Motorsport Australia Speed Read - April 2021 by Motorsport Australia

SPEED READ A P R I L

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA’S MONSTER MARCH Motorsport is thriving in Australia, with a record number of competition licences processed in March.

RICCIARDO'S RACERS BACK IN 2021

APRIL UPCOMING STATE EVENTS

Motorsport Australia’s junior development initiative, Riccardo’s Racers, has returned with 14 events across the country in 2021.

Check out the upcoming club and state events happening all around the country in April.

M O T O R S P O R T . O R G . A U

HOWELLS SECURES MAIDEN AORC WIN IN STYLE Josh Howells and Eric Hume have pulled off an emphatic victory in the Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399.

TO GET SH D AN A A Q NO Y NS TO UO .C OM EN TE .A T U/ E RA R M

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1 5 ENTRY

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To enter go to shannons.com.au/ram or call 13 46 46 and obtain an eligible quote on your Car, Bike or Home Insurance^ by 29 June 2021**.

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INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the issuer of Shannons Car, Bike and Home/Contents insurance products. Read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and consider whether it is right for you before buying these insurance products. Call us on 13 46 46 for a copy. Competition conducted by Shannons Pty Limited, of Level 28, Brisbane Square, 266 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000. Competition commences at 12am on 9/3/21 and closes at 11.59pm on 29/6/21 (Melbourne time) (Entry Period). Prize drawn 12pm 8/7/21 at Engage Interactive, 24 Washpool Crescent, Woongarrah, NSW 2259. Winner published in The Australian 14/7/21. Entry is only open to eligible Australian residents aged 18 years or older. Eligible Entrants must be opted in to receive Shannons marketing communications. Permits: ACT TP 21/00190, NSW TP/00259, SA T21/107. Images for illustrative purposes only. Full T&Cs and entry options at shannons.com.au/ ram. 1Actual period may be less than 365 days depending on the winner’s location and delivery/pick up date, however, won’t be less than 11 months residual benefit. The issue of Shannons Insurance is subject to Shannons’ normal acceptance criteria. The inclusion of this component of the prize does not constitute financial product advice or a recommendation to acquire any Shannons Insurance product. The issue of Shannons Roadside Assist is subject to the winner being issued the comprehensive car and motorcycle insurance portion of the prize and the Issuer’s normal acceptance criteria. 2 If the winner is a member of the Shannons Club with a profile image and enthusiast vehicle image at the time of the draw, they will receive $5,000 AUD cash. ^Apply for and receive a new Shannons Motor Insurance (excludes CTP insurance) (“Motor Policy”) or a new Shannons Home & Contents Insurance Policy (includes building only, contents only or building and contents cover) (“Home Policy”) quote during the Entry Period. Limit 1 quote per vehicle or insured address. For the avoidance of doubt, an Eligible Insurance Quote for a combined building and contents policy constitutes one risk for the purposes of this Competition. Quotes and issue of policy are subject to Shannons’ normal underwriting acceptance criteria. **Applications made online for quotes must be submitted by 24/6/21, however, telephone applications will continue to be available until 11.59pm 29/6/21. *Purchase a new Motor Policy (excludes existing Motor Policy renewals) during the Entry Period. +Purchase a new Home Policy OR hold an existing fully paid Home Policy (current during the Entry Period). Customers that do not wish to participate in the competition can email enquiries@shannons.com.au. To be entered into the draw customers must not have opted out of Shannons marketing communications during the Entry Period. The Promoter reserves the right to modify or suspend the Competition Website from time to time, at the Promoter’s discretion, without notice to the Eligible Entrant. The Promoter assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption or delay an Eligible Entrant may experience from the Promoter modifying or suspending the Competition Website.

CONTENTS 4

What's on in April?

Motorsport Australia’s monster March

Shannons Championships’ Island take over

Shannons and Motorsport Australia extend partnership

Iconic mountain welcomes home popular regular

Seven your home of rally and off road

Finke fills up fast again

Howells secures maiden AORC win in style

Girls on Track locks in 2021 Aussie calendar

Improved Ricciardo's Racers back in 2021

Motorsport Australia App available for download

Peugeot Australia partners with ARC

Big field awaits Canberra's ARC opener

Finding the next rally star in Canberra

SA Championship off to a flyer in Mallala

Racing Together signs experienced trio for 2021 campaign

GME impressive during annual festival motorkhana

Crocker begins 2021 SXS Season with victory

Raising funds for bushfire victims

Welcome return for WA Speed Series winners

Stratford and Manning take out thrilling Mitta Mountain rally

Super Shane delivers one for the ages

Vale Roy Crompton

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SPEED READ

COVER PHOTO

Sideways Datsun at the first round of the Motorsport Australia Till Hino Victorian Rally Championship. Photo: Bruce Keys

275 Canterbury Road, Canterbury VIC 3126 PO Box 172, Canterbury LPO Vic 3126 Member Hotline 1800 883 959 (9am - 5pm AEST) Telephone 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Website motorsport.org.au E-mail info@motorsport.org.au

WHAT'S ON IN

APRIL? NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

2-4 April: 2021 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour 3 April: Toynats Show and Shine 3 April: 2021 G K Denney Tyres Lap Dash R1 3 April: Toynats Motorkhana 4 April: 2021 Fineform Rallysprint 5 April: Rallycross R1 9-11 April: 2021 Netier National Capital Rally 10-11 April: CMHAC Mt Gladstone Hillclimb 10-11 April: Mantic Clutch NSW Hillclimb Championship R3 Huntley Hillclimb 10-11 April: State Motorkhana #3 10-11 April: 2021 Motorsport Australia NSW Motor Race Championship R2 11 April: SDMA Club Hillclimb 11 April: April Khanacross 11 April: MGCCN MK2 Dirt Motorkhana 17 April: PCNSW Tony McKnight Motorkhana Championship 2021 R1 17 April: 2021 04 Rockwell Khanacross 17 April: NSW 5th Anniversary 6 Hour Regularity Relay 2021 17 April: Wombats Diggings NSW Khanacross 18 April: Mark Hardes Memorial Rallysprint 18 April: 2021 Zestino Tires Supersprint Championship 18 April: Club Lap Dash plus Come and Try 18 April: Mountain View Motorkhana 21 April: 2021 R2 - Porsche Club NSW Inc Supersprint Championship 24 April: Ringwood Hillclimb Tar Series R2

Photo: Sportz Fotos NSW: 2021 Netier National Capital Rally The first round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) was supposed to take place in March, but torrential rain in the ACT and NSW caused it to be postponed by two weeks. For the first time since late 2019, the best rally crews in Australia will be fighting out for top honours in the official ARC season and there is no shortage of excitement surrounding the 2021 Netier National Capital Rally.

