We need to look at the financials and we need to give the teams clarity around what that looks like from a servicing and parts perspective.

“I think it’s an exciting opportunity for us and the category.”

He said that with the controls in place

by Supercars, there was no way this could advantage DJR’s performance. All engine allocations will remain random and will be handled by Supercars, with each engine certified by it before release.

“There’s probably some discussion around where data goes, what the cost of the engines are going to be, which I think we would be doing anyway, regardless of who the supplier is.

“There’s a contract that we’ll need to sign with Supercars as the engine

supplier, and there are contracts we’ll need to provide the teams with so they understand the servicing, the quality delivery timeframes, all the milestones, and the critical pathways for servicing and parts pricing.

“The engines remain in the pool – they go to Craig (Hasted), they’re sealed, they come back, they’re delivered. So, that process, from my understanding, this year, has worked really well. There’s no ability for us to develop our own engine.”

He says it may make it easier as the homologation team, but only time will tell.

There are no plans to move the facility, which means it will remain distinct from the racing team both physically and financially, with only some shared management.

Herrod was upbeat in Adelaide and looking forward to putting the politics of the sport behind him to concentrate on his road car business.

BUSCH READY TO RACE WITH ‘BUSH’ AT ADL500 RICHARD CHILDRESS has confirmed his desire to run Kyle Busch in a wildcard entry for the 2024 Vailo Adelaide 500, and Supercars’ boss Barclay Nettlefold has confirmed to Auto Action that he will do everything he can to facilitate the move.

Busch has four wins on road courses among his 63 race wins in 671 starts but has not won on a road course since Sonoma in 2015, despite the increase in the number of events.

Both Childress and Erebus boss Barry Ryan want the learning to be two-way, and bringing Busch across would be akin to running Brodie Kostecki in the States – which will happen again in 2024.

Busch is racing with Kostecki, ironically nicknamed ‘Bush’, this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas in an eight-hour endurance race and Childress said Erebus boss Barry Ryan had already spoken to him about running Busch in Adelaide next year.

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“They’ve already talked about bringing Kyle over here,” Childress said. “I don’t know that he’d want to, but I think if he brought his family over here, he would really enjoy the country and spend a couple of weeks.”

Next year’s Adelaide 500 is the week after the NASCAR finale at Phoenix, freeing up Busch for the drive.

However, the Adelaide 500 is not a wildcard event, which means Busch would need special approval to race which, Nettlefold said, while waiting for the Sunday podium at Adelaide, would not be a problem.

Erebus’s Ryan said getting Busch down to race the Adelaide 500 would be part of the information sharing between the two teams and would help Busch with his road and street course racing, which could fast-track the two-time Cup Series champion on his path to a third title.

Kyle Busch met up with SVG earlier in the year.

“There’s plenty we can learn off them,” he said, “and like with Brodie going over there and working with their drivers too on road courses we can bring one of them here and do the same.

“In NASCAR if you win one race, you get in the Chase. If they can put a bit more focus into the road courses, they can try and get themselves in the Chase early in the year and be able to just work up to it instead of stressing about getting in.”

by Bruce Williams and Andrew Clarke IT’S BEEN an interesting and challenging year for Team 18 principal, Charlie Schwerkolt, and the next few weeks may not be any different or provide the under-siege team owner any respite. His decision to recruit his old mate, Adrian Burgess has put him in the firing line with other team owners and the media.

Schwerkolt didn’t want to make any further comment in Adelaide on his decision, except to say he was looking forward to a holiday and the new season.

Some team owners contacted by Auto Action expressed surprise that Burgess was allowed to join a team after having full access to everyone’s data for the year, which they fear could help Team 18 get the upper hand. But, with no restraint clause in Supercars’ contract with Burgess, there appears little they can do other than consider costly legal action, which has no guarantee and perhaps little chance of success.

After Team 18’s first win in Darwin, the season has turned south, and the embarrassment of both team cars nearly running out of fuel at Bathurst while running strongly – Winterbottom even recording a DNF after not getting back on the track after his last lap fuel stop – started a push for internal change.

Significant staff and management changes were made following the Bathurst debacle, and Burgess, he hopes, is just one part of a resurgence to the team’s mid-2023 speed.

Schwerkolt has been a significant part of the sport for a long time and was part of the program that delivered James Courtney his Supercars Championship, with Burgess heading Dick Johnson Racing at the time.

“It’s incredibly exciting to welcome Adrian Burgess as Team Principal commencing early next year,” Schwerkolt said in the team’s media release.

“I’m really pleased to reunite with Adrian. Our history together goes back as far as 2006, a highlight being the championship success we celebrated together in 2010.

“This appointment is a great coup for the team and Adrian will be a valuable leader with the skills and experience to bring the results we are all striving for.”

Burgess said he was happy to rekindle his relationship with Schwerkolt.

“It’s exciting to get the band back together with Charlie. We’ve achieved a lot together in the past and we both know we would like to achieve those heights again. I’m not under-estimating the size of the task, the competition is incredibly fierce and it’s one of the most competitive championships in the world.

“Team 18 overall is in a great shape – it showed that this year in Darwin. I’m looking forward to getting on deck, continuing their great culture and working cohesively with everyone to focus on aiming for podiums and consistent performances every weekend and ultimately get ourselves in a position where we can fight for championships – that’s the goal.”

Burgess will initially perform his job from Queensland without deciding if and when he will move to Melbourne.

BRODIE, CHAZ TAKE THE GOLD AT THE SUPERCARS GALA

2023 Supercars Champion and Driver’s Driver award winner, Brodie Kostecki with partner Claudia Vanzati. Image: MARK HORSBURGH BRODIE KOSTECKI has not only taken out the 2023 Supercars Championship, but has also been acknowledged by his peers in being presented with the Driver’s Driver award at this year’s 2023 Supercars Gala Awards event.

Chaz Mostert has won his first Barry Sheene Medal after a year in which he stood up as a leader in the drivers’ ranks, calling out social media trolling unofficially and representing the drivers on safety issues.

Other leading awards handed out on the night included Mark Larkham winning the Supercars Media Award and Cameron McLeod the Mike Kable Young Gun Award.

The Barry Sheene Medal is named after the two-time Grand Prix

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motorcycle world champion and television commentator Barry Sheene, who died in March 2003 after an eightmonth fight with cancer. It is presented to the driver adjudged by the sport’s media to have displayed ‘outstanding leadership, media interaction, character, personality, fan appeal and sportsmanship throughout the season’.

Mostert endured a winless season but ended the year in fourth place and the highest-ranked of the Ford Mustang drivers, but this season has come more to the fore with his leadership among the drivers. He has also regularly spoken about stopping trolling on social media.

McLeod’s rise to the top has been unique, and he has proven his skills and race craft across many different racing disciplines this season, including Super3. He finished second in the Super3 Championship after a disastrous run at Sandown when team errors left him without any points.

He is expected to run in Super2 next year and is on the radar for a Supercars endurance drive.

Super3 race winner Cameron McLeod has taken out the 2023 Mike Cable Young Gun Award.

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2023 SUPERCARS AWARDS

BARRY SHEENE MEDAL – Chaz Mostert MIKE KABLE YOUNG GUN AWARD – Cameron McLeod DRIVERS CHAMPION – Brodie Kostecki TEAMS’ CHAMPION – Coca-Cola Racing by Erebus SUPER2 CHAMPION – Kai Allan SUPER3 CHAMPION – Josh Stewart BEST PRESENTED TEAM – Red Bull Ampol Racing BEST VOLUNTEER GROUP – Gold Coast 500 FAN CHOICE AWARD: Most Popular Driver – Shane van Gisbergen BARRY SHEENE MEDAL WINNERS YEAR WINNER 2003 Marcos Ambrose 2004 Marcos Ambrose 2005 Craig Lowndes 2006 Craig Lowndes 2007 Jamie Whincup 2008 Jamie Whincup 2009 Will Davison 2010 James Courtney 2011 Craig Lowndes 2012 Mark Winterbottom 2013 Craig Lowndes 2014 Scott McLaughlin 2015 Craig Lowndes 2016 Scott McLaughlin 2017 David Reynolds 2018 David Reynolds 2019 Shane van Gisbergen 2020 Scott McLaughlin 2021 Jamie Whincup 2022 Lee Holdsworth 2023 Chaz Mostert MIKE KABLE YOUNG GUN AWARD WINNERS YEAR WINNER SERIES 2000 Matthew White Konica V8 Lites Series 2001 Marcos Ambrose V8 Supercars 2002 Rick Kelly V8 Supercars 2003 Mark Winterbottom Konica V8 Supercar Series 2004 Warren Luff V8 Supercars 2005 Grant Denyer HPDC V8 Supercar Series 2006 James Courtney V8 Supercars 2007 Dale Wood Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series 2008 Karl Reindler Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series 2009 James Moffat Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series 2010 Tim Blanchard Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series 2011 Chaz Mostert Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series 2012 Scott Pye Dunlop V8 Supercar Series 2013 Scott McLaughlin V8 Supercars 2014 Todd Hazelwood Dunlop V8 Supercar Series 2015 Ashley Walsh V8 Supercars 2016 Cameron Waters V8 Supercars 2017 Will Brown Super2 Series 2018 Thomas Randle Super2 Series 2019 Tyler Everingham Super2 Series 2020 Not awarded 2021 Matt McLean Super2 Series 2022 Matthew Payne Super2 Series 2023 Cameron McLeod Super3 Series

VAN GISBERGEN’S TOUGH FAREWELL SHANE VAN Gisbergen’s farewell to Supercars and Australia did not go to plan at the VAILO Adelaide 500.

He started the weekend with hopes of scoring a hat-trick of championships, but they ended at Turn 4 when he unluckily ran into Will Brown.

More misfortune followed on Sunday when he suffered his first consecutive retirement in more than a decade, due to a mystery suspension issue.

Van Gisbergen was at a loss to explain what troubled him in the finale, but conceded Brodie Kostecki and Erebus deserved the crowns.

“Congratulations to Brodie (Kostecki) and the entire Erebus team for their championship win,” SVG said.

“He’s been the fastest guy all year and the team made no mistakes, so they deserved to have both championships.

“It would have been good to have joined Broc on the podium (on Sunday) as I thought our car was going good, but unfortunately we had some sort of issue that we couldn’t fix.”

Off track, the fans showed their appreciation for the joy the flamboyant van Gisbergen has produced since his debut at Oran Park in 2007 by voting him as the winner of the Most Popular Driver award.

Despite going to America to race NASCAR in 2024, SVG has promised to be back.

“I’ve had an amazing time with the team at Triple Eight – so thanks to them for a great few years. I had a blast and I’m sure I’ll be back one day.”

Thomas Miles

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HUGHES BACK IN TA2 WITH ACDELCO TOP YOUNG Aussie racing talent and 2022/23 Toyota 86 frontrunner Jarrod Hughes will make a return to the TA2 Muscle Car Series field at Calder Park Raceway.

The ACDelco-backed driver will race in the final round of the Hi Tec Oils Super Series. After racing in the codriver King of the North round with Hayden Jackson, Hughes will drive solo in the #118 Mustang backed by ACDelco. The 2022 Kaizen Award winner and regular at the Norwell Motorplex finished fifth in the TGR 86 this year, with some big things planned for his rise up the ranks in 2024 and beyond.

McMELLAN MOVED INTO SRO CEO ROLE OUTGOING ARG category manager Ben McMellan has been appointed as the new CEO of SRO Motorsports Australia – confined by Global CEO and Founder of SRO Motorsports Stephane Ratel – to oversee the operations of the the GT World Challenge Australia and GT4 in Australia. With the SRO group taking over the GT scene in Australia, the category is set to experience a boom. “I look forward to working with the team both here in Australia and SRO more broadly to deliver a quality platform for our teams, drivers, and sponsors,” says McMellan. The GT WCA series starts with the Bathurst 12 Hour on February 16-18.

PYE EYEING BREAK AND NEW OPPORTUNITIES SCOTT PYE might find himself off the full-time grid for the first time in his career in 2024, but he is looking forward to the opportunities on and off the track it presents, after a frustrating period.

Pye competed in his last race for Team 18 at his former home Adelaide, which might have been his 340th and last as a full-time main-game driver.

The South Australian started his full-time career at Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport in 2013 and since then has raced for the likes of Dick Johnson Racing, Walkinshaw Andretti United and Team 18.

His time with Charlie Schwerkolt’s squad started in 2020 when it doubled in size and, over the last three years, the highlight remains the memorable trio of podiums scored across the Darwin double header of their maiden season together.

Although Pye is taking a step back, his opportunities for success at the biggest races of the year will increase having landed one of the most sought after co-drives on the grid, at Triple Eight Race Engineering, where it all started for him in the Dunlop Series in 2012.

The prospect of racing for the team which has won the last two Great Races is why Pye is full of excitement for 2024.

“I am actually pretty excited to not be racing full time in 2024,” the onetime race winner told Auto Action.

“The biggest thing is you just want to be in a competitive car and I haven’t had that for a long time. If you are not in a competitive package you look like a fool.

“I am fully invested in being a co-driver next year to do everything I possibly can to achieve what is hopefully a great result.

“Being in the best car at the two of the biggest races is something I am really excited about.”

The chance to return to the codriving scene will be well timed for Pye, who has admitted frustrations on and off the track have started to take their toll.

It has been a tough end to the

BLUE LAKE BOYS STAR ON SA STREETS

Image: ANDREW CLARKE

OJEDA GETS ASIANLE MANS GT CALL UP JAYDEN OJEDA will be heading to the Asian Le Mans series with the front-running Craft Bamboo Racing team. The 24-year-old Aussie racer who’s had four Bathurst 1000 starts will team-up with Anthony Liu and Jules Gounon in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO on December 2-3, after he had a successful test in Sepang in September. Having only taken up GT racing this year, Ojeda has shown great promise in the GT World Challenge Australia this season, taking a win at Phillip Island alongside Chris Batzios along with three poles. The team will race at Sepang, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

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season for Team 18, highlighted by the Bathurst fuel disaster.

Pye admitted frustrations had been beginning to build under the helmet at the back end of the 2023 season.

“I have been doing this since I was seven years old and I still love racing but at the moment I am not enjoying it as much as I should,” he said.

“This is because there have been so many things that have not worked out for us, particularly in the last few rounds.

“It has been very difficult reusing old tyres in the middle of races and running out of fuel.

“That was building up some frustration and you never want that to boil over, so next year I am looking forward to having a break and hitting the reset button.” Thomas Miles

THE CHEERS from Mount Gambier could be heard during the Dunlop Series finale as local Kai Allen (pictured left) and Jobe Stewart (right) both drove into the history books at their home race in Adelaide.

Backed by family in the stands and many at home, the two Blue Lake boys got the job done to create a moment they would never forget as they lifted the trophies side by side on the podium.

For Allen, it came from nowhere and was the cherry on top of what had already been an extraordinary year which included a Great Race debut with DJR and driving the Red Bull F1 simulator at Milton Keynes.

Considering 2023 was always a ‘development year’ for Allen,

he admitted it’s been hard to comprehend everything, but the most meaningful moment was bringing a championship back to Eggleston Motorsport after coming so close in 2022.

And for it to arrive at Adelaide was extra special, considering he had sat in the main straight grandstand with his parents since he was six and in 2023 he was now the one inspiring those in the stands.

“It has been a phenomenal year and I am a bit lost with where I am at the moment,” he told Auto Action.

“To win Super2 was massive after we lost Super3 in the last race. I was gutted for everyone and to walk away without the trophy was quite heartbreaking after a great year.

“That fuelled me to keep pushing and to see all the smiles on the faces afterwards was unreal.

“It was more special to win it for them rather than myself.”

Although Stewart carried a near unassailable lead into the finale, the satisfaction is still significant.

The key to his campaign was consistency, having finished in the top two in 11 of the 12 races.

“I am very happy and extremely proud of the team,” Stewart told Auto Action.

“Since the first round I knew myself and the team could have done it easily if we stayed consistent “It was a bit hectic after the (Chahda) incident. The last thing I wanted was to be involved in an incident which was a shame but we got there.”

To do it at Adelaide meant the world to Stewart, whose Supercars dream materialised by watching cars fly around the famous street circuit annually from his family’s favourite viewing sport the Senna Chicane, while the feeling of driving through that section was “surreal”.

Details are yet to be confirmed, but it is expected both Allen and Stewart will fight for Blue Lake bragging rights in Super2 in 2024, while the Eggleston Motorsport driver also has his eye on more co-drives.

Thomas Miles

AUSTRALIAN GP COSTS BLOW OUT RECORD ATTENDANCES and revenue were not enough to prevent taxpayers from copping a hefty bill for this year’s Australian Grand Prix, with the government shelling out over $100m for the 2023 event.

The 2023 annual report of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, released a fortnight ago, details that an extra $44 million was spent on this year’s event, taking the total to $198 million.

Revenue was also up from $75 million in 2022 to nearly $97 million, but ultimately the Victorian government was left to fit a $100.6 million bill which will hit the back pocket of taxpayers across the state.

The scale of Australia’s marquee motorsport event has only increased in recent years – despite the impacts of COVID, revenue, expenditure and government investment have nearly doubled since 2019, with ticket sales

takings jumping from $38.7 million in 2019 to $76 million in 2023.

Tickets for the 2024 AGP are already flying out the door – race day tickets sold out after over 100,000 people preregistered for early access.

The 2023 event set a Melbourne crowd record, with an estimated attendance of 444,631 over the four days, beating out the 2022 total of 419,114.

A bigger crowd again next year could see both sales revenue and expenses rise further, as infrastructure upgrades have been essential to increasing venue capacity.

‘Recurrent engineering’ expenses – that is expenses including costs relating to the assembly, dismantling and servicing of event infrastructure – totalled $68.4 million in 2023, nearly 63% more than the previous year.

Costs could balloon even higher if

Image: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

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improvements are made to the Formula 1 pit facility – works that are being weighed up by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, according to CEO Travis Auld.

“We have got to build on what is an incredible event and make it better,” Auld told Neil Mitchell on 3AW morning radio.

“We are looking at that (the pit facility) now. It is an asset for the park throughout the year with local soccer and football clubs.

“We are thinking about it with experts looking at upgrading it or whether it needs something bigger than that.”

The 2024 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held between March 21-24 at Albert Park. Local fans will have two Aussie drivers to cheer on, as both Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo are set to line-up on the grid in Melbourne.

Josh Nevett

Supercars heavyweights: L to R, Cameron Price – Chief Financial and Risk Manager; Supercars CEO Shane Howard and new Chief Operating Officer, Tim Watsford.

MORE CHANGES AT SUPERCARS IN MORE management changes at Supercars, the championship has a new chief operating officer in the form of Tim Watsford.

Fresh from the news that Tickford’s Tim Edwards will become the General Manager of Motorsports, replacing Adrian Burgess, Watsford begins his new role immediately.

As part of the Supercars leadership reshuffle, Cameron Price will also begin his time as Chief Financial and Risk Officer straight away.

They complete the Supercars Executive Leadership Team which now also includes Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer Mark Pejic, General Counsel Tim Holden, plus CEO Shane Howard.

Watsford has only been a part of Supercars since October 2022, but has reportedly made a big impact in a short space of time.

In the role of Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer, he recently headed the launch of a tyre recycling program and has been a big figure in government negotiations.

He was a key representative in Supercars’ discussions to make the sport’s return to New Zealand happen at Taupo next year, while he also helped renew deals with the WA and NSW Governments, where Supercars will keep on racing beyond 2024. Before Watsford’s time in Supercars, he served as the CEO of the Northern Territory Major Events Company where he was heavily involved in the running of the Darwin Triple Crown and overall has over two decades of experience in the industry.

Price has been with Supercars for a decade now and has been the Chief Financial Officer since he joined in 2013.

He stepped up to perform the dual role of acting COO from early 2022. Before Supercars, Price also held highranking financial titles in the radio world and at Football Federation Australia.

Howard believes these changes will help push Supercars to “continued success.”

“These strategic changes in our leadership team are a reflection of the depth of talent within Supercars,” he said.

“Both Tim Watsford and Cameron Price have proven themselves as invaluable assets to our organisation, and we are confident that their elevated roles will contribute significantly to Supercars’ continued success.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to assembling a strong, diverse leadership team capable of navigating the complexities of the motorsports industry and driving Supercars towards new heights.”

Thomas Miles

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Image: MARK HORSBURGH

HEDGE EYES INDYCAR WITH BIG CAREER MOVE CARRERA CUP star Callum Hedge hopes to become the next Scott McLaughlin, Marcus Armstrong or Scott Dixon by stepping up to the Indy NXT in 2024.

Hedge, 19, will move to America to drive for championship-winning HMD Motorsports in the second tier series.

The Formula Regional Americas champion has already tested an Indy NXT car at Indianapolis and can’t wait for the big move.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to join a championship-winning program in HMD Motorsports and for my partners who continue to make my motorsports dream a reality,” he said.

AUSSIE TEEN OFF TO EUROPE MELBOURNE TEEN Aiva Anagnostiadis is preparing to move to the UK to chase her Formula 1 dream with the support of Alpine.

Anagnostiadis, 16, is a kart racer ,currently part of the Alpine Rac(H)er Academy Program and in 2024 her career will reach top gear.

The teenager and her family will relocate to Oxford, England to race a full season with Dan Holland Racing.

The British team is a highly successful karting squad racing around the United Kingdom and Europe with championship wins in the Rotax British, European championships, plus the IAME X30 Junior series.

FRANCIS FRESH FROM EURO TILT AUSSIE KARTING star Lewis Francis is back down under after taking on the world in Europe this year.

The multiple Australian champion completed the full European season from January to October and showed impressive speed.

Francis was based in Italy, driving for Kart Republic and was the only Aussie racing in the WSK Series, FIA European Championships, Champions of the Future and FIA World Championships.

Despite breaking his arm in a crash at Sarno in Naples, he still made an impression, taking pole in the European Championships.

He qualified sixth from 126 drivers at the World Championships and started the final eighth, but was unfortunately taken out.

Plans are already in place for another European attack in 2024.

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FROSTY EXCITED

BY TEAM 18 FUTURE IT MAY have been a tough end to a big year, but Mark Winterbottom is excited by Team 18’s future.

The first season of Gen3 has been full of emotion, going from big highs such as a maiden win at Darwin to the low of running out of fuel at Bathurst, which led to some departures in personnel.

But with Adrian Burgess coming in as team manager and David Reynolds replacing Scott Pye, Winterbottom can see positive signs for a faster and more consistent future.

“Bathurst was obviously very tough and not what Team 18 is. You cannot hide behind that because it was just not good enough,” Winterbottom told Auto Action.

“But we will have a big crack next year and if we don’t improve, I will be very surprised.

“The team wants to do better. We are not sitting on our hands, and everyone is working really hard to

make things better.

“The important thing is that our strengths are not going anywhere so the backbone of our team is really strong.

“If we can just fill a couple of the weaknesses, we should be a lot better because some of the things we did wrong are basics that are easy to fix.”

Winterbottom has been at Team 18 since his high-profile move from Ford to Holden in 2019 and after a consistent number of seasons, he finally snapped his victory drought at Hidden Valley.

David Reynolds and ‘Frosty’ have worked together before and with plenty of success, taking 22 wins together for FPR/Prodrive during their time together from 2012-2015.

During this stint the pair forged a strong relationship on and off the track which is still the case today.

Comparing the differences

between the environments of then factory-backed heavyweight FPR/ Tickford and the privateer Team 18, Winterbottom believes the more laidback and hands-on nature at Mount Waverley could bring out the best in both himself and Reynolds.

“We worked together but the dynamic at Tickford was a little bit different,” Winterbottom said.

“Here the drivers are very invested and united at a smaller operation, whereas at Tickford it was a little bit separate.

“That is why I moved – because I wanted a new challenge.

“I think David will really like this team because he is an easy-going nice guy who loves support and if he does not have that it eats him up a bit.

“He will really suit this environment and the team cannot wait to welcome him.”

Thomas Miles

DARWIN IS UP FOR THE LONG HAUL

By Paul Gover A SLOT on the 2024 Supercars calendar is only the start of the plans for the northernmost leg of the touring car championship.

Darwin has a long-term commitment to Supercars and a plan to continually develop the Northern Territory’s biggest sporting event, the Darwin Triple Crown Supercars Indigenous Round.

The Hidden Valley track is also intended to become the bedrock for a growing motorsport program in coming years.

“We celebrated 25 years of Supercars in 2023. We’ve definitely committed to the long-term of the sport,” the CEO of the Northern Territory Major Events Company (NTMEC), Suzana Bishop, told Auto Action.

“It’s the single biggest event for the year. It energises the NT. “We want to make it uniquely NT. So you know you have to come to Darwin to experience Supercars that way.”

NTMEC was established in 1999 as Hidden Valley Promotions with a single major goal.

“It was started to deliver Supercars,” said Bishop.

“We grew over the years to incorporate different genres and sports.

But it has always been the foundation and backbone of why we exist.”

She is a relatively new arrival, starting in Darwin at the beginning of this year, and visited the Gold Coast 500 with

Suzana Bishop – NT Major Events CEO.

her executive team to broaden their experience and knowledge.

“I’m here to see a different offering of Supercars.

“A different style to what we do. And to bring the team to learn,” she said.

“It’s to try to get inspiration. I’m here to learn. And take the time to refresh and reimagine opportunities.”

Bishop has had a varied career in major events, most recently working at Federation Square in the heart of Melbourne but also serving time as head of activations for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.

Her brief is to take Darwin to the next level and she has a plan, although she is not ready – yet – to share.

“With any event, every year you become stale. If you’re not re-inventing Image: RACE to keep up with what thePROJECT customers

require, you fall behind,” she said.

“We’re the only event in the country that has the combination of drags, bikes and car racing. We want to become the motorsport haven.”

Bishop also sees the Indigenous Round as key.

“A lot of our time is spent thinking about the partnership with the Larrakia Nation. We will continue with the Indigenous Round.

“It goes both ways. It not only educates motorsport lovers about Indigenous culture but brings more indigenous people into the sport.

“That is definitely something we want to build upon every year. It’s about making it stronger and growing that connection.”

“About 50 per cent of the people who come, come again. There is a loyal interstate fan base for us.

“The destination is enhanced. 80 per cent of interstate visitors say they have a better view of the Northern Territory because of the event.

“And Territorians feel prouder because of Supercars.”

Looking to her five-year plan, she can see opportunity with the Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs, as well as other possibilities.

They could even include links to Asian motorsport, although she will not go into any detail.

“Not yet. We’ll let you know when the time is right,” Bishop said.

DOOHAN IT IN STYLE: AUSSIE JACK FARWELLS F2 AUSSIE JACK Doohan has farewelled FIA Formula 2 in dominant style, with the Alpine F1 Reserve driver taking his third feature win of the year from pole position to finish third in the championship.

It was his sixth F2 win (four features/ two sprints) in two seasons for the Invicta Virtuosi driver, putting a frustrating year behind him in which he flourished late as the highest point scorer over five rounds, with three Feature wins in that time which included back-to-back wins at Hungary and Spa. “I’m very happy to finish my F2 campaign off with a victory,” Doohan said after the race.

“It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster for sure.

Coming in this year, I wanted to make it my title fight year but the first five rounds, not scoring any points made it a little difficult.

“Round 6 after Monaco I was 79 points away from Théo (Pourchaire) and Fred (Vesti), so to come back now with only a 40-point deficit is good.

“When it’s been in our control, we’ve done the most we could but unfortunately, we just lost too much.

You’ve got to be happy with what you can do and I’m stoked to go out like this…I feel like I have extracted the most out of it.”

Image: MOTORSPORT IMAGES He also took sixth in the reverse grid Sprint Race to help him close the gap on former teammate Ayumu Iwasa to overhaul him into third by the feature.

It was a busy weekend for the F1 hopeful, jumping into Estaban Ocon’s A523 car for his second Free Practice session of the year, finishing thirteenth on the timesheets after 23 laps, 0.793s off Mercedes driver George Russell who topped the session his fourth active F1 session.

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WHEN COMPROMISE ISN’T AN OPTION

He then jumped straight into the F2 Dallara machine and took his second pole of the season.

Whilst nothing is yet clarified, Doohan is confident of staying with the Alpine F1 squad into 2024 and will eye off getting a seat in the big show via other avenues.

With Alpine re-entering the top flight of Sportscar racing with their brand new A424 LMDh machine, Doohan has floated

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BE RYCO READY

the potential for being involved in some capacity.

Whilst the French manufacturer has officially filled it’s six-driver WEC squad – which includes Mick Schumacher – Doohan could have opportunities for testing or to be a fill-in driver, with the team also yet to confirm a separate IMSA entry in North America with a December homologation deadline still to be met, with an American entry a possibility.

An IMSA entry is eligible owing to Alpine meeting IMSA’s mandatory road-going sales and production figure (minimum of 2,500 produced annually), and with Alpine’s recent American investment it are also eager to expand its US presence.

But Doohan also says he isn’t feeling the pressure, with his relationship with Alpine still being strong.

“There’s no stress about what my options are for next year, I am in a comfortable place. There is the potential of WEC within Alpine but really it isn’t a major stress.

“I don’t have to worry about the future and it’s great we have that connection between myself and the team (Alpine).”

TW Neal

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NATIONALS NEWS

ALL SYSTEMS GO AT ONE RACEWAY “We are still sprinting, but we do believe we are going to achieve our goal of reopening in the first half of next year,” he confirmed to Auto Action.

“We have put in a lot of drainage and are really focused on removing the water that comes from the infield and makes its way across the track.

Corner reprofiling works are well under way.

“In preparation for some of the IT IS all systems go at One Raceway as works to expansion of the circuit there were ripple strips that bring the much-loved NSW race track back to life would have been dangerous, so we have removed continue. them as well.”

Since October, things have not slowed down, Last month, One Raceway made the call out for with extensive work taking place at the track any volunteers who would be willing to offer their formally known as Wakefield Park to transform services to help complete the works at the track. it into not just a state-of-the-art facility but Whilst they have not been called upon regularly the first in Australia to run both clockwise and just yet, Shelley was thrilled to see so much support counterclockwise directions. and said they will be utilised soon once the more One of the biggest parts of the project has been specialised jobs are completed. the introduction of two large sound walls which will “We had quite a few people come forward and double as spectator areas giving fans a bird’s-eye have stayed in contact with them,” he said. view of the track.

“But we have not really engaged with them yet, The southern sound wall is completed and because some of the works we expedited were all already detailed with soil to be planted either side earth, plumbing, drainage and electric works which of Christmas. The first steps of creating the new are highly skilled – but once we remove a lot of the corners for the anticlockwise circuit have also taken heavy lifting equipment and it is safer we will use shape, with longer, wider sweeper around the final the very generous volunteer network.” corner now easily visible.

Works will continue over the summer as One Track owner Steve Shelley said everything is on Raceway creeps closer to reality. track.

Thomas Miles

TARGA TASMANIA CEO UPDATE TARGA CEO Mark Perry has continued to undertake the conversation for proposed changes for the new-era of the legendary event.

The hot topics for prospective competitors have been on tyres, competitor training, and vehicle modifications.

There was also the news of Dutton Automotive signing on as a major co-partner of the Essendon Football Club, which will bring widespread benefits to the TARGA community – and a reminder that the Spirit of Targa event at Mt Buller on February 9-11 is approaching, where the Tarmac rally community will reconvene to get the ball rolling.

The topic of modification is always a hot one on the TARGA agenda.

“With past mistakes in mind, we set out with these regulations to re-align the goalposts, particularly between Early Modern and the GT (Modern) competitions,” Perry said.

“All too often, results were somewhat skewed between the two by the fact that Early Modern cars were allowed a myriad of freedoms not allowed on the GT cars.”

Perry points out that, in order to protect the international reputation of the event, it must behave like one, and the harsh reality of having a 20-yearplus car being the fastest car would severely damage the event’s standing and reputation in the world of motorsport.

“Fortunately, most agreed that freedoms which dramatically improve a car’s performance should be reviewed and subsequently removed, but parts that provide a lower cost solution to the reliability and safety

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of the car should be retained.”

The issue of tyres also caused plenty of discussion, with the main talking point being “how many?”

Perry points out the perception that “more is better”, isn’t a realistic position.

“The reality is that more tyres turns TARGA Tasmania into a sprint where everyone drives harder for longer, increasing the risk of incidents happening.

“The provision of more grip for longer provides more on the edge driving and therefore risk is increased as a by-product. More tyres will also increase cornering speeds, which in turn increases average speeds, things that we must always consider, especially moving forward.”

Like many competitors, Perry agrees that six dry tyres is the ideal window for getting through a rally, also providing both an overall speed and safety balance.

Licensing and training was another vital subject, with education being the key factor.

“This is a key area requiring an overhaul to ensure better safety outcomes in the future but to also ensure that in the eyes of any regulatory body, we can satisfy them in taking all steps and measures, as mandated by these bodies.

“As such, TARGA Academy will be held in the days leading up to each TARGA event in the future. All competitors should begin preparations to attend the Academy at some point these days with programs designed for all levels of competitors and competitions.”

The official entry process is also said to be just around the corner.

TW Neal

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POSITIVE MOVE FORWARD FOR EASTERN CREEK SPEEDWAY

THE RECENTLY EMBATTLED EASTERN CREEK SPEEDWAY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE UP AND RUNNING AGAIN SOON, AFTER THE NEIGHBOURING SYDNEY DRAGWAY TOOK UP THE LEASE. TIMOTHY W NEAL REPORTS …

IN AN exclusive interview, Auto Action spoke with Sydney Dragway Chairman Tony Beuk after the venue’s co-tenant confirmed it has taken up the option on the Speedway’s lease. The new lease holders have begun active negotiations with potential new venue management to take on the running of the purpose built multi-million dollar venue.