QUEENSLAND

2-5 April: Rare Spares Rockynats 10 April: Pato's 7 Hour Enduro 10-11 April: FNQ R3 Bitumen Khanacross 10-11 April: 2 Day Khanacross 11 April: MAC Dirt Sprint R1 17 April: R1 TCAC Motorkhana Series 17-18 April: FNQ R2 Gravel Khanacross 17-18 April: Mt Cotton Hillclimb Series R2 18 April: R1 TCAC Khanacross Series 18 April: HSCCQ Khanacross and Motorkhana 24-25 April: Burdekin Auto Festival Car and Bike Show Photo: Robert Turner QLD: Pato's 7 Hour Enduro After two successful years since its inauguration in 2019, the North Queensland Offroad Racing Association’s Pato's 7 Hour Enduro returns to its original timeslot. So far, Chris Sollitt has proved too strong for the growing field in both years and will be itching to continue his dominance in the competition.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

4 April: Maddat Motorsport Super Sprint 11 April: Scout Hillclimb Challenge 11 April: SDCC Khanacross Rd 1 16-18 April: Ross Hanning Memorial - Shannon's R1 (NT) 17 April: Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship (NT) 17-18 April: Action Line Marking All Historic Mallala 18 April: Red Central Towing and Recovery Autocross (NT) 18 April: EPA Inc Khanacross Come and Try 18 April: SA Motorkhana Series R2 and SA Motorkhana Championship R2 24 April: SCCSA 2021 Collingrove Challenge Trophy 1

Photo: Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship NT: Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship The new-look Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship began its new era last month and competitors in the championship will get another chance to compete in April, only this time, the event takes place in Alice Springs, running a similar course to the iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race.

Photo: Ford Four Car Club VIC: Terry Baker Motorsport Weekend It's a jam packed schedule for the Terry Baker Motorsport Weekend, with competitors having the opportunity to take part in a bitumen motorkhana, hill climb and touring road run around the Haunted Hills Hillclimb Track. Making the event even more special is that it's hosted by four prominent Victorian clubs.

Photo: Bob Taylor SA: Action Line Marking All Historic Mallala A showcase for nostalgic motorsport fans, this event will see cars, motorbikes and dragsters from all eras race in what is a family friendly environment. There will also be a classic car display on and a show and shine, giving fans of all ages something to look forward to. Two-time Australian Driver's champion and former Ferrari Scuderia driver Spencer Martin will also be in attendance as a special guest.

Photo: Targa Tasmania TAS: Targa Tasmania The biggest tarmac rally event in the country takes place later this month with hundreds of crews expected to compete in the 29th edition of the famous race. Crews and Tour groups will be completing more than 2200 kilometres around Tasmania, as well as travelling on some of the most picturesque roads the state has to offer.

TASMANIA

10-11 April: Beaurepaires Tasmania SuperSprint 17 April: Symmons Sprint 17 April: Precision Exhaust 31 Bends of Barrington 19-24 April: TARGA Tasmania

VICTORIA

3 April: BCC Easter Salesyard Dash 9-11 April: Piarc Supersprint with Hyundai Excel and 2ltr Sports Sedan Racing 10 April: Group5/VMC Motorkhana 10 April: Gymkhana at the Racecourse 10 April: MSCA Super Sprint 10-11 April: Westmere Khanacross 10-11 April: Sandown 360 Regularity 11 April: Junior Development Program 11 April: SDCC Khanacross 11 April: BCC VCAS and Motorkhana 17-18 April: Come and Try Shepparton Cup Challenge R1 17-18 April: DSCC 2021 Autocross and Khanacross R3 17 April: Ada River Rally 17 April: 21 OST 1 Lilydale 18 April: R4 2021 Trydel Victorian Hill Climb Championship 18 April: MADCC R2 18 April: Avalon Autocross/Khanacross Series R2 18 April: Kyneton Car Club April Autocross R2 24 April: METEC Khanacross 2021 24-25 April: Terry Baker Motorsport Weekend

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Photo: Tim Allott WA: Bakers Hill Rally The first round of the Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship takes place this month in the beautiful Winvale Park Complex where crews will be tackling just under 90 competitive kilometres across 12 challenging stages. Can New Zealander Mike Young make it back-to-back titles? Or will multiple-time champion John O’Dowd add another piece of silverware to his mantlepiece?

1-4 April: Coral Coast Helicopter Services Kickstarter's Gascoyne Dash 3 April: Outta the Shed Inc Go 2 Whoa and Car Show 8 April: Shannons Targa Rallysprint Rd5 10-11 April: Northam Flying 50 and Lindsay Monk Hill-Climb 17 April: PCWA SSR3 Collie 17 April: Bakers Hill Rally 23-25 April: Ventkhana 2021

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 5

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA’S MONSTER MARCH Motorsport is thriving in Australia, with a record number of competition licences processed in March. With 3,656 competition licences renewed or issued for the first time in the last month, this represents the best ever month in Motorsport Australia’s (and formerly CAMS’) history. This record is more than 30% higher than the March average for the last five years and 15% more than the previous best ever month. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the record result highlighted the strong interest in motorsport across all disciplines, with people eager to compete in local events. “After a tough 12 months, where our team worked extremely hard to assist our members through a very difficult period, we are thrilled so many are coming back to the sport,” Arocca said. “On top of those renewing their licences, we are also thrilled to have welcomed many new members to the sport who are receiving their licence for the first time. This is a real confidence boost for the sport, our clubs and all the other stakeholders that make up the motorsport industry.

“We want to see more people enjoying more motorsport more often – and this record month shows we are certainly on the right track. As we continue to improve our technology and reduce the red tape, we are confident these strong numbers will continue throughout 2021. “I also want to thank our hardworking officials who continue to renew their licences. With more events taking place, we know our officials are certainly in demand, but they continue to support our events and without them none of us would be racing.” During 2020, Motorsport Australia simplified its licence and permit structure – aimed at reducing the barriers to participation for competition licence holders, officials and event organisers. Membership Manager Michael Melilli said the March result was extremely promising for everyone involved in motorsport and highlighted that the recent improvements to the licence structure were beneficial to motorsport participants and stakeholders. The reduction and simplification in licence categories has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the members.