Beuk also confirms to AA that they are addressing any outstanding track issues that have hampered the venue since it opened in 2021, and tentatively aiming at a possible return to action in some form – by Boxing Day at the earliest.

In a roundabout tale, The Sydney Dragway was initially one of the original but unsuccessful tenderers in the initial bidding process prior to the Speedway’s opening, when the tender was awarded to the outgoing Speedway Promotions Pty Ltd, who recently ended their tenancy with no notice in a shock to the NSW Speedway community.

Beuk is optimistic that racing will return to the venue this season with an earlier press release stating that conversations with multiple parties are in the works to take over the operational side of things.

The statement read in part: “We are currently having conversations with a few different interested parties, who are very keen to see that the sport not only survives but thrives into the future.

“The Eastern Creek Speedway is a state of the art facility with amazing potential, and we believe that the Sydney Dragway personnel have the event management ticketing and logistics experience to go hand on hand with a suitable party that understands the unique requirements of running speedway events.”

Whilst the new lease holders admit that they aren’t versed in specialised Speedway operation – the obvious synergy between the two tracks promises a compelling and united prospect for the future of the venue.

“We see that a Speedway operator needs to be fairly independent in terms of being able to make and manage decisions … our role will basically be to work with someone who’s capable,” Beuk told AA. “We don’t have the expertise in Speedway, and that’s why we’re looking for an operator that can bring in a team of people. And we’ll certainly support them with where our expertise is, and the synergies between the two venues. There’s good reasons to work together.”

Some of those ideal synergies will extend to areas like ticketing, marketing, security, car park operation, and the opportunity for cross-sponsorships to strengthen the future position of both parties.

“There’s good reasons to work together, not least in terms of cost control. But there’s an overlap with the sports and where we can identify the same sourcing body there’s no doubt there’s benefits from a greater pool of events and activity on both sides of the fence.

“We’ve already identified that there’s a handful of sponsors in both camps, and where we can pass on our relationship to any team that comes in.

“It opens the door in situations where we’ve had these sponsor relationships for 10 years in some cases, and it’s worthwhile securing those for the Speedway also…it’s a bigger bucket.”

Beuk also assured that the outstanding drainage issues have also been looked at and addressed.

“All those issues that were identified, whether it was the issue with the drainage across the track in terms of excessive water that came from one side and affected the surface, I’m satisfied that they’ve been addressed,” he continued.

“There’s also a commitment from the government going forward, and we’re confident that the government and Parklands, the landlords, have demonstrated

a willingness to go ‘ok, let’s have a look at this’ … no-one’s going to walk way from this and say ‘we’ve spent this much on the venue, and we are not spending a cent more.”

In terms of when they plan on seeing on-track activity, Beuk was honest in saying that they’re aiming for the Boxing Day window, but that they’re working hard with the realistic window being beyond that date.

“We’d be aiming for that (this year), and our target was to aim for that Boxing Day window, and that is certainly our driver,” he said.

“I’d like to excite everyone and say it was the case, but to be realistic I don’t know, other than potentially having some test type events, to make sure everything is operating in a correct way.

“We’ll explore how to get some short term options and get something activated, and we haven’t ruled it out with an attempt to get it going by that window. We’re optimistic going forward, and we’re working hard toward getting the track activated.”

In the absence of Eastern Creek, regional tracks like the Lismore Speedway and the newly revitalised Morris Park Speedway in Dubbo have been flying the flag for NSW Speedway events to kick-off any semblance of a suddenly beleaguered state series in 2023/24.

Top: Sydney Dragway is literally next door.

Above: Sydney Dragway Chairman Tony Beuk.

Left: Eastern Creek Speedway – born again ...

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GILL REALISES CHILDHOOD WRC DREAM TAYLOR GILL has taken a huge step toward being Australia’s next great hope in the WRC rally world, with the 20-year-old Newcastle resident chosen by the FIA Rally Star program to compete in next year’s WRC Junior Championship.

Alongside fellow Aussie, co-driver Dan Brkic, Gill had a sensational year in Europe in the Ford Fiesta Rally3 car under the guidance of the Rally Star program, taking class wins at San Marino, Saaremaa (Estonia), and the Lausitz Rallye in Germany.

The pair also returned home recently to compete at the final round of the Australian Rally Championship – and last year’s Production Cup title winners took out the class victory in a sensational return to Aussie shores.

After a well earned summer break, they’ll return to their adopted home in Finland before taking on the second round of the World Rally Championship round at Rally Sweden on the snow and ice on February

15-18. They’ll then share the world stage in Croatia, Italy (Sardinia), Finland, and Greece in a fully funded campaign.

Auto Action spoke to Gill about his selection, and to get an idea of what it was like to do a season in Europe – the heartland of the rally world, and what’s ahead for the pair.

“To be honest, three to four years ago I’d have never thought to have the opportunity to compete in Europe, let alone live there and to be in such a well-promoted and funded program to be really doing it properly,” Gill explained.

“I remember being about 15 and researching the WRC Junior Championship when I was in school, so to think I’ll be on that start line in Sweden next year is just amazing.”

Programs like the Rally Star really only operate once in a 10-year cycle, and Gill was fortunate to be in that window, and he now feels prepared for the step up, thanks to the no-stone-unturned style of program.

“In not only learning about the car but the differences in rallying in Europe, in conditions we’d never face here, like huge ruts – it’s something that has me feeling

really prepared despite the unknowns that still remain.

“The longest event I did in Oz was only around 180 km, so to step up to longer events has been a great challenge – most WRC Junior events will be over 300 km with a few days of recce, so it becomes a week-long thing where your brain starts draining on the Monday and you have to carry that through to the Sunday.

“From a general pace point of view, there’s a lot of improvement left in us, and we were already operating at a higher level, but it’s another step up now and I don’t feel we won’t be far off the front in that regard. But in Sweden, with so much going on and the speed in those conditions and using the banks, there’s still room to grow.

“But being in a program like this is a oncein-a-lifetime thing – it’s just incredible.”

After the program was cut from six to four drivers in a six-event season, the aim now is to finish in the top three of that group to progress to a second WRC Junior season, with the winner of next year’s overall junior field to also get four funded drives in the 2025 WRC2 field with Ford-M-Sport.

Gill has also developed a healthy rivalry

with highly rated Estonian young gun Romet Jurgenson, who won two of the events, and he’s looking forward to continuing that battle in 2024.

“It’s been great having Romet there – I wouldn’t have improved so much without him cause we really pushed each other. Being so close all year was great for the both of us, so it’s exciting to continue that.”

AA also spoke with Brkic – he also can’t wait to test their ceiling of capability in the WRC. “Everything from the prep, pace notes, to the actual driving … I feel we’ve come a long way as a team,” Brkic said.

“Personally, It was a huge step as a codriver and moving into the world’s premier championship is a big move in my own career.

“We’re both 100% committed – it’s only going to get more difficult from here, and we can’t wait to progress and take on that challenge.”

In all, the talented driver and mechanic has a bright future ahead of him – and, excitingly, it’s a story that’s set to play out over the course of a few years.

TW Neal

At speed during the Rally RAAC of Spain.

Left: Brkic (left) and Gill – chasing WRC glory. Lower: Rallying WRC-style ... plenty of shock absorber choices ...

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McFADDEN RETURNS HOME FOR AUSSIE SPRINTCAR SUMMER

AFTER A CAREER BEST USA WORLD OF OUTLAWS SEASON THAT SAW JAMES McFADDEN RECOVER FROM A BACK-TO-THE-WALL MOMENT, THE AUSSIE BORN SPRINTCAR STAR RETURNS HOME FOR A SECOND NATIONAL SEASON IN THE #5 NAPA AUTO PARTS MACHINE. FOLLOWING A third full-time season in Sprintcars premier World of Outlaws (WoO) series, McFadden will jump back into the 900hp Hodges Motorsport blue NAPA car which netted him wins at Premier Speedway, Avalon Raceway and Borderline Speedway last season.

His first race back on home soil since early 2023 will be at Max’s Race on December 16 at Warrnambool Premier Speedway, with his program also including the Grand Annual Classic at the same venue where he’ll attempt to take his third title (2017/2020).

The brand new team made headlines when it debuted last season – partly owing to the fact that the team ownership behind the Tim Hodges-led car consists of NZ IndyCar star Scott McLaughlin, Richmond premiership icon and forward, Jack Riewoldt, and the brilliant sports broadcaster Gerard Whateley.

McFadden now returns with a score to settle in a machine that both he and the team now have vital experience with.

“I won’t lie, I didn’t like running fifth in the Classic (2023 – won by Brock Hallett) … to be top-five in that field was still seriously impressive with our team, but I’m not here to make up the numbers,” McFadden said.

“That’s our Melbourne Cup – that’s our sport’s biggest race of all and I’d love to win another one in January.”

In a home season that featured taking out the Kins Challenge in Mount Gambier, an Avalon Speedweek win and the Qualifying night at the Classic, the Roth

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Full on at Borderline Speedway ...

Stateside ... Image: RICHARD HATHAWAY

Motorsports WoO star is aiming for more in ’23/24.

“It was a fun concept to put this team together last year in the space of three or four months and I loved every second of it.

“The results proved we got to the top level of the sport in an unbelievably short amount of time – so for our second season we hope we can give ourselves an even better shot at more success.

“I love how invested the high-profile boys have been in this project and I love the commitment NAPA has with the program we are running – they are such a big and iconic part of speedway in the USA, so it’s so cool to be running the NAPA colours on a sprintcar in Australia.”

In terms of McFadden’s 2023 WoO season, the 2021 Rookie of the Year not only doubled his previous win tally, but went beyond it in a year full of historical firsts, and a controversial early season set-back that nearly derailed his entire campaign.

(In reference to the incident, after which

the team was banned for four races and docked a mammoth 500 points, it was testament to his character how he came back, and that there was never any question from fellow competitors and fans alike of any intentional wrongdoing on his part.)

His first season in a Sprintcar powered by a Toyota Racing Development 410 engine for Roth Motorsports, saw him give the manufacturer its first ever WoO win with it also being the 100th win for the Roth organisation.

Shortly after another win at the Devils Bowl Speedway in Texas, the team failed a tyre sample test and, despite the driver passing an available lie-detector test in the appeal process, they were hit with crippling points loss, a four-race suspension, and a $8,700 USD fine, dropping him outside the top-10 from seventh in a points-system-spread that allows little gain.

At the time, in April, he was only 134 points behind leader Carson Macedo after 13 races, but the team considered pulling

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the pin on the season if they couldn’t finish in the 10.

But he came back strongly, under immense pressure, and began to claw back points little by little toward a third straight, however unlikely, top-10 finish.

He took redemption at Lawrenceburg Speedway in Indiana in May, leading all 30 laps and celebrated in Victory lane with his son Mav, surpassing his season best record of two wins.

After another win in June at the Huset’s High Bank Nationals in South Dakota, he worked away with near misses and good finishes before a breakthrough weekend in Minnesota in August.

He took a sensational weekend-double at the Jackson Motorplex in the 45th Annual Jackson Nationals, only narrowly missing a treble after leading 26 of 35 laps.

That gave him six for the year, and 11 Victory Lane trips for his career, becoming only the 49th driver in WoO history to reach 10 wins.

After he eventually broke back into the top-10 late in the year before the World Finals, he ended the year with 65 starts, resulting in six wins, 20 top-fives, and 42 top 10s.

He led the second most laps in feature races (268) only behind season champion Brad Sweet, equal third in heat wins (15), equal second in Hard Charger Awards (6), sixth in podiums (11), and eighth in top-ten finishes, all against 353 registered WoO competitors.

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KOSTECKI AND EREBUS TO BRING BACK THE #1

F4 AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIP IS BACK

THE FORMULA 4 Australian Championship is officially on the comeback trail after Chinese based Top Speed announced a five-round season for the new year, including one international round.

As first revealed by AUTO ACTION in September, the Formula 4 Australian Championship, with Motorsport Australia’s backing, was returning after five years away having been initially launched in 2015.

Top Speed which organises the FIA Formula 4 UAE and South East Asia, and the FIA Formula Regional Middle East Championships, will manage the category down under and supply the Tatuus F4 T421 GEN2; powered by an Abarth engine which is used in all major Formula 4 Championships worldwide.

The season itself will be held across five rounds, but only four in Australia with the finale to be held at Sepang International Circuit, the home of the Malaysian F1 and Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The first Australian Formula 4 race in five years will take place at The Bend Motorsport Park on May 4-5.

The series then stays in South Australia before heading to Queensland Raceway where it will share the stage with the SpeedSeries.

The penultimate round of the season will be held at Sydney Motorsport Park in August, one month before the Malaysian finale on September 7-8.

Each weekend will have a three-

race format, while the 2024 Formula 4 Australian champion will be eligible to earn 12 all-important FIA Super License points.

Top Speed General Manager Davide de Gobbi cannot wait to see the championship return.

“We are excited to bring Formula 4 back to Australia and assist young talent in the country to take the next step and earn important FIA Super Licence points.

To have four rounds in Australia and an international season finale will give teams and drivers the best of both worlds,” he said.

“We believe F4 Australia will provide an excellent platform for young drivers from the region to showcase their talent and develop their skills.

“Motorsport Australia has approved the reintroduction of the category and we will work collaboratively to ensure Formula 4 has a strong future in Australia.”

A number of Australian based openwheeler teams have been approached to run cars, including AGI Sports, which is set to run a four to five car team.

FIA Formula 4 last contested a national championship series in Australia from 2015 to 2019.

The inaugural champion was Jordan Lloyd before current Supercars star Will Brown won the 2016 title. Others to be Australian F4 champions were Nicholas Rowe, Jayden Ojeda and Luis Leeds.

The likes of Liam Lawson, Zane

Goddard, Jordan Love, Thomas Randle, Jack Smith, Tyler Everingham, Aaron Love, Tommy Smith and Christian Mansell also competed in it.

The Confederation of Australian Motorsport (as it was then, now trading as Motorsport Australia), called for commercial tenders to invest in its introduction – but none were forthcoming. So CAMS itself undertook the purchase of a fleet of cars and the investment in the series.

In what is seen as the organisation’s biggest mistake ever, F4 never really took off. At the end of 2019, the cars were sold off – some overseas, some local – with an overall loss of $3million said to have been incurred by CAMS’ investment.

But next year it will return with the endorsement of Motorsport Australia and an international round.

2024 FORMULA 4 AUSTRALIA CERTIFIED BY FIA PROVISIONAL CALENDAR ROUND 1 – May 4-5: The Bend Motorsport Park, SA ROUND 2 – June 8-9: The Bend Motorsport Park, SA ROUND 3 – July 13-14: Queensland Raceway, QLD ROUND 4 – August 3-4: Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW ROUND 5 – September 7-8: Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia

BRODIE KOSTECKI and Erebus Motorsport have promised to bring back the famous #1 to Supercars in 2024.

As is the usual custom in motorsport series, the reigning champion carries the honour of racing with the #1 in their title defence.

However the special number has not been seen for an entire Supercars season since Jamie Whincup carried it in 2018 following his seventh and final title the previous season.

Since then Scott McLaughlin opted to retain the iconic #17 on his Mustang as tribute to Dick Johnson, while fellow Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen has preferred to race his #97 following his 2016, 2021 and 2022 titles which has personal significance.

The only time van Gisbergen raced with the #1 was the 2022 VAILO Adelaide 500, which was Holden’s final event, but that went so badly he did not want to race with it again.

But fresh from winning their maiden Supercars drivers and teams titles, Kostecki and Erebus are excited by the chance to race with the #1.

Prior to 2017, the last time the #1 was not seen on the grid was back in 1997 as reigning champion Craig Lowndes was racing in the International Formula 3000 Championship alongside Juan Pablo Montoya in Europe.

Kostecki was adamant the team will take the chance to race with the number as a badge of honour from their incredible 2023.

“Most definitely,” he said when asked if Erebus will do it.

“I think it is the best way to represent what the team has done this year so I think it is time to bring back the number one.”

Sitting alongside Kostecki in the post-event press conference was Erebus owner Betty Klimenko, who is looking forward to being the “hunted” in 2024 having been an underdog chasing the big teams for a decade.

“Its cool,” she said.

“I mean to be the hunted is quite the compliment to the team. We have done a lot of hunting and it will be nice to settle down for a while.”

Erebus will roll out with the #1 at the Bathurst 500 on February 23-25.

TA2 TO TAKE ON NZ THE TA2 Muscle Car Series will go racing in New Zealand next year as part of a two-round Trans-Tasman Challenge.

The venues for the historic journey will be Euromarque Motorsport Park in Christchurch on February 9-11 and Highlands International Motorsport Park circuit at Cromwell, near Queenstown the following weekend.

Up to eight Australian cars are expected to jump across the ditch and race alongside the NZ TA2 Muscle car field.

The likes of Mark Crutcher, Paul Hadley, Graham Cheney, Anthony Tenkate, Peter Robinson, Greg Keam and current series leader Dylan Thomas have already signed up for the Challenge.

The Christchurch race will be at the Lady Wigram Trophy event while the highlands trip will be on the prestigious stage of the New Zealand Grand Prix.

Both events will be televised by Sky Sport New Zealand and Fox Sports/ Kayo Australia.

TA2 Muscle Car Series Australia Category Manager Craig Denyer cannot wait to relaunch the Trans-Tasman rivalry.

“This two-round series is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and

enthralling in NZ Motorsport to launch TA2 racing in New Zealand,” he said.

“We can’t wait to rekindle the TransTasman motorsport rivalry embedded in the DNA of New Zealand and Australia motor racing history.

“Gary and Paul Manuell have done a great job in pulling these two events together and we’re looking forward to welcoming all the NZ competitors to the TA2 family.

“The Lady Wigram Trophy event at Christchurch is a major New Zealand motor racing title, having previously been won by Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Bruce McLaren, Jackie Stewart, Jim Clark, Frank Matich and

Graham McRae. “All our drivers will love the experience of competing at such two high profile events. Kiwis versus Aussies, bring it on.”

NZ TA2 Muscle Car Series Category Administrator Gary Lathrope hopes this doubleheader can grow the category in New Zealand.

“This is an important step in our strategy to develop TA2 NZ as one of the primary V8 touring car series,” he said.

“To launch the TA2 Muscle Car Trans Tasman Challenge at such high-profile events in February is a great bonus and I’m sure we will turn on a great show for

the fans, plus prove again to the Aussie drivers that NZ is the birthplace of real touring car talent.”

Championship leader Thomas cannot wait to take on the new challenge behind the wheel.

“I am very excited to be heading over to the South Islands of New Zealand next year,” he said.

“It is going to be an awesome two rounds competing at some of New Zealand’s well known race tracks.

“I am very excited to race at Highlands motorsport Park as it is a world renowned track and it is something that from a far looks incredible to drive.”

The TA2 Muscle Car Series concludes at the famous Calder Park Raceway this weekend.

RNF MOTOGP TEAM COLLAPSES, TRACKHOUSE TAKEOVER HINTED RNF WILL no longer be on the MotoGP grid after the team collapsed following the season finale in Valencia last weekend, while a takeover led by SVG’s NASCAR team Trackhouse is speculated.

The Malaysian based team backed by CryptoDATA started in 2021 and fielded Raul Fernandez, Miguel Oliveira and Lorenza Savadori throughout the season, recording four top five finishes.

But MotoGP’s commercial rights holder Dorna Sports announced in the aftermath of the Valencia Grand Prix it will not allow RNF to take part in a fourth season.

“The MotoGP Selection Committee, comprising members of FIM, IRTA and Dorna Sports, have decided not to select the CryptoDATA MotoGP Team for the 2024 season,” read Donna’s statement.

“Repeated infractions and breaches of the Participation Agreement affecting the public image of MotoGP have obliged this decision.

“The Selection Committee will be reviewing applications for a new Independent Team, using Aprilia machinery, to join the MotoGP class grid for 2024.

“More information on this matter will follow in due course.”

RNF’s collapse follows reports the

team and its title partner CryptoDATA was in financial trouble and since then AUTOSPORT believes the NASCAR Cup Series team Shane van Gisbergen has joined for 2024, Trackhouse, is in the frame.

The team made its Cup Series debut at the 2021 Daytona 500 and rose to prominence in Australia and New Zealand especially this year when Van Gisbergen joined it for the Project 91 program in Chicago.

The three-time Supercars champion made history, winning on debut at the Chicago Street Race before returning for more at Indianapolis.

The journey went so well Van Gisbergen will be moving to America full time next year where he will look to take on the NASCAR world full time in a developmental programme.

It has been reported that Trackhouse is the frontrunner to takeover RNF in 2024 with owners Justin Marks and Armando Christian “Pitbull” Perez keen to expand outside of North America.

Meanwhile, Dorna Sports wants MotoGP to grow in North America and a Trackhouse team could be a great way to do so.

AUTOSPORT reports an official announcement of the Trackhouse and Aprilia partnership “will come over the

next few days”.

RNF MotoGP team founder and boss Razlan Razali addressed media following the announcement and pointed the finger at CrytoDATA. “I think the general assessment I would say is that for a team to be where they are today and for Dorna to say such things, there’s definitely a problem and only Dorna can do what they are doing to ensure the credibility of the sport, so that it’s not being disrupted in any way,” he said.

“So, hence that means there’s a problem. By saying that, I do have a

problem with CryptoDATA. I think over the years our vision of what we want from the team has shifted.

“I believe we are a sports team and the business side of it is second.

“For the guys of CryptoDATA it’s more about the business. That’s where the alignment went a little bit wrong and it came to this situation.”

As all of this goes on in the background, current RNF rider Fernandez will still be present at Tuesday’s post season test also at Circuit Ricardo Tormo, riding an Aprilia with factory mechanics.

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THE BEND APPOINTS NEW DRAGWAY MANAGER DANIEL MELROSE will be the new Manager of The Dragway at The Bend replacing the departing Steven Bettes.

Melrose takes over Australia’s newest drag way which recently had a memorable debut hosting the National Drag Racing Championship opener in October.

He will transition to his role in December before starting as The Manager officially in February 2024.

Melrose comes to The Bend fresh from some notable experience in Europe. He makes the move after holding senior roles at one of Europe’s premier Drag Racing facilities, Santa Pod Raceway in the UK’s Bedfordshire.

His experience including being a race director for key events at Santa Pod will be critical to the operation of the new worldclass $35 million dollar Dragway in South Australia.

Melrose himself is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m extremely excited to join The Bend and play a key role in developing Australia’s newest Drag Racing facility,” he said.

“I look forward to leading the charge in delivering a world-class service for spectators and competitors as Drag Racing

SYDNEY DRAGWAY RESCHEDULES SECOND ROUND OF THE NDRC

continues to grow in South Australia.”

In addition to Melrose Shane Collins will be the interim Dragway Manager before commencing as The Bend’s Commercial Manager.

Collins boasts over a decade of experience in the sports and entertainment industry specialising in horse racing and motorsport.

Steve Burgess also enters the fray with a focus on looking after the frequent activity at The Dragway as the Day Activity Coordinator having been the senior track official since the facility opened in September.

Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO

Alistair MacDonald welcomes the new appointments.

“All three of these appointments compliment our ongoing goal to be a loved venue of manufacturers, spectators, competitors and event promoters,” he said.

“We are always striving to bring the best operators into our business and this is no exception as we welcome Daniel, Shane and Steve to The Bend.”

The next event at the Dragway at The Bend is the Festival State Nationals, headlined by Nitro Funny Cars on January 12-14.

TEXAN YOUNG GUN BACK FOR AUSSIE SPRINTCAR SUMMER YOUNG TEXAN Chase Randall will make the trip back to Australia for the Sprintcar Summer to compete in the Victorian ClayPer-View Sprintcar Speedweek series.

The teenage young gun came over last season and piloted a 410ci Sprintcar for the first time having only driven the 360ci machinery back in the States.

He competed admirably despite the stepup in horsepower, finishing fifth overall in last year’s Speedweek series behind local guns Jock Goodyer, Jamie Veal, Lochie McHugh and Luke Dillon…so the kid they call the “Quickest Chicken” is no slouch on the dirt, and this time he’s returning with some pretty impressive US results under his belt.

Randall had a career best year when he did return to the States, and in 15 World of

Outlaws appearances he achieved three top-tens and collected an impressive 2286 points.

But it was at the spiritual home of Sprintcar where he really shone, taking the 360ci track championship at Knoxville, and impressively,

the Husets 410 Track Championship with four wins to his name.

After being named Knoxville Nationals Rookie of the Year, he also piloted the famous Paul Silva #57 machine…as a substitute for none other than US NASCAR megastar Kyle Larson.

Randall will jump back in the Daniel Mayson USA9 EZprint machine, and his first event of the season will be at Max’s Race at Premier Speedway in Warrnambool, with that also being Aussie James McFadden’s first race back on Aussie shores.

With the young gun having already raced at venues such as at Warrnambool and Mount Gambier, Randall will be a real threat to the local stars this season.

TW Neal

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PRESENTS

WHAT WAS set to be a huge day of action at the Sydney Dragway Xmas Showdown this weekend for the National Drag Racing Championships (NDRC) has been rescheduled due to predicted bad weather.

The event has now been shifted to be incorporated in the Australia Day festivities, which will now be a huge two day event which will also be at its traditional venue, the Sydney Dragway.

The NDRC released a statement regarding pre-purchased tickets saying that: “If you already bought a ticket or entered, you will have received an email with instructions on how to transfer to the January two-day event or receive a refund.”

The Sydney Dragway was all set to play host to the second round of Australia’s premier dragway Top Fuel category, with the predicted rain not apt for operating the 11.000hp/500 plus kph machinery.

Also set to take part were the elite NDRC Pro Alcohol and FuelTech Pro Mod racers, as well as the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship.

The National Sportsman were set to bring 110 racers to the track to do battle for bragging rights and the prestigious NDRC Christmas Tree trophies.

Initially, Round 2 of the newly formed NDRC season was to take place at WillowBank Raceway in Ipswich, south east Queensland, which is still undergoing a major overhaul.

But unfortunately with the nature of construction, this was then shifted to the Sydney Dragway.

A release from the NDRC gave an update on the Willow Bank progress saying that: “As is well known, Willowbank has been undergoing a major upgrade to their track and facilities, making their awesome venue even more world class,” the statement said.

“Unfortunately, as often happens with construction projects, some elements take longer than planned, and the facility will simply not be ready to host an NDRC round in December.

“This was a risk Willowbank has been completely transparent about with the NDRC, and despite best efforts, the project just needs more time to be absolutely perfect – which is exactly what the venue has been working so hard to achieve for racers and fans!”

It’s not all doom and gloom for Dragway fans this weekend however with the South Coast Raceway in Portland, Victoria, set to host the South Coast Nationals with a huge list of competitors and categories, including Super Street, Super Sedan, Top Sportsman, Supercharged Outlaws, Bikes, Juniors, and plenty more.

TW Neal

CLASSIC F1, HERITAGE TOURING CARS, SUPERCARS, BATHURST WINNERS, G.P BIKES + MORE 18 CATEGORIES ON TRACK PLUS A FULL WEEKEND OF FESTIVITIES ON AND OFF TRACK

MARCH 16-17

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LATEST NEWS

BOSCH AND THE ARC GO AROUND AGAIN BOSCH MOTORSPORT will once again be the naming rights sponsor for the Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) in 2024.

Bosch Motorsport linked up with the ARC for the successful 2023 season, with the manufacturer opting for an extension after a bumper year of action saw the profile of the competition pick up a notch.

New Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra was pleased to have Bosch Motorsport sign on for another year.

“We are absolutely thrilled with Bosch Motorsport’s decision to extend their partnership as the naming rights sponsor for the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship in 2024,” Vohra said.

“It’s truly fantastic to see valued partners like Bosch Motorsport recognising the worth of being a part of the championship, which highlights their commitment to the growth and success of the ARC. “The decision to extend is a testament to the strength of the championship and reinforces the stability of the competition.”

Bosch Motorsport Australia’s Matt Turner was looking forward to going around again in 2024.

“To see the ARC’s growth this year has been fantastic and we are thrilled to be able to be involved for another year,” Turner said.

“The ARC is one the most demanding tests of car, driver and team and to have the title fight go right down to the wire in Canberra just added to the spectacle.

“The momentum of the series continues to build and the team is excited to be able to be part of that trajectory.

“We first partnered with the ARC because of the exciting prospect of re-joining with Australia’s premier rally competition for the first time in more than a decade, and are invested in the future of this impressive championship.”

The six-round 2024 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship season will begin with the Rally of Canberra on 5-7 April, where Harry Bates will defend his title after the championship went down to the final Power Stage of the year, overcoming his brother, Lewis Bates. TW Neal

TRANS AM TO RETURN TO STREETS OF ADELAIDE THE AUSTRALIAN Trans Am series will make a return to the VAILO Adelaide 500 in 2024 as the finale to its seven round season.

The season finale Supercars support act will follow the penultimate Bathurst International round for a big closing act to round out its fourth full season.

The series hasn’t been on the Adelaide streets since it launched there as a category in 2020 before its inaugural season was shut down due to the pandemic, with the 2024 finale being just the second time that the series has featured on a street circuit.

Back in 2020 it was Aaron Seton that shone in the Adelaide Parklands, taking out pole and winning all three races in the first ever Trans Am round.

It will be the second visit to South Australia for the series in 2024 alongside the Round 4 visit to The Bend on May 31-June 2 - the first ever visit to the track in a Trans Am calendar that visits five states across the country.

2024 will launch in Victoria with the opening round set for February 9-11 at the Sandown International Raceway for the opening round of the SpeedSeries.

A trip to the Apple Isle on March 15-17 then follows for another round at Symmons Plains, before the show heads back across the Bass Strait to Phillip Island on April 12-14.

Following the first ever round at the Shell V-Power Motorsports Park in SA, it then heads to the Queensland Raceway on July 12-14.

The Bathurst International is the next stop for the series on November 8-10 before it concludes at the VAIL Adelaide 500 for its marquee Supercars support for a big weekend of street themed V8 horsepower.

TW Neal

NATIONAL RACING SEASON TAKING SHAPE THE 2024 motorsport landscape is taking shape with a number of categories revealing their plans to race all over the country in the new year.

After announcing it will race in New Zealand for a first time, the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia revealed its full eight-round calendar.

Before the trip to Taupo, the season will start at the Australian Grand Prix once again.

Then Hidden Valley follows before another first, a maiden race under lights at Sydney takes place.

The second half of the season incorporates traditional favourites such as Sandown, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide.

The second tier Porsche Sprint Challenge has also announced its 2024 calendar with a maiden trip to Townsville the highlight.

The category has never raced at the North Queensland hybrid street circuit and will take it on for the first time at the Townsville 500 on July 5-7 at the halfway mark of the year following the season opening rounds at Phillip Island and The Bend.

After Townsville, the season finishes with a round at Queensland Raceway, a return to Supercars at Symmons Plains before the finale at the Race Sydney event.

Although the SpeedSeries calendar was already confirmed, the later arrival of the Supercars season has forced Motorsport Australia to make more modifications.

The season remains at 10 rounds but the second trip to The Bend has been moved back a week to a new date of May 31 to June 2.

After a mid July journey to Queensland Raceway, the “Paperclip” was lined up to host a doubleheader on the very next weekend of July 19-21.

But now with Supercars going racing on that weekend under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park, Motorsport Australia has pushed the second Ipswich round back a

full fortnight to avoid a clash.

This will now be held on August 2-4 so fans can still enjoy some local motorsport during the Paris Olympics which Supercars avoided.

Regarding the TBC round, a Motorsport Australia statement outlined discussions are continuing with a number of circuits.

“The September round listed as a TBC in the draft calendar is still yet to be locked away while Motorsport

Australia continues discussions with circuits and state governments around the country,” it read.

A big 2024 Radical Cup Australia season is headlined by a return to the Supercars spotlight.

It kicks off in April at Phillip Island before going out west to Wanneroo to support the Perth SuperSprint.

They then support the Lamborghini SuperTrofeos at The Bend before a three-month break ahead of the SpeedSeries doubleheader at Sydney Motorsport Park and Bathurst.

The V8 SuperUte Series remains a big Supercars support act with all six rounds following them.

The utes will begin at the Mount Panorama 500 in February but must wait until June for round two.

It may be worth the wait being the category’s first trip up north to Hidden Valley prior to a trip to Sydney.

Then it is a busy end to the year following Supercars to Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide.

The Victorian Formula Ford Championship has also revealed its dates with a big finale.

It begins at Sandown in early February before heading to Winton and Phillip Island in March and May respectively.

Second trips to Sandown and Phillip Island bring drivers closer to the finale which will be held at Calder Park Raceway on October 26-27.

Thomas Miles

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LATEST NEWS

HAMILTON AND RED BULL: “THEY MADE CONTACT, NOT ME!” LEWIS HAMILTON has flatly denied a story based on Christian Horner’s comments that he had offered his services to Red Bull earlier this year. The Mercedes driver was clearly not pleased with the Red Bull’s boss comments and went on to insist it was Horner who had actually got in touch with him, but the message had gone unnoticed as it had been sent to an old phone number.

Hamilton first said that, “I don’t really know where that story has come from. I mean, I know it’s come from Christian. I don’t really understand what he’s talking about, because no-one, as far as I’m aware from my team, has spoken to him. I haven’t spoken to Christian in years. However, he

did reach out to me earlier in the year about meeting up. But that’s it. I just congratulated him on an amazing year, and said hopefully soon I’ll be able to fight against you guys in the near future, that was it. So, I’m not really sure, I think he’s just stirring things.”

Asked for further details about the contact between Horner and him, Hamilton explained that, “I picked up my old phone, which I’ve just found that on, which had my old number on it. I switched it on and obviously hundreds of messages came through and I realised there was one from Christian to get together and have a chat at the end of the season.”

The Mercedes driver then addressed

Horner’s claim that he had also been in contact with Ferrari for a drive, also denying it flatly. Asked if he’d been in touch with Ferrari president John Elkann, Hamilton explained that, “I know John really well. We met years ago in the Google camp, I went to a Google camp in Sicily, and that’s when our friendship started and we’ve always remained in touch.” He then explained his relationship with Frédéric Vasseur, Ferrari’s Team Principal, goes way, way back: “I’ve known Fred since 2005, and we’ve always had a really great relationship. We’d talk often since, even more since he’s been in Formula 1, because after I left his team, we would talk all the time. Obviously that

was the case when I was in his team, then I came to Formula 1, and you have less contact with the Formula 2 series. But since he’s been back, we’ve met here, we’ve traveled together with Toto. So that’s really as far as it goes.”

In conclusion, Hamilton gave an interesting opinion about why his name had popped up in this situation: “If you really think about it, there are a lot of people here that like to drop my name in many conversations, because they know it’s going to make waves. And if you are a little bit lonely and you are not getting much attention, that’s the perfect thing to do, just mention my name.” Ouch…

TYRE BLANKETS TO REMAIN FOR 2024 THE FINAL 2023 meeting of the Formula 1 Commission was held in the Yas Marina Circuit on Friday, with the main decision taken being that tyre blankets will remain in use for next year, as well as the new format of the Sprint events, which couldn’t be agreed upon and will be discussed in the coming days with the goal of having a proposal in place that can be approved in the next meeting of the World Council, to be held a the end of the first week of December in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Everyone agreed that the Sprint events needed a freshening up of the format – potentially involving reverse grids or a complete revamp of the weekend timetable – should be targeted. One idea is for sprint qualifying to take place on Friday afternoons, with qualifying for the main grand prix taking place on Saturday mornings prior to the sprint race in the afternoon.

But the reverse grid idea is also being considered, especially if the sprint moves away from offering world championship points. This could involve either reversing the top 10 positions or the entire grid.

The FIA’s Sporting Advisory Committee will now work

through the details of a sprint race shake-up, and this will be presented to teams at the start of next year during the first F1 Commission meeting of 2024. As for the six venues that will host sprints next year, they’ve yet to be decided as many promoters are now unlikely to be willing to pay extra for an event that brings them almost no new spectators on Friday and Saturday.

The Commission agreed that the direction for development for future tyres should be focused on reducing issues of overheating and improving the race-ability of the tyres, and therefore the decision was taken to keep tyre blankets for 2025. It was also agreed that the category will stick with the standard 13 sets of tyres per-car per-race weekend for 2024, having evaluated an Alternative Tyre Allocation at events this season.

Interestingly, and in the wake of the extreme conditions that drivers faced in Qatar this year, a push to improve conditions in the cockpit was agreed. From 2024, the regulations will be amended to permit a scoop to boost driver cooling, with other options being looked at for more extreme conditions. It is understood the scoop idea was

originally pushed for this season but was rejected due to opposition from one team. And in a further move to improve safety, the FIA has agreed to conduct another test on wheel covers to try to help with visibility in wet weather conditions.

Finally, while the teams have already begun outline work on their 2026 cars, it was agreed that work should no longer be allowed in the near term, the Formula 1 Commission stating that, “the Commission agreed that no work may be carried out on the development of a car for the 2026 season before the start of 2025.”

Luis Vasconcelos

DOOHAN TO FOCUS ON F1 PROGRAM IN 2024

VASSEUR STILL FUMING AFTER SAINZ PENALTY FERRARI TEAM Principal Frederic Vasseur was still tremendously upset at the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, in spite of admitting the race had been entertaining and his driver, Charles Leclerc, had performed outstandingly, only to lose the Grand Prix to Max Verstappen due to an untimely Safety Car period, that helped both the Dutchman and Sergio Perez get a free pit stop and emerge with fresher tyres than what the Monegasque had for the second half of the race.

It was the incident that effectively took Carlos Sainz out of contention just eight minutes into the start of FP1 that still rattled the Frenchman, who made it clear he wasn’t going to let the matter go away easily: “We’ll have time to discuss about this next week, but it was not a very fair decision due to the circumstances, it was very harsh for Carlos, very harsh for the team. Will have to discuss about circumstances of the incident, not just about the manhole cover coming up, also that we had one minute between the yellow flag and the red flag. it meant when they put

the yellow flag they saw something on track and it took one minute before putting red flag out. I think it’s too much.”

Vasseur doesn’t even want to wait for the next meeting of the Formula 1 Commission, scheduled for the coming weekend in Abu Dhabi, insisting, “I will discuss before that!”

For Vasseur, it was the fact that getting a new Energy Store to replace the one broken due to a circuit and promoter’s failure, brought no performance advantage that justified the regulatory penalty being waived, as this a force majeure issue (F1 regulation reference pertaining to an unpredictable, unpreventable, and external event).

“It’s not an easy one to give a set of tyres or an engine, because it’s a gain of performance but with a new battery there is no performance gain.

Considering we missed FP1, that we had a couple of millions of damage, the mechanics worked like hell to come back and so on, it was not too stupid to consider the case of force majeure.”

Unwilling to put a figure on the

money this incident cost the team, Vasseur only said, “a fortune is a good estimation”, before revealing that, “so far it’s included in budget cap. There is no provision into the budget, cost cap, including crashes and excluding cases like this. There will be discussions but decisions are another thing.”

As expected, Vasseur admitted that, “we can’t repair the chassis, even the seat was damaged and, for sure, we have a lot of extra costs. The chassis was damaged, the gearbox was damaged, the battery was damaged, the engine is dead. For sure we have a lot of consequences on the financial side, sporting side and even on stock of spare parts and budget side. For sure it’s not an easy one.”

In conclusion, Vasseur confirmed that “because the next race is next week, there is no way to build up a new monocoque, for example. But it’s true also that if we have to adjust the budget cap, between now and end of season we won’t have much room to play with or we miss Abu Dhabi.”

Luis Vasconcelos

JACK DOOHAN spoke to media at Abu Dhabi after his F1 postseason test with Alpine, confirming that 2024 will be an F1 focused year looking forward to gaining a seat in 2025.

After sealing his highest finish of third in an FIA Formula season and finishing off in style with a domineering drive at Yas Marina, Doohan revealed to media including AUTO ACTION’s international F1 correspondent Luis Vasconcelos that working for an F1 seat in 2025 will be his main focus.

He explained that several good options were presented to him to be in a race seat in 2024, and whilst he confirmed that Alpine’s 2024 program regarding himself are yet to be set in stone, he will ramp up his testing program like never before with both Sim and on-track activity.

“Alpine obviously haven’t made an announcement, so I don’t want to jump the gun on anything,” Doohan said.

“But we’ll be obviously spending a lot of time with the team inside a car, and the test program will be announced soon.

“It’s great to know that I do have that. It’ll be more than I was doing this year, which is great. I’ll be becoming more and more comfortable within the car, and whether or not I’m racing next year. It’s just super important to have that seat time. For Alpine to be providing that for me is very important.”

One of the 2024 race seats that Doohan may have been in the frame for was a World Endurance Championship (WEC) seat in the new Alpine A424 LDMh hypercar, but the Aussie F1 Reserve driver said that there were also other attractive options on the table.

“At the moment I have nothing set in terms of racing, but I had quite a lot of options in all the sub-formula’s other than F1,” he confirmed.

“So it’s not like the other options were shy of being there, such as Super Formula, IndyCar, Hypercar or whatever it was, and I was very fortunate to have those options.

“However, at this point in time it’s crucial I focus solely on Formula 1, which is heavily provided by Alpine that I’m able to stay in the car, and if I wasn’t able to have this extensive seat time then for sure, that would mean venturing out somewhere else.

“But being able to have that seat time in Formula 1 machinery, and then be at the track here doing sim work, I think that’s going to position me in the best possible way to have a seat in 2025.”

TW Neal

INTERNATIONAL AUSSIES

AUSSIE COHORT TO STEP UP INTO EUROCUP-3

TEAM AUSTRALIA BANISHES BAJA DEMONS THE TEAM Australia Quad Lock Trophy Truck owned by Paul Weel, who races alongside off-raid legend Toby Price, has finally made a Baja finish line after a year and a half of vanquished efforts.

The crew took the finish line seventh in class at the gruelling SCORE International Baja 1000 on the Mexican Californian Peninsula. Alongside regular co-drivers Kellon Walch and Preston Schmid, Baja legend Larry Roeseler was added to the team as third driver, and he may have been their good luck charm.

Everything from destructive fires, broken yokes, to a failed $35 manifold pressure sensor has derailed the million dollar truck that Weel purchased from another Baja legend

Andy McMillan – the third truck the team has tried in a litany of bad-Baja luck.

Things nearly did go south in the first leg however, with Weel having tyre issues, losing an hour to drop them back through the field after the first 482 km.

But a stellar stint from the recruited American veteran over 788 km, gave Price a fighting chance for a good finish and, despite a few flats on the way (a common Baja Plight), he took it to ninth overall for a P7 in the premier 4WD class.

And in a rare occurrence, he also got to celebrate the fact with his parents at the finish line.

“We got through and we’re happy

to be at the finish line. Larry did an amazing job holding it together and got us back up within the field.

“We’ll be happy with a top-10 finish.

This is our first finish in a year and a half and we’re happy to be here.

“Also, my parents don’t get to see many races nowadays as the last 10plus years they are all overseas. So to see both my mum and dad at the finish line of the Baja 1000 was something pretty special. Getting the truck to the finish line to see them was a massive goal.”

Weel, Price, Walch, and Schmid will likely be back in action at the San Felipe 250 on March 20-24 for the Mexican based series, where last time, Price put them on pole.

AFTER A Successful year racing in the British GB4 Championship, Victorian racer Cooper Webster (above) and the Evans GP team will take on the EUROCUP-3 season.

Also joining them for a united team effort, will be Webster’s S5000 team Versa Motorsport, with the combined effort to race under the Versa Evans GP banner.

After Webster finished the GB4 season as vice-champion in 2023 driving the Tatuus F4-T014 machinery, the new squad will step it up onto the Tatuus F3 T-318, the common F3 machine used across the various Formula 3 regional categories.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Versa Evans GP for the 2024 Eurocup-3 Championship,” Webster said. “It’s an exciting opportunity to compete at an elite international level and showcase my skills on world-renowned circuits.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Versa Motorsport and Evans GP and to contribute further to their success.”

After having already taken several podiums at the Silverstone GP circuit, Webster will get the chance to compete at SpaFrancorchamps, Red Bull Ring, Portimao, Paul Ricard, Zandvoort, Motorland Aragon, Jerez, and Barcelona, in an eight round season against the best rising F3 youth in Europe and the world.

The team will be led by the two respective Team Principals of Josh Evans and Toby Pope, as they look to take on European junior formulae giants such as Campos Racing and MP Motorsport in the series’ second year in operation.

“We’re delighted to have Cooper Webster on board for the 2024 Eurocup-3 Championship,” Evans said.

“Having worked with him in GB4, it’s clear that he’s a talented driver with a lot of potential. We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship in Eurocup-3.”

After preseason testing on March 19-20 at Spa, the first round gets going in Belgium on April 18-20. TW Neal

BEETON GOES TOP OF F4 SEA YOUNG AUSTRALIAN F4 driver Jack Beeton (pictured) has gone to the top of the F4 South East Asian (F4 SEA) championship against a class field in Sepang, Malaysia.

The 16-year-old AGi Sport driver and 2023 Italian F4 Van Amersfoort Racing driver has backed up from strong showings in China (two wins) and the Macau GP, to take a podium and two top five finishes against an experienced field which included Prema and R-Ace GP youth at Sepang International. He now finds himself 12 points above pro French R-Ace GP driver Hadrien David.

The NSW based AGi Sport squad also gave international debuts to two other young Australians from their Sydney based F4 training program, with former Karter’s Nicolas Stati and Peter Bouzelinos getting a chance across this round and the finale.

“Super happy to be leading the championship, the competition was tough but we were able to come away with some strong results which is pleasing,” Beeton told Auto Action.

18 I www.autoaction.com.au

“We’ll focus on improving ourselves and the set-up in the week’s break before the next round. Big thanks to AGi Sport for the great weekend and I look forward to being back on the podium.”

In an 18 car field, Stati finished in P14, 11 and 14 in the #15

Tatuus, whilst Bouzelinos took P18, 21, and 11 in the #46 to show good improvement.

The final round of the F4 SEA will be at Sepang again on December 1-3 where Beeton will be gunning for his first major Junior Formulae title. TW Neal

Grid three for Abu Dhabi was a measure of how far Australia’s ‘Rookie’ (of the Year) has come ... We can’t wait for 2024 either ... Image: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

WOW, WHAT A YEAR! IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE, MY F1 ROOKIE SEASON IS BEHIND ME ...

I CAN remember conducting my first public test with McLaren in Abu Dhabi, where I’m writing this column from, as part of the 2022 Young Driver Test almost exactly this time last year. 12 months have absolutely flown by and it’s strange to think that I’ve had 22 Grands Prix between then and now.

In the past few weeks, I’ve been asked a lot what the biggest things that I have learnt are. It’s a hard one to answer because there has been so much.

I’ve had a new formula, new team, new team-mate, new car and new tracks but I have loved every second of it. It has been demanding and challenging but this is the pinnacle and so it should be.

Learning and racing at new tracks (Melbourne, Miami,

Oscar Piastri’s

FORMULA 1 WORLD Montréal, Zandvoort, Singapore, Suzuka, Qatar, Austin, Mexico, Brazil and Las Vegas) will only help me in the years to come, as there is nothing like taking on a track in the flesh.

The team and Lando have been superb with me. Lando has been an excellent benchmark all year and we have a great relationship together. The wider team and everyone back at MTC gave me such a warm welcome from my first day that it was easy to feel settled and right at home in papaya.

After a year on the sidelines, the racing was the thing that I was desperate to get back to.

2022 went so slowly, waiting to get back to wheel-to-wheel racing and testing myself. I have seriously enjoyed fighting it out with some of the biggest names in the sport and picking up on things to improve my driving.

The competition is fierce, and the level keeps on improving but that is one of the biggest drivers for me. I love that intensity and the focus required.

And then there is the MCL60.

We didn’t get off to the best of starts but what a car it has turned into. I will always remember Silverstone and narrowly missing out on a podium; Spa, Saturday, taking second place in the Sprint; my first GP podium in Suzuka; and picking up two more trophies in Qatar.

Having those highs has only given me a taste. I want to have more of those moments and we are determined to push the team as high up the grid as we can.

After this year’s Young Driver Test in Abu Dhabi, I have a few private functions back in Europe as well as some time back at the factory to review everything that happened in 2023 and get a seat fit ahead of next year.

Then, it will be some time off to rest and recharge before it all gets back in full swing. I’m

hoping to get some sun, watch a bit of cricket and catch up with friends and family, which I am really looking forward to.

Then the focus will inevitably turn to 2024. My main aim will be putting into practice everything that I’ve learnt this year. I’ll have visited most tracks once but even the most experienced drivers are optimising their driving at tracks that they have driven 15/20 times so there will still be an awful lot to improve on.

Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off in 2023 and get off to a strong start – but we know it won’t be easy as everyone is after that.

Take care. Oscar.

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www.autoaction.com.au I 19

VALE BRIAN ‘SAMBO’ SAMPSON BRIAN SAMPSON: JUNE 17, 1935 – NOVEMBER 17, 2023

MAIN: Brian Sampson seen here in July of 2021 with his Cheetah Mk6 Toyota, chassis 63-2, which was delivered on February 20 1976 Top: ‘Sambo’ in the Austrailian Motor Industries Triumph Spitfire Calder 1969

Sampson at the wheel of his giant killing Toyota Celica at Warwick Farm 1973

‘Sambo’ was still racing state level Formula Ford in his late 70’s and was a big supporter of Spectrum Racing Cars.

Images: AUTOPICS.COM.AU/BRIAN SAMPSON COLLECTION AND BRUCE WILLLIAMS WHEN SAMBO died on November 17, he was one of the very few remaining racers of the 1950s Albert Park era left.

A racer in thought, word and deed, he was so competitive and successful – as a businessman, in the workshop and in the cockpit.

Brian’s early motorsport was aided and abetted by his father who allowed the 19-year-old to contest a hillclimb at Tuerong on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula in his MG TD in 1954.

He progressed to a quick supercharged Morris Special bought from young motor-trader Bob Jane, then showed early talent for endurance events, placing 10th in the 1955 Moomba Tourist Trophy at Albert Park.

Sampson raced a swag of Appendix J cars in sprint events in the early 1960s including an Austin A30 and Lancer, Morris Major and a Ford Anglia.

He was also in demand as Series Production racing grew and scored a class win in the 1961 Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island in a shared Renault Gordini, a performance repeated in another Gordini in ’62.

Sampson became a Toyota stalwart, racing Coronas and Corollas as well as a Triumph Spitifire for Australian Motor Industries (AMI), the importers of both marques. He won his class with Bob Morris in a Corolla in ’69 Bathurst 500.

Meanwhile, by the mid-1960s Sambo’s Motor Improvements outfit in St Kilda became one of the go-to tuners and machine shops for Victorian racers, and remained so for decades. This workshop and the Eddie Thomas Speedshop –

20 I www.autoaction.com.au

which Sampson acquired, reorganised and renamed Speco Thomas – an import/retail enterprise, created considerable wealth.

When AMI saw the speed of Brian’s F3 Elfin 600 Toyota Corolla – with Motor Improvements modded engine – they provided sponsorship for a series of F3 and F2 Cheetah’s built by Sambo’s great-mate Brian Shead in Mordialloc.

The Sambo and Sheady Show dominated the class(es) for the better part of the 1970s.

The AMI compound was eagerly visited by enthusiasts at race meetings.

In addition to the pair of red and white Cheetahs, Brian raced their Celica sports-sedan, a crowd-pleasing giantkiller fondly remembered by many in the mid-1970s, and part of Brian’s large racing car collection.

It was performances in this car that reminded Holden Dealer Team chief, Harry Firth, of Sambo’s pace in tourers.

He invited Brian to partner Peter Brock in an L34 Torana in 1974. After Peter Perfect got-the-boot from the HDT, the pair famously brought-homethe-Bathurst-bacon in ’75 as privateers aboard another L34 prepared by racer/ mechanics Norm Gown and Bruce Hindhaugh.

Sampson won the 1977 Rothmans 500 at Oran Park sharing Warren Cullen’s L34 and co-drove a large variety of cars in the enduros – VC Commodore, XD Falcon

and Mitsubishi Starion Turbo – until his final run at Bathurst with Bill O’Brien in a VL Commodore SS Group A in 1990 (eighth).

Despite being past his peak, perennial single-seater man as he was, Sambo contested several Formula Pacific Australian Grands Prix against ‘the teenagers’ for a best of ninth in his Cheetah Mk8 Ford BDA in 1984.

When Formula Holden followed, of course Sampson was quick to join in, purchasing the Cheetah Mk9 Holden, the prototype FH machine developed by Brian Shead and CAMS. When promising Formula Ford Driver to Europe winner, Craig Lowndes’ career lost altitude, Sambo offered Lowndes the beautifully prepared but somewhat oldeworld Cheetah to race at mates-rates in 1994. With some mighty performances against the likes of Greg Murphy in more modern equipment, Craig was soon back on the radar and was picked up by the Holden Racing Team.

Brian was still a regular competitor in State level Formula Ford and Historic racing into the early 2000s and was a tremendous supporter of Michael Borland’s (his great mate Brian Shead’s nephew) Spectrum Racing Cars.

Brian pretty much only ever raced with the one number on his car and that was the #78, and he was so proud to be still racing when he reached that milestone in his life.

Sambo hated flying! The sight of his distinctive International truck and rig, his Lola T91/50 Formula Holden, Formula 3 cars, Formula Fords and later his fleet of Historic cars only disappeared from paddocks across the nation in the early 2000s after a bad road accident caused by a reaction to prescribed medication.

Brian Sampson was a friend and supporter of Auto Action since its birth in 1971. He’s been a close buddy and confidant of publisher Bruce Williams for 40 years. Sambo’s passing is a death in our extended family.

We salute you Brian, and offer our condolences to his daughters, grandchildren, Brendan, Lily and Sambo’s loved ones and associates.

A funeral service for Brian will take place on Monday December 4 at 11.30am Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Bangholme.

Brain Sampson at the wheel of the Gown-Hindhaugh L34 Torana he shared with Peter Brock to win the 1975 Bathurst 500

IF I TOLD YOU …

AA’S COLUMNIST REFLECTS ON HOW SUPERCARS HAS BEEN TIPPED ON ITS HEAD

IF I told you 12 months ago Supercars rookie Matt Payne would win the final race of the 2023 season, would you have believed me? If I told you this four months ago, as the B-doubles chugged out of Sydney Motorsport Park, you would have laughed at me. After all, Payne left the SuperNight event with race results over the 11 most recent races to that point of 18th, 15th, 15th, 21st, 19th, 23rd, 25th, 15th, 18th, 24th and 23rd.

If the Kiwi knocked on my front door before he flew out of Sydney, I would have opened it and greeted him with, “Yes young man, how can I help you?” I simply would not have known him from Adam, as the saying goes.

Boy, do I know the 21-year-old now. Talk about making a splash.

I can’t recall another rookie driver who flew under the radar before, suddenly, buzzing the tower via an extraordinary upswing in results, culminating in a dominant first victory in Adelaide.

with Luke West

REVVED UP Helluva way to score your first podium. Grove Racing was the most represented team on the podium across the final two weekends of the season. Hats off to the Groves for their talent spotting and turnaround in performance.

Payne is an intriguing and likeable character. The way he talks, his old-head-on-youngshoulders mannerisms and his height set him apart from the hordes of other young racing drivers trying to make an impact.

To borrow a line from Star Wars’ Senator

Palpatine: ‘And you, young Skywalker; we shall watch your career with great interest.’

Surfers Paradise and Adelaide were refreshing events after an otherwise lacklustre Supercars season on-track overall. It has been a fascinating end to the year.

Since Bathurst we’ve had feelgood wins for Payne, departing teammate David Reynolds and Cam Waters, with Ford dominating, Shane van Gisbergen decidedly out of sorts and Brodie Kostecki becoming a star. It’s not very often Bathurst is the unremarkable lowpoint of a Supercars season.

If I told you 12 months ago Kostecki would be crowned

Who would have thought? ... One champion leaves the stage – another steps up. Image: MARK HORSBURGH

2023 drivers champ and Erebus the teams’ champions, would you have thought I was crazy?

Brodie was seventh overall last year, Brown 14th and Erebus sixth.

If I told you 11 years ago the then new team owner Betty Klimenko would still be on the V8 scene in 2023, would you have believed me? Betty’s success is well deserved. She is a fine ambassador for Supercars and I’m always ultra impressed with how she holds herself and treats others. I do wonder how long Klimenko will stay around now she has ticked the Bathurst (2017) and championship boxes.

Whenever Betty exits – if she exits – no one can begrudge her success. What a stayer!

I’m thinking Erebus’s dual 2023 titles are the greatest achievement by a woman in the history of Australian motorsport. Care to disagree? Honourable mentions to Coral and Molly Taylor’s feats in the Australian Rally Championship.

Well done to the South Australian government for taking the ‘Radelaide 500’ to new heights as an event. I will say, however, the nature of the event on-track has changed since its return, which is more a reflection on category than the venue.

Adelaide 500s used to feature dramatic races that built to a thrilling and chaotic climax, but nowadays they are more subdued, strategic affairs. Last weekend was absorbing from an historical perspective with the changing of the guard, but there’s still work to be done on the show.

Finally, if I told you 12 months ago van Gisbergen would exit the series at the conclusion of the 2023 season, would you have believed me? Okay, that one was probably believable…

SUPERCARS’ DECISION to make full-time drivers start enduros is a victory for commonsense. For me, it really detracted from ‘the show’ during the sport’s most anticipated moment on its biggest stage, the Bathurst 1000’s race start, when co-drivers started the race.

The hundreds of thousands of once-a-year viewers must have been totally perplexed as they tuned in for the start, only to see many guns sitting on the bench.

Casual followers must have been utterly confused by a grid full of no-names being called by Neil Crompton.

Well done to Supercars for realising the idiocy of their stars not actually performing during the sport’s highest-profile moment. At a time when the category has been struggling for star power, it made no sense to call up the understudies while the lead actors stayed in the dressing room.

The adverse reaction from teams, drivers, aligned media and heavily invested fans to the ‘main drivers must start’ is laughable. It speaks volumes about the inward-thinking nature of motorsport people – they can’t see they that the sport needs to hook new and casual fans. The sport can’t survive on a few thousand diehards or it will die hard. Asking drivers what they want should never come into the conversation.

Besides, having the co-drivers start the 2023 Great Race did little to enhance the spectacle at the most boring Bathurst on record. I’d rather see the guns in the cars in the early laps, then see all the co-drivers race each other, so you can see who was doing a good job and who wasn’t.

I reckon the easiest way to implement the rule is to make the driver who sets the fastest time in qualifying start the race.

Sound like a plan?

08 8322 3848

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SPEEDWAY NEWS

VEAL AND RANKIN TAKE HARPER TAKES PREMIER HONOURS ALEXANDRA LATE MODEL OPENER

Images: GEOFF GRACIE ANOTHER BIG weekend at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway saw Jamie Veal and Tim Rankin conquer the Sprintcar and Formula 500 fields.

The seasoned veterans stole the show for the second week of action at the circuit, with Veal (above) topping the Sprintcars in the fourth round of the Vic Sprintcar Racing Association series, whilst Rankin (above right) took out the 22nd Jack Willsher Cup in the Formula 500s.

It was the first win of the season for the #35 SWI Engineering Sprintcar racer, and the former Grand Annual Classic winner overcame last year’s Classic winner in Brock Hallett to get it done, with Chad Ely taking third.

Veal’s victory gave him a sweep of the proceedings, taking the Heat, the Shootout, and the A-Main from pole.

It wasn’t entirely all his own way, however, as Hallett got the jump from second in the 30 lap affair, before Veal wrestled back the advantage mid-way, with the Victorian also paying kudos to a recently maligned surface at the Sungold Stadium.

“Once that gap opened, that was my chance to get around Brock and I had to make it stick,” Veal said.

“I doubted I’d get a second chance to pass.

Sometimes it’s good to sit in second. The track was better tonight than it’s been, which was good. It’s good to get a win here now

with bigger races to come.”

Contender Jye Corbet didn’t take his spot at the front of the grid for the feature with brake issues forcing him out, whilst Ely held off Lockie McHugh and Tate Frost for his best result on the Warrnambool dirt for some time.

In the Formula 500, Rankin took the Jack Willsher Cup four years after winning his first.

Rankin overcame fellow front row starter, reigning Cup holder and national champion Dylan Beveridge in a race-long stoush.

After the duo got the jump, Beveridge hit dramas four laps from the finish when ignition problems put a line through his challenge, with Rankin accepting the lead and the chequered flag over Liam Russell and Dale Sinclair.

The Junior Formula 500s saw Rusty Ponting lead all the way in the 12-lap final to record a popular win from local Koby O’Shannassy, and Cobden’s Hugo Chivell.

The next race meeting at Premier Speedway will be the annual Max’s Race for Sprintcars on December 16, with Aussie James McFadden a notable overseas returnee in the NAPA Auto parts machine, with support from the Late Models and Junior Formula 500s. TW Neal

AUSSIE VETERAN GOES BACK-TO-BACK ON US DIRT AUSSIE LEGEND Car racer Glenn Mitchell has won back-to-back titles in the Masters division of the INEX Dirt Nationals in the US, sealing a dominant championship season at Fayetteville Motor Speedway.

Heading into the North Carolina finale, the NSW racer had a comfortable points lead, allowing him to send it for a double-win weekend in the #1 Joe Ryan Racecars Legend Car, which sports a classic pugilist Roo on the door.

The 58-year-old moved to the US with his wife Jo three years ago to compete in the Masters division of the INEX Legend Car Dirt Nationals and, after taking out a tight title race in 2022, this year he did it in a different manner.

He ended the year with a whopping 31 feature race wins, 47 podiums, and 25 heat race wins across 51 rounds.

“During last year’s Dirt Nationals, I played the points game, as the Masters championship was quite tight in the finale and I got through it seventh

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place, which was enough to secure the championship,” Mitchell recalled.

“So this year, with the luxury of a handy championship lead, I went all-out.

“To win one Dirt Nationals is pretty special as it’s so competitive, but to do it twice and the way I managed to do it, made it all the more satisfying. I had to

battle hard for the lead throughout the 30-lap feature, and I was thrilled to be able to wrap it up in the best possible fashion.”

The back-to-back title holder plans on returning to the States in 2024 for a crack at a third straight title.

TW Neal

Image: DEAN MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY THE ALEXANDRA Speedway had its season opening event on November 18, with the first round of the Victorian Southern Pro Late Model Series headlining.

Also on show was the Australian Motor Contest Association (AMCA) with their classic 253ci Holden and 350 Chevrolet crate engines, whilst the Vic Standard Saloons, Junior Sedan racing and Sports Sedans added to a 97-strong nominations list.

Tasmanian Callum Harper upset the Vic applecart in the Late Models to open the season, overcoming a 20 car field, whilst fellow Tassie driver Brad Smith also set a scorching 8-lap Heat record in the lead-in.

Harper assumed control after some early chaos in the 30-lap Feature, before leading NSW racers Todd Bayley and Ryan Fenech to the chase to take the $4,000 purse.

In the 350hp AMCA clash, Neale Peachey would prevail through the drama after making early contact with Grant Campbell, taking the win over Frank Thierry, and Bendigo’s Nathan Dunn after Steve Hopkins and Justin Richardson took late penalties to lose their podiums.

In the other 30-lap feature, another chaotic and entertaining affair saw Linken Paterson win, from Brodie Ardley and Vuillermin Lansdown, whilst in the supports, Axel Robinson won the Speedway Sedans Australia New Stars class for developing racers, and in the main Top Star class Alexandra resident Will Fallon took the win.

Rounding out the day was the Victorian Speedway Council Sports Sedans, with state champion Josh Service prevailing.

Next up at the scenic Alexandra Speedway with its classic gumtree centrepiece, the Super Sedans and Compact Speedcars lead the regular supporting acts on December 16.

TW Neal

WINNERS AND LOSERS THE BEST AND OTHERS IN SUPERCARS FOR 2023 WHEN I was young and playing football badly, I was called up at the end-of-season awards’ event to receive the ’Team Spirit’ prize.

We all know what that means. I had turned up and I had played, but I was about as relevant to the team and its results as Jack Smith in Supercars.

Smith’s brave decision to stop full-time driving got me thinking about my personal standouts for season 2023.

No, Smith doesn’t get one. Even though he seems like a good bloke.

But who to honour for season 2023, when the picture has been skewed by all sorts of things, from the Parity debate to the upcoming driver changes for 2024, the turmoil around teams and Supercars itself, and the considerable failings of the great looking new Gen3 racers.

So this is personal. It’s my view, and I’m deliberately writing it before the final points are tallied

with Paul Gover

THE PG PERSPECTIVE on Sunday afternoon in Adelaide.

Why? Because the championship results – for individuals and teams – are not always the best measure.

So my winner for season 2023?

It’s Shane van Gisbergen.

He was the benchmark from the first race to the last, he made a brilliant leap into NASCAR, and even managed to clean up in Aussie Racing Cars in New Zealand.

The man is clearly a freak. He was the best and fairest of the season, the one to beat, the one we will (eventually) miss, and the benchmark for every other

driver in Supercars.

Van Gisbergen had dramas of various kinds through the year, starting from his unfair disqualification in Newcastle and including the distraction of his brilliant dive into NASCAR, through to the gearshift drama that almost cost him victory at Bathurst.

But, whichever way you look at things, he was always the driver to beat and recovered from his nasty start to take the title fight to the last round in Adelaide.

The next group for me are the All Stars. These are the drivers’ drivers, the ones who have talent

Image: MARK HORSBURGH-MOTORSPORT IMAGES and commitment, fired by the extra spark that makes Supercars racing a passion for so many people. They choose five for the All-Star squad in basketball, so I’ve copied their system.

From the Ford horde, I first pick Cam Waters and Chaz Mostert.

Waters is at the top of his form, (although he sometimes let his head drop in ‘23), and one of the one-lap wonders. He is tough and talented and will be even better in 2024 after refreshing himself in Sprint Car racing at a Tickford Team which should be much better as a two-car operation.

Mostert, too, is an elite racer. He also brings huge fan appeal.

From the red racers, it has to be van Gisbergen and Brodie Kostecki.

The Erebus spearhead did everything right from 2024, leading from the front and resisting al sorts of pressures.

He, like SvG, is likely headed

eventually for NASCAR, based on Richard Childress’s presence in his garage at the Adelaide 500.

So there is one to go?

Should it be David Reynolds, who brings so much entertainment to Supercars; Broc Feeney, who is looking more and more like a new-age Jamie Whincup; or perhaps Garth Tander from the broadcast crew.

In the end, it has to be the Rookie of the Year, Matt Payne. He got better and better through 2024 and will be a future superstar.

So that’s 2023 done and dusted, but there is still one question to be answered: who will star next year?

For me, it’s going to be Richie Stanaway.

He is sliding into Grove Racing as David Cauchi and the crew get everything right and he proved at Bathurst, as the low-key sidekick in the winning car, he has new maturity without losing any of his speed.

LAWYERS THAT KNOW MOTORSPORTS Know your position.