MARCH LICENCES PROCESSED AVG 2015-18

2,375

2019

2,391

2020

1,793

2021

6 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

3,656

“This month’s record confirms how passionate the motorsport community is about this amazing sport” - Michael Melilli, Motorsport Australia Membership Manager

“We’re thrilled to assist our members, new and old, to facilitate their participation in motorsport in 2021,” Melilli said. “2020 was a very difficult year, but we couldn’t be more pleased to see so many licence holders competing across a wide range of events, particularly at the grassroots level with our affiliated clubs. “This month’s record confirms how passionate the motorsport community is about this amazing sport. We are excited to see so many people out there enjoying themselves and remain on call to help anyone wishing to return or renew their licence or those who are eager get started in the sport.” Those wishing to sign up or renew their licence online can do so through the online member portal, or by contacting Motorsport Australia’s membership hotline on 1300 883 959.

Click here for more information on the 2021 licence changes.

Photo: Revved Photography

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

SHANNONS CHAMPIONSHIPS’ ISLAND TAKE OVER The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships got its 2021 season underway last month with the first round at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Despite originally scheduled for February, there was no momentum lost for the championships and its new date as hundreds of competitors across six categories put on a show to kick off the season in style.

With the event running under Victorian COVID-19 guidelines and a crowd capacity of 7000, the 6720 spectators attending the Saturday and Sunday certainly added excitement to the weekend. While categories like the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series and the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship had already begun their 2021 seasons earlier in the year, others like the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

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Australia and Motorsport Australia GT Championship were finally able to go racing again after a lengthy break. Like the national categories, the Victorian based Porsche 944 Challenge also got to enjoy some track time on the famous circuit with three races complementing its practice and qualifying sessions. With Australian motorsport fans were able to keep tabs on the event via

SUPERCHEAP AUTO TCR AUSTRALIA SERIES Race 1 1. Chaz Mostert 2. Luke King 3. Lee Holdsworth

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

Race 2 1. Chaz Mostert 2. Luke King 3. John Martin Race 3 1. Jason Bargwanna 2. Tony D'Alberto 3. Nathan Morcom

VHT S5000 AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Joey Mawson 2. James Golding 3. Tim Macrow

NATIONAL TRANS AM SERIES 1. Aaron Seton 2. Nathan Herne 3. Kyle Gurton

PORSCHE 944 CHALLENGE 1. Cameron Beller 2. Adam Brewer 3. Pedr James

FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA POWERED BY AWS Overall 1. Yasser Shahin/Garth Tander 2. His Highness Prince Jefri Ibrahim/Jamie Whincup 3. Steven Grove/Brenton Grove Motorsport Australia GT Championship Am Class Arthur Abrahams the Seven Network, those in New Zealand and internationally were able to watch through Sky New Zealand and motorsport.tv. It was a weekend to celebrate as it marked the return of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships in 2021. There is very little rest for some of the categories though as they are again in action at the start of this month, supporting the popular Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour over the Easter long weekend.

PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE AUSTRALIAW Overall 1. Ryan Suhle 2. Callum Hedge 3. Christian Pancione Pro-Am class Matthew Belford

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 9

SHANNONS AND MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA EXTEND PARTNERSHIP Shannons Insurance was confirmed as Motorsport Australia’s Official Car Insurance Partner midway through last month. This new partnership will see Motorsport Australia members have access to discounted insurance offerings from Shannons. Shannons will also take on the prestigious role as Motorsport Australia’s State and National Awards nights presenting partner. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca thanked Shannons for its ongoing support. “Paul Gates and the team at Shannons have been such a strong advocate and sponsor of motorsport across the country, including at many of the events we have the privilege of hosting,” Arocca said. “To have Shannons Insurance join us as our Official Car Insurance Partner

will be a benefit to our members as well and we really look forward to providing our licence holders with great deals to save them money on such an important product, whether it’s for their daily drive or motorsport related vehicles. “With our Awards ceremonies to return in early 2022, it’s an honour to have Shannons take on the presenting partner role for these prestigious events as well, where we can celebrate everything that is so great about our sport.” A strong supporter of motorsport, the leading insurer has been the longstanding naming rights partner of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships (previously Shannons Nationals) since 2007. Shannons Insurance National Manager Paul Gates was also delighted to be able to extend the partnership with Motorsport Australia.

10 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“As proud sponsors of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships since 2007, this extension of our ongoing partnership with Motorsport Australia is a natural fit,” Gates said. “We’re really passionate about the sport, its people and the events which are such a big part of Australia’s sporting fabric. “Shannons is certainly looking forward to helping Motorsport Australia members receive discounts on their insurance products and our team stands ready to assist. “Shannons is also proud to take on the presenting partner title for the various Motorsport Australia Awards ceremonies around Australia. These evenings are a great opportunity to celebrate success at all levels of the sport, from grassroots and the hard-working officials and volunteers, through to the national championship winners.”

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ICONIC MOUNTAIN WELCOMES HOME POPULAR REGULAR It's been two years since the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour last took place and the popular event is celebrating its return to the iconic Mount Panorama with a huge field and jam-packed program. Running in conjunction with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, the entry list for the 2021 edition of the Easter Sunday race will feature 153 drivers spread across 62 cars. Joining the traditional annual event in Bathurst will be a host of Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships regular category, most notably the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, which makes its first ever appearance at Bathurst. Making up the rest of the busy program will be the Radical Australia Cup, National Trans Am Series, Motorsport Australia GT Championship, MRF Bathurst Excel Challenge and Historic Touring Cars – totalling more

than 30 hours of track time across the three days. Each day the action gets underway from 7am local time and wraps at 6pm with the main race to run from 11:30am local time on Sunday. Many of Australia’s best Production Car drivers are locked in for the highly anticipated six hour endurance race, with some of the biggest names on the entry list coming from outside the category. The highest profile driver lining up on the weekend will be Repco Supercars Championship star Shane van Gisbergen, while fellow Supercars star Tim Slade is also confirmed to compete. Other notable names to be competing in the six hour race include Australian racing great and Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters regular John Bowe, Australian motorsport all-rounder Tony Quinn and TV personality Grant Denyer.

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

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Photos: EDGE Photographics

Photo: Radical Australia Cup

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Although the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships' second round for 2021 will be adhering to all current New South Wales COVID-19 guidelines, there will be no cap on the number of fans allowed to attend. Not only is there no limit on the amount of fans attending, but all ticket holders will have access to the paddock and the pit building roof, giving spectators a spectacular view of the pit straight. For those fans unable to make the event, the entire six-hour race and key support categories will be broadcast via the screens of Seven and 7mate, while international audiences can tune in via motorsport.tv and Kiwi fans through Sky Sport New Zealand. The Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour and second round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships take place at Mount Panorama on 2-4 April.

Click here for the full track schedule.

Click here to view the full entry list.

Click here on ticketing information.

Photo: Richard Craill

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 13

Photo: Terry Hill Photography

SEVEN YOUR HOME OF RALLY AND OFF ROAD Rallying and off road will return to the Seven Network on Australia’s #1 free-to-air streaming platform, 7plus. After each round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) and BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC), a comprehensive highlights package will be available for streaming the week following the event. Complementing this new coverage, Motorsport Australia can also confirm 7plus will also stream the new rally Power Stage, which will be part of

each RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship event in 2021. The experienced on-air talent for each championship event has also been confirmed, with Jessica Dane and Dean Herridge to host the coverage of the ARC throughout 2021, while Greg Rust will host the opening round of the AORC at the Cobb & Co. St George 399. The first AORC event took place at St George last month, while the opening round of the ARC, the Netier National Capital Rally, will be held 9-11 April after being postponed due to torrential rain in Canberra.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

The first live Power Stage will be shown on 11 April, with the exact time to be confirmed closer to the event. The coverage adds to Seven’s existing comprehensive motorsport programming, which features the Repco Supercars Championship and the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, including TCR Australia, S5000 and more. Michael Smith, Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations was elated with the return to Seven.

“We’re rapt to be bringing fans all the best action from the Motorsport Australia Rally Championship and Off Road Championship” - Lewis Martin, Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport

“We’ve had a real focus on increasing the coverage and reach of these exciting championships in recent years and are thrilled to be working with Seven to further boost the profile of off road and rally in Australia,” Smith said. “Seven’s support of motorsport is certainly showing through and this complements the coverage of the many other events already being shown by Seven in 2021 – including the Repco Supercars Championship and the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships. “The live-stream of the Power Stage in particular will be a real innovation for rally fans to get closer to the action, while having a highlights package available in the days following each event will allow motorsport fans to get a great insight into how the events played out with extensive coverage across the field.”

Lewis Martin, Managing Director Seven Melbourne and Head of Network Sport also expressed his delight with the announcement. “The 2021 motorsport season is already off to a flying start on Seven and we’re rapt to be bringing fans all the best action from the Motorsport Australia Rally Championship and Off Road Championship,” Martin said. “Add this to our live and free coverage of the Supercars Championship, TCR Australia Series and S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, and Seven is without doubt your home of motorsport.”

Click here to watch Round 1 of the AORC on 7plus.

Photo: Ryan Schembri

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 15

Photos: Terry Hill Photography

FINKE FILLS UP FAST AGAIN It may not have been as quick as 2019, but the Tatts Finke Desert Race has once again filled up in just a matter of minutes with the entry list reaching capacity within 10 minutes of opening. Taking place on 10-14 June, 165 cars will do battle between Alice Springs and the remote town of Finke in the second round of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship.

“With the field locked in, we can turn to getting everything else prepared for the event” - Kelsey Branford, Tatts Finke Desert Race Vice President

With the Cobb & Co Hotel having had a record numbers of entries for its round last month and Finke already full, the 2021 AORC is on track for one of its biggest seasons to date. Headlining the entry list will be international off road superstar Toby Price, who continues to hunt for his first car victory and nine-time AORC champions Shannon and Ian Rentsch, who will begin their 2021 campaign in a new set of wheels.

is wonderful and it should make for a very entertaining contest.

For the first time ever, seven former race winners are entered in the event including David Fellows, Mark Burrows, Greg Gartner and Hayden Bentley, while a host of other big names looking for their first King of the Desert title such as West Australian star Beau Robinson, and 2021 St George 399 winner Josh Howells also made the cut.

“Unfortunately there were 30 people to miss out as they ended up on the waiting list and I am sure the number will grow, but hopefully they can make it to future events.

Tatts Finke Desert Race Vice President Kelsey Branford was thrilled with the entry list and the quality of crews

The Tatts Finke Desert Race takes place in Alice Springs and Finke on 10-14 June.

“It’s fantastic that we were able to fill it so quickly. It’s always reassuring because it shows people are really keen to race in our event,” Branford said. “To have seven former winners and so many other big names in the Australian off road community

16 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“With the field now locked in, we can turn to getting everything else prepared for the event.”

Click here to view the Tatts Finke Desert Race entry list.

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Photo: Terry Hill Photography

HOWELLS SECURES MAIDEN AORC WIN IN STYLE Josh Howells and Eric Hume have pulled off an emphatic victory in the Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399, having led the record field from start to finish. The duo produced a near-perfect performance in the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship season opener, having led the record 94-car field from start to finish thanks to a super prologue, top 10 shootout and wins in the two opening sections.

Finishing behind the young star were Extreme 2WD class winners Greg Gartner and Jamie Jennings in their Trophy Truck, while Michael Spokes and Brad Rogan rounded out the podium in their Prolite buggy. With the top three all being from diffferent classes, it was an extremely even event across the board with a number of crews establishing themselves as outright contenders for the AORC title.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

However despite plenty of drama occurring behind him, the weekend belonged to Howells as he claimed his maiden AORC victory with an emphatic four and half minute win over Gartner. “Winning the top 10 was cool. It was all about the win and that’s what I tried focusing on. We got there in the end. It was great,” Howells said. “There is also something that tests your nerves during racing. I thought it was blowing the exhaust off the truck coming out here, but

“It was all about the win and that’s what I tried focusing on” - Josh Howells

Photos: Terry Hill Photography

unfortunately we had a little bits and pieces to deal with. It kept me honest, but we got there in the end.” As for Gartner, the Victorian managed to continue his solid run of results in the AORC after capitalising on Talbot Cox’s brake issues on Sunday morning and WA star Beau Robinson’s puncture, which was further compounded by a faulty jack. While Gartner was unlikely to catch the fast charging Howells on Sunday, he made an impressive run to the

finish – and understandably thrilled to pick up a runner-up finish.

outmuscle father-daughter combo Jason and Kristy Richards.