• Teams • Series owners • Manufacturers

SVEN BURCHARTZ

Partner sburchartz@kkilawyers.com.au

T +613 8825 4800 kkilawyers.com.au

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PUBLISHER

Bruce Williams bruce@autoaction.com.au 0418 349 555 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Bruce Williams STAFF JOURNALIST Timothy W. Neal STAFF JOURNALIST Thomas Miles NEWS EDITOR Andrew Clarke FEATURES WRITER Paul Gover SENIOR ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION Caroline Garde NATIONAL EDITOR Thomas Miles HISTORICS EDITOR Mark Bisset SPEEDWAY REPORTER Paris Charles ONLINE EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS AUSTRALIA Josh Nevett, Dan McCarthy, Bruce Newton, Mark Bisset, Geoffrey Harris, Bruce Moxon, Gary Hill, Craig O’Brien, Ray Oliver, Martin Agatyn, Reese Mautone.

David Batchelor, John Lemm, Pete Trapnell , Toby Cooper FORMULA 1 Luis Vasconelos US CORRESPONDENT Mike Brudenell PHOTOGRAPHERS AUSTRALIA Mark Horsburgh-Edge Photography, Peter Norton-Epic Sports Photography, Ross Gibb Photography, Daniel Kalisz, Mick Oliver-MTR Images, Rebecca Hind-REVVED, David Batchelor, Randall Kilner, Richard Hathaway, Bruce Moxon, Ray Ritter, Ray Oliver, autopics.com.au Roy Meuronen Photography, Angryman Photography, Riccardo Benvenuti, Matthew Bissett-MJB Photography, Phil Wisewould Photography.

Geoff Colson - Colson Photography INTERNATIONAL

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ADVERTISING MANAGER Bruce Williams All Advertising inquiries bruce@autoaction.com.au 0418 349 555 Editorial contributions may be sent to Auto Action. No responsibility will be accepted for their safety. If you require the return of any sent item or items, please attach a separate, stamped and fully addressed envelope.

Auto Action is published by Action Media Partners ABN number 62976094459 Suite 4/156 Drummond Street Oakleigh Victoria 3166 Phone: 03 9563 2107 The trademark Auto Action is the sole property of Action Media Partners The website www.autoaction.com.au and associated social media platforms are wholly owned by Action Media Partners.

All rights reserved No part of this magazine’s content may be reproduced, retransmitted or rebroadcast without the express written permission of the Publisher and Action Media Partners.

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Go to autoaction.com.au or scan below

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Vegas – unique F1 venue ... Image: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

VIVA LAS VEGAS – BUT SKY HAS FALLEN IN

THE FIRST day of the new Las Vegas Grand Prix was a farce, but I thought it ended up being a pretty good race.

It was more interesting and exciting than a lot of other F1 races and the location among the bright lights of Vegas made it something quite different.

For me the only thing that lagged was the Sky Sports commentary. It could only be described as mundane at best and didn’t do justice to this new event on the F1 calendar.

I only watched the race on the Sunday, so I didn’t see the preamble and Martin Brundle’s grid walk, which I usually find pretty cringeworthy anyway.

I wouldn’t want to see F1 become too Americanised, but the sport has moved on and the stodgy British commentary on Sky which gets inflicted on us here in Oz is no longer in sync with the sport.

PS: If a Grand Prix can be run along the strip in Las Vegas, why not around the Sydney Harbour Bridge?

Warren McCann Fairfield, Sydney Editor’s note: Las Vegas was indeed an impressive addition to F1 and ended up putting on a pretty good show ... but, just on the Harbour Bridge idea, remember that Melbourne has a long-term contract to stage Australia’s GP ...

THE NUMBERS GAME AND OTHER INTRIGUE

First of all, your magazine is a good advertisement covering motorsport of all sorts. Keep up the good work.

I have a question that hopefully you will be able to answer for us devoted fans of the sport of Supercars.

If SVG wins the championship and gets the number 1 before he goes off to NASCAR, does Will

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Brown get the number?

Or what number does Brown get when he arrives at Red Bull?

Surely not 97.

Now here’s an idea that has travelled around various campsites over the years: could Auto Action devote two pages for campers to ask questions about various situations that happen in motor racing?

Questions such as why aren’t tyre manufacturers like Bridgestone, Goodyear, Yokohama and Michelin brought back to make racing more interesting so as to not rely on Dunlop’s silly tyres?

Please don’t tell me it’s about the money, because we all know how many Camaros are running around the streets.

Hopefully these questions are not too hard and look forward to the answers.

Ken Fyfe Queensland Editor’s note: Thanks Ken. The No 1 stays with the driver – though Brodie K has made that a non issue! You’ve raised other interesting points. It’s been a big, busy year and we’re about to wave the chequered flag on 2023. Let us have a think about things over the Christmas-New Year break. Season’s greetings.

HOW TO KEEP SANDOWN RACING

The Sandown International Raceway has been used for Motor racing since 1962 and as a horse racing and training facility well before that and it is an iconic Australian sporting venue.

Sandown is in a great suburban location which makes it attractive to hosting events and the 2023 Sandown 500 attracted over 70,000 people during the 3-day period. But the future of Sandown is under threat because it’s owner, the Melbourne Racing Club is thinking of selling the complex to make way for new houses to be built at this location.

Instead of seeing the Sandown complex being dismantled completely, why not keep it and continue it to be used as a motor racing and horse racing venue well into the future?

If necessary, the Victorian Government should step in to help keep Sandown as a motor racing and horse racing complex.

If the Melbourne Racing Club really wants to sell Sandown, maybe the Victorian Government could buy the complex from the MRC and keep it temporarily until a new buyer is willing to take it over and to keep it operating.

Another possible option if the Sandown area has to be developed into a “certain amount of new housing”, maybe a certain part of this vicinity could be used for the development of new housing but maintaining the motor racing circuit and horse racing track at the same time?

At Bathurst, the Mount Panorama circuit is used for 5 annual Motor sport events like the Bathurst 1000 and otherwise, it is a normal road; maybe the same could be done for Sandown?

Sandown is used for five annual motorsport events and the main event is the traditional Sandown 500. So if a certain amount of the Sandown area does get to be allocated for new houses, perhaps the Sandown Raceway could serve as a normal road – but for the five annual motor racing events like the Sandown 500, it is closed off and becomes a temporary motor racing circuit during those weekends?

The Pit Garage and Grandstand facilities could remain as they are.

So instead of seeing this great iconic Australian sporting complex being completely eradicated, let’s look at ways of trying to save Sandown and keep it going well into the future.

Malcolm Webster Boronia, Vic, 3155 Editor’s Note: Thanks Malcom, it is indeed more food for thought.

However as much as we want to see Sandown survive into the future, it will need to stay in the hands of the MRC, because the Government won’t want to buy a piece of land from them – that if sold will net many, many millions of dollars in land and windfall gain taxes etc.

And the locals are already complaining about the noise, so imagine if five times a year they were surrounded by race cars …

Hey, now that I think of it what a great place to live!

You are definitely an ideas man so keep them coming ...

SOCIAL DISCOURSE BETTY AND EREBUS BECOME CHAMPIONS

John Bowe I just love it! Well done everyone.

JB Jenny Van Dolderen Congratulations to you and your team Betty. You are a true legend of the sport, overcoming all the challenges and picking a great driver in Brodie. He is a great person and well deserved winner of the championship. Looking forward to seeing you all shine brighter next year. Thanks for just being you Betty and showing us that you can make it happen if you put your heart and soul into it.

Jim Byrne Congratulations Betty. You have had the desire and dedication to make a difference. You have certainly achieved that. A Bathurst, a Drivers Championship and a Teams Championship are testament to your tenacity. Brilliant.

Neville Dance Great work team Betty! I have always admired the way you have taken on the world.

PAYNE’S STUNNING SUNDAY

Mary Summers What an awesome drive. There is no doubt this was coming.

Looking forward to seeing how he progresses in 2024.

Ben Cook What an awesome drive from the young man. Grove Racing looking the goods for 2024.

Dave Jay Looks like some major Payne is coming for all the GM boys next year.

FAREWELL SVG

Ben Beasley Brilliant and amazing career in Supercars. NASCAR will gain a few viewers next year and I look forward to him stirring the pot over there.

Rick Swat I would just like to acknowledge Shane on a brilliant career in Supercars. Thanks for the great racing memories, like driving down the main straight on the grass at Eastern Creek to cool his wet tyres down. He was phenomenal in the Tekno Commodore. Totally wicked.

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Maker of champions. Franz Tost retires with a record of success in brreeding F1 stars and, surprisingly for F1, no enemies ... Image: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

FAREWELL TO AN UNSUNG HERO

FORMULA 1 bid farewell to Franz Tost on Sunday night in Abu Dhabi, the Austrian bringing to an end an extraordinary period that lasted 18 years, being the second-longest serving Team Principal until now, behind the other Red Bull man, Christian Horner, who took his job at Milton Keynes one year before.

In typical Tost style, there were no huge celebrations or fanfare as he left the paddock for the last time as a working member of the Formula 1 community because, well, simply, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

In truth, you couldn’t find a less ‘new generation’ Formula 1 Team Principal around, no matter how hard you’d look. Frantz Tost has always been discrete, averse to media attention, promotional work and so on. In brief, he always tried to avoid having any distractions that would take the focus away from what has been his remit since the start of 2006: train and develop the young drivers Red Bull placed with his team, in the hope they’d grown enough to move to the main team and, once there, win races and World Championships.

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with Luis Vasconcelos

F1 INSIDER Over those 18 years, the Austrian worked closely with 17 drivers and two of them have secured Red Bull seven World Championships – Sebastian Vettel leaving Formula 1 with four while Max Verstappen has just secured his third one.

On top of that, another three drivers who did their apprenticeship under Tost’s orders – Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly – have won Grands Prix and a further two – Daniil Kvyat and Alex Albon – have stood on a Grand Prix podium. That’s a pretty impressive record, especially if you consider Tost didn’t chose the drivers he was given to work with, as it has always been Helmut Marko’s decision to pick the drivers from his vast young drivers’ program that would join the Faenza-based team.

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But even when he didn’t think the drivers imposed on his team were up to the task (as with Nyck de Vries this year, as he openly favored giving the seat to Mick Schumacher), Tost did all he could to get the best out of them.

Strict, fully devoted, with martial discipline for himself and the whole team, are the most common descriptions of the Austrian’s style.

But even though he wouldn’t admit it easily, 18 years living in Italy did mellow his character and he became more understanding of the fact that, for the rest of the world, Formula 1 is not the only thing that matters – family and some free time are also important for his drivers and staff to recharge batteries when away from the tracks and the factory.

Many years ago, I interviewed all Team Principals at the time, to

ask them about their managerial style, their way of interacting with their staff, how they motivated and extracted the most out of every single one of them. And I have to say, those 12 interviews were a revelation. Tost, for example, explained in detail how he was constantly reading books about management, ways of motivating people and so on, “because in this world if you’re not learning, you’re not getting better and if you’re not getting better you’re falling behind.”

At the time he also demanded full commitment from everyone working in Faenza, admitting that, “I do all the hiring, all the interviews, from office staff to mechanics and engineers. I always casually ask if they’d be open to come and work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or New Year’s and if they say they wouldn’t, I just don’t take them.

“People have to understand, Formula 1 is not a regular industry – you don’t work from nine to five, because the others are working as much as they can. If you don’t do the same, you’re not competing with them.”

Slowly, Tost started to appreciate there are advantages to the

Italian approach to life and work but he remained an example of dedication to his team, from drivers to mechanics. When he understood Yuki Tsunoda wasn’t training hard enough while staying alone in his flat in the UK, he summoned the youngster to move to Faenza and come to the gym with him every morning – at 7am! The Japanese openly disliked the beginning of this stage of his career (“I feel like I’m in the army and I don’t like it” he openly said a few weeks into it) but didn’t challenge the Austrian and his improvement showed Tost’s methods were working.

A man with strong beliefs, that fully lived by them, Tost leaves Formula 1 with the certainty he did the best he could, and all drivers that worked with him and are still around, had a good word to say about their time under his strict regime. Verstappen, Sainz, Gasly and Ricciardo all smiled as they told what, at the time, had been tough experiences for them, admitting they’d learned a lot with their time in Faenza. Tost also leaves Formula 1 with no enemies – and that says all you need to know about the quiet Austrian as he heads into a retirement he never dreamed of.

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FORMULA 1 NEWS – LUIS VASCONCELOS

GM COMMITMENT BOOSTS ANDRETTI F1 CHANCES MICHAEL ANDRETTI’S bid to enter his team in the Formula 1 World Championship received a massive boost early this week when General Motors president, Mark Reuss, revealed the American giant had signalled to the FIA its intention to build a Cadillac-badged Formula 1 engine in 2028.

With this commitment from one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, Formula 1 and the 10 existing teams lose their biggest argument against allowing the American team into the sport, as there can be no doubt the adding of an extra engine manufacturer to a list that already includes Ferrari, Mercedes, Honda, Alpine, Audi and Red Bull brings a lot to the table, both in terms of notoriety worldwide and investment.

“We are thrilled that our new Andretti Cadillac F1 entry will be powered by a GM power unit,” Ruess said.

“With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we’re confident we’ll develop a successful power unit for the series, and position Andretti Cadillac as a true works team. We will run with the very best, at the highest levels, with passion and integrity that will help elevate the sport for race fans around the world.”

While the plan initially presented by Michael Andretti was for Cadillac to simply brand an engine from another manufacturer –

there was a contract to that effect in place with Alpine until the middle of this year – it has now been revealed the badging deal was simply an interim solution that would allow General Motors to design and develop its own Formula 1 Power Unit while Andretti would already be competing in Formula 1 and gaining valuable experience.

“Development and testing of prototype technology is already under way,” Ruess revealed, admitting that by entering Formula 1, this project will, “advance GM’s expertise in areas including electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high efficiency internal combustion engines, advanced controls, and software systems”.

A clear defender of the American team’s entry to the sport, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem

was the first stakeholder to react to the news, stating in his personal social media account that he’s “delighted with the news that GM have registered as a PU supplier for FIA F1”, adding that, “this is a further endorsement of the FIA’s PU regulations.

The presence of iconic American brands Andretti and GM is good for the sport.”

Formula 1 and the 10 competing teams are yet to react to this announcement.

Questions will be coming fast and hard, with Stefano Domenicali and the 10 Team Principals forced to take a side, either admitting that with GM fully on board accepting Andretti’s entry becomes a no brainer or if they still want to block it and force the American to buy an existing team, so that the annual prize money they all receive doesn’t get diluted.

The Andretti F1 entry will now use a full GM-built Cadillac Power Unit.

Images: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

LIBERTY MEDIA HIT WITH SPECTATOR LAWSUIT IT WAS inevitable, but even Formula 1 must have been surprised to be hit with a class-action lawsuit before the Las Vegas race even started. In a short statement issued early on Saturday, Las Vegas-based Dimopoulos Law Firm and co-counsel JK Legal & Consulting filed the lawsuit against the Las Vegas Grand Prix and its owner, Liberty Media, in Nevada state court, seeking at least $30,000 for each spectator affected, in damages.

The lawsuit named Formula One owners and race promoters Liberty Media Corporation, DBA Formula One Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix and TAB Contractors Inc as defendants.

The problems for Formula 1 started when a manhole cover came lose in the early minutes of the First Free Practice Session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix and after being slightly dislodged by Esteban Ocon’s Alpine A523, it raised enough to cause tremendous damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari before also damaging Ocon’s car,

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Not happy Jan ... Spectators were removed from the circuit an hour before the delayed Thursday night practice started ... at 3.30am Friday ...

as the Frenchman was returning to the pits at reduced speed, as the session had been red flagged.

Soon it became clear there was the need to check and find a new solution for the over 40 manholes that existed around the track and, with the repairs taking more than

six hours, Formula 1 saw all Las Vegasbased security staff leave the track at the end of their regular shifts, citing union rules, so there was little alternative but to shut all spectator areas, as there were safety concerns growing.

Having taken almost one day to address

the issue, Formula 1 eventually handed a US$200 voucher to each spectator that had a valid ticket for Thursday, that money having to be spent in the circuit’s merchandising area – a solution that, clearly, didn’t please the paying fans.

Contacted by Reuters, Lawyer Steve Dimopoulos said that, “there are a number of issues with that. Clearly that voucher is not a refund that is sufficient. A lot of fans probably don’t even want that; they want their money back.” The Las Vegasbased lawyer added that, “there are also peripheral issues of what about the people that came in from out of town and paid for substantial airfare and hotels.”

When asked to comment on the classaction action, a spokesperson for the Las Vegas Grand Prix said, “we cannot comment on the litigation. Our focus is on ensuring that our fans have an entertaining experience in a safe and secure environment which is always our top priority.”

PITT’S F1 MOVIE HITS REVERSE!

BRAD PITT’S plans to have his Formula 1 movie out in theatres by the end of next year have hit a serious snag, according to the respected British daily The Independent. In a report published earlier this week, the London-based newspaper writes that, due to issues with some of the projects’ sponsors, most of the footage that was recorded by Pitt’s crew both in the British and Hungarian Grand Prix is on the verge of being scrapped, as some sponsors have abandoned the project and will have to be replaced by new ones.

This is the second serious roadblock the movie, that has Lewis Hamilton as one of its consultants, has hit – the actors’ and writers’ strike that stopped almost all Hollywood productions during the summer further delaying the project already a few months behind schedule. As a result of that strike – after being at Silverstone, driving the car between official practice sessions and even sitting on the grid, the drivers’ briefings and so on – Pitt and the other actors were absent from the Hungarian Grand Prix filming, in solidarity with their colleagues on strike, so all the on-track work was done by driver doubles, as the crew continue to get footage from track action during the four days of the Hungaroring event.

According to the report from The Independent, “hours of footage, worth millions of dollars” could be scrapped as the cars and drivers’ overalls feature sponsorship from companies that have now abandoned the project, meaning all the pre-recorded footage is no longer available to be used. This means all on-track filming done in Silverstone and the Hungaroring may have to be scrapped, if the deals are not restored in the very near future.

For now, the filming company, the producers, Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt have not commented on this report, but the fact there’s been no film crew at the Grands Prix that were run since the end of the summer break – and there’s been eight since the end of August! – indicates filming for the project has been temporarily stopped, the direct consequence being that the whole production has hit reverse, and until new sponsors are found – or some of the original ones review their decision to jump ship and return to the fold – there won’t be any more presence of the film crew at Grands Prix.

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Images: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

ALPHATAURI TO BECOME RACING BULLS WITH CASHAPP SPONSORSHIP THE ABU DHABI Grand Prix will see the AlphaTauri name for the last time in Formula 1, as the Austrian fashion brand is about to shut down its commercial activities after completely bombing in its short existence. With no clothes company to promote anymore, Red Bull will now submit a new name for its junior team to compete under.

According to German sources, Racing Bulls will be the name under which the Faenza-based team will compete from now on, after plans to change the team’s name to match the future title sponsor were scrapped. The reason for that plan to be abandoned was that it would be unlikely Formula 1, the FIA and the other teams would accept another name change once the sponsorship deal would end, so,

after being Toro Rosso from 2006 to 2019 and AlphaTauri in the last four seasons, the team that was born as Minardi in 1985 will, from the start of next year, have its fourth iteration.

But without AlphaTauri’s commercial support, the team that will be run by Peter Bayer and Laurent Mekies from now on, also needed to find a new title sponsor, as it had been made pretty clear by the new management of Red Bull, that the drinks company would no longer be pouring all the money in needed to run a second team that, unlike the main team, runs at a loss because it doesn’t get enough money from Formula 1’s prize fund and from commercial deals.

Negotiations with Adidas went quite a way down the line and looked promising

but a last minute turn-around from the sports fashion company forced Bayer and Franz Tost to look elsewhere for a new sponsor. According to sources from the team, peer-to-peer payment platform CashApp has now signed a deal to be the team’s title sponsor for a period of five years, so there will be a lot of green applied to next year’s livery, but in a much brighter shade than Aston Martin’s, so it will be easy to spot Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo.

The announcements of the two changes should happen after the end of the season but before the end of the year, as there are no commercial restrictions from AlphaTauri fashion brand, given it’s also owned by Red Bull, and it will make for positive coverage of the team at the end of a largely disappointing 2023 campaign.

VILLENEUVE MARRIES IN PADDOCK CHAPEL! ANY VENUE in Las Vegas tends to have a small chapel where you can get quickly married, in the finest tradition of the city, so it was not really a surprise that at one end of the Formula 1 paddock there was a chapel named Race to the Altar, where one of many Elvis Presley impersonators would marry any couple, in a wedding that is legally valid worldwide – although some countries impose serious checks on them before accepting them as legally binding.

While for the most part Formula 1 folks took the chapel as a nice Las Vegas touch and as a bit of a joke, the fact is that on Thursday, three hours before the start of track activity, none other than Jacques Villeneuve and his partner from the last six years, Giulia Marra, tied the knot in a ceremony that quickly filled the small chapel and the adjacent “buffet area”.

As tradition has it, the 1997 World Champion arrived early with his best man, close friend and his former race engineer Jock Clear, by his side, and was made to wait by Marra, who duly arrived in a white dress to the applause of a small crowd.

Villeneuve and Marra have been together for the last six years and have a couple

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of children, the youngest ones of the six children the Canadian has fathered in three different relationships – so this was not a spur of the moment decision, but something the couple had been thinking about since the Las Vegas Grand Prix was announced, more than one year ago.

The Villeneuves were not the only couple who took the opportunity to get married in the Las Vegas paddock. By Saturday, before the race, there was even a small

queue of couples, mainly fans, who were in the waiting chambers waiting for their turn to get married, with some alreadymarried couples deciding to do it all over again in this unique venue – including veteran of 600-plus Grands Prix, journalist and photographer Peter Nygaard, who remarried his wife of nearly 30 years, Tina, explaining that, “as the saying goes ‘What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas’. But this one stays in my heart.”

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TIME’S UP FOR TIM FROM TICKFORD… WELL, SORT OF! ANDREW CLARKE HAS A CANDID CHAT WITH TICKFORD BOSS TIM EDWARDS ABOUT CHANGING JOBS AFTER 19 YEARS AND JOINING SUPERCARS' 'WHITE SHIRT' BRIGADE ...

TIM EDWARDS has completed his final weekend with Tickford Racing, his home for the past 19 years, before heading to Supercars to run its revamped motorsport department. Reflecting on the year just gone, Edwards says the tough year has taken its toll on all of pitlane and not just him – but that wasn’t why he decided to leave Tickford. And it certainly had nothing to do with the job he has just accepted with Supercars.

It was time for a break and reset. He will not get that break but, as they say, a change is as good as a holiday.

In his time with Tickford he has one championship, with Mark Winterbottom, and the two Bathurst wins as the big highlights.

He has been on the Supercars Board and/or the Commission for much of his time in the sport and has numerous podiums and wins,

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including victory in the season’s final two rounds.

His appointment at Supercars to effectively replace Adrian Burgess has been met with either universal approval or silence, with no one outwardly expressing concerns. We spoke with several team owners over the weekend, and representatives from Ford and Chev, and all gave the thumbs up.

He remains with Tickford until January next year but will attend the wind tunnel and engine tests in Charlotte in mid-December before returning to Australia to find somewhere to live in Queensland and to run out his tenure with Tickford.

“I don’t get attached to things. Yes, it’s been 19 years in my life, but I buy motorbikes, ride them for a little bit, and then sell them and buy another motorbike. Other people tend to

hang on to things. The only things I’ve hung onto are my wife, kids and dog!

“It’s been great. I’ve enjoyed it, but it’s just time for change. Once I decide that I want to change something, whether it’s a house, a car a motorbike or whatever it is, I move on. It’ll be a different feeling moving forward.

“I mean ... it was going to be a very different driving around Australia in a caravan – now I’ll just get to enjoy the racing for the purity of the race and the spectacle, not necessarily backing a specific horse.

“I genuinely enjoy watching every form of motorsport, and of course, everybody has their favourites and I am no different. But over 36 years of motorsport, I’ve had enough of the euphoria, I’m sure that’ll see me through.”

Edwards is on the record about the toll this season has taken himself, his team, and

others in the pitlane, and it is that toll that inspired his desire for change.

“It’s been a very difficult year for all of us.

There was a very intense period at the beginning of this year where people were doing very late nights and seven days

Cam Waters has given Tim a presentation helmet to go with. Left (top to bottom): With Chaz and The Dude – Bathurst winners 2014; Mark Winterbottom, champion in 2015; a much younger (happy) Tim with wife Trudy, who has also been part of the Tickford journey. Below: 2009 – the early days. Opposite: With Cam Waters and the surfie trophies from the 2023 Gold Coast podium ...

Images: MARK HORSBURGH, MOTORSPORT IMAGES

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a week and not having annual leave, to get us onto the grid for this year.

“Everyone’s exhausted in the garage now after a season of racing. Unfortunately, we started the year like that. This car’s not easy to work on; it’s labour-intensive to repair and maintain, and it’s put a fair burden on the team.

“It’s slowly improving, and there are things in the pipeline to improve it more, but the problem is you get distracted with reliability and parity issues. The accidents and the fires add commercial pressure because you’ve got to bring the money in to pay for all those things. You had a budget at the start of the year and what we thought Gen 3 was going to cost – and we’ve well exceeded that.”

Now the ball is in his court. As the General Manager of Motorsport, he will oversee a team that is charged with all aspects of improving

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I genuinely enjoy watching every form of motorsport, and of course, everybody has their favourites and I am no different ...

the Gen3 product. He still has some weak spots to fix, and then there are some improvements to bring into the game. None of them have an overnight fix.

“The reality is it’s going to take time, and we will be boxed into a corner a little bit because what we sign off in the aero test in the next couple of weeks will lock the external surfaces of the car for some time.

“But the list is there. Everybody knows what we need to put effort into, it’s just a matter of when we can get to it. And by we, I mean the technical working group. Things are improving, though. Half way through the year, we were still bursting power steering seals, but that’s been overcome ...

“There are all these things that get addressed after every event, and it’s been great because everyone’s had a high degree of transparency. Everybody’s saying, 'I had this break, I had this fall off, I had this', and then the group collectively worked on a solution, and somebody is tasked with re-designing X widget, and then we move forward.

“That list is getting shorter and shorter, round after round and, once we can get it to a very small list, then you’ll be moving into how are we going to re-engineer whatever part to make it cheaper to build, easier to work on.

“To be fair to Adrian (Burgess), he’s also aware of all these challenges. It’s not that nobody’s aware or cares; there are only X hours in a day and, clearly, reliability has to be priority number one. The second thing is parity. So, while those two things consume everybody’s time, and I’m talking about everybody as in everybody at Supercars, everybody technically in the pit lane, there’s no time to get to these other things, but they’re on Supercars’ list.

“We need to take a view as to where we want the car to be in two years. We’re going to live with this car for a long time. When are we going to do Gen 3B? And I’m just making that up, but you know what I mean? Even if you’re thinking about doing it in five years’ time, you need to start thinking about it sooner rather than later.

“I’ve been on the Commission for over a decade and before that I was on the board for four years and I’ve been on the Board of

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Motorcycle in Australia and I’m on the Safety Car working group. I’ve always been actively involved in the administrative side of the sport, effectively volunteering my time. So, this will be the first time I’ve crossed the great divide and, after 36 years of being in team land, be employed on the administrative side of the sport. I’m quite excited about it.

“Everybody talks about Happy Tim and Sad Tim. Trudie knows Happy Tim’s involved in motorsport and the reality is, I was only ever taking a six or eight month break. I’m not ready for retirement. We forged ahead and bought a Snowy River caravan that was due to be delivered this week, which will no longer be delivered this week.

“If we had persisted with that plan and then looked to get back into motorsport, this position mightn’t have been available. You’ve got to weigh everything up and go, well, I need to take it now. It’s available now.”

He accepted the seeds for this move were planted a few months back, but it only started to look like a reality two weeks ago when he had a phone call with Shane Howard and Barclay Nettlefold. Once they’d agreed to do it, the next sticking point was when. He is with Tickford until late January but will spend some time sussing out a new home in Queensland.

He’s taking Trudie and the dog while leaving his youngest son at home in Melbourne – a big and risky move, we say – and his other son is living in Canada, so he needs to know which airport to fly to when coming home for a visit.

He felt it was important for him to be at the wind tunnel test, and Tickford owner Rod Nash had no issues with that. He didn’t want a couple of reports to read because he says this is something he will have to live with next year and beyond.

Jamie Whincup was one of the people who didn’t want to talk to us about this move, but Edwards says he was one of the first on the phone.

“Jamie was one of the first people to ring me and said, “Right, I know you understand what Ford’s plans are and what they’re doing, but me and Jeremy (Moore) need to take you through our side of the ledgers.” So I’ve got a good relationship there, too.

“The positive, I think, for me is that I’ve got a very good relationship with everybody in the pitlane. Yeah, I’ve got my detractors out there, but some of the people who slag me off ... I wear their comments with a badge of pride. If I don’t get under their skin, I probably haven’t done my job well enough!

“Look, I am genuinely excited about this opportunity. I’ve got a huge amount to learn and a huge task ahead. I recognise that, but I don’t shy away from that.

“When I accepted the poisoned challis to run FPR 19 years ago, it was a bit of a basket case, but from a similar point of view. There are two things. One is that I love the sport despite all the detractors and the challenges we’ve had with Gen 3, and it’s 100% not right, but that doesn’t mean it is wrong. There’s plenty to be done from a competition point of view to make these cars more sustainable and to improve the show. I’m genuinely excited about that, and I’ve got some strong views about some of that stuff.

“Unknowingly to me, I’ve had some great mentors along the way. Working for Eddie Jordan for all those years ... he was such a showman and always understood that we’re in the entertainment industry. Sure, we’re motorsport, but we’re here to entertain people. We’re here to put on a show.

“And then my time on the board with Tony Cochrane; same thing. The show is important and how we entertain people is critical. And so that’s always in the back of my mind when I’m thinking or coming up with an idea or something. Do the people in the grandstand care about that? Is it going to improve the spectacle for them? Is it going to improve the show? Is the racing going to be better?

“That is all that really matters in the end.”

He joked he had a special white shirt being made for him with a target embroidered on the back, but we also figure he has thick enough skin that even an arrow wouldn’t cut too deep. We also don’t think he’ll be much of a target, but that’s just how we see it ...

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CHILDRESS VISIT NOT WITHOUT MISSION RICHARD CHILDRESS’S FLYING VISIT TO AUSTRALIA WAS DUAL PURPOSE: FIRST, BUILD ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HIS TEAM AND EREBUS. SECOND, CONVINCE BRODIE KOSTECKI TO DO MORE RACES IN THE STATES. AA’S ANDREW CLARKE SPOKE WITH HIM IN ADELAIDE...

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NASCAR TEAM-owning legend Richard Childress was in Adelaide for the final round of the Supercars season with race engineer Andrew Dickeson (ex-Image Racing). The trip down under for Childress was to first cement the growing relationship between Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Erebus and, secondly, to convince Brodie Kostecki to race more in the US. The flying visit to Australia was sandwiched between events at the end of the NASCAR season, with the pair flying back to the States on Monday to prepare for the World Racing League (WRL) race this weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, where Brodie Kostecki will race with Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon.

Auto Action revealed exclusively in edition #1871 that Erebus is looking to expand into NASCAR with RCR as its partner, and three of its engineers will join the COTA effort this weekend with Barry Ryan, James White and Brad Peckham joining in the fun.

Speaking from the Erebus pits, Childress said he is keen to return to Australia.

“We built this partnership with Erebus and Barry and those guys three or four years ago, when we were starting to build the American cars like these cars,” Childress said of the engineering alignment between NASCAR and Supercars. “We wanted to learn more, and Andrew (Dickeson) has really helped us with the relationship.

“The partnership has worked out really well. We try to help them as much as possible, and they help us too.

“We’re excited to get Barry and his engineers over to work with us, and hopefully, we can show them a few things that we do that will help them here and they definitely can help us over there. It’s a two-way street, and I can’t think of a better partnership than with these guys.”

The similarities between the 7th Gen NASCAR and the Gen3 Supercars mean there are lessons from each side of the Pacific that will help

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RICHARDS CHILDRESS RACING • 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994 Winston Cup Series Champion car owner with Dale Earnhardt • NASCAR Hall of Fame (2017)

Richard Childress and Betty Klimenko. Right: Strapped in for a hot lap with Brodie. Below: Team owner and driver Stateside. Images: MARK HORSBURGH-MOTORSPORT IMAGES/PETER NORTON/RCR

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I wished I could stay another week and go to the outback and go hunting, but my schedule just won’t allow it ...

both teams. And that the more they share, the more they will gain.

Childress again apologised for Kostecki’s issues on his Cup Series debut at Indianapolis in August but says they saw enough to know he is a talent. The deal to get Kostecki there started pre-COVID and was locked down before Shane van Gisbergen’s famous win in Chicago.

“A lot of people think we did what we did with Brodie just because Shane came over and went well. We were planning with Brodie before COVID hit, and it just never happened until that time. We wanted to bring him over to run one of the new cars, the new chassis we have today, similar to these Supercars. We just couldn’t put it together.

“I want to get him to run an oval, I think he will do really well. I know he will.

“He’s just a super guy. Brodie has a tremendous amount of talent. He’s wellliked, well-spoken, and really good with sponsors, and I think he can do real good.

At RCR, we want to run him on a couple of road courses, and we’re hoping to run him on an oval somewhere to let him see how he goes oval racing.

“Once you’re a racer, you’re a racer. You can adapt; you take any one of these guys, and they will adapt. There may be a learning curve, but Ambrose ran pretty well on ovals, too. Not taking anything away from my friend who owned that team, but they didn’t have the support to really put behind him at the time.”