“We felt really comfortable in the truck,” Gartner said.

With the Richards having held the advantage after day one, Spokes managed to claw his way in front by just seven seconds at the end of the Sunday’s second heat, before extending the gap and securing the podium place on the final lap.

"We had problems on the first section, the throttle cost us two to three minutes, but the truck today (Sunday) really ran flawlessly. We were really confident in it in the last run.” The battle for third went right down to the wire as Michael Spokes and Brad Rogan just managed to

“We had a good little run. Going into the last heat, it was just seven seconds, so we gave it our all,” Spokes said.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 19

“It’s only our third run in the car, so it was good that the thousands of hours to get it ready was worth it. It was good for everyone who helped me along the way.” Other notable results saw AORC debutant Paul Weel and Andrew Reid place fifth, SXS Turbo winners Jeff McNiven and Frank White sneak into eighth outright, while Hayden Bentley and Viv Coe recovered from a poor prologue to round out the top 10 and pick up the Extreme 4WD class honours. Following on the from the round, Spokes now sits in third place on the championship standings behind Gartner and Howells thanks to his overall weekend performance. The BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship continues in June with the iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race taking place on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Click here to watch Round 1 of the AORC on 7plus.

Click here to view the full results.

ST GEORGE 399 TOP 10 1. Josh Howells /Eric Hume 3:48.54 2. Greg Gartner/Jamie Jennings 3:53.18 3. Michael Spokes/Brad Rogan 3:55.11 4. Jason Richards/Charlotte Richards 3:56.02 5. Paul Weel/Andrew Reid 3:56.43 6. Shane Elphinstone/Adam Trewdale 3:56.50 7. Brett Comiskey/Daniel McKenzie 4:02.22 8. Jeff McNiven/Frank White 4:04.26 9. Sam Egan/William Coote 4:06.57 10. Hayden Bentley/Viv Coe 4:10.25

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Photos: Terry Hill Photography

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Talk to us about: Race Track Whole Packages

As motorsport insurance specialists, our team have both the skills and experience to identify and address risks that are uniquely associated with motorsport. Our Race Track Whole Packages combines cover for several key risks including Motorsport Liability, Management Liability, Property (with or without track cover), Mobile Machinery, Commercial Motor, Personal Accident so that you can face what’s around the bend with confidence. sport.ajg.com.au

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sport@ajg.com.au Terry Berryman 07 3367 5010

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Arthur J. Gallagher & Co (Aus) Limited. AFSL 238812. Cover is subject to the Policy terms and conditions. You should consider if the insurance is suitable for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and our Financial Services Guide (FSG) before making your decision to acquire insurance. These are available on request or at sport. ajg.com.au. REF2782-1020-1.1 MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 21

Photo: Chantel Collins

GIRLS ON TRACK LOCKS IN 2021 AUSSIE CALENDAR The FIA Girls On Track 2021 calendar has been confirmed with at least 15 events taking place across the country. The FIA Girls On Track is a global, non-for-profit initiative giving school girls aged 8-18 a unique insight into the world of motorsport through workshops and activity days. Having started this year’s campaign with the successful outing at the Shannons International Women's Day Festival in Broadford on International Women’s Day last month, the program will see further events take place at a number of national meetings and special one-off days this year. Following on from the first event of the year, the program’s next appearance will be at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships round. Returning to Victoria for the next two events at Port Melbourne Gokart Track and Wodonga TAFE in June, Tasmania will be the next major event complementing the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship round in July.

Visits to Queensland’s Triple Eight workshop and Norwell Motorplex in August are followed by September’s Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships round at Sandown, before a busy October sees two events in South Australia over one weekend and Western Australia’s first and only event. The program then returns to Sydney Motorsport Park towards the start of November before heading to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix in what will be the final workshop of the year. Schools can register their expression of interest through the Girls on Track page on the Motorsport Australia website here. Girls On Track Australia also recently confirmed two new ambassadors with Shannen Kiely and Jessica Nicholson recently joining the ranks in 2021.

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2021 CALENDAR Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW (Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships) Saturday 1 May Port Melbourne Go-Kart Track, VIC Thursday 3 June Wodonga TAFE, VIC Friday 4 June Launceston, TAS (RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship) Friday 2 July Norwell Motorplex, QLD Monday 9 August Triple Eight Race Engineering Workshop, QLD Thursday 12 August Sandown, VIC (Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships) Friday 10 September Adelaide Hills, SA (RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Championships) Friday 15 October The Bend Motorsport Park, SA (Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships) Saturday 16 October Perth, WA Monday 25 October Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW Tuesday 9 November Albert Park, VIC (Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix) Friday 19 November Further events to be confirmed.

IMPROVED RICCIARDO'S RACERS BACK IN 2021 Motorsport Australia’s junior development initiative, Riccardo’s Racers, has returned in 2021 with 14 events at nine locations to take place throughout the year. A fun and engaging program giving 12-17 year olds valuable experience behind the wheel, Riccardo’s Racers is focused at teaching participants how to drive for motorsport in a safe environment, enabling them to gain the required skills needed to eventually enter club events. Guided by expert instructors with years of racing experience, the program has been backed by Motorsport Australia ambassador and Formula 1 star, Daniel Ricciardo since its formation in 2017. There have been a number of new additions to the popular program this year, the most notable being participants no longer having to supply their own car to take part with Ricciardo’s Racers now providing multiple vehicles at each event. Making sure that everyone gets the most out of their chosen event, the program and course work will be adapted to each individual, preparing them with the knowledge and basic skills needed to compete. Participants who don’t hold any form of Motorsport Australia licence will also receive a junior licence as part of the program, which will enable them to compete in club level events for a further 12 months.

Photo: Motorsport Australia Media

championship rounds, teenagers will get great exposure to motorsport at the highest level. Spread across six states, the 2021 calendar got underway last month with the first event of the year taking place at the METEC Drivers Training Centre in Victoria. The next event takes place this month at Sandown Raceway.

2021 CALENDAR

Locations for the year will include Sydney Motorsport Park, Symmons Plains Raceway, Baskerville Raceway, Norwell Motorplex, The Bend Motorsport Park, Perth Airport and Wodonga Tafe.

Wodonga TAFE, VIC 5 June

Interested parties need to note that participants should possess a very basic ability in operating a vehicle in order to maximise the learnings from the day. Costing just $149, Ricciardo’s Racers is the perfect way for young aspiring drivers to build the foundations of a career in motorsport, or just gain skills and confidence behind the wheel. The first Ricciardo’s Racers for the year took place at the METEC Drivers Training Centre in Bayswater on 27 March with the next event to be at the iconic Sandown Raceway.

Sandown Raceway, VIC O U T 8 April SOLD

Sydney Motorsport Park, NSWD S P O T S E 28 April (Night Event) L I M I T I N I N G

REM

Baskerville, TAS 3 July Symmons Plains, TAS 4 July Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW 18 July Norwell, QLD 7 August Norwell, QLD 8 August Sandown Raceway, VIC 11 September The Bend Motorsport Park, SA 17 October Perth Airport, WA 23 October Perth Airport, WA 24 October Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW 8 November (Night Event)

Click here to enter a Ricciardo's Racers event.

*Further events will be added in Victoria and Tasmania.

With multiple programs throughout the year to take place at national MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 23

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA APP AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD All Motorsport Australia members can now access their licence on their mobile device, with the new Motorsport Australia app available on the App Store and Google Play. The app will replace existing licence cards, providing competitors and officials with an up-to-date licence which can be viewed on any device. This is one of many upgrades of Motorsport Australia’s technology solutions, designed to make life easier for everyone taking part in motorsport events across Australia. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the app would reduce delays for members waiting on hard licence cards in the post, as well as ensuring people had the most up to date details to show at Motorsport Australia events.

“We want to see more people, enjoying more motorsport, more often and this app is one of the latest developments to help achieve this,” Arocca said. “Once members have renewed their licence via the Member Portal or with our membership team, the app will update instantly, meaning there’s no waiting for the card to be printed and then sent in the mail. “Of course, anyone who still requires a physical card can be provided one on request, but as technology changes and people are more likely to move around without a wallet full of cards, we know our members will make the most of this app on their phone or tablet when attending events and needing to show their licence.” The app can be found in Apple’s App Store and Google Play by

24 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

searching ‘Motorsport Australia’. You can also click on your chosen store below to download the app now. Members can log in to the app using their existing Motorsport Australia Member Portal login details. If you have not registered for the Member Portal, you will need to do so before using the app.

Click here to learn more about the Motorsport Australia App.

PEUGEOT AUSTRALIA PARTNERS WITH ARC Peugeot Australia will be the Official Commercial Vehicle partner of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship in 2021. The spacious and comfortable Peugeot Boxer Van will now be a regular feature at each ARC round this season, with the van also playing a key role in helping Motorsport Australia deliver each event, thanks to its impressive cargo capacity. Peugeot has been a key player in the commercial van space and the Boxer, the largest of the range, is reliable, clean – meeting Euro6 emissions standards – economical and easy to drive. The van’s low floor height and dual sliding doors, along with wide rear swing doors, make loading simple for a variety of uses, including the many needs at an ARC event, whether it’s setting up a service park, or unloading signage at a Power Stage remote location. Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith was thrilled to welcome Peugeot Australia to the growing ARC family. “To have Peugeot as the Official Commercial Vehicle Partner of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally

“The Peugeot Boxer is a perfect match to assist the organising teams in delivering an impressive season of events” - Kate Gillis, General Manager Peugeot Australia

Championship is a real boost for the growing stature of the ARC,” Smith said.

assist the organising teams in delivering an impressive season of events.

“Peugeot's Boxer Van is a very adaptable and comfortable vehicle that will also assist us greatly in delivering each ARC round. We’re delighted to have Peugeot on board and their support will make each event even easier for our organising team in 2021.

“We’re confident those who experience the van throughout the season will be impressed with the ease of use, adaptability and suitability of a Peugeot van.”

“With extended coverage of each round via 7plus and a growing list of sponsors, we are really excited about the 2021 season.”

The RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship begins this month, with the Netier National Capital Rally in Canberra from 9-11 April.

Kate Gillis, General Manager Peugeot Australia, added: “We’re delighted to join the ARC as the official Commercial Vehicle Partner for 2021. “Peugeot’s commercial vehicles are able to meet a multitude of business and recreational requirements, including motorsport support, and the Peugeot Boxer is a perfect match to

Click here to learn more about Peugeot Australia.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 25

BIG FIELD AWAITS CANBERRA'S ARC OPENER

Australian rally fans have had to wait a little longer to see their favourite RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) stars in action after the 2021 Netier National Capital Rally was postponed to the second weekend of April. Due to torrential rain in the region, organisers were unable to receive a permit from ACT Parks and Conservation Service, meaning the event was unable to go ahead in its original date of 26-28 March. Despite some initial uncertainty surrounding when the Canberra based rally would run, organisers were able to secure a date just two weeks later. More than 50 crews are expected to line up for the Netier National Capital Rally with new cars, returning champions and a mix of up-and-coming talent making up the 33 ARC entries, one of the largest national fields in recent years.

Photo: Sportz Fotos

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Competitors competing solely for the Motorsport Australia NSW Rally Championship, East Coast Classic Series and ACT Regional Rally Series make up the other 17 entries.

Moscatt get behind the wheel of Harry Bates’ former Yaris – a car he steered to victory in the Blue Range Rallysprint last month, while Lewis’ Yaris will be driven by Peter Dimmock and Russell Hannah.

Taking place in and around the forests of Canberra, crews will take on more than 160 competitive kilometres across 14 gruelling stages, including the special Hyles Block Power Stage, which wraps up the event.

Arron Windus and Daniel Brick will begin the season as the fourth seeded car, the Western Victorian Crane Trucks Subaru WRX pilots to start in front of 2017 ARC champion Nathan Quinn and his co-driver Ray Winwood-Smith in the Midstate Freight Mitsubishi Evo 10.