Aside from the run at Indianapolis, the race at COTA will be the most significant event in the partnership to date, with drivers and engineers from both camps involved.

“Some of the Erebus engineers are coming over to help us and work with us, and we’re going to do some stuff to help them back in return. So, it’s going to be a pretty good relationship.

“The information

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is priceless from what we get from them, and I hope what we can in give them in return is of value too. They’ve come over and looked at how we do things as far as our race shop, and they’re going to put some of that into the new shop they’re building.

“I’m really looking forward to coming over here more now that I have built friendships and to be with Brodie. We’d like to run him on an oval. All of our best road racers really run well at Pocono and Martinsville, but that’s just two, and there’s more. Phoenix is the same way. Now, we shift gears every lap, and that’s where these guys will shine.

They brake the hell out of them too.

“I rode with Brodie yesterday, and it surprised me the punishment that the transaxle takes and the braking; the car sits down solid instead of having a rear wheel hopping. It was pretty amazing how they got that worked out.

“They’ve already talked about bringing Kyle over here,” he said, alluding to a plan to bring Busch over to run the Adelaide 500 next year. “I don’t know that he’d want to, but I think he told us he would if he brought his family over and spend a couple of weeks.

“I wished I could stay another week and go to the outback and go hunting, but my schedule just won’t allow it. But I’m coming back.”

He hoped to eat kangaroo before leaving Australia after having a Chicken Parmigiana on Thursday night.

Barry Ryan said the arrangement between the two teams has been good so far and that he was looking forward to head to COTA this weekend.

“As we’ve said all along, he’s interested in what we can do for him, but he’s also saying, ‘What can I do for you?’ He understands how strict the rules are. We can’t just take a car there and test. He can’t bring a car here and test, but there are lots of things in the background we can do, whether it’s CFD or simulation. Whatever we can do for each other, we are trying to work on the best way to attack it.

“There’s plenty we can learn off them like Brodie going over there and working with their drivers on road courses. In NASCAR, if you win one race, you get in the Chase.

So, if they can put a bit more focus into the road courses, they can try and get themselves in the Chase early in the year

and be able to just work up to it instead of stressing about getting in the Chase.”

He explained there was no singular reason for Erebus’s stellar breakout season and that the RCR relationship was just one part of the team’s changes to embrace the Gen3 era.

“We haven’t really done enough with them to feel the full impact. It started off with Brodie and Will going over there and helping their drivers learn and with George learning a bit about the way they drive the cars compared to us. There’s also been a little bit of, with Andrew Dickeson, working out how they go about their racing as well.

“We are learning off each other, little things, but we want bigger steps to learn some real technical things in the background.”

He said Erebus wants to crew as much of a car as possible in select NASCAR races next season.

“I think when Brodie goes to race, we’ll send a couple of mechanics and get them to learn about the pit stops and what they can bring back here and make our pit stops better and stuff like that. Engineers going over there and just learning a different way of thinking, a strategy, anything like that makes you better.

“Betty already says when we’ve done Supercars, if we get to the top this year, what’s our next target? What’s our next five and 10-year plan? So, if it’s NASCAR, this is a good journey to be on and having Richard here is a great place to start.”

Ryan said after this weekend, they’d start planning what they do next with NASCAR and what races they can get Kostecki over there for. Watkins Glen and Sonoma fit the schedule, and they have eyes on an oval as well, given Kostecki has lower-level experience on ovals already.

“We made sure Richard had a good hotel and somewhere to hang out if he wanted to, but he’s hung out in the garage the whole time so far. I think he’s a racer.

He doesn’t want to be in corporate, drinking champagne. Everything he talks about is racing and how you can go faster.

He’s very sharp for his age and great to have around.”

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ALICE

BUCKLEY

RACING IN WONDERLAND THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF AUTO ACTION’S YOUNG GUNS SERIES FOCUSES ON ONE OF THE MOST PROMISING FEMALE RACERS IN THE COUNTRY, ALICE BUCKLEY. THE 16-YEAR-OLD ALREADY HAS WINNING PEDIGREE IN AUSTRALIA PLUS OPEN-WHEEL EXPERIENCE IN EUROPE AND HAS BIG AMBITIONS. AA’S THOMAS MILES SPOKE TO BUCKLEY AND SHARES PART OF HER STORY …

RACING IS in Alice Buckley’s blood. Her father is a national karting champion, her younger brother races karts, cousins go doorto-door in Excels and her grandfather also had a crack at competing on both two and four wheels.

So it was only natural that Alice followed the motorsport path and she is determined to make a name for herself, having already impressed the right people.

Her journey started as early as the age of six, when she had barely been at school, and has since progressed to some of the biggest tracks in Australia, Europe and New Zealand.

Buckley made headlines around Australia when she dominated the fourth Toyota 86 Scholarship Series round at Queensland Raceway in August.

Not only did she win the round, but she dominated all three races, took pole position and wrote a new lap record to prove her talent.

The ‘Paperclip’ is a happy hunting ground for the Gold Coast teen who, with the help of Nash Morris, also overcame some Supercars stars to win the high-profile 300km Track Attack Excel Cup enduro.

It has been a big year for Buckley, who has also stepped up to the top-tier Toyota 86 Series for the first time.

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All of this comes after a trip to Europe last year where she completed multiple tests in a Formula 4 car having been a finalist in both the prestigious FIA Girls on Track and Ferrari Driver Academy programs.

There is a big future as well, with Buckley already confirmed to take on Toyota 86 campaigns on both sides of the Tasman in 2024, with the support of big brands such as AC Delco, Supercheap Auto and Castrol.

She has not just received support from big names off the track, but also on it, being one of the latest youngsters to be brought up under the guidance of 2014 Bathurst 1000 winner Paul Morris. Being a Gold Coast native, she has done countless laps of

Norwell Motorplex, with that piece of tarmac crucial to her development behind the wheel of all sorts of machines.

Speaking to Auto Action just as the 2023 Bathurst 1000 Top 10 Shootout began, Buckley made it clear she is determined to participate in a future one-lap dash around the Mountain.

“I definitely want to be doing the Shootout at Bathurst one day,” she said as Will Davison started the famous Saturday evening session.

“It is crazy that I am at Bathurst because, five years ago, I was watching it on TV thinking how cool would it be to race there – and here I am.

“I have always dreamed of being in a tin-top car, mainly in Australia, but that does not restrict me from dreaming about doing other

stuff. There are also a few cars overseas I want to drive as well.

“It is cool to have these dreams because you need something to push yourself.”

With motorsport being such a massive part of her family, it was only a matter of time until Buckley found herself behind the wheel.

Like many young girls she dabbled in a variety of other sports growing up, but knew racing was her thing as soon as she wheels were in motion.

“I have grown up with motorsport being my everything,” Buckley recalled.

“I can’t remember when I found out about motorsport – I was about three – but dad is a national champion in karting. My grandfather also did a fair bit of motorbikes and karting as well, so it is a family sport.

“I have done other sports like netball, swimming and tennis but none clicked like motorsport. I never had the same love for them.

“I knew straight away when I hopped in a car that racing was what I wanted to do.”

After first jumping behind the wheel aged six, Buckley then spent the best part of the following decade karting and building a reputation.

Alice (left) took out the Toyota 86 Scholarship series at QR. Images: JACK MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY Alice already has experience in an amazing range of categories – from karts to F4 at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track (above); Hyundai Excels (below left); and Toyota 86s (above right and bottom of page). A big year, on both sides of the Tasman, beckons!

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Her breakout opportunity arrived through the FIA Girls On Track Rising Stars program where she enjoyed some special experiences, but only after being forced to wait for it.

Having been initially selected as one of 20 juniors in 2019/20, all was set for a once-ina-lifetime trip to the traditional heartland of motorsport, Europe.

But like so many things of that period, her dreams were dashed by the arrival of COVID-19, putting the program on hold.

Three years later, the opportunity finally arrived and the Queensland girl found herself flying to the other side of the world and driving around tracks such as Paul Ricard, Mugello and Ferrari test track Fiorano.

The first part of the unforgettable journey was an intense four-day evaluation program where the 14 youngsters were put through their paces testing karts and a Formula 4 car.

Only four were chosen for the Ferrari Driver Academy scouting final and Buckley was the only one outside of Europe.

Reflecting on the experience, Buckley was starstruck and could not wipe the smile off her face.

“I was going to do it as one of the Juniors in 2019/20 but unfortunately with COVID hit and I could not do it for a few years, which was very sad,” she said.

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“ ”

I have always dreamed of being in a tin-top car, mainly in Australia, but that does not restrict me from dreaming about doing other stuff ...

“But I was still lucky enough to be selected every year from 2019 and then I got picked again last year. When we realised it could happen we thought ‘alright, lets go and do it’.

“It all happened really fast and I found myself over in France testing an F4 I had never driven in before, at Paul Ricard.

“That was just amazing and then I was lucky enough to be selected for the next step which was in FDA at Fiorano where I got to drive around the Ferrari test track.

“Driving with the halo I thought was the coolest thing ever. It was an amazing opportunity that I was so lucky to have.

“I remember after doing two tests at Mugello I couldn’t get out of bed the next morning because of my neck!

“I had never been overseas besides that trip so it was cool just to experience the country, in addition to driving really cool cars.”

With a once-in-a-lifetime experience under her belt, Buckley braced herself for bigger things back home in 2023.

Following a purchase of a Toyota 86 chassis from TekworkX Motorsport, the youngster took on the competitive one-make series which has developed into one of the biggest stepping stones to Supercars.

Buckley managed to make the jump from a front-wheel drive Excel to a rear-wheel drive 86 and everything clicked at a familiar place, Queensland Raceway, where the Toyota Scholarship Series clean-sweep took place.

Buckley admitted the local knowledge of the ‘Paperclip’ helped her beat the rest.

“It was definitely one of the highlights,” she reflected.

“I was not expecting it at all (but) it is my home track, so I have done a fair amount of races in the Excel. Not too much track time in the 86, but there were a few tips and tricks I had up my sleeve from my local mates.

“They helped me time my runs onto the straight and things like that, so it all just came together and it was the weekend we needed.”

After getting a taste of the Toyotas in the Scholarship Series, a step up to the top tier

Toyota 86 Series followed. Here the youngster gained more valuable experience racing at some of the biggest Supercars events such as Townsville, Sandown and Bathurst.

With big campaigns on both sides of the Tasman planned within the next 12 months, plus a brand new generation GR86 coming soon, 2023 has been a valuable and somewhat unexpected fact-finding mission for the future.

“At the end of last year we started discussing it but were not sure if we would make the main series, but it has been a roller-coaster of a year and here we are,” Buckley said.

“Racing in the full (T86) series is much more competitive than the Scholarship Series.

“I had never been in this car before the start of the year and I am still younger than most of the field so it has been a big learning year which is all I ask for and I can’t wait to go to New Zealand.”

As Buckley continues gets set for her huge year ahead, she knows none of it would have been possible without the support of individuals such as Morris at Norwell and especially her motorsport-mad family.

“I am a Gold Coast local and only live 15 minutes away from Norwell so I spent so much time there,” Buckley said.

“Paul (Morris) has been really great over the last few years and definitely been one of my biggest supporters I have ever had in motorsport.

“I am so lucky to have a few sponsors helping me out like Castrol, SP Tools, ASP the family business, AC Delco and Supercheap Auto.

“Most of all, there have been lots of sacrifices made by my family over the years.

“My little brother still karts and will hop into the car next year when he is finally old enough.

“I have had so much support from my family and even with my education they have helped me study when we are on a long road trip to races.

“I would not be able to do this without my family.”

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NATIONALS WRAP

DAY WANTS MORE SPEED AFTER RECORD-BREAKING LAKES GLORY

Image: DARREN ARCHIBALD-TURN 8 PHOTOGRAPHY DAN DAY (above and right) has become the first driver to win eight Legend of the Lakes Hill Climb titles, but believes his Subaru is yet to reach its limit.

Having entered the event level with local legend Peter Gazzard, with seven wins each, Day elevated himself into unprecedented territory.

The unmistakably blue 2013 Subaru Spec C STI stormed up the 1.4km course

on a crater in Mount Gambier in the blistering time of 49.85s with his sixth and penultimate run of the weekend.

Despite falling short of his own lap record and managing unideal track conditions and tyre selections, Day’s victorious time was the second-fastest ever in the event run by the South Eastern Automobile Club in Mount Gambier.

His blue Subaru was once again an untouchable figure at the Valley Lake, being almost two seconds faster than its nearest rival.

Runner-up was fellow Subaru driver Doug Johnson with a 51.77, which was just enough to edge out former winner Kevin Mackrell in his trademark Datsun.

Reflecting on the significance of win #8, Day said he is very proud to have the most Legend of the Lakes victories all to himself having never lost since his maiden success in 2016.

“It is a good achievement in itself to win but to set the new record feels really good,” Day told Auto Action.

“It means a lot to be the record holder of the most ever wins and fastest time.

We are also very happy to be the only person in the sub 50s at this point.

“It is a very important event for us as a family and team and we would not miss it for the world.

“The whole event is so well run and needs to be more exposed because not enough people know about it.”

Even after so many wins, Day is more

determined than ever to hit new heights flying up the dormant volcano.

Having been the only driver to do a sub 50s time, he believes becoming the first to stop the clock in 48s is the next goal in the ever-evolving 2013 Subaru Spec C STI. “One day there will be a limit to how fast we can go up that hill, but we are still a little bit off that at the moment.

“We keep making the car faster so I do believe there is a 48s pass in the right conditions which would be exceptional.”

Thomas Miles

PIARC STAGES SUPERSPRINT Image: BRETT DAVEY/BSD

PERINI CLAIMS NSW SUPERSPRINT FINALE THE 2023 Motorsport Australia NSW Supersprint Championship wrapped up in style at Sydney Motorsport Park.

A solid field of 68 cars took on the Gardner/GP Circuit on Remembrance Day. Leading the way was Richard Perini (above) in his Ginetta G55 for the third time this year.

The Australian Racing Club driver showed great precision and pace behind the wheel of his #47 car.

Perini claimed top honours with a fastest time of 1:29.9470 and an average speed of 157.29km/h.

This was well ahead of runner-up Damon Ashton (BMW Drivers Club) in his Mitsubishi EVO 6 and Nissan GT4 runner Rex Yu in third.

Perini’s win means he has won half of the rounds in 2023 and all took place at Sydney Motorsport Park.

In the overall championship, Perini led Australian Racing Drivers Club to a convincing Club championship title success.

The Australian Racing Drivers Club collected 13,753.067 points over the six rounds, over 8000 more than the next best HSV/HDT Owners Club of NSW. The drivers and their respective cars were

separated into particular Types with final round winner Perini completing a nearperfect Type 2S campaign.

Type 1S was dominated by Jeff Schmitt and his West WR1000 with a perfect score of 500.00 points.

Scott Goodsell in his McLaren 765LT held off Enzo Cheng in Type 2R. Type 3R was a thriller as little separated the top four. In the end Andrew Kendall prevailed with a total of 488.194.

It was just enough to beat Jack Hills (487.629) Fabrice Charon (486.883) and John Hills (483.272).

Michael Gulino completed a strong campaign to take out Type 3S in the EVO, while Jie Ren had a great score to win Type RM. Luke Kovacic and Sam Hou wrestled all year for Type RR and the former prevailed in the Yaris Rallye.

Three straight wins pushed Jonathan Wong to glory in Type TA in a Toyota onetwo ahead of Aymam Khamas.

The champions will be celebrated at the season opening dinner ahead of the first round of 2024 which will also be at Sydney Motorsport Park on Sunday, April 7.

Thomas Miles

THE PHILLIP Island Automobile Club staged its final SuperSprint event of 2023 at a sunny Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

A total of 62 diverse cars took to the track across 23 sessions.

One car showed far greater speed than the rest which was the bright yellow Chevrolet Corvette Z06 driven

by Emily Jones (pictured). Jones set a 1:38.2047 to claim Production Sports Cars 4001cc & over, while her time was the only one below 1:40s.

Brad Burford’s XU1 Torana topped Road Registered 1601-2000cc, while Simon Ansell and Graham Bentley won Road Registered 4001cc and over and Road Registered 2001-4000cc respectively by big margins.

Seven-tenths split winner Lachlan Melton and Gareth Walker in Improved

Production 2001-4000cc. Another Subaru driver Richard Harman set the fastest time in Non-Logbooked 20014000cc.

The closest battle was for NonLogbooked 4001cc & over where Jason Jory edged out Russell Baker by three tenths.

The Mazda of Tim Emery was the only entry in Standard up to 1600cc, while Nicholas Higgins (Improved Production 0-1600cc) Haydn Palmer (Improved Production 1601-2000cc) Karyn Hamer (Sports Sedans 0-1600cc) David Turner (Production Sports Cars 2001-4000cc) Russell Fox (Racing, Sports Racing & SportsRacers 2000cc & over) and Simon Gardiner (Historic Sports & Touring 0-2000cc) also topped their classes.

Thomas Miles

Image: REBECCA HIND-REVVED PHOTOGRAPHY

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WILSON CONTINUES WA TARMAC DOMINATION IN BUNBURY TROY WILSON (below) has backed up his recent Tarmac West victory with a fifth GT Fabrication Bunbury Rallysprint title in soaring temperatures against a big field in WA. The balmy weather on Saturday night (18 November) drew thousands of people and families who admired the rally cars along with the vintage vehicles on display at the Show ‘n’ Shine at the Pat Usher Foreshore in Bunbury.

On the Sunday, thousands of spectators lined the streets of Bunbury’s Halifax Light Industrial Area to watch WA’s best tarmac rally drivers race the clock on the four-kilometre street-race circuit.

Wilson – a former West Coast Eagles footballer – took out the Rallysprint in his 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X by 15 sec from last year’s winner Matt Cherry in his

1982 Toyota Starlet.

It was a near perfect day with four clean runs to open the event, but the afternoon presented various challenges, including having to switch out his co-driver John Carcione, a close brush with a kerb, and a blown turbo boost just metres from the line in his final run of the day.

Cherry, alongside co-driver Cade Bell, overcame the returning David Heaton in his 2010 Mitsubishi EvoX after a 15 month absence from the WA rally tarmac rally scene, with 20 seconds separating the two.

Wilson said that his result, finishing fastest of 106 competitors, wasn’t as easy as the timesheet otherwise suggests, with temperatures outside the cabin reaching 32 degrees.

“The last run, 150 metres before the

finish, my turbo boost line blew off and that blew my exhaust pipe off with a big bang, and we limped across the finish line. The rally Gods must’ve been smiling on me because I managed to get home,” Wilson said.

“I’m relieved to get through an event in that heat, running back-to-back with no rest, it was not only a huge effort from my guys, but a huge effort from everyone, every driver, co-driver, crew and all the volunteers.”

The winner of the separate Tarmac Cup competition class went to Dave Allan and co-driver Steven Clarke in their best ever finish, finishing fourth outright in his new 2015 Porsche GT3, over Matt JamesWallace/Ben Tuck in the 1993 Nissan GTR R32.

TW Neal

Image: TIM ALLOTT

ROB ROY CLASSIC CELEBRATES MG AND TRIUMPH IN STYLE

George Morgan (MG K1). Below left: Mathew Van’s Eddie Thomas Special. Right: Mark Pitman (MG TC) heads Allan Mead (Elleton BMC) at the start line. Images: IAN SMITH-AUTOPIX

THE 31ST Historic and Classic Rob Roy event was held on November 19 at Rob Roy Hillclimb in Victoria, Australia’s oldest, permanently built, and sealed Hillclimb track, which was also the venue of the first Victorian and Australian Hillclimb Championships in 1938.

Billed as ‘Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the iconic MG and Triumph Marques’, and organised by The MG Car Club of

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Victoria, it was one of many celebrations conducted worldwide to commemorate these milestones.

The MG and Triumph Clubs combined forces to organise this centenary event by creating a timeline of both marques, complimented by other display cars as well as plenty of action on the track.

37 MGs dating from as early as 1929, and 27 Triumphs from 1939 upward lined up on

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both sides of the marshalling area, which comprised the most complete line up of each that has ever seen in the country.

Pleasingly, the event had 80 competitors covering many classes from Historic, Classic, and more modern vehicles which were present for the 9am start, and the weather then turned out with the great number of attendees enjoying the classic machinery under sunny skies.

Competitors had four runs, with a short lunch break and the presentations conducted at around 4pm.

Full catering was provided by the local Panton Hill CFA, which received all the proceeds as their major fundraiser for the year.

For many, this day was also a chance to admire the significant upgrades to the track and surrounding spectator areas that resulted from a Government Grant received in late 2021.

The fastest time of day went to Darren Visser driving the Bates-Cyclo. Car 263 with a time of 21.67sec.

For all future events, refer to the robroyhillclimb.com.au.

Wayne Rushton

Nick Schembri, 250 International.

SUPERKARTS WRAP UP ON THE ISLAND THE 2023 Victorian Superkart Club season wrapped up under sunny skies at Phillip Island on Remembrance Day. A solid turnout of over 30 karts took on the seaside circuit with titles to be decided.

The 125 Max Heavy and Light categories in particular put on a show with multiple drivers dicing for victory all weekend and the average winning margin was less than half a second.

At the end of it all, Russ Occhiapinti prevailed in 125 Max Light over Australian champion Sauna Perera after they went at it hammer and tong. It meant Occhipinti secured an eighth club title.

It was intense competition in 125 Max Heavy Martin Anderson took out the opening race, before he was edged out by the #1 of Colin McIntyre in the next encounter.

From there McIntyre never let go of P1 but only just held off Tim Clarke by 0.02s in the finale.

There was a high attrition rate in the 125 Gearbox opener as six of the nine cars failed to finish with some struggling with tuning issues amid the early morning air density.

But one driver unaffected the entire journey was Erebus Motorsport Supercars mechanic Brad Tremain (Woodgate Evo), who won all four races.

Nicholas Schembri showed ominous form testing 2024 parts by dominating the 250 International class.

Jeff Duckworth and Tom Roe had an arm wrestle for Stock Honda honours, but on each occasion the former got the job done.

Although the 2023 season is over, the Victorian Superkart Club will host a come and try day at Broadford on Sunday, December 3 which will also be the end of year presentations. Thomas Miles

Brad Tremain, 125 Gearbox.

Images: SD PICS

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NATIONALS WRAP The leader at the end of the first day, Matt Selley, wound up equal first with Oscar Matthews. Images: JOHN LEMM

ADELAIDE RALLY ENDS IN TIE AFTER THREE days of competition, 29 stages and 128km of timed running around Adelaide, the top two teams could not be split, both Oscar Matthews/Naomi Tillett and Matthew Selley/Hamish McKendrick sharing the outright victory. The tie was a first for the Adelaide Rally, and something unlikely to be replicated again.

On the opening day, Selley traded times with Geoff Olholm and John Doble’s Toyota Supra. At the end of the day, Selley led by just 7s, with Matthews a further 28s behind.

Matthews was in another league on Saturday and took the lead as the top three were separated by just 9s.

On Sunday Selley turned the tables early to snatch a 5s lead prior to the penultimate stage.

In that stage Matthews pulled out a blinder to cut the deficit down to 0s.

This meant it went down to the 29th and final stage, and incredibly, the two Mitsubishi Evo drivers set an identical stage time, resulting in the first ever tie.

Third overall went to Jack Monkhouse, the Datsun 180B SSS driver suffered several mechanical gremlins on Friday, but shot up to the podium with strong weekend pace.

The New South Welshman also took the honours in the Heritage and Classic classes in his 70s machine.

Fourth outright and third in the modern class was fought between two BMW pairings, husband and wife duo Cameron and Tania Wearing and Steven Campbell and Alexander Brown.

After a tough Friday, the Wearing’s recovered and edged out Campbell and Brown by just 8s at the end of Sunday’s proceedings.

Only 16s behind Campbell came Douglas Johnson and Molly Spalding, while Zayne Admiraal and Matt Heywood were the first Subaru home in seventh place.

Driving a Nissan S14 Andre Lucasz and Chris Bucknell came home in eighth outright ahead of the Nick Streckeisen and Jacob Streckeisen, who in their Porsche 944 finished second in the Classic and Heritage class.

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Oscar Matthews tied for first with Matt Selley after taking the lead on the second day’s penultimate stage.

The ever-spectacular Jack Monkhouse dominated the Classic and Heritage categories, as well as finishing third outright.

Punching above their weight in a little Volkswagen Polo GTi were Ian Watson and Marc Lyell who rounded out the top 10.

After being in contention for much if the rally, Olholm and Doble were disqualified for a technical infringement.

Challenge class was dominated by Nigel Joyce and Justin Perkins, they won the first stage and were never headed, the Subaru duo winning the category by 1m and 24s.

There was a titanic fight for second with no less than five combinations in contention over the course of the weekend.

In the end second went to Jordan Badcock and Brody Mincham in their Evo, ahead of Tony and Lynette Spry.

Rover SD1 duo Jai Raymond and Jen Mathwin-Raymond finished in fifth place overall and first in Challenge Classic.

A real highlight of the event was the inaugural Strathalbyn Town Stage which attracted over 3000 fans to the little town south-east of Adelaide.

Chris Oldaker and David Greaves won the TSD (Time Speed Distance) regularity class.

Dan McCarthy

DALTON TAKES NSW RALLY TITLE IN FITTING TRIBUTE TO BREEN IRISH RALLY driver Richie Dalton has taken a superb come from behind NSW Rally Championship victory in Canberra, securing a maiden rallying title alongside experienced co-driver Dale Moscatt.

Sporting a tribute livery to one of his idols, late WRC driver and fellow Irishman Craig Breen, the Toyota car was a popular winner.

It was only Dalton’s second ever fulltime season, making his achievement all the more noteworthy considering he missed the opening round, and also entered the event with a workplace injury which he had to overcome to even get behind the wheel on the Sunday.

The conditions at the ARC National Capital Rally were tough going in hot conditions on loose gravel, and the Toyota Yaris AP4 driver used all of his and Moscatt’s knowledge of the roads to ultimately take the championship by 18 points over Mitsubishi Lancer pairing Tim Wilkins/Gleeson.

Their 1:27.3 victory in Canberra over the Evo 9 pair (P12 Outright) also saw them finish ninth in the ARC outright, topping the experienced ARC Production cup pair of Steve Maguire and Ben Searcy.

Dalton took three victories for the year, with the Kilkenny born driver also receiving a heartfelt phone call from Breen’s family on the Monday morning from Ireland to congratulate him.

“I got a call from Craig’s sister, Kellie, and herself and his parents – Ray and Jackie – said it was delightful news to wake up to, and that it brought a smile to their faces,” Dalton told Auto Action.

“We grew up belonging to the same car club in Ireland, and I’ve carried his memory with that livery all year, so knowing it brought a smile to their faces … it’s really a heartwarming thing.

“It was so pleasing to take the title.

After missing the first round it wasn’t the plan to do the championship at all.

“We decided to run the second round at Batemans Bay with a tribute to Craig and we ended up winning that. Then after a good result at Bathurst, it just snowballed from there. Then the win in Round 4 at Bega was one of the best achievements in rallying for me personally, as I went in completely blind, which I would rarely do.”

The discomfort from his injury saw him finish third in Heat 1, as he struggled with the car set-up, spinning three times on the opening day.

Both Dalton and the car then got a work-over on the Saturday night, with the driver getting ironed out by a chiropractor, and the Yaris having its lower speed damper settings softened, which tightened up the rear-end looseness from Heat 1.

He went on to win every stage on the Sunday, and in the final three ARConly stages, he drove sensationally to secure ninth outright in the national competition.

Josh Redhead in his Mitsubishi finished third after the nine stages, 2:53.3 back from the leader, topping Subaru drivers Michael Harding and Riley Walters, with the latter also securing third in the championship over Redhead.

TW Neal Dalton’s win was dedicated to fellow Irishman Craig Breen – who died during testing for the Croatian WRC event this year.

Image: WISHART MEDIA

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HARRY TRIUMPHS IN BATTLE OF THE BATES BROTHERS

Champions – Harry Bates and co-driver Coral Taylor. Below left: the duo came on strong late to take the vital points ...

Image: PETER NORTON THE MOST hyped Australian Rally Championship round in recent memory was the season finale in Canberra, and it lived up to its billing as hometown brothers Harry and Lewis Bates took the title fight down to the wire.

The Toyota Rally2 pair were split by a single point at the end of the Power Stage finale, as the double point stage gave the Harry Bates/Coral Taylor combination the edge over last year’s champions in a twosecond thriller.

For the victorious brother it was his second title after his 2019 ARC triumph, the seventh time that Bates has taken the ARC title, with Lewis’s 2022 win, and their Father Neal Bates’ 1993-95/2008 wins creating a generational Australian rallying dynasty.

For co-driver Taylor it was her fifth title after taking four alongside their father, as well as adding to a record breaking win tally of 37 career wins.

Bates had to overcome a mid-event deficit and a mechanical issue to take the outright lead into Day 2, but it would all have amounted to nothing if he didn’t clinch the

extra points on-hand in the Power Stage, with the #2 GR Yaris taking the outright by 6 seconds, and the final stage by just 2.1 seconds.

“I just can’t believe it. I’m totally lost for words,” Bates said.

“It’s been a really, really up and down year and for it to culminate in this in front of so many Canberrans, it’s incredible to see so many fans out here to witness it.

“There is a lot of relief right now and I’m just so happy that we’re able to do the job today…and obviously to have my family here as well, it’s emotional. I just can’t believe it’s my second ARC title.

“It didn’t go exactly to plan this weekend.

We had a lot going on in the car and obviously the battle between Lewis and I was very tight, but we had to make sure we were keeping up our intensity because Lewis and Anthony (McLaughlin) were on fire this weekend.

“The fact that the battle came down to a few seconds is just crazy. It took a lot of mental strength to get through this weekend.”

Rounding out the podium was Eddie Maguire and Zak Brakey in their Skoda Fabia R5, which also secured them third in the championship standings over Luke Anear and Bodie Reading.

For Reading, despite finishing 13th outright, the young Tasmanian secured the Production Cup title in his maiden full season, whilst he also finished fifth outright to end a fantastic year alongside Mark Young in their Subaru WRX STI. It was last year’s Production Cup champion however that took the class win in his first return to Aussie shores after a year in the FIA Rally Star series in Europe, with Taylor Gill and Dan Brkic topping 2015 ARC champion Molly Taylor in outright fourth.

The rally began with Harry 23 points in arrears of his brother, and his attempt to overhaul the difference began brightly in the six stage opening day.

Both brothers were the standout performers throughout the day with Maguire holding a consistent third.

The #2 Toyota pair got off to ta flyer in SS1, holding an early 17sec lead, before Maguire

hit back to take SS2 over Lucas Anear, and whilst the #1 Toyota hit back in the third stanza, his brother managed to extend the overall to 20 sec in the Oakley Creek SS4 run, which then grew to 27 sec in the second pass of the Kingfisher Stage.

Proceedings then got turned on its head via a snapped front sway bar as the #2 Yaris took a big spin.

That meant the championship points leader went into Day 2 with a six second advantage, whilst Gill also took the Production Cup lead over Taylor when her Subaru WRX suffered an intercooler issue.

The final day saw the two brothers exchanging stage wins with the #2 dragging 5 seconds back on SS7, before Lewis extended it back out to 8 seconds in the first Charcoal Kiln pass.

A storming SS9 then saw Harry wrestle the outright with Lewis having a costly overshoot, before Harry then consolidated the slight advantage in the return Charcoal Kiln run.

Whilst Lewis then dragged the lead back in the penultimate stage, the vital result would be the winner of the Power Stage in the 3.5 km season finale.

In a blistering performance, the Toyota leader then topped his brother by 2.1sec in a thrilling end to the season.

The other title results, the ARC Classic Cup went to Tom Clarke and Ryan Preston in their Datsun Stanza, whilst Josh Wiedman and Nick Reid took the ARC 2WD Cup, with the second placed Ben and Cathy Hayes taking the title. The NSW State component went to Richie Dalton and Dale Moscatt, who also sealed the title in their Craig Breen tribute liveried GR Yaris.

The Canberra Rally will open up the 2024 season on April 5-7, with trips to WA, Queensland, Victoria, Adelaide, and Tasmania respectively to make up the sixround calendar.

TW Neal FINAL ARC STANDINGS H.Bates/Taylor 531 L.Bates/McLaughlin 530 E.Maguire/Brakey 357 Anear/Read 303 Reading/Young 239

Far right: Lewis Bates – an extraordinarily close second.

Image: JACK MARTIN PHOTOGRAPHY. Bottom: The returning Taylor Gill took the Production Cup win, though the title went to Bodie Reading.

Image: GEARS AND WHEELS

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NATIONALS WRAP

TASSIE CIRCUIT TITLES GO DOWN TO THE WIRE

By Martin Agatyn A NUMBER of Tasmanian Circuit Racing Championship titles went down to the wire in the sixth and final round at the newly-named Bulk Nutrients Baskerville Raceway on November 11 and 12.

Heading into the finale, championships already decided included Formula Vee (Jeremy Dyer, Elfin Crusader), HQ Holdens (Andrew Toth), Historic Touring Cars (Phil Ashlin, Holden Torana XU-1), Under Two Litre Historics (Derek Koistra, Mini Cooper S), and Sports Sedans (Tim Mann, Ford Falcon).

But there were plenty well and truly alive including all Sports GT categories, with single-digit margins in GTB and GTC.

Above: Darryl Bennett snatched the Sports GTC title in the last race. Below: Beau and Troy Johnson fought out Sports GTA. Below left: Troy Wood maintained his Sports GTB points lead. Right: Rod Bender secured the Racing and Sports Car series. Images: SCOTTY B PHOTOGRAPHY

HYUNDAI EXCELS

SPORTS GTA

IT WAS a family affair in Sports GTA as only 73 points separated brothers Beau and Troy Johnson in GTA with a maximum 135 points up for grabs.