2019 ARC champions Harry Bates and John McCarthy will begin their title defence at the front of the pack in the brand new Toyota Yaris GR AP4, while their Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia teammates Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin will run the two-day rally right behind the champions, also in the new machinery. There will be four Toyota Yaris AP4s in the round’s first three cars as Shamrock Motorsport’s Richie Dalton and Dale

The two crews also enter the round as the highest ranked White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup entrants, which see a further six cars part of the top 15.

Photo: Sportz Fotos

As a result of the new date change, only Marcus Walkem and John Allen are unable to attend the opening round with John O'Dowd and Toni Feaver in the Truck Wholesale WA Skoda Fabia R5 replacing the duo

Photo: Toyota Gazoo Racing

Plenty of star power make up the top 15 cars including Clayton Hoy, Darren Windus, Chris Higgs, Tom Clarke and JJ Hatton – all of whom will be keen to break into the outright top five throughout the weekend as well as take out Production Cup honours and the prizemoney on offer for the latter, thanks to White Wolf Constructions. Just outside the first 20 cars will be what is expected to be a highly entertaining battle for the new Shamrock Haulage ARC 2WD Cup and the Junior Cup between two up and coming crews, Victorians Adrian Stratford and Kain Manning against Queenslanders Ryan Williams and Brad Jones. Having made an impressive ARC debut at last year’s Netier National Capital Rally, Williams and Jones recently acquired a Ford Fiesta R2T from overseas and will definitely be a team to keep an eye on. The Netier National Capital Rally takes place in Canberra on 9-11 April.

Click here to view the Netier National Capital Rally entry list.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 27

Photo: FIA Rally Star

FINDING THE NEXT RALLY STAR IN CANBERRA Motorsport Australia will launch the Australian edition of the FIA Rally Star program at this month’s Netier National Capital Rally in Canberra, with a potential Junior WRC drive up for grabs. Taking place at the opening round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, the future stars of rally will be given an opportunity to showcase their skills at the Service Park, opposite the Abode Woden Hotel on Saturday 10 April. The simulator challenge will allow competitors aged between 17 and 26-years-old to take on the FIA Rally Star challenge on the WRC9 video

game in a Motorsport Australia simulator, with the goal of qualifying for the next round of the program.

enter remotely – more details will follow in the coming weeks about how to show off your talents.

Each driver has 15 minutes to complete a maximum of three runs of the digital special stage on the simulator, with their best run recorded.

No pre-registration is required for the Canberra opportunity, with competitors welcome to attend the Service Park on the Saturday of the rally.

Ultimately, the fastest driver in Australia will go on to represent their country at the Asian Pacific qualifiers, with the top FIA Rally Star prize a fully funded drive in the Junior FIA World Rally Championship.

The RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship’s FIA Rally Star event takes place on Saturday 10 April only at the Service Park at 1 Matilda St, Phillip, Canberra from 9am to 3pm.

Future selections will be held at rally events around the country, with competitors also eligible to

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

More details about local FIA Rally Star opportunities will be available on rally. com.au and motorsport.org.au in the coming weeks and months.

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S p e c i a l i s t s i n u n i forms for co rpo rate s, car clubs, racing te ams and e - s p or ts. We su ppl y a wi de range of ce rtifi e d appare l including: -

Pol o s L i g h t wei gh t /a l l wea t h er j ackets Pan ts /s hort s Ho od i e s/ mi d l ayer tops Me rc ha n di se a n d a ccessories

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s-trend .com . a u / 03 9 0 7 7 2 63 8

SA CHAMPIONSHIP OFF TO A FLYER IN MALLALA The Motorsport Australia South Australia Motor Racing Championships enjoyed highly successful start to the 2021 season with the Sporting Car Club of SA run event attracting 120 competitors from around the state. Taking place at Mallala in all weather conditions, competitors put on a show throughout the weekend that included plenty of rain, a spectacular twilight finish under lights and some sunshine in between.

From Hyundai Excels and Improved Production Cars to Saloon cars, Holden HQs and Historic Sports Cars, there was no shortage of action across the day, which saw categories contest multiple sessions on track. Event organiser Melissa Rees Was thrilled with how the amount of interest surrounding the first round of the year. “It was great to see many of our regular competitors on the track and we also welcomed

Photo: Bob Taylor

30 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photo: BobPixx Taylor Photos: Sports

Photo: Wayne Hough

“Thank you to all of the officials who withstood the conditions culminating in a successful day out.” - Melissa Rees, Event organiser

many newcomers who are keen to complete the series,” Rees said. Photo: Bob Taylor

Photo: Bob Taylor

Photo: Wayne Hough

“Thank you to the Bend Motorsport Park who came on board to sponsor this Series and also to all of the officials who withstood the conditions culminating in a successful day out. The club returns to Mallala later this month with the Action Line Marking All Historic event on 17-18 April, while the second round of the Motorsport Australia South Australia Motor Racing Championships takes place at The Bend Motorsport Park on 15-16 May.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 31

RACING TOGETHER SIGNS EXPERIENCED TRIO FOR 2021 CAMPAIGN Following on from a successful opening outing in 2020, the newly created Racing Together program has signed on three more prominent motorsport professionals. Designed to help indigenous youths aged between 12 and 16 get an insight into motorsport and make a potential transition into a career in the sport, the program has put together a team for the 2021 Series X3 Queensland in this year’s Motorsport Australia Queensland Motor Racing Championships. Joining Racing Together as Directors is Triple Eight Race Engineering Managing Director Roland Dane, Dick Johnson Racing Chairman Ryan Story and Paul Morris Motorsports owner Paul Morris – all of whom are helping the indigenous teenagers through the 2021 season. The trio will also link up with existing Directors, former RACQ Chief Executive Officer Ian Gillespie AM and Monique and Garry Connelly AM as part of the program and Connelly was thrilled to have such valuable experience as part of the team. “These young people are just starting out but will benefit from the advice and encouragement of some of the very top names in Australian motor-racing,” Connelly said.  “We’re very grateful that Roland, Ryan and Paul have agreed to contribute their time and experience.” With Triple Eight Racing installing the roll cage for the Racing Together Hyundai Excel, Dane was delighted to be part of the initiative, which will see 17-year-old Braeydn Cidoni driving the car in 2021.