Series leader Beau Johnson qualified on pole for race one, before finishing second and winning Race 2.

With brother Troy qualifying third and placing third in races one and two, it created a big enough points gap to wrap up the title for Beau.

A highlight of the weekend was the final GTA race, where Beau had a handy lead over Troy, but slowed, allowing the brothers to cross the line in a 1977 Bathurst-style form finish.

With the championship already decided, it was a prime example of their dominance.

SPORTS GTB

IN SPORTS GTB, Troy Wood (Ford Falcon) carried a five-point lead over Steve Gangell (Holden VX Commodore).

All that was required to secure the championship was to stay in front of Gangell for the entire weekend – which Wood was able to do.

He qualified ahead of Gangell and ran in the top four for the entire meeting, including a win and three other podiums.

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weekend and winning all five races.

The battle for the minors was intense on the first day, with Symons finishing second and third in the first two races.

Colquhoun also finished third and second in the first two races, but was a non-starter the following day.

So all Symons had to do now was finish the remaining three races in fourth or better to claim second in the championship, which he was able to do, with a third and two fourth placings in the remaining races.

In contrast, Gangell struggled throughout, with his best result for the meeting being a sixth place in Race 3.

SPORTS GTC

THE TITLE battle in Sports GTC was equally as close, with Shawn Sheather (Infiniti G37s) starting the weekend with a six-point lead over Darryl Bennett (Toyota GT 86).

Facing a similar scenario to Troy Wood in GTB, things didn’t go according to plans for Sheather, with Bennett finding superior pace to qualify on pole and win every race over the two days.

Sheather was able to finish second in every race as well, watching the title slip away three points at a time.

Despite Sheather maintaining the pressure he could not stop Bennett from winning his way to the championship in the final race.

RACING AND SPORTS CAR

THE RACING and Sports Car championship was still up for grabs in the final round, with Rod Bender (Radical RSx SR3) holding a 60

point advantage over Daniel Hoult (Radical RSx).

Although out of contention, Phil Sutton (Ralt RT35) won the round with a solid weekend consisting of four wins and two seconds.

Michael Roberts also carried plenty of pace throughout the meeting, taking it up to Sutton and lowering his colours on two occasions.

However, the real interest was back down the track a little, where Bender was able to get the better of Hoult, finishing third in every race, shadowed by Hoult, to secure the championship.

IMPORVED PRODUCTION SEDAN DESPITE MISSING the penultimate round, Improved Production Sedan series leader Shane Bond (Datsun 1200) held a commanding 116-point lead coming into the final round over Andrew Colquhoun (Ford Falcon.

Bond reaffirmed his dominance by being unbeatable all meeting, clean sweeping the

JEREMY BENNETT held a 154-point lead heading into the Hyundai Excels finale and with only 135 points were available, he enjoyed a stress-free weekend.

But he battled initially, only managing ninth in the opener, won by Jackson Shaw.

Bennett rose to second in the following encounter, but still came 6s short of Shaw.

However, the champion returned to the winner’s circle in race three by edging out Shaw by just 0.06s.

Their rivalry continued in the final two races, but Shaw had the last laugh, winning them both to claim round honours.

HOLDEN HQ

THE FINAL race meeting of the season at Baskerville also featured the traditional Laurie Kelly Memorial HQ Holden and the Boss of Baskerville Handicap races.

Unfortunately, as they were the last two events on the programme, they only attracted small fields, with Andrew Bennett winning the HQ event, after starting three seconds behind front marker Shaun Hughes.

The Boss of Baskerville is open to tin-top categories and in this iteration consisted of sports sedans and Sports GT cars.

David Walker (Datsun 1200 ute, GTB) was able to hold out a fast finishing Tim Mann (Ford Falcon sports sedan), who gave up a massive 55-second start to front marker Shawn Sheather (Infinity G372 Sports GTC.

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VMRC WRAPS UP AT WINTON Jeremy Dyer took the closest of close wins in the 1200 final. Below: Michael Kinsella came from grid six to win the 1600 title. Images: SCOTTY B PHOTOGRAPHY

DYER, KINSELLA WIN FORMULA VEE NATIONALS

By Martin Agatyn NEW SOUTH Wales driver Michael Kinsella has claimed his fourth Australian Championship title with victory at the Formula Vee Nationals Challenge at Baskerville Raceway on November 11-12.

Kinsella hunted down David Caisley to win the 1600cc category, while local Tasmanian champion Jeremy Dyer secured a thrilling home-town victory in the 1200cc final.

The 1200cc final saw former Tasmanian champion Callum Bishop (Gebert) qualify on pole after four hectic heats, joined on the front row by fellow local and ‘Mr Versatile’ Jeremy Bennett (Spectre).

Bennett carried plenty of form into the race, being, the current Tasmanian Hyundai Excel champion and winning the Chris ‘Kit’ Ellis Memorial Minis Only Race at the Baskerville Historics meeting the previous week.

Former Australian and Tasmanian Formula Vee champion Noel Clark (Elfin NG11) came out of retirement for the meeting and qualified third, while reigning Tasmanian champion Jeremy Dyer (Elfin Crusader) only qualified sixth after dramas in one heat, but charged through the field to be in second place by the final lap.

Bishop held the lead, which at times had been shared by Clark and Bennett, but lapped traffic created a mobile chicane and set up a thrilling run to the flag.

No one could look away as there were three cars abreast approaching the finish line in a photo finish.

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The timing initially indicated Bishop had won by 0.0005sec, despite Dyer looking a winner to the naked eye.

Stewards reviewed the race video and awarded the win to Dyer, with the tight margin remaining official on Natsoft.

Bennett hung on for third in his first Formula Vee meeting, with Clark, who lost his nose cone in contact on lap 12 a close fourth.

The 1600cc final wasn’t nearly as exciting, but still captivating to watch.

West Australian Caisley (Jacer) qualified on pole after four heats, with Gary Ogden (NSW, Corsica) on the front row after a solid run through the preliminaries.

Ryan Stott (NSW, Jacer) was also in the mix, while defending champion Kinsella (NSW, Jacer) started from sixth after failing to finish one heat due to fuel issues.

Caisely led the train out at the start in the 15-lap final, but Kinsella was on a charge and made it up to second by lap three.

Three laps later Kinsella was closing in on Caisley and set a new lap record in the process.

His momentum proved too much as he hit the lead on the next lap and set another new lap record.

Once in front, the defending threetimes champion was able to control the race to win by six-tenths of a second over Caisley, to go back to back in the national championship, following on from a double-header in 2017 and 2018, with 2001 champion Gary Odgen completing the podium.

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Zammit and Dale up close .... Below: Shannon Cooper deals with some opposite lock as Paul Schiff watches on! Images: NEIL HAMMOND THE 2023 Victorian Motor Racing Championship wrapped up in a big way at Winton Motor Raceway on November 18-19. A total of five categories went racing around the ‘Action Track’ with titles on the line.

AUSTRALIAN SUPER TRUCKS

LEADING THE charge was the Australian Super Trucks field which braced itself for the finale of the four-round season.

It proved to be a competitive affair as all three championship races were split by different drivers as Barry Butwell took the 2023 crown by just 13 points over Robbie Fern with Steven Zammit finishing strong in third.

The #1 of Zammit started ominously, by taking pole by half a second but could not convert into victory in Race 1.

He was upstaged by Harvey Dale in a thriller with just three-tenths the difference at the chequer.

But Zammit hit back in Race 2, cruising to a 12s win over Marcus Prillwitz as Dale retired on the penultimate lap.

The season ended on a high with the top three split by just 1.5s and leading the pack was Frank Amoroso.

Two teams races were also held and both went to Dale in convincing fashion.

GARAGISTIC BMW CUP

ALTHOUGH THE final standings are yet to be revealed, there are suggestions the fight for the Garagistic BMW Drivers Cup is all tied up after an interesting final round.

Jesse Byran’s title hopes took an early hit when his opening race ended with a mechanical issue as Ashley Rogers and Brian Bourke battled it out to the end with the former prevailing by less than a second.

Bourke got redemption by doing the same thing in Race 2 and doubled it up in the Sunday morning encounter.

Their ding-dong battle continued into the final race where the pair were once again at close quarters until the chequered flag.

Rogers had the last laugh, winning the finale by 1.4s while Bryan had bounced back from his earlier issues and was third.

SUPER TT

MAXWELL THOMPSON won the opener in his Subaru WRX by 4s over Brent Edwards in the Falcon.

The tables turned in the next 10-lapper with the Falcon prevailing. This opened the floodgates as Edwards dominated the remainder of the weekend.

ALFA ROMEO

A DIVERSE field of Alfa Romeos spanning four decades went racing at Winton and a 1985 GTV6 beat many much newer cars and emerged victorious in the opener thanks to Mick Aaarons.

Aarons held off David Capraro in the opener before winning the follow up easily.

He was denied a three-peat by Simon Greirson, who took the chequered flag by just three-tenths.

Greirson proved it was no fluke by backing it up in another competitive race as just six-tenths was the gap over Aarons.

HYPER RACERS

THE NEW Hyper Racers went racing around the ‘Action Track’ and Dean Cooke raced out of the blocks, winning the opener by 6s over Noah Sands.

The second race was a thriller as Cooke went head to head with Damon Sterling.

In the end Crooke held on by just seventenths of a second over Sterling in a two-horse race with third-place Nikolaos French a distant 18s back.

Crooke’s hopes of a clean sweep came to an end in Race 3 when Sterling shot clear.

After finishing second best twice there was no stopping him as he won by 13s over French as Crooke settled for third.

Sterling went back to back in thrilling style as just half a second separated him and Noah Sands in the finale.

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NATIONALS WRAP

MACKENZIE AND CATTACH BEST AT THE BEND

EXCEL CUP ENDURO

GLENN MACKENZIE and Ashton Cattach overcame Brad Vereker and his codriver – part time Supercars driver Jaylyn Robotham – to win the Excel Enduro at The Bend Motorsport Park on Remembrance Day. A pair of one-hour races were held to decide the event, where 37 two-driver pairings did battle at Tailem Bend.

Robotham was not the only recognisable name on show in the biggest Excel SA event, with Thomas Randle sharing a Tickford-supported entry with Rod Nash’s son Charlie.

But it was Toyota 86 Series champion, Ryan Casha, who landed the first blow by topping the opening qualifying, albeit by a slender 0.03s to Bradley Vereker.

Qualifying B was where Robotham ensured the #96 he was sharing with Vereker emerged on top to the tune of two-tenths.

The first race was held just after lunch and the Casha/Rylan Gray combination was the fastest out of the blocks.

Their #179 blazed into an early lead, but this only lasted two laps before the #96 took control.

From there it was practically a procession as Vereker and Robotham dominated the remainder of the race, leading 25 of the last 32 laps.

They only lost the lead when they completed their compulsory stop and returned in formidable fashion.

Vereker and Robotham ended up winning by 20s over Mackenzie and Cattach, while Super2 driver and co-driver Jacob Currie completed the podium.

Three cars failed to finish, while a further nine received a penalty.

The second race, later in the afternoon,

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proved to be a much more fascinating affair with less than a second the difference at the chequered flag.

Initially it appeared the #96 was going to win again. Vereker and Robotham led the first 19 laps until they boxed.

But this proved to be a costly call as Mackenzie and Cattach jumped them, having taken a risk and pitting during an early Safety Car on lap 13.

Despite the #96 on their bumper, Vereker and Robotham could not catch Mackenzie and Cattach across the final 12 laps.

Only 1s split them when they crossed the line, while the #59 of Adam Currie and Joel Heinrich were third on the road – but were ninth in the results due to a 30s penalty, promoting Casha and Gray to the podium.

Randle and Nash ended up seventh.

Although they were split on points Mackenzie/Cattach were named winners over Vereker/Robotham on a count-back.

SA PROTOTYPE SERIES

ON THE same weekend, round four of the South Australian Motorsport Series took place with the first to go racing the SA Prototype Series.

Mark Laucke was unstoppable in the opener, cruising to a 5s win over John-Paul Drake who was the only driver able to keep up with him across the 12-lap journey.

The second race was a much more intriguing affair with just 2.4s separating the podium finishes.

Despite the increased competition, Laucke still emerged on top over Drake.

SUPERKARTS 250CC

IN SUPERKARTS 250cc honours, it was four-times 250 International Champion Ilya Harpas who got off to a speedy start, storming to a strong 4s triumph over

Russell Jamieson. It was a two-horse race as Lee Vella was a further 23s behind.

Jamieson then responded with a win of his own in the second encounter by a commanding 12s over Vella as Harpas encountered issues and only completed two laps.

But Harpas was back to his best in Race 3, beating Jamieson in a tense duel for the win by four-tenths before a big 33s triumph to wrap up the weekend in style.

claiming an important 5s win over Pegoraro which gave him round honours.

Thomas Miles

SUPERKARTS 125CC AND ROTAX

A SOLID field took on the Superkarts 125cc and Rotax category where Gary Pegoraro and Brad Stebbing fought for supremacy.

Tiny margins split them in the first two races but on both occasions Pegoraro came out on top.

But when Pegoraro came unstuck in Race 3, this opened the door for Stebbing to claim victory.

When the pair once again had a straight fight, Stebbing was on top once again,

Top: A well-timed Safety Car stop helped MacKenzie/Cattach to a win in the second Excel race. Middle: Gary Pegoraro at speed ...

Above: Mark Lauke dominated the Prototype contest. Below: Vereker/Robotham lead the first Excel race – which they won ...

Images: DAVID BATCHELOR

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Michael Robinson took the Sports Sedan 50K Plate. Above left: Adam Poole doiminated Improved Production, as did Ryan How in Formula Open, here leading Trent Grubel.

Images: REBECCA HIND – REVVED PHOTOGRAPHY

THE ISLAND: WHERE MAGIC HAPPENS

THE 33RD running of Island Magic on November 25 and 26 was the last race meeting before the Phillip Island Circuit is fully resurfaced. Seven categories ensured that the traditional end-of-season event closed out the year on a high-note, with several eyecatching performances. Auto Actions STEVEN DEVRIES covers the action.

Craig Arnold and Byron Luteluside-by-side in Formula Ford 1600.

Craig Allan snared his first Vic Historic Touring Car trophy.

SPORTS SEDANS – 50K PLATE

THREE DIFFERENT winners saluted the checquered flag for the three races run, but Sunday afternoon’s all-important 50K plate went the way of Michael Robinson (Holden Monaro) in a dominant drive, despite not turning a wheel on the circuit until Sunday morning.

Dean Camm (Chevrolet Corvette) started his bid for a maiden 50K plate with a big 17-second win on Saturday. Rick Newman (Ford Falcon) converted a rear-of-grid start into a win of his own ahead of Robinson and Camm on Sunday morning, before Robinson upped the ante to hoist the trophy in the finale for the fifth time – eight years since his 2015 triumph.

Francois Habib (VZ Commodore) didn’t put a foot wrong all weekend, placing second, fifth and third to finalise his Victorian Sports Sedan State title.

FORMULA FORD

A NINE-CAR Duratec and 10-car Kent class field tackled three races for the Phillip Island Formula Ford trophy. The opening two races saw Edison Beswick (NSW) score both Duratec victories with Tim Hamilton (QLD) and Thomas Kalamakis (NSW) splitting honours in Kents.

Splitting the two classes into their own final races didn’t change the high-speed off at the final corner for Lachlan Evennett (QLD) causing major damage after impacting the tyre barrier. The Duratec final was red-flagged and

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declared a non-event with significant track repairs required.

Following the lengthy delay, the two Kent class winners staged a spirited battle for the third race victory, eventually falling the way of Hamilton by four-hundredths of a second – the leading pair a full 30-seconds ahead of thirdplaced Mark Zellner (VIC).

IMPROVED PRODUCTION

WITHOUT ANY inclement weather to keep the V8-powered cars in check, nobody could stop Adam Poole (Holden Monaro) romping to a third-straight Matthew Flinders plate on Sunday afternoon.

Poole dominated the weekend from the outset, smashing his own 2022 lap record along the way by four-tenths of second, leaving fellow South-Australian Max de Meyric (Nissan Silvia) and New South Welshman Lachlan McBrien (BMW E46 M3) trailing him to second and third places respectively in all three of the weekend’s races.

FORMULA VEE

DOUBLING AS the final round of the Australian Formula Vee series, the Mauri Fordham trophy was awarded to Daniel Reynolds (ACT) 12 years after his first triumph following three narrow, hard-fought wins in a quality field of 37 cars from five states and territories.

Reef McCarthy (VIC) was looking to earn an unprecedented fifth straight title but a DNF

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from Race 2 saw him start last in the trophy race and somehow scythe his way through the field to lead the race starting the last of nine laps. Reynolds looked buried after exiting Southern Loop in fifth, but the cards fell his way in the final corners of the race, and he outlasted McCarthy and Jake Rowe (VIC) in a tight finish.

Three top-five finishes for two-time defending national champion Michael Kinsella (NSW) were just enough to top the Australian series standings by a single point ahead of Tyrone Wiseman (NSW) and McCarthy.

was again on offer for high-performance open wheelers, and Ryan How (Dallara F308) was pushed hard by Trent Grubel (Dallara F312) and Miles Bromley (Dallara F308) to all three race wins and earned himself the coveted trophy for his trouble.

2022-winner Grubel pushed How in his older-specification car all the way as the field raced an incoming thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon, but slipped behind Bromley in Sunday morning’s second race, and dropped a further spot behind youngster Beau Russell (Mygale M14 F4) in the weekend’s final exchange.

PORSCHE 944s

HISTORIC TOURING CARS

CAMERON BELLER and Chris Lewis-Williams were tipped to duke it out for the Endeavour Cup, but after a win in Saturday’s first race, a rare mechanical failure for Beller saw his weekend go up in smoke on Sunday morning as Adam Brewer put his hand up for a tilt at the trophy following his triumph in Race 2.

However, both Brewer and Lewis-Williams had forgotten about the two-time defending cup winner Jamie Westaway, who showed them a clean set of heels in the final, only to be reeled back in by a Safety Car period, but then kick clear again at the restart to make it a hattrick of Island Magic final-race victories.

AUSTRALIAN FORMULA OPEN

AFTER RETURNING In 2022 following an 18-year absence, the John Roxborough trophy

THE SECOND biggest field of the weekend entertained the crowds at the circuit as Craig Allan (Ford Mustang) picked up his very first Victorian Historic Touring Car trophy. Allan played second fiddle to defending title-holder Paul Stubber (Chevrolet Camaro) for the first race, but secured race two’s victory to start on the front row for the final.

After dropping behind Stubber and Aldo Di Paoli (Chevrolet Camaro) after lap 1, Allan couldn’t stay with the pace of the leading West-Australians. However, a late-race safety car was called, and despite sprinting away on the one-lap dash to the finish, Stubber and Di Paoli were adjudged to have gone too early at the restart, and their subsequent penalties gifted Allan an unexpected trophy race victory.

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NATIONALS WRAP Images: HIGH OCTANE PHOTOS

Morice McMillin took out Nitro Funny Car honours.

Opposite: Interstater Russell Mills prepares for Pro Alcohol victory.

Below: Ronnie Palumbo edged out a close Top Doorslammer contest.

MCMILLIN WINS RECORD-BREAKING GOLDENSTATES THE PACE was hot out west as Morice McMillin won Nitro Funny Car honours at the Goldenstates, held under lights at the Perth Motorplex.

After trading new elapsed-time track records with his team-mate Brandon Gosbell during qualifying on Friday, McMillin saved his best till last.

An imposing 4.737 second pass at 492.66kph reset the record for a third time was the final blow, while a solo run in the A-Final after Justin Walshe’s failed to start confirmed the emotional glory.

“I am absolutely gutted for Justin. You always want to win, but it is much better when it is a side-by-side Nitro Funny Car pass,” McMillin said.

“The dad of one of our guys passed away, so Jamie, this is for you brother.”

McMillin’s team-mate Brandon Gosbell took the B-Final victory over local hero Anthony Begley.

Despite being the top qualifier on Friday, Gosbell had a difficult start to his race day with a shut-down in Round 1 due to fluid under the car.

He went on to redeem himself with a side-by-side victory over Walshe in Round 2 before the win in the B-Final.

In the C Final the NT’s Adam Murrihy enjoyed a strong run to close out his evening at the track, but unfortunately it would end with him in the sand after scraping the right hand wall at the end of an absolutely stomping pass. Murrihy was unhurt from the incident.

Earlier he had run a strong 5.737 in the opening around to finish ahead of a pedalling Walshe. However, Murrihy was

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disqualified after clipping a timing block and then missed Round 2 when he was unable to fire up.

The stakes were high in Top Doorslammer almost as soon as they graced the tarmac with the re-run of the A-Final from the previous event at The Bend being held between WA’s Lisa Gregorini and Sydney’s Ronnie Palumbo.

It was worth the wait as the rookie racers delivered a nail-biting run to the finish.

Gregorini had the advantage off the startline, but was overhauled by the fastfinishing Palumbo.

He pushed the AC Delco Monaro to victory by an incredibly close margin of just six inches, or six one-thousandths of a second.

Accepting the Gold NDRC Christmas Tree at the end of the track, Palumbo was clearly emotional.

“I don’t have any words,” the Sydney-sider said through tears.

“I want to thank Maurice and Mary

Fabietti, AC Delco, my sponsors, my family for coming to Perth – this is for my buddy Sammy, thanks bro,” he said, lifting the trophy to the sky.

“She treed me – well done Lisa. It was an awesome race, and it was very close.”

The chase for the Top Doorslammer Goldenstates title was between rookie Russell Taylor and the experienced John Zappia, who was also the top qualifier.

It was Taylor, who rose to the occasion, taking a whole short victory with a 5.81s run at 407.33kph to Zappia’s 5.79/398.81kph effort.

The Top Doorslammer B-Final victory went to Daniel Gregorini (5.831/404.92kph) win over Bend winner Palumbo, who had to get off it after his ACDelco Slammer started to move towards the left hand wall.

On two wheels, the Top Fuel Motorcycle A-Final delivered one of the standout passes of the night. Winner Wayne McGuinness (6.469/333.59kph) and runnerup Benny Stevens (6.626/330.23kph)

carried their front wheels with full candles all the way down the track in an impressive display – one of many provided by these two racers across the evening.

“It was an awesome final,” McGuinness said.

“For me and Benny, that is our standard kind of run – we have been doing that for a while. I think people have forgotten how many times we have been up against each other – and how many times he has lost as well!

“It is always cool having a couple of Harleys wheelstanding all the way to the end.”

The B Final victory was a tale of perseverance with winner Greg Durack fighting ongoing clutch issues while runnerup Jay Upton raced through persistent auto electrical issues to put on a show. In the C Final, Kevin Gummow and Ricky Wood also delivered an entertaining finals pass, side-by-side before Wood rode around Gummow at the last moment.

In Pro Alcohol, New South Welshman Russell Mills took it to the local line up with a strong performance start to finish in his head-turning dragster. The win at the Plex means he has won two from two, after also winning at Sydney season opener.

The National Drag Racing Championship now heads to Sydney Dragway for the Top Fuel Xmas Showdown on Saturday December 2, where Top Fuel, Pro Alcohol and FuelTech Pro Mod, as well as the Aeroflow National Sportsman Championship (Eastern Conference) are on show.

Thomas Miles

SUPERCARS SUPPORTS

SUPERUTES I S5000

Image: PETER NORTON EPIC SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY

BORG COMPLETES BIG 2023

Steve Johnson cemented his championship win. Image: RACE PROJECT

AARON BORG (above) collected another trophy in his already glittering 2023, adding victory on the Adelaide streets to his V8 SuperUte Series title.

Despite its season wrapping up on the Gold Coast, the V8 SuperUte Series returned for a non-championship encounter on the streets of Adelaide.

It turned into another showcase of Borg’s brilliance as the #1 AC Delco DMax took three wins out of four.

Borg announced his dominance in the opener, taking a lights to flag win after pole sitter Reuben Goodall stalled his Mazda on the line, while David Sieders had a spin.

Sieders made up for the mistake by taking out a crushing win in Race 2 by 6s over Craig Woods.

Borg returned to winning ways in Race 3 as Sieders snatched second from Marjoram in an encounter ended by a Safety Car caused by Cottrell, who hit the turn 4 tyres and flipped his Colorado onto its side.

The final race was a competitive affair with little separating Borg and Adam Marjoram at the line.

Borg ended up holding on by just 0.7s, while Sieders had a shocking start and Woods ran in the top 2 until a wheel to wheel clash with Goodall.

Thomas Miles

HEINRICH, JOHNSON, BOWE SHARE THE STAGE IT WAS a big finale for the Touring Car Masters in a number of ways as Joel Heinrich continued his South Australian success, Steven Johnson clinched his fourth title and John Bowe said ‘ciao for now’.

They were the major headlines from a busy weekend on the streets of Adelaide.

Ryan Hansford’s hopes of back to back titles were always distant but they started strong with a charging victory in a shortened Trophy Race.

He and Andrew Fisher tussled for the lead and the former won after attacking the kerbs with gusto.

The race came to a close when Dan Buzadzic had a big crash coming out of the Senna Chicane, ruling out the Allan Grice tribute A9X from the rest of the weekend.

Despite starting fourth, Hansford put in another charge to put himself in the box seat in race 1.

But when Heinrich applied some pressure late in the race, he cracked,

spinning at Turn 9 and dropping to second.

Bowe had started his farewell weekend on a positive note with a pair of P5s, but it took a tragic turn on Saturday when he was rotated by Marcus Zukanovic at Turn 9. Bowe needed help from the officials to get going again but only got as far as turn 13 before the Rare Spares Torana crawled to a stop again.

The heartbreak ensured Heinrich collected another win under the control of the Safety Car, having commanded the race.

The heat was on behind with the faststarting Johnson surging to second, but that place was ultimately snatched by Hansford, while Fisher was also in the mix until a flat tyre.

Due to the lingering mechanical gremlins in his Torana, it appeared Bowe was going to watch his final race from the sidelines. But thanks to the generosity of Jim Pollicina the 6-time champion was able to do one last race as a full time

driver and he made some moves in a short affair, finishing ninth.

Heinrich completed his grand guest appearance with a third win but had to fight for it as he and Hansford put on a show across the first five corners.

Hansford led early but another mistake proved costly when he had a wild ride at Turn 8, hopping over the kerb before clipping the barrier. He somehow survived albeit down in sixth.

Colin Meadows did the same thing, but was not so lucky, hitting the concrete hard and bringing the race to an early finish, confirming Heinrich’s win and Johnson’s championship.

Thomas Miles TOURING CAR MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Steven Johnson 1057 2 Ryan Hansford 976 3 Cameron Tilley 873 4 Andrew Fisher 844 5 Marcus Zukanovic 840

NO STOPPING CAMERON NO ONE could catch Aaron Cameron as he cruised to the 2023 Gold Star crown with a fine performance in the S5000 finale on the streets of Adelaide.

Despite a big-name guest in Nathan Herne (and kiwi Kaleb Ngatoa a last-minute replacement for the indisposed Roberto Mehri) and a spirited effort from Jordan Boys, Cameron took the prestigious title in style by producing a perfect weekend.

It was a significant moment as Cameron became just third driver to clinch both the Australian Drivers’ Championship and Tasman Cup in the same season He took a big stride forward by taking pole, but did it just by 0.03s over Boys, while Herne spun twice and could Cameron led from the front. Image: RACE PROJECT only manage fifth, Ngatoa seventh, while Cooper Webster was stuck in the pits with his car jammed in gear. held tough against Boys.

A fast start allowed Cameron to see off the challenge The pair went side by side into the first chicane but Boys from Boys as Blake Purdie settled into third and held off a lost out on the outside, while Webster snatched third from challenge from Ben Bargwanna.

Bargwanna.

Herne failed to finish his comeback race after a big shunt The first of 2 Safety Car interruptions was caused by at the Senna Chicane.

Sebastien Amadio, who went head first into the concrete on Cameron secured the title for good in Race 2 where he the entry to Wakefield Street.

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Racing resumed before the SC returned and did not disappear after Mark Rosser felt the wrath of turn 8.

Race 3 had barely got going before the Safety Car made a comeback with visiting North Island Kiwi, Caleb Ngatoa, going into the fence on a driver error after crowding Nic Carroll and clipping wheels.

Racing resumed on lap four and lasted another 3 tours before the season-ending yellow arrived.

Purdie got some big air off the chicane and it cost him with a damaged pushrod firing him head first into the concrete.

Unfortunately racing could not resume in time and the season ended in anti-climatic fashion as Cameron wrote his name into the record books. Thomas Miles

S5000 CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Aaron Cameron 616 2 Jordan Boys 458 3 Cooper Webster 446 4 Joey Mawson 364 5 Blake Purdie 364

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SUPERCARS SUPPORTS Images: MARK HORSBURGH - EDGE PHOTOGRAPHICS

Image: RACE PROJECT

TALBOT TAKES GT CROWN

LIAM TALBOT (above, leading the Shahin Porsche) cut a relieved figure in the pits as he finally got his hands on the GT World Challenge Australia crown in Adelaide.

Last year Talbot was second best to Yasser Shahin, but this time he won the war, emerging victorious in a three-car title fight with the help of Christopher Mies.

Despite being unable to retain the #1, Shahin’s Porsche still set the pace in the finale.

This was evident as early as qualifying as both Shahin and co-driver Matt Campbell took both poles on offer. Talbot carried an 18-point advantage over the sister Audi of Geoff Emery, while Shahin was an outside chance a further 15 adrift.

Starting from pole, the EMA Motorsport team retained their track position in the opener and Campbell took over the Porsche from Shahin with a 5s advantage over Mies at the start of the final stint.

But the gap would shrink over the final 10 minutes with Mies on the charge and smashing the lap record.

He came within seven-tenths but could not get close enough to stop Campbell from clinging on.

The #17 Audi would ultimately get revenge in the penultimate race however.

This encounter got off to a strange start as Brad Schumacher and Axle Donaldson both spun at the left-handed turn 11 on the formation lap.

After the strange incident, Campbell stormed off the line to ensure the Porsche led a sea of Audis with Stokell and Mies behind.

He had held a 4s lead but this was critically halved before the driver changes which ensured Talbot rejoined in front of Shahin.

With the pair being nose to tail, a nailbiting finish was ahead, but Talbot held the aces at the death to claim an important 0.3s win over Shahin with Emery in third.

As a result Talbot enjoyed a 16-point lead over Emery meaning the latter faced a must-win scenario.

The Talbot v Shahin rivalry resumed off the line with the Audi leading initially until the Porsche dived down the inside at turn 9.

They remained in close quarters for the rest of the stint and, with 22 minutes to go, they boxed with just 0.4s the difference.

But unlike Race 1, Campbell enjoyed an untroubled run to the flag, while Max Hofer hunted down Mies to snatch second from Mies.

But third place was enough for Talbot to get his long awaited title, while Brad Schumacher put in a late charge to get Am honours. Thomas Miles GT WORLD CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Liam Talbot 226 2 Geoff Emery 205 3 Yasser Shahin 204 4 Ross Poulakis 123 5 Jayden Ojeda 114

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Jackson Walls’ Turn 1 finale shunt, made the decider easier for new champion Callum Hedge. Image: RACE PROJECT

HEDGE STEALS CARRERA CUP CROWN THE FIGHT for the 2023 Porsche Carrera Cup Australian crown went down to the final race and Callum Hedge prevailed as Jackson Walls’ dream ended in the wall at Adelaide’s Senna Chicane.

Little separated the young guns all year with just two points the difference heading into the finale meaning whoever finished in front in the last race of the year would win.

Unfortunately the grandstand finish did not last long as a deflated tyre after contact sent Walls spinning out, which gifted Hedge a second championship for the year – having also won the Formula Regional Americas title on the other side of the Pacific.

It was a double delight for Earl Bamber Motorsport as Adrian Flack also took out Pro-Am honours.

Whilst they were busy winning championships, Dale Wood also made his mark, taking a clean sweep to end the streak of unique round winners.

Hedge made his intentions clear by taking pole, while Walls could only muster eighth.

But it was the other driver on the front row, who had the better start when racing began as Wood took charge.

However, his route to victory in an enthralling 23-lap enduro was not a simple one as he had to survive

onslaught after onslaught to get the job done.

Hedge hounded his rear wing and had a crack on lap 10 at Wakefield Street, only for Wood to immediately respond.

Later in the race Vidau launched his own counterattack but got it wrong and spun on his own at Turn 9.

In the end Wood led Hedge by seven tenths as Walls fought his way through the constant mid-pack jostling to secure an important third.

The championship rivals then found themselves fighting for the same piece of tarmac at the start of Race 2.

As Wood blazed ahead, Walls also got a flyer and lined up a move on the inside of Hedge, but the Kiwi was not having any of it, closing the gap immediately.

This forced Walls to take to the grass which left him vulnerable to Alex Davison at the chicane, but he managed to stay strong and hold onto third, which he would soon lose to Vidau after a slide through Turn 8.

Things ran smoothly until a Safety Car interruption caused by Matt Belford, who had a big shunt at Turn 8.

This setup a grandstand finish as the field made a one-lap dash to the chequered flag, but the positions remained unchanged with Wood leading Hedge, Vidau and Walls.

All roads led to the final race of the year where a thrilling title fight was in store.

The nerves intensified as Walls and Hedge were side-by-side with Vidau into the Senna Chicane before bouncing over the kerbs.

Despite Hedge having a bumpy ride and even finding the gravel after rubbing Vidau, it was Walls who found trouble after backing out from the fight. But his left rear tyre appeared to deflate, sending him into a spin across the pack and to the outside wall at Turn 3.

Spinning in symphony with Walls were Ryder Quinn, Christian Pancione and Alex Davison with only the latter surviving the chaos.

This meant Hedge in third simply needed to finish the race to be crowned champion and, even though there was a scare after the restart slipping to seventh, he did what was required to get the chocolates despite missing an entire round.

Thomas Miles PORSCHE CARRERA CUP CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Callum Hedge 932 2 Jackson Walls 905 3 Dale Wood 757 4 Dylan O’Keeffe 751 5 Max Vidau 664

SUPER 2/3

HOMETOWN HERO THIS TIME the Adelaide streets were kind to Kai Allen, who came from behind to become the youngest ever Super2 champion, which left Zak Best to settle for second yet again.

Best headed into the finale on the front foot with a 30-point advantage, but his dreams of securing a long-awaited Dunlop crown were evaporated by one costly mistake as Allen snatched the crown by six.

Fittingly Allen’s moment arrived at his home race Adelaide, the same streets where he saw the Super3 crown slip through his fingers at turn 8 12 months ago.

Now in 2023, redemption is well and truly complete and at 18 years and 5 months, he even beat Broc Feeney’s record set in 2021 by six months.

As Allen and Best wrestled for the title, Ryan Wood was busy making one last statement before heading to the main game.

For the first time this season both qualifying sessions were held on the same day and it was all about Wood.

The Kiwi flew to both poles with the first arriving in a session ended by Brad Vaughan coming unstuck at Turn 8, while Nash Morris joined him on the front row a tenth back.

Wood went back to back in the latter session but only just as less than a tenth separated himself, Best and Zach Bates.

It set the scene for a competitive weekend and the racing lived up the hype, with action in Saturday’s sprint from start to finish.

Morris made the most of his first front row by storming into the lead ahead of the WAU teammates, while Best was engulfed by the Eggleston Motorsport Commodores.

He lost positions to both Cooper Murray and Allen either side of an early Safety Car caused by Jordyn Sinni, who went off at Turn 5 due to steering issues.

When racing resumed the battle for the lead erupted as Wood passed Morris with a brave move at Turn 8 before Murray also got by at the following hairpin.

This put Morris into the clutches of the

Youngest ever – Kai Allen.

Images: MARK HORSBURGH championship contenders and it led to a season-defining moment.

After Allen got by the #67, Best was desperate to stay in touch with his rival, but could not follow suit cleanly.

He got his elbows out and shoved Morris into the tyres at Turn 5, which led to an extremely costly 15s penalty.

There was also drama in the mid-pack as a battle between Aaron Cameron, Aaron Love, Cameron Crick, Jay Hanson, Jordan Boys and Bates ended in tears with Love being spun into the inside wall at Turn 6 and Hanson rotated three corners later.

A late Safety Car due to a Turn 7 tangle between Mason Kelly and Zane Morse failed to trouble Wood who led home Murray but it caused more headaches for Best as he crossed the line fourth behind Allen, but would drop to 14th due to his penalty.

Suddenly a 30-point deficit became a

33-point lead for Allen heading into the finale.

Best held track position and made the most of it, bouncing over the Senna Chicane and into the lead ahead of Wood, while Allen settled into fourth.

The #17 Mustang only led until the final corner where the WAU driver launched a dive-bomb to snatch a lead he would never let go.

The finale was surprisingly clean with no Safety Car interruptions while the only Super2 incident was a tangle between Boys and Matt Chahda at Turn 9.

Despite allowing teammate Murray through to fourth towards the end, Allen was never under threat of losing his championship lead with a safety net of teammates around him.

Although Best followed Wood home in second, Allen clinched the crown to complete a massive year which started with

a broken collarbone and ended with a trophy.

It was enough to leave owner Rachel Eggleston in tears and put Allen into the record books ...

Thomas Miles SUPER2 CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Kai Allen 1437 2 Zak Best 1431 3 Ryan Wood 1296 4 Cooper Murray 1230 5 Zach Bates 1143

McLEOD AND STEWART BOW OUT THE PROTAGONISTS of the Super3 season made one last statement with Cameron McLeod sweeping the weekend after a poor qualifying result and Jobe Stewart becoming champion.

Stewart showed express pace over one lap and, despite having a troubled time in the races, he did enough to secure the crown on the streets that mean so much to him.

Stewart entered the weekend with a big 192-point lead over Jett Johnson, while McLeod was the best part of a round back.

Mason Kelly started the weekend with a bang, walking on water to be faster than both the Super2 and Super3 fields in the wet opening practice.

Come qualifying it was Stewart turning heads as he nailed two laps to take both pole positions on offer.

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McLeod re-stated his pace and took the weekend points.

His route to the title appeared to be smooth as he led the majority of the opening race until a major scare with five laps to go.

Stewart was shoved by Matt Chahda at Turn 7, leaving him with significant rear end damage.

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It sent Stewart from first to fourth and last on the road in Super3, but he crawled to the chequered flag to confirm his crown.

That moment handed the win to McLeod, who had been moving forward, while Tickford rookie Rylan

Gray completed a stunning first race by making a last-lap move on Jett Johnson.

Stewart also led the start of the finale, being in control of the first six laps after winning a skirmish with Kelly.

But by lap five, McLeod got by at the final hairpin which forced Stewart to settle for second best before his rear suspension failed, while Johnson retained second in the championship despite a troubled weekend.

After a year dominated by the pair, it was fitting McLeod and Stewart finished one/two in the final race of the seaason.

Thomas Miles SUPER3 CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Jobe Stewart 1686 2 Jett Johnson 1476 3 Cameron McLeod 1449 4 Mason Kelly 1089 5 Ryan Gilroy 702

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SUPERCARS

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

A NEW SUPERCARS CHAMPION WAS CROWNED ON THE STREETS OF ADELAIDE WITH THE PRIVATER EREBUS GARAGE HOISTING BOTH THE DRIVERS’ AND TEAMS’ TITLES WITH BRODIE KOSTECKI AT THE HELM. THE SPORT ALSO FAREWELLED ONE OF ITS GREATEST, AND WITNESSED THE RISE OF ANOTHER YOUNG GUN. TIMOTHY W NEAL REPORTS …

THE FINAL Supercars outing of 2023 was a round of farewells, a round of change, and the final chapter in a season of transition with the Gen3 machinery.

It was never expected to be smooth, and it was never expected to be without its mechanical teething problems, and the dreaded ‘P’ word might never be mentioned again.

The big number on everyone’s mind was the 131 points separating Kostecki and Van Gisbergen – with SVG the biggest agent of driver change ahead of his switch to NASCAR in 2024.

For Erebus, they were aiming for a maiden championship as an organisation, with plenty of emotions set to be let out of the bag for the Victorian team.

After a busy silly season, there were plenty of drivers saying farewell to their respective garages, or the grid, in a full-time capacity.

For Scott Pye (Team 18), Jack Smith (BJR), Todd Hazelwood (BRT) and Declan Fraser (Tickford) it was their final rounds as full-timers with no deals ahead for 2024 outside of some co-drives (Pye to T8).

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For Van Gisbergen (T8 to Trackhouse Racing) Will Brown (Erebus to T8), Nick Percat (WAU to MSR), Dave Reynolds (Penrite to Team 18), James Courtney (Tickford to BRT), Jack Le Brocq (MSR to Erebus), it was their final races in their familiar colours.

It was also the last round in charge for Tickford boss Tim Edwards before he steps into his new role as Supercars General Manager of Motorsport, and he’d get a more than applicable farewell from his biggest star.

For the two 250 km races, drivers faced 78 laps, two compulsory stops, and a 100L of fuel to be taken. The field was on the Dunlop softs, with the layered marbling set to more of a factor than degradation the on 3.22 km, 14-turn street circuit, with its foreboding concrete walls a constant threat in a high risk-big reward environment to bade farewell to 2023.

All up it was a huge weekend with the 26th champion of the sport crowned, another rookie breaking through the ceiling, and a farewell to one of the greatest drivers that the modern Supercars era has ever seen …

THURSDAY - SLIPPERY START

THE FIRST half hour practice session was held in extremely wet conditions on the partially resurfaced track, with last year’s Race 1 winner Chaz Mostert handling the challenge best on the timesheets.

The #25 WAU Mustang put in a 1:28.614, 0.258s better than Andre Heimgartner.

Despite the slippery tarmac, all 25 drivers managed to be clean on the wets.

Matty Payne looked as if his Gold Coast form may carry over by going third by 0.317 over Will Brown.

The #97 title challenger was the only driver to strap on the Softs, spending a large part of it in the sheds with only eight laps, to be in P22 with the team’s brief slick option seen as somewhat pointless.

FRIDAY – ADVANTAGE “BUSH”

THE ON-TRACK action was in stark contrast to Thursday, with a lightning quick practice session prior to Qualifying.

Thomas Randle would take it out in impressive manner

Supercars RACE REPORT Round 12 – ADELAIDE 500

Left: Cam Waters took a great sayonara victory on Saturday for departing Tickford team boss Tim Edwards; joined on the podium by team-mate Thomas Randle (above). But the significant outcome was the sealing of the Drivers’ championship for the Coca-Cola/By Erebus team – team owner Betty Klimenko and lead engineer George Commins (above right). Dave Reynolds took second for the Grove/ Penrite team. Images: MARK HORSBURGH, PETER NORTON, MOTORSPORT IMAGES

whilst SVG kept the pressure on by ensuring he’d start in the first five rows.

The 15 minute session to set the shootout was typically intense and the times were fast straight out the sheds, with a 1:19.363 setting the mark.

The entire field would be split by just 0.989s down to Fraser in 23rd whilst, in his last Supercars weekend as fulltimer, Smith would be at the rear by 01.688.

The unluckiest ones were Broc Feeney, Will Davison, Percat and Hazelwood, with James Golding taking that 10th spot by only 0.05s from the #88, with most drivers putting down the times on their second runs.

In the order, it was Kostecki, Reynolds, Payne, SVG, Randle, De Pasquale, Brown, Mostert, Waters and Golding.

SATURDAY – THE DAY OF RECKONING

as 14 drivers put down sub 1:20 laps, with the #55 Castrol Mustang threatening the 18 second frame with a 1:19.291, whilst Waters took second over Brown and Mostert.

In a Mustang heavy session there were only a few reported issues – notably from the T8 shed.

Feeney ended his session early with engine-temp issues, and although Van Gisbergen showed up on the pointy end of the timesheet with good one-lap pace, he also reported steering-rack issues.

The top-10 would be Randle, Waters, Brown, Mostert, Reynolds, Kostecki, De Pasquale, Payne, Hazelwood, and SVG, with only 0.517s between them, with only Hazelwood to depart that group for qualifying.

QUALIFYING – RACE 27

KOSTECKI AGAIN showed that he’d become adept in the moments that count, and didn’t he love it, thumping the roof of his Coca-Cola Erebus Camaro in celebration.

The #99 blazed to pole over the Penrite Mustangs,

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THE THIRD practice session was all about data collection, focusing on race trims, whilst the top10 shooters utilised a mix of both race and one-lap simulations.

Brown put down the fastest lap of the weekend in an uneventful session with a 1:19.144.

It was briefly interrupted when SVG overshot Turn 4, bringing out a red flag as he couldn’t shift it into reverse.

There was no damage done, though his last sim run was also ruined from a kerb strike whilst, in the Erebus camp, Kostecki was looking smooth and switched on in his effort to grab a ninth pole of the season.

TOP-TEN SHOOTOUT – ‘BUSH’ IN THE BOX SEAT

…AND SECURE a ninth pole he did, as the last three runners put on a thrilling display, split by the most indiscernible of margins.

The #99 got it done at the death, and it was perhaps the most important pole of them all.

On a track that now lacked grip, most drivers opted for full-sets of greens, whilst a few went for rear greens only.

The first four shooters couldn’t crack the sub-20 mark, with the #11 DJR Mustang throwing down the first realistic challenge with a 1:19.923.

Randle then looked likely with a flyer, whilst SVG’s lap saw him secure a second row start.

There were laughs of disbelief in the Castrol garage when

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Reynolds nicked it by just 0.0008s with a third sector from the clouds.

Kostecki looked in the same boat though the first two sectors, and replicated Reynolds’ blazing third in a very pointy Camaro, taking pole by 0.009s.

RACE 27 – WITHOUT A FIGHT …

AND A MUSTANG TRIPLE

THE 2023 championship was effectively decided at Turn 4 on the first lap when De Pasquale squeezed Brown into the wall, who ricocheted into the path of SVG, taking out the latter’s front left to leave the title fight deflated. The #99 merely needed to avoid trouble and make the chequered flag, which he did to became the first first Aussie since Jamie Whincup in 2017 to take the title, finishing seventh to take an unassailable 233 lead.

Oh yeah … and the #6 Mustang took a dominant win to celebrate his 250th race over the #26 Penrite car and his Castrol mate third to see Edwards off in style. The Waters, Reynolds, Randal podium was the first all-Mustang podium of the season.

It was an emotional Erebus garage for all involved, with privateer ‘V8 Queen’ Betty Klimenko reminding her initial Supercars doubters that, “they said I couldn’t do it and I was stupid to go into V8s and I would be squashed like a bug.”

There was a strong feeling of the real party unlikely to start until after Race 28, with the teams championship also on the line, and plenty of work for the Erebus garage ahead over a very second-hand #9 Camaro.

Here’s how Race 27 unfolded ...

Whilst Hill failed to get off the line in the formation lap after an engine change, Kostecki got a great start, with he and Reynolds making some contact into the chicane but both went unscathed.

Then came the Brown/SVG clash when De Pasquale triggering the collapse of the anticipated title battle.

In a separate incident, Payne rubbed the Turn 3 wall to be parked up in the sheds with rear damage, as the Safety Car stayed out until lap 6.

At the green flag, Kostecki maintained control but the Penrite harangued him, whilst Payne was able to rejoin to spend the race at the rear, as had Hill under the Safety Car. When the field settled, Randle held third over De Pasquale, with Waters, Mostert, Golding, Davison, Feeney and Courtney filling the first 10.

Reynolds took the lead on lap 15 looking very pacey, but the #99’s fight was with the finish line.

The tyre deg was looking low with the leading pace not dropped very much after 20 laps, and if anything it was improving.

Randle took second from Kostecki with no resistance, with Waters close to making it a Mustang top three, whilst Kostecki pitted on lap 23 for a big helping of fuel and clean air.

Randle pitted on lap 26, emerging over De Pasquale in ninth as the highest pitter, with Waters showing good pace in second, 2s back, with the leader pitting on lap 30 for fresh Softs, emerging in front of Randle.

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SUPERCARS

Where’s Barbra Streisand when you need her? A new Supercars star was born on Sunday, Matt Payne an all-the-way winner for Grove/Penrite.

Right: Last year’s discovery, Broc Feeney, charged through for a strong second. Images: MARK HORSBURGH/PETER NORTON-EPIC SPORTS PHOTOS Waters took a short fill but still came out third with the initial attempt at the lead failing.

The true order was restored on lap 33, with Kostecki fourth over Davison and Feeney.

Waters then moved on Randle, and the gap to the leader was under one second with the three Mustangs holding a 3s gap to Kostecki.

Waters then made his move on the inside of Turn 7 to take the lead with 37 laps to go.

Randle took his second compulsory stop with 30 remaining – the champion-elect doing the same – whilst Waters took his last with 26 laps left.

He came out with space to burn on his teammate in P2 whilst Reynolds was still running a second pit window overcut with a slight fuel advantage on the leaders when he finally went in. He came out just in front, and the #26 had to cut the chicane to avoid contact, with Waters coming out on top after they narrowly avoided a big contact.

Waters was challenged but was in control, whilst Kostecki let Mostert pass him into fourth.

Waters grew the gap to two seconds with eight laps to go, whilst Reynolds held a comfortable seven second

margin to Randle who comfortably had a foot on the podium with a +9s gap to Mostert.

Waters was too good in the end for a second race win in two rounds, whilst Reynolds was strong to finish with a decent 12 second gap over Randle who rounded out the podium in a good showing for the Mustangs.

But it was all about the bloke in seventh place, the new Supercars champion, and the first of the Gen3 era.

SUNDAY – THE CURTAIN CALL

THE FINAL Qualifying session to set another Top-Ten Shootout saw Payne get close to a sub-19 with a 1:19.098, the fastest time of the weekend.

Extensive overnight repairs from Erebus saw the Brown Camaro on track and, although he’d miss out, it was a good-save for the Team Championship fight against T8.

The session started with a nasty Turn 8 mishap from Hill, who’s weekend went from bad to worse on his birthday, with it looking unlikely he’d make the finale.

SVG also missed out in his final (for now) qualifying in Supercars, relegated to a P15 start.

Waters, Reynolds and Randle looked fast again, as did Feeney with a late lap.

A relatively clean start on Sunday saw Payne get the better of pole man Kostecki. Image: PETR NORTON

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Golding made another Shootout, setting the cut with a 1:19.639, whilst Kostecki, Heimgartner, and Mostert also got it done, with Hazelwood to also get a crack for his final race in the BRT Mustang.

TOP-TEN SHOOTOUT – PERFECT 10

THE FINAL Supercars race of the season saw its 2023 champion on pole, with Kostecki registering his tenth of the year with a 1:19.543, which ranked him equal fifth of all time for a single season.

He topped a bunch of hungry Mustangs, with Payne going only 0.031s short to share the front row.

With Cam Waters and Chaz Mostert on the second row, it set up a no-holds-bar Race 28 with the champion looking to end the season on a high.

Broc Feeney and Thomas Randle filled out the third row with Randle in a good spot to keep his 2023 SA Podiums, whilst Golding and Hazelwood would start ahead of

Supercars RACE REPORT Round 12 – ADELAIDE 500

While new champ Kostecki celebrated, it was a more subdued finale for outgoing champ van Gisbergen (above right). Images: MARK HORSBURGH, MOTORSPORT IMAGES Heimgartner and a kerb stricken David Reynolds.

RACE 28 – PAYNE RELIEF

PAYNE EMULATED Feeney from last year’s Adelaide 500 finale, taking a maiden Supercars victory as a rookie.

The 21-year-old from Auckland won by 8.548sec from Feeney, who sealed third in the championship, whilst Reynolds took his second podium of the weekend.

In SVG’s last race, undiagnosed car issues saw him in and out of the pits to put a full-stop on any fairytale farewell for the three time champion.

This year’s champion finished in eighth, but it would matter little as the Erebus team could finally let reality set-in knowing that both the Drivers and Team’s title were in the bag. And Kostecki celebrated in traditional style with a smoke show on the main straight before parking it up next to the trophy.

Here’s how the season finale unfolded...

Whilst the #25 of Hill was remarkably repaired by the

MSR garage to make the grid, all eyes were on Kostecki and Payne.

Payne won the drag into the chicane, whilst SVG lost two spots before fighting back into 14th.

Reynolds moved up nicely into P8, whilst SVG and Brown tangled again, whilst Le Brocq got a punt into Turn 14 and limped into the pits.

Payne worked an early gap whilst Mostert and Feeney were tight on the #99, whilst a battle brewed between Waters and Randle for fifth.

Feeney took third before getting a touch on his rear which was under investigation, sending him back into fourth, with the #25 taking a 5s penalty.

The lead pair were out by four seconds, with Payne two up on Kostecki, whilst SVG pitted with a big gulp of fuel to go for a long middle stint.

Jones was then hit in the pits with an early Golding release which saw a drive-through penalty.

Randle then had a great fight with SVG out of the pits, with the #97 winning out to save his clean air strategy, but Randle wouldn’t quit and suffered some side contact as a result to lose out.

Kostecki pitted from a four second gap for an undercut with a 23L load taken, whilst Payne responded on lap 24 taking seven litres more.

True race order was restored by lap 30, whilst a good battle for effective second between the #88 and #97 saw Feeney win out, but the T8 car would need a longer second stop, with Reynolds and SVG in fourth and fifth.

Reynolds fired into Turn 4 to take third from Kostecki after contact out of Turn 3, with Waters, Davison, Randle, Brown and Courtney running sixth to tenth with 40 laps to run.

Waters took fifth of the vice-champion to be on Kostecki’s tail getting it done in 2nd gear at the hairpin, whilst SVG’s last stop saw a bigger fuel drop, but he quickly went back in with a tyre issue, and as Feeney also pitted the two doubleparked as SVG’s podium push was over.

His final act was moving over to let his teammate take the first service.

Reynolds then pitted on lap 50, and SVG slowed to take a fourth pit.

Payne took his final stop with 23 to go, re-entering with a 6.494s margin over Feeney, with Reynolds 2sec back with space on Waters, with Heimgartner, Kostecki, De Pasquale, Mostert, Randle, and Davison battling for the likely top-10 spots.

Kostecki dropped spots to Mostert and De Pasquale into eighth, Whilst Payne put this foot down.

SVG ended a dominant era in the sheds while, symbolically, there was a new future star driving home the the point, leading Feeney and Reynolds to the line.

Waters, Mostert, Heimgartner, De Pasquale, Kostecki, Randle and Davison completed the final top-10 of the year.

That’s it for 2023, see you at the Bathurst 500 on February 23-25. See our next issue for a season wrap-up.

Congratulations to Erebus Motorsport for bringing the fight, and for bringing back a bit of the old privateer mongrel!

VAILO ADELAIDE 500 RACE RESULTS QUALIFYING RACE 27 Pos Driver 1 Brodie Kostecki 2 David Reynolds 3 Thomas Randle 4 Anton De Pasquale 5 Will Brown 6 Shane van Gisbergen 7 Chaz Mostert 8 Cameron Waters 9 James Golding 10 Matt Payne 11 Broc Feeney 12 Will Davison 13 Nick Percat 14 Todd Hazelwood 15 Jack Le Brocq 16 James Courtney 17 Andre Heimgartner 18 Cameron Hill 19 Tim Slade 20 Scott Pye 21 Mark Winterbottom 22 Bryce Fullwood 23 Declan Fraser 24 Macauley Jones 25 Jack Smith

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RESULTS RACE 27 78 LAPS ADELAIDE Time 1:19.8283 +0.0090 +0.0098 +0.0956 +0.2358 +0.2751 +0.3858 +0.4988 +0.7447 +1.5539 +0.3653 + 0.3989 +0.4657 +0.4749 +0.4806 +0.4851 +0.5206 +0.7031 +0.7413 +0.7644 +0.7766 +0.9811 +0.9899 +1.0357 +1.6887

Pos Drivers 1 Cameron Waters 2 David Reynolds 3 Thomas Randle 4 Chaz Mostert 5 Broc Feeney 6 Brodie Kostecki 7 Will Davison 8 James Courtney 9 Andre Heimgartner 10 Scott Pye 11 Mark Winterbottom 12 Todd Hazelwood 13 James Golding 14 Jack Le Brocq 15 Declan Fraser 16 Tim Slade 17 Macualey Jones 18 Nick Percat 19 Bryce Fullwood 20 Jack Smith 21 Anton De Pasquale 22 Cameron Hill 23 Matt Payne NC Will Brown NC Shane van Gisbergen

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Laps 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 76 76 74 73 0 0

Brought to you by QUALIFYING RACE 28

Race time 01:51:55.0636 +0.670 +15.023 +24.956 +26.184 +29.918 +34.227 +35.787 +36.244 +37.195 +39.165 +47.340 +48.589 +57.633 +58.244 +58.578 +1:00.350 +1:15.710 +1:16.169 +2 Laps +2 Laps +4 Laps +5 Laps -

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s8 s3 s6 t6 s5 s8 s8 s10 s10 s2 t4 s1 s8 s3 s7 t6 s3 s5 t17 t4 t13 t19 t19

Pos Driver 1 Brodie Kostecki 2 Matt Payne 3 Cameron Waters 4 Chaz Mostert 5 Broc Feeney 6 Thomas Randle 7 James Golding 8 Todd Hazelwood 9 Andre Heimgartner 10 David Reynolds 11 Will Brown 12 Jack Le Brocq 13 Will Davison 14 Anton De Pasquale 15 Shane van Gisbergen 16 Declan Fraser 17 Nick Percat 18 James Courtney 19 Scott Pye 20 Tim Slade 21 Bryce Fullwood 22 Mark Winterbottom 23 Macualey Jones 24 Jack Smith 25 Cameron Hill

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RESULTS RACE 28 78 LAPS ADELAIDE Time 1:19.5438 +0.0314 +0.0937 +0.1116 +0.1389 +0.1408 +0.6005 +0.6400 + 00.7851 +0.5979 +0.5980 +0.6181 +0.6308 +0.6321 +0.7276 +0.7616 +0.8350 +0.8460 +0.9239 +0.9279 +1.0657 +1.3015 +1.4368 +5.5259

Pos Drivers 1 Matt Payne 2 Broc Feeney 3 David Reynolds 4 Cam Waters 5 Chaz Mostert 6 Andre Heimgartner 7 Anton De Pasquale 8 Brodie Kostecki 9 Will Davison 10 Thomas Randle 11 Todd Hazelwood 12 James Courtney 13 Scott Pye 14 Will Brown 15 Mark Winterbottom 16 Tim Slade 17 Cameron Hill 18 Bryce Fullwood 19 Jack Smith 20 James Golding 21 Nick Percat 22 Macauley Jones 23 Jack Le Brocq NC Shane van Gisbergen NC Declan Fraser

Laps 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 78 77 77 77 76 64 52 51

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS AFTER ROUND 11 Race time 01:46:48.6380 +8.548 +11.185 +20.023 +26.566 +29.801 +30.687 +31.548 +32.627 +35.179 +40.679 +41.516 +42.546 +50.251 +54.585 +1:00.446 +1:11.594 +1:13.830 +1 Lap +1 Lap +1 Lap +2 Laps +14 Laps +26 Laps +27 Laps

s1 s3 s7 t1 t1 s3 s6 t8 s4 t4 t3 s6 s6 t3 s7 s4 s8 s3 s5 t13 t4 s1 t11 t9 t9

Pos Driver 1 Brodie Kostecki 2 Shane van Gisbergen 3 Broc Feeney 4 Chaz Mostert 5 Will Brown 6 Cameron Waters 7 Andre Heimgartner 8 Anton De Pasquale 9 David Reynolds 10 Will Davison 11 Bryce Fullwood 12 Jack Le Brocq 13 Thomas Randle 14 Matt Payne 15 Mark Winterbottom 16 James Golding 17 James Courtney 18 Scott Pye 19 Tim Slade 20 Nick Percat 21 Todd Hazelwood 22 Macualey Jones 23 Cameron Hill 24 Declan Fraser 25 Jack Smith

Points 2888 2565 2441 2287 2264 2099 2016 1818 1806 1786 1722 1715 1700 1673 1579 1569 1568 1524 1497 1230 1221 1138 1080 1046 1030

s1 s1 t2 s1 t1 s3 s1 t2 t2 s1 t1 s1 t1 -

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INTERNATIONAL

DI GIANNANTONIO BREAKS THROUGH HIS FUTURE may be uncertain, but Fabio Di

BACK TO BACK BAGNAIA Image: GOLD AND GOOSE

FRANCESCO BAGNAIA secured backto-back MotoGP world championships with victory in Valencia after Jorge Martin’s dream came to a crashing end and Jack Miller also threw a maiden KTM win away.

Bagnia arrived at Circuit Ricardo Tormo with an imposing 21-point lead, but Martin kept his dream alive with a special Sprint success.

Despite Bagnaia leading early, Martin was on the charge from sixth and hit the lead by lap eight when he pulled a smart move on Brad Binder.

To make matters worse for Bagnaia he slumped to fifth by the end of the race and suddenly just 14 points was the difference ahead of the final race, which meant a top five result was enough for Bagnaia to retain the #1.

As the riders lined up on the grid for the final time, the Italian held the advantage starting from pole position due to a penalty for Maverick Vinales for ignoring a meatball flag in the warmup.

The factory Ducati stormed into an unchallenged lead off the line, but Martin was also on the charge, flying from sixth to second within two corners after getting by both KTMs. The two championship leaders headed the field until the start of lap three when

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Martin cracked and bowled a wide at the opening left hander.

He lost valuable ground, dropping from second to eighth which left him in a four-bike scrap with teammate Johann Zarco, Vinales and Marc Márquez.

This squabble was where it all went wrong for Martin as he clipped the rear of Marquez at Turn 4, sending both into a race-ending trip to the gravel.

Marquez suffered a vicious high side, while Martin initially tried to skate through the kitty litter before falling.

Despite becoming the first Ducati rider to win multiple world championships for the Italian squad, there was still a race to win for Bagnaia, who found himself in a battle with both KTMs of Binder and Miller.

The teammates initially ganged up on the Italian to demote him to third, but Binder seized his advantage with a mistake at Turn 11 on lap 14.

This put Aussie Miller into the lead and he controlled the field for a further five laps.

But his dreams of a maiden KTM win ended in heartbreaking fashion when the Townsville boy slid off his #43 at Turn 10 and cartwheeled through the gravel.

All the drama opened the door for Bagnaia to regain the lead and salute

his championship with a seventh victory of the season.

He only held a 0.176s gap to Fabio Di Giannantonio across the line after the Gresini rider overcame Zarco at the death. But post race Di Giannantonio received a 3s penalty for exceeding tyre pressures which dropped him to fourth and promoted Zarco and Binder to the podium.

Behind them Raul Fernandez secured his first career top five finish as they were a long list of retirements.

Joining the fallen Miller, Martin and Marquez were Alex Rins, Enea Bastianini, Augusto Fernandez and Marco Bezzecchi with the VR46 rider furious at the #93 for their first-lap incident.

After a season dominated by Ducati with the Italian manufacturer winning 17 of the 20 Grands Prix, the others will need to lift their game before 2024 fires up in Qatar on March 8-10.

Thomas Miles 2023 MOTOGP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Francesco Bagnaia 467 2 Jorge Martin 428 3 Marco Bezzecchi 329 4 Brad Binder 293 5 Johann Zarco 225

Giannantonio (above) proved his talent by scoring a timely maiden MotoGP win in Qatar, preceding Valencia, where Francesco Bagnaia cemented his title chase.

After losing his ride at Gresini to Marc Marquez and appearing out of the running for the vacancy at Repsol Honda, Di Giannantonio was riding for his career and produced something special.

He overcame Bagnaia in a one-on-one fight for the win, but the factory Ducati rider did not mind.

With the reigning champion finishing a solid second and Jorge Martin struggling to 10th due to a “bad tyre that stole the championship”, the factory Ducati star carried a 21-point advantage into the Valencia finale.

This arrived despite Martin cutting the difference to just seven points on Sprint Saturday where the two title rivals banged shoulders not one but twice.

Luca Marini led from pole but all eyes were behind as the championship contenders made side-to-side contact at turn 1 with the Pramac Ducati rider emerging in front, only for a mistake three corners later to let the spot go.

A lap later they were rubbing shoulders again when Martin made a bold move on Bagnaia down the inside at Turn 10, which was the full stop on their battle.

Further back Enea Bastianini, Aleix Espargaro – who earlier was fined 10,000 Euros for hitting Franco Morbedelli in the head (!) – and Miguel Oliveria were all wiped out in a big multi-bike crash at Turn 6.

As Bagnaia battled to a distant fifth, Martin pressed on and took the lead from Marini on lap five and took an eighth and most important Sprint success of 2023 after resisting a late challenge from Di Giannantonio.

But the tables turned on Sunday from the moment the lights went out.

Martin got a shocking start, immediately losing significant ground as his #89 squirmed off the line, while Bagnaia charged into the lead having started alongside him on the second row.

The Pramac Ducati rider slumped to eighth before they got to Turn 1 as his arch rival led Marini, Di Giannantonio and the Marquez brothers.

Despite the help of his teammate Johann Zarco running wide on two occasions to make up a spot, Martin had no pace and eventually came a distant 10th.

Meanwhile, Bagnaia was controlling the Grand Prix although Di Giannantonio was hunting him down. Despite receiving ‘mapping 8’ from the pits, the Gresini rider made his move on lap 19, diving down the inside at Turn 12.

Bagnaia tried to fightback down the main straight, but fired off at Turn 1 and almost speared the back of Di Giannantonio.

The mistake allowed Di Giannantonio to pull 2s clear and enjoy an untroubled run to the chequered flag and secure a special maiden win ahead of Bagnaia’s important ride.

Joining them on the podium was Marini, who held off the likes of Maverick Vinales and Brad Binder.

Thomas Miles

MOTOGP • QATAR • VENCIA I WRC RALLY • JAPAN

Evans led a Toyota 1-2-3.

Below left: A packed Toyota Stadium. Below: Car park getting over-crowded ...

Bottom: Mikkelsen ‘s Skoda bursts out of a tunnel. Images: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

OH WHAT A SWEEP THE CURTAIN fell on the 2023 FIA World Rally Championship season with Toyota Gazoo Racing dominating their home rally for a first Rally Japan win, with vicechampion Elfyn Evans leading a podium sweep for the Driver and Manufacturer champions.

In an at-times chaotic event, with torrential rain punctuating Day 2, Evans inherited the lead in his #33 GR Yaris and never looked back, with the Welshman ending a career-best season with three wins alongside fellow British co-driver Scott Martin.

After wins in Croatia and Finland and four other podiums, Evans held off the Day 2 stricken Hyundai of Thierry Neuville to be vice-champion for a third time in four seasons, as he comfortably led home teammates Sebastien Ogier and back-to-back champion Kalle Rovanpera over 22 Stages and 304.12 km in the Aichi prefecture, southwest of Tokyo.

“It’s really nice to be on the top step of the podium again and even more so when it’s a 1-2-3 for the team,” Evans described.

“It’s an amazing result and we could not have asked for a much better event at home for Toyota … It’s been a long and difficult weekend.

“On Friday we had exceptionally tough conditions which we came out of with quite a margin. Since then it’s been a challenge in a different way, trying to manage the gap rather than push flatout.”

The 13th and final WRC rally of the season was the second-straight year back at Japan after a 12 year hiatus, with the impressive and full 40,000 seat Toyota Stadium hosting the opening stage for dual drift-like runs, as well as a Day 3 re-visit.

After a long season, the Rally1 field could only muster nine cars for the

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closer, with Ott Tanak in his last rally for Ford-Sport before switching back to Hyundai, and Esapekka Lappi in his last full-time drive (for now) for the i20N team as a result of the Estonians return, whilst Ford’s Pierre Louis-Loubet sat it out with his future unclear.

Last year’s winner, Neuville, got off to a good start after topping shakedown, taking out the Stadium show 0.7sec ahead of Lappi in completely unrepresentative conditions to what the 133.26 km on Friday would look like.

The 7-stage day included the popular yet often treacherous Isegami Tunnel stage, but it would prove the least difficult challenge as torrential rains struck the course.

With tyre selection normally a difficult procedure for the normally slippery roads, it would matter little, as competitors left the road often under braking with no grip.

The first such disaster saw Hyundai and Ford part-timers Dani Sordo and Adrien Fourmaux end up in the same ditch to end their weekends on Stage 2, whilst hometown hero Takamoto Katsuta wrecked his radiator on a tree on the same corner.

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Neuville would suffer a similar fate on Stage 6, just off the start-line, with a 10.5sec lead immediately turning into 44.4sec one for Evans, which turned into a 1:49.9 at day’s end when Ogier went into a barrier, with the overtime chassis repair incurring a one minute penalty for the closest challenger.

Remarkably, the day ended with WRC2 champion Andreas Mikkelson in fourth outright, leading two others second tier Rally2s with Lappi in seventh over Tanak, whose Puma Rally1 encountered some more unsurprising engine dramas.

Day 3 was less chaotic but no less difficult in slippery conditions with eight stages covering 84.68km.

The podium spots were more-or-less settled at the end of the day barring any disaster for the three Toyota Rally1’s, with Evans playing it safe to lead by 1:15.0 with two stage wins, whilst the most impressive performer was Katsuta who battled back for five stage wins to give challenge to Lappi who restored the Rally1 sanity after moving into fourth over Tanak as the fourth Toyota challenger.

The final day of the season saw six stages with the Ena City, Nenoue, and Asahi Kougen stages each tackled twice.

Whilst Neuville took four consolation stages including the Power Stage, the leaders took it easy, whilst Katsuta took two more stages to finish within 20s of Lappi and leapfrog Tanak into fifth.

Mikkelson took out the WRC2 victory to put a victorious full-stop on his year, finish seventh outright over Nikolay Gryazin and Kajetan Kajetanowicz whilst, in a remarkable effort, local Rally4 driver Hiroki Arai managed an unlikely outright 10th in a Peugeot 208.

That’s a wrap for the 2023 season, as ‘King Kalle’ cemented his status as a potential WRC great with backto-back titles, and Toyota asserted its unconquered dominance in the Rally1 era (albeit against only two other manufacturers), with the WRC set to return for its traditional opener at the Rallye Monte-Carlo on January 25-28 in 2024.

TW Neal FINAL WRC STANDINGS Rovanpera/Halttunen Evans/Martin Neuville/Wydaeghe Tanak/Jarveoja Ogier/Landais

250 216 189 174 133

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INTERNATIONAL

CHAMPION’S LUCK Report: LUIS VASCONCELOS Images: MOTORSPORT IMAGES

MAX VERSTAPPEN won a race in which Charles Leclerc and Ferrari were the fastest combination, a Safety Car on lap 26 seriously hurting the Monegasque’s chances of finally winning a Grand Prix this year and helping both the Dutchman and team-mate Sérgio Pérez to achieve a result that, until that moment, looked quite unlikely.

The self-proclaimed ‘Best Show in the World’ had a rocky start after a manhole cover came loose just eight minutes into the start of FP1, causing severe damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari – and also to Esteban ocon’s Alpine, with minor damage to the Alfa Romeo of Zhou Guanuy.

As a consequence, and with the need to make sure none of the 40-plus manhole covers spread across the track would come off too, the promoter needed more than seven hours to fix the problem, FP2 became a 90 minute session starting at 2.30am (yes, you read that right!) – an hour after the fans were forced out by police as the security crew had left the premises to comply with union rules and it was deemed unsafe to leave the spectators to their own devices…

Things got better on Friday with Ferrari dominating qualifying and Charles Leclerc taking yet another pole position. Sainz, second quickest by just 0.044s but having been given a very controversial grid penalty after needing a third Energy Store to keep driving, after the original one was broken by the circuit’s failure, was having to start the race from P12.

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Who’d have thought – a main straight down the Vegas strip ... Above: The Safety Car helped Verstappen to yet another win.

Verstappen was beaten by the two red cars but more than made up for it with a better start than Leclerc, drawing almost alongside the Monegasque on the short run down to the first corner. However, the now three-times World Champion made life more difficult for himself right after the start as, in a bid to jump into the lead, he out-braked himself into Turn 1, went wide and forced Leclerc off the track as well. The five-second penalty that inevitably came wouldn’t normally be a hindrance, such is the Dutchman’s normal supremacy in the races, but in Las Vegas, like in Singapore, the RB19 was not in its element.

A car designed to be quick in medium and high-speed corners, the Red Bull is not at its best in the combination of long straights and slow corners that are Las Vegas’

trademark and to try and be less vulnerable in the race, the team trimmed the rear wing angle for qualifying and, in terms of lap time, that worked fine. Trouble was, Red Bull went into the race without long run data on that configuration and nearly paid the price for it.

With a SC period delaying the real start of the race, after Norris had a massive off, Verstappen was never more than 2.1s ahead of Leclerc and, by lap 15, his tyres were shot, Leclerc regaining the lead the lap after. The Dutchman pitted immediately and resumed in traffic. Ferrari didn’t react – Leclerc did another five laps and when he finally pitted, Verstappen was only 3.9s behind and with Sainz and Russell between them.

Four laps later, with Leclerc’s tyres finally

up to temperature, the gap remained exactly the same and now there was only Stroll between the two. On fresher tyres, the Ferrari driver seemed on his way to his first 2023 win – Pérez was the leader but on very used tyres and would have to pit a few laps later, but a clash between Russell and Verstappen left so much debris on Turn 12 that the SC was called out. The two Red Bulls pitted for new rubber, while Leclerc, who had stopped just four laps earlier, stayed out.

Now the boot was on the other foot. Pérez and Verstappen had fresher tyres and, in spite of putting up a very spirited defence, Leclerc was eventually passed by both, the Dutchman finally opening a small gap in the last seven laps.

Verstappen did win but Pérez was surprised by a last lap dive from his rival and dropped to third, at least securing second place in the championship.

Leclerc lamented the SC period, saying that, “I really believe that without the Safety Car, the win was ours, because we had a really good first stint on the Medium and we had five laps newer Hard than Max. I had a good four, five laps in order to bring them into temperature and we had done a really good job on that. So, I was really confident that the win was ours. Then there was unfortunately the Safety Car ...”

For his side, Verstappen admitted that, “it was a bit hectic in the beginning, with the five-second penalty and then when we stopped because of the degradation – we’re not very good on the Medium somehow – I got a bit into traffic, and I had to be patient, going through the traffic ahead of me.”

Formula 1 Round 22 LAS VEGAS Grand Prix - Race report

Verstappen tows past Leclerc for the lead. Below: The Dome was a fascinating focal point on a glitzy scene ...

FANS DON’T GET WHAT THEY PAID FOR

Top: Lance Stroll had his best race of the year. Centre: The Safety Car compromised a great performance from Oscar. Above: Bottas couldn’t miss the spun Alonso at Turn 1.

Pérez, who had been delayed by the first corner incident (he broke the front wing of his car against Bottas’ Alfa Romeo’s rear end), was the main beneficiary of the mid-race Safety Car. He was about to pit for a second set of Hards and drop to sixth or seventh place, some 10 seconds behind Leclerc when he was given a free pit stop. To his credit, he made the most out of it and kept a good pace until the end, managed to get past the Ferrari when he made a small mistake into Turn 12, but shouldn’t have been caught napping in the last braking zone of the race – that’s where Leclerc regained P2 with a magnificent late dive into the inside of the RB19.

OCON BEATS THE BIG GUNS

VERSTAPPEN WAS not the only one to misjudge the grip into Turn 1, as both Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz spun as soon as they hit the brakes. The Aston Martin driver then got hit by Bottas – the Alfa Romeo then being whacked from behind by Pérez – and while the Latins survived after pitting for new tyres, the Finn’s day was ruined as the diffuser was broken and that cost him a lot of downforce.

Sainz hit Hamilton too and, with the track blocked, there was mayhem – some drivers, like Piastri and Stroll, making up to nine places. Things were further mixed up when Lando Norris lost control of his McLaren MCL60 over a bump in Turn 12, midway through lap three and crashed heavily, bringing the Safety Car out, with quite a few drivers heading into the pits to put Hard tyres on.

Those were the lucky ones who benefited from a timely Safety Car period on lap 26 – required to remove debris from a clash between Verstappen and Russell – but even those who’d

pitted before the one third mark, like the Dutchman, also got a free pit stop – so, in a way, it was his incident with Russell that helped Verstappen to another win.

Behind the top three, Ocon had superb tyre management to overcome all his rivals and secure his best result of the season, in fourth place, with Lance Stroll finally showing the kind of pace seen in the first quarter of the season to secure P5.

Sainz recovered well from his unfortunate grid penalty and the first corner mistake to finish in sixth place, ahead of the two Mercedes of Hamilton and Russell, the veteran recovering well in the second part of the race by overtaking 10 cars (!) while the youngster lost five places with a 5s penalty, having openly accepted blame for the clash with Verstappen.

Alonso and the luckless Piastri completed the top 10, the Australian collecting an extra point for setting the fastest lap of the race.

The McLaren youngster’s chances of finishing in the top five were seriously hurt by the second Safety Car period. A clash with Lewis Hamilton on lap 16 meant Piastri had to pit with a puncture, so his plan to run a one-stop strategy – starting on Hard tyres to change to the Mediums around lap 30 – had been thrown out the window.

QUALIFYING RACE 22 Pos Driver

To make matters worse, many of the drivers he was fighting with took the “free pit stop” handed by the second Safety Car period, forcing Piastri to push harder to open as big a gap as possible, before, inevitably, pitting for Mediums with just seven laps to go. Dropping from 5th to 11th place the young Australian was on a mission from then on, passing Gasly for P10 but running out of laps to catch and pass Alonso.

All in all, Las Vegas provided a good racing show, after a very shaky start to the weekend, so the purist got what they wanted, and the fans of glitz and glamour had their fair share of fun too.

RESULTS RACE 22 50 LAPS LAS VEGAS Time

CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER RACE 22

Pos Drivers

Make

Laps

Margin

Pos Driver

1

Charles Leclerc

1:32.726

1

Max Verstappen

Red Bull

50

1:29.08.289 s1

1

Max Verstappen 549

Points

2

Max Verstappen

+0.378

2

Charles Leclerc

Ferrari

50

+2.070 t1

2

Sergio Perez

273

-

3

George Russell

+0.386

3

Sergio Perez

Red Bull

50

+2.241 s8

3

Lewis Hamilton

232

-

4

Esteban Ocon

200 s2

-

Pierre Gasly

+0.513

4

Alpine

50

+18.665 s12

4

Carlos Sainz

5 Alex Albon

+0.597

5 Lance Stroll

Aston Martin

50

+20.067 s14

5

Fernando Alonso 200 t1

6 Logan Sargeant

+0.787

6 Carlos Sainz

Ferrari

50

+20.834 s6

6

Lando Norris

195 t1

7

+0.799

7

Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes

50

+21.755 s3

7

Charles Leclerc

188

-

8 Kevin Magnussen +0.811

8 George Russell

Mercedes

50

+23.091 t5

8

George Russell

160

-

9

Valtteri Bottas Fernando Alonso

+0.829

9

Aston Martin

50

+25.964 -

9

Oscar Piastri

89

-

10 Lewis Hamilton

+1.111

10 Oscar Piastri

Fernando Alonso

McLaren

50

+29.496 s8

10 Lance Stroll

73

-

11 Sergio Perez

+1.129

11 Pierre Gasly

Alpine

50

+34.270 t7

11

Pierre Gasly

62

-

12 Carlos Sainz

+0.044

12 Alex Albon

Williams

50

+43.398 t7

12 Esteban Ocon

58

-

13 Nico Hulkenberg

+1.253

13 Kevin Magnussen Haas

50

+44.825 t5

13 Alex Albon

27

-

14 Daniel Ricciardo

+1.582

14 Daniel Ricciardo

AlphaTauri

50

+48.525 -

14 Yuki Tsunoda

13

-

15 Lando Norris

+1.977

15 Zhou Guanyu

Alfa Romeo

50

+50.162 s2

15 Valtteri Bottas

10

-

16 Esteban Ocon

+2.108

16 Logan Sergeant

Williams

50

+50.882 t10

16 Nico Hulkenberg

9

-

17 Zhou Guanyu

+2.123

17 Valtteri Bottas

Alfa Romeo

50

+1:25.350 t10

17 Daniel Ricciardo

6

-

18 Oscar Piastri

+2.124

NC Yuki Tsunoda

AlphaTauri

46

+4 Laps s2

18 Zhou Guanyu

6

-

19 Lance Stroll

+1.473

NC Nico Hulkenberg

Haas

45

+5 Laps

19 Kevin Magnussen

3

-

20 Yuki Tsunoda

+3.721

NC Lando Norris

McLaren

2

+48 Laps t5

20 Liam Lawson

2

-

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FORMULA 1’s US$500m investment in the first Las Vegas Grand Prix looked about to go down the drain – literally – when FP1 had to be, essentially, cancelled after just nine minutes of running, after a loose manhole cover caused tremendous damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari SF-23 but also broke Esteban Ocon’s Alpine A523 monocoque and the floor on Zhou Guanyu Alfa Romeo’s.

With the next session scheduled for midnight, fans flocked to the Fan Zone and waited for news – as did everyone else in the paddock – but it wasn’t forthcoming. Eventually a vague “start of FP2 will be delayed” was displayed, with no estimated time for the session or even for the next update.

And when the update came, close to 2am, it was a shock for the paying fans – they were all told to go home, as all security staff had gone home to comply with union’s schedules. Some fans that had made their way back to the stands had to be removed by the local police, giving a terrible image to the sport.

What was more surprising was that for nearly 24 hours Formula 1 was “missing in action”, as Stefano Domenicali was nowhere to be seen. A first, short statement on social media was quickly pulled out, so it was just before the start of FP3 that a full statement was issued in which the reasons for the delay and the eviction of the fans were explained – but the words ‘sorry’ or ‘apology’ were blatantly missing.

That’s why it was no surprise that a class-action lawsuit was announced the next day as the offer of. US$200, to be spent in the Las Vegas Formula 1 store, did nothing to placate the anger of those affected by the situation.

Luckily for Formula 1, the track action from FP3 until the end of the race was good enough to give the weekend a positive feeling, the battle for the lead between the two Red Bull drivers and Charles Leclerc providing the excitement most Grands Prix this season have lacked.

So Formula 1 lucked out, thanks to a timely Safety Car on lap 26 – otherwise Leclerc would have won from Verstappen and Pérez would have found it hard to get onto the podium – and on Sunday the race was the talk of the town, even though, of course, the lawsuit will linger on for quite a while and may put a dent on Formula 1’s party and, in a comparatively small way, bank account.

www.autoaction.com.au I 55

INTERNATIONAL

A PERFECT SUMMARY OF THE SEASON

When you don’t need car next week, you can d championship-winner burn-o Below: Verstappen just sha Leclerc into Turn 1, and that usual, was t Report: LUIS VASCONCELOS Images: MOTORSPORT IMAGES THE FINAL race of the season was the perfect summary of the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship. Max Verstappen had to fight hard to get pole position, didn’t pull away from his nearest rival for most of the first stint, but then, with better tyre degradation, managed to steadily extend his lead, to win comfortably by almost 18 seconds. That was very much the case in his record-breaking 19 wins, so it’s no wonder he beat all the previous records on his way to become a three-times world champion, putting him just behind Hamilton, Schumacher, Fangio, Vettel and Prost in the list of drivers with the most Formula 1 titles.

In Abu Dhabi, the Dutchman had to fight off Leclerc twice in the first lap, knowing the Monegasque needed to finish the race to have any chance of helping Ferrari to second place in the championship, but with his rival opting for prudence and focusing on keeping his tyres alive, Verstappen kept the gap below two seconds, preferring not to push either, “because we hadn’t done any long runs all weekend, so we didn’t know how the tyres were going to hold on. But once we put the Hard tyres on and I could see there

56 I www.autoaction.com.au

was little degradation, I could push a bit harder and pull away from Charles”, he told us at the end of the race.

Looking back at the season, Max admitted that, “I think, in general, the car has been better than last year. We’re very solid in terms of no retirements, no real issues on the car, which is also a big key to that. From my side, every single year I try to do better – it’s more about just general experience in Formula 1 and trying to put the weekend together a bit more. Some weekends that works better than others.

And then just trying not to make too many

mistakes, trying not to get too much damage on the car with the cost cap and stuff ... these kind of things, which I think worked quite well.”

Speaking about his feelings at the end of such a successful season, Verstappen admitted it was an “incredible season.

It was a bit emotional on the in-lap. You know, it was the last time I was sitting in the car, which has given me a lot. I’m very proud to win here at the last race, but I have to say a big thank you to everyone at Red Bull. It’s just been an incredible year. It will be hard to do something similar again,

but we definitely enjoyed this year.”

Less emotional than his driver, Team Principal Christian Horner was also extremely pleased with this final win and the whole amazing season he presided over: “I think Max and the team this year, the standard that we’ve been able to hit, to win 21 out of 22 races, to have led with Max over 1000 laps out of 1300 or so, to have broken so many records ... I think he’s hit yet another level but I think that the way that the team has operated across 22 different circuits – certainly, 21 of them – operationally, reliability-wise, performance-wise, everybody has done their part.”

He then played tribute to his entire team, saying that, “all the men and women behind the scenes back at Milton Keynes, all the operational staff, everybody has done their bit and contributed to what we have seen in what will surely go down as one of the – or certainly, currently, the most dominant season of Formula 1.”

Indeed, it was one for the history books.

LECLERC’S HEROICS WERE NOT ENOUGH

Charles Leclerc was, again, the only real opposition Verstappen faced in Abu Dhabi, the Monegasque being in a mission to try and help Ferrari overtake Mercedes in the

Formula 1 Round 23 ABU DHABI Grand Prix - Race report

Tyre deg on the McLarens kept both out of podium contention – despite Oscar attempting to look after the tyres early on.

George Russell put in an excellent podium drive. Right: The Quali press conference – so serious!

Below (top to bottom): Le clerc was best of the rest – again; A brand new Monza-style podium; On the grid – Kevin Magnussen and the air force flyover.

11 and got by Norris in the pit stops, who became Leclerc’s focus, as on the Hard tyre Verstappen quickly pulled away from his chasers.

With Sainz’s strategy doomed by the fact he needed to pit after 20 laps in spite of running Hard compound tyres – meaning he’d need another stop before the end of the race to use a second different compound – and hanging all his hopes on a Safety Car call, Ferrari’s hopes to overhaul Mercedes laid entirely in Leclerc’s hands and he certainly did all he could to do a job for two.

PÉREZ’S PENALTY SETTLED THE MATTER

d the do a out! aded t, as that. battle for second in the championship.

The man from Monaco put together a stunning final lap in Q3 to get really close to Verstappen’s pole time, after enduring a tough time in Q1 and Q2 and also had a better start than the Dutchman, getting nearly side-by-side on the short run down to Turn 1. Unlike Verstappen in Las Vegas, the Ferrari driver didn’t miss his braking point on the dirty side of the track, didn’t push the Red Bull off, and settled, momentarily, for second.

He then saved more battery to deploy it all on the run down to the chicane, again got the inside line but, again, was cautious to avoid contact, settling for second after that, “because I knew that Max had better race pace and I didn’t want to destroy my tyres, as the priority was to do as long a first stint as possible.”

Verstappen, however, was not running away, the gap between the two only reaching two seconds by lap 15. Norris, who’d got past Russell and Piastri inside the first four laps, was also close by, just 2.9s behind the Ferrari driver and went for the undercut on lap 15 – but a problem with the left rear wheel cost him three seconds, so Leclerc didn’t need to respond immediately, extending his first stint until lap 17. From then on it was Russell, who had passed Piastri on lap

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With Pérez recovering from a poor qualifying and first lap, Ferrari needed the Mexican to overtake Russell before the end of the race to gain six points on Mercedes and hope Hamilton wouldn’t move much up the order to secure P2 in the standings.

But the Red Bull driver incurred a deserved 5s penalty after missing the apex into the chicane and clashing with Norris before passing the McLaren driver so, as Frederic Vasseur explained, “Charles let Checo through and then wanted to slow George in the final corners to help him finish more than 5s ahead of the Mercedes, but that would be too risky, as he could lose P2 as well, so we didn’t want that to happen and settled for second in QUALIFYING RACE 23

the race but not in the championship.”

Russell, therefore, finished on the podium and helped Mercedes secure the runner-up spot in the championship, the British driver admitting that, “it was a great weekend, especially considering how ill I was in Las Vegas and how much coughing I did inside the car the whole race. With the tight seat belts, coughing in a Formula 1 car can be painful, so I’m glad I finished the race with no mistakes, on the podium, and helping my team to P2 in the championship.”

Hamilton, on the other hand, had a weekend to forget. Unable to get to grips with the car’s handling around this track, he qualified in only 11th place, but made some progress in the early laps. Surprised

by Gasly locking up ahead of him, going into the chicane on lap 14, he tapped the Alpine in the back and from then on nursed a damaged front wing end plate.

While the direct aerodynamic deficit was not too bad, correct airflow was not missing into the right front brake duct, so there was brake overheating to manage and that stopped the seven-times World Champion from finishing higher than ninth.

With the two McLarens in P5 and P6 – read sidebar – Fernando Alonso managed to pass the sensational Yuki Tsunoda for P7 with just two laps to go, but even with Stroll finishing 10th, that was not enough for Aston Martin to lose out the battle for fourth in the championship to the Wokingbased team. Tsunoda was the only driver who managed to make the one-stop strategy work, but his effort and great result weren’t enough to move AlphaTauri ahead of Williams in the championship – so Franz Tost’s last result as the Faenza-based squad’s Team Principal, was a discrete P8. Tsunoda, though, was voted Driver of the Day, a just reward for the progress the youngster made during the season.

RESULTS RACE 23 58 LAPS YAS MARINA

CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER RACE 23

Pos Driver

Time

Pos Drivers

Make

Laps

Margin

Pos Driver

1

Max Verstappen

1:23.445

1

Max Verstappen

Red Bull

58

1:27.02.624 -

2

Charles Leclerc

+0.139

2

Charles Leclerc

Ferrari

58

+17.993 -

3

Oscar Piastri

+0.337

3

George Russell

Mercedes

58

+20.328 s1

4

George Russell

+0.343

4

Sergio Perez

Red Bull

58

+21.453 s5

5

Lando Norris

+0.371

5 Lando Norris

McLaren

58

+24.284 -

6

Yuki Tsunoda

+0.523

6 Oscar Piastri

McLaren

58

+31.487 t3

7

Fernando Alonso

+0.639

7

Aston Martin

58

+39.512 -

8

Nico Hulkenberg

+0.663

8 Yuki Tsunoda

AlphaTauri

58

+43.088 t2

9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Fernando Alonso

Sergio Perez

+0.726

9

Mercedes

58

+44.424 s2

10 Pierre Gasly

+1.103

10 Lance Stroll

Aston Martin

58

+55.632 s3

11

Lewis Hamilton

+0.914

11 Daniel Ricciardo

AlphaTauri

58

+56.229 s4

12 Esteban Ocon

+0.946

12 Esteban Ocon

Alpine

58

+1:06.373 -

13 Lance Stroll

+0.977

13 Pierre Gasly

Alpine

58

+1:10.360 t3

14 Alex Albon

+0.994

14 Alex Albon

Williams

58

+1:13.184 -

15 Daniel Ricciardo

+0.997

15 Nico Hulkenberg

Haas

58

+1:23.696 t7

16 Carlos Sainz

+1.293

16 Logan Sargeant

Williams

58

+1:27.791 s4

17 Kevin Magnussen

+1.319

17 Zhou Guanyu

Alfa Romeo

58

+1:29.422 s2

18 Valtteri Bottas

+1.343

NC Carlos Sainz

Ferrari

57

+1 Lap t2

19 Zhou Guanyu

+1.714

19 Valtteri Bottas

Alfa Romeo

57

+1 Lap t1

20 Logan Sargeant

-

57

+1 Lap t3

autoactionmag

Lewis Hamilton

20 Kevin Magnussen Haas

autoactionmag

Points

Max Verstappen 575 Sergio Perez 285 Lewis Hamilton 234 Fernando Alonso 206 s1 Charles Leclerc 206 s2 Lando Norris 205 Carlos Sainz 200 t3 George Russell 175 Oscar Piastri 97 Lance Stroll 74 Pierre Gasly 62 Esteban Ocon 58 Alex Albon 27 Yuki Tsunoda 17 Valtteri Bottas 10 Nico Hulkenberg 9 Daniel Ricciardo 6 Zhou Guanyu 6 Kevin Magnussen 3 Liam Lawson 2 1 Logan Sargeant

TYRE DEGRADATION HURT MCLAREN MCLAREN ACHIEVED its primary goal by securing fourth place in the championship with a comfortable margin over Aston Martin, but the race pace and excessive tyre degradation cost Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri any chance to stand on the podium at the end of the race.

The first stint was quite a contrast between the two, Norris going for it to overtake Russell and his own team mate in the first four laps, admitting that, “I was just going for it – tried to pressure Charles as well, but that, of course, ended up hurting my tyres.”

Piastri, on the other hand, dropped a couple of positions, as Russell also went by him on lap 12, admitting that, “I did the tyre management at the wrong time and gave George a chance to get DRS and, eventually, he passed me.”

On the Hard tyre the two drivers didn’t really have the pace to move up the order, with Norris explaining that “we were struggling in the very slow speed corners, Turn 5, Turn 6/7, and then just the 12/13/14 section. I know I’m saying almost every corner but we know we’re not strong enough in the very slow speed corners. I had to push very hard to keep up with the Mercedes and the Ferrari, and then when I did that, I destroyed the tyres very quickly. I did what I could and tried as hard as I could, just not quite enough today but we finished ahead of Aston, which was our main target.”

Piastri, for his side, admitted that, “we were expecting a bit more today but the fact is we didn’t have the pace to fight Ferrari and Mercedes.

We achieved the main target – we beat Aston Martin and we ended the season way better than what we started it, so that’s very positive.”

Already looking ahead to 2024, the young Australian told us that, “we know what to aim for next year, both as a team and as a driver. The progress we made with the car was very impressive – many times we were the second quickest car after the summer break, so we have a good baseline for 2024. As for me, it’s on race pace and managing everything on Sunday that I have to work the most, so that’s going to be focus during the winter, so we can start 2024 already at full potential and capitalize on the speed we already have in one-lap pace.”

www.autoaction.com.au I 57

TEST YOUR MOTORSPORT KNOWLEDGE ACROSS

DOWN

5 Who won his sole WRC title for Subaru in 2003? (surname)

1 What is the nationality of Robert Kubica?

6 How many corners does the Las Vegas Street Circuit track contain?

7 Barry Sheene won two 500cc World Motorcycle Championship titles for which manufacturer?

10 Which Brazilian won the Indy 500 in 2003? (surname)

2 Which British manufacturer won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Speed 8?

3 Who won his maiden MotoGP race in Qatar? (surname) 4 I raced in Formula 1 for Ferrari, McLaren and Benetton; I won 10 Grands Prix, but never a title; I represented Austria – who am I? (surname)

12 How many times did Michael Andretti finish on a Formula 1 podium?

8 Who finished second in the Las Vegas Grand Prix after a sensational final lap pass? (surname)

13 Which driver won the Australian Rally Championship this year? (full name)

9 Who won his maiden V8 Supercars Championship in 2003? (surname)

15 Who did Greg Murphy win the 2003 Bathurst with? (full name)

11 Which team won the 2023 MotoGP Teams title in Qatar?

16 For how many years were Shane van Gisbergen and Jamie Whincup teammates?

13 Who scored Erebus Motorsport’s debut Supercars Championship race win? (surname)

17 What brand won the Bathurst 12 Hour earlier in the year?

19 For what MotoGP brand will Johann Zarco ride for in 2024?

20 Who famously said, “I am not designed to come second or third. I am designed to win.” (surname) 21 The first turn of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit is called La what?

22 Where did Oscar Piastri finish in Las Vegas?

23 At what track did Shane van Gisbergen take his maiden V8 Supercars race win?

14 For what team did Jack Smith make his Supercars Championship debut? (abbreviation) 16 Which drivers’ car was badly damaged in the opening practice session of the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend and was controversially forced to take a 10-place grid penalty as a result? (surname) 17 A Columbian won the Monaco Grand Prix for McLaren in 2003 – who is he? (surname) 18 What is the name of the McLaren Formula 1 Team Principal? (surname)

25 In what country was Allan Moffat born?

22 Michael Schumacher beat Kimi Raikkonen to the F1 World Championship in 2003 by how many points?

26 Coral Taylor won the 2023 ARC title as a co-driver – how many has she now won?

24 Who finished third in both the Qatar Sprint and Qatar GP? (surname)

1874 CROSSWORD ANSWERS - 1 down – Whincup, 2 down – Heidfeld, 3 down – Robbie Williams, 4 down – Feeney, 5 down – Brown, 6 down – three, 7 across – Northern Irish, 8 down – two, 9 across – Finnish, 10 across – seventieth, 11 down – Ticktum, 12 down – four, 13 across – Vailo, 14 across – Hartley, 15 down – Alfa Romeo, 16 down – Schuppan, 17 down – Lowndes, 18 across – David Brabham, 19 down – Bartlett, 20 down – Leclerc, 21 across – Reynolds, 22 down – two, 23 across – twelve, 24 across – WAU, 25 down – Alonso, 26 across – six, 27 down – four, 28 across – Porsche, 29 across – fourth, 30 across – Toyota

We take a look back at what was making news in Auto Action 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago

1973 PETER BROCK pushed Holden to glory in the 1973 Australian Manufacturers Championship; Holden dominated the Phillip Island 500 as Brock beat Colin Bond by a lap as Torana XU-1s filled out the entire top five. Allan Moffat’s race was ruined by a puncture, as his Ford flew off at 125mph and suffered a scary crash. His right front tyre burst after hitting a pothole at what is now known as Stoner Corner and his Falcon hit a bank and went airborne. It landed on its nose before cartwheeling multiple times. Moffat started running from his car in case it caught fire but only got as far as 30 yards before collapsing. The Australian Drivers Championship was also decided at Phillip Island and John McCormack edged out Johnnie Walker.

1983 PETER BROCK dominated the final round of the Australian Endurance Championship at Adelaide International Raceway. The #05 HDT Commodore led all 125 laps of the race and won by a full two laps ahead of the Cullen/ Harrop machine. It was the first time in the championship Brock finished and won a race in the car he started in.

However, consistency pushed Peter McLeod to the Australian Endurance Championship crown.

In “one of the hardest ever Alpine Ralies” Ian Hill and Hugh Bell traded places for the lead in the final three stages. Eventually Hill would prevail by just 9s.

58 I www.autoaction.com.au

1993 THE SERVICES of the legendary Peter Brock were highly sought after as both Advantage Racing and Holden Racing Team were in a tug-of-war to have the nine-time Bathurst winner as their man.

A softening from Holden following the infamous Polariser period opened a door back to HRT which he would eventually follow, while his current home, Advantage Racing, believed it was in a “water-tight” contract with Mobil.

Jim Richards made a spectacular comeback to stock car racing by winning in the NASCAR races. Brad Jones to won the AUSCAR round at Eastern Creek.

2003 ANTICIPATION WAS in the air at Eastern Creek as V8 Supercars headed to the ‘Main Event’ to decide the thrilling 2003 title fight. Just five points separated Marcos Ambrose and Greg Murphy, who were both gunning for a maiden crown, while Mark Skaife was also in contention 130 back. But in an ominous sign of things to come, Ambrose described Estern Creek as the “one track I had to pick for the decider”. Over at Mount Panorama, Peter Brock scored a 10th enduro win by taking out the Bathurst 24 Hour. He teamed up with fellow Holden stars Greg Murphy, Todd Kelly and Jason Bright to steer the red #05 Monaro to victory. But only just, as 3s separated the two factory Monaros after 527 laps of racing around Bathurst with Nathan Pretty, Garth Tander, Cam McConville and Steven Richards a close second.

2013 THE FIRST championship of the COTF era was going down to the wire with both Triple Eight and FPR stars all in the mix.

Eventual champion Jamie Whincup entered the Sydney street fight with a 20-point lead over Craig Lowndes, who claimed “I will not die wondering.”

Despite Winterbottom being the closest FPR driver 124 points back, Lowndes said it was not a two-horse race.

Although it was such an open season, Whincup believed he was the one who deserved to lift the trophy.

“Without sounding arrogant, yes I do deserve to win,” he said.

“I feel like we have worked harder than ever to be where we are and have performed very well.”

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