“The responsibility to make motorsport as inclusive as possible... is at the very heart of Racing Together” - Ryan Story, Dick Johnson Racing Chairman

“I’m honoured and excited to have been asked to sit on the board of Racing Together. Garry and Monique are superbly positioned to bring their years of experience in the sport at an international level to bear in this great project,” Dane said. “I’m really looking forward to helping them make a difference and open doors into motorsport at all levels for the young Indigenous community.”   Not only will the program help Cidoni as a driver, but the team of 10, shortlisted from 80 applicants, will also get to experience everything to do with a race team, including building a new race car, logistics, race-day servicing, data-logging and workshop maintenance.  Like Dane, Story was also proud to join Racing Together and give the teenagers a chance to broaden their horizons. “Joining Racing Together's board is a great honour,” Story added. “Garry and Monique Connelly have founded a tremendous organisation and its burgeoning team of young racers hit the track for the first time only a few weeks ago.    “The responsibility to make motorsport as inclusive as possible and creating opportunities for young First Nations people not only in motorsport, but also in STEM, is something that is at the very heart of Racing Together and the priority of myself and my fellow directors." Having been part of the initial selection process, as well as providing Norwell

32 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Motorplex as the location for the team’s training purposes, Morris was proud of what the program was achieving. “Racing Together has created the first proper pathway for motor-racing. Motor-racing develops tangible skills that will stay with these young people throughout their journey through life.    “I’m passionate about sharing my knowledge with this enthusiastic Racing Together team as they compete on the track and develop their race car and life skills in the workshop.”  The Racing Together team got its first chance to compete during the Motorsport Australia Queensland Motor Racing Championships’ opening round at Morgan Park circuit late last month.

Click here for more information on Racing Together.

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Photo: Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts

GME IMPRESSIVE DURING ANNUAL FESTIVAL MOTORKHANA

The New South Wales based Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts (GME) club once again featured prominently during the Gunnedah Shire’s annual ‘Weeks of Speed' Festival last month, where they held the successful Carwash 2380 Motorkhana in the rural town’s showgrounds. With eight locals completing eight different auto tests, there was healthy competition amongst the entrants as their times from each test accumulated to an average course time. Taking out the eventual victory was Geoff Hood in a Subaru after racking

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photo: Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts

up a total time of five minutes, however Glen Swain in a Ford and Simon Gainsford in the Mitsubishi kept him honest as they came to within five seconds of the winner. With experienced speedway driver and local commentator Ray Darcey steering his Holden Torana to fourth place outright, it highlighted the diversity within the competition as the top four were all different manufactures. Rounding out the top five was Jason Bannister in the Holden V8 Ute, while Jeremy Keynes finished in the sixth - his enthusiasm to compete

never waning despite his driving style slowing down his times. The final two competitors were juniors with Lucy Gainford just finishing ahead of her 12-year-old brother and the youngest ever motorkhana competitor in the club’s history, Oliver. It was a tough start for Oliver with an electrical gremlin causing him to switch from the GME Mitsubishi club car to the ford driven by Swain, however it didn’t deter either him or Lucy as the duo were the only drivers across the day not to incur time penalties for mistakes.

The club now turns to one of the biggest events on its 2021 calendar, a round of state hill climb championship in September, which marks the first time in almost 50 years Gunnedah has hosted a state round. The Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts club hosts the eighth round of the Motorsport Australia Mantic Clutch New South Wales Hill Climb Championships at Mount Porcupine Apex Drive on 5 September.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 35

CROCKER BEGINS 2021 SXS SEASON WITH VICTORY Cody Crocker has enjoyed a dream return to the Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship after winning the season opener in Rainbow last month. Contesting the new-look championship alongside Greg Foletta, the three-time RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Champion proved too strong for the 15 other crews throughout the round, which saw competitors complete two 100km races. With crews split into groups for their first race, and then as one together for the final race, Crocker and Foletta claimed top honours after producing the most laps in the shortest amount of time. Their combined race time of two hours and 26 minutes was just enough to secure the win over championship veteran Stephen Henry, who began his current bid for a title with a well-deserved second place alongside Steve Walton. Rounding out the podium behind the second placed duo were Trevor Finck and Tyler Fitzgerald, who crossed the line a further two minutes behind. It’s been a while since Crocker last raced in the championship, and even longer since he won a round – his last victory coming towards the end of the 2018 season.

and I learnt so much, including how to drive with mud all over my visor. “My goal today was just to finish and we did that and managed to come away with a gold Kincrome spanner was very cool."

“It’s great to be back in the car,” Crocker said post-race.

The next round of the 2021 Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship season takes place later this month in Alice Springs on 17 April.

“The car and the race format were on point today and it was cool to come away with this Kincrome spanner trophy. “It was great to put the band back together with Greg Foletta as my co-driver.” Reigning champion Jackson Evans and his co-driver Claudia Evans suffered a mechanical issue during the first race, before improving significantly in the second race to go fastest – but it was too little too late as he had to settle for fourth place. Evans’ younger sister Eden managed to pick up a class win in her official SXS debut, guiding her Polaris to 10th place outright and the SXS Sport win with the assistance of co-driver Shannons Jennings. Having watched her father win the outright title in 2018 and brother in 2019, the 23-year-old was eagerly waiting the chance to make her debut in the championship. “It was fantastic to finally get my first event under my belt and to come away with a trophy was a big bonus,” Eden said. “There were just so many changing conditions out there during the day

Photo: Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship

36 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

ROUND ONE RESULTS 1. Cody Crocker/Greg Foletta 18 Laps - 2:25.16.5 2. Steve Henry/Steve Walton 18 Laps - 2:27.21.7 3. Trevor Finck/Tyler Fitzgerald 18 Laps - 2:29.49.9 4. Jackson Evans/Claudia Evans 18 Laps - 2:32.03.9 5. Nathan Wiesel/Anthony Harris 16 Laps 6. Chris Collins/Erica Savage 16 Laps 7. Simon Evans/Max O’Brien 16 Laps 8. Molly Taylor/Daniel Gardner 16 Laps 9. Mathew Keene/Jack Keeble 14 Laps 10. Eden Evans/Shannon Jennings 13 Laps 11. Andrew Daniel/ Brayden Kendrick 11 Laps 12. Jake Williams/Kevin Williams 9 Laps 13. James Cook/ Mitch Aucote 8 Laps 14. Paul Borg/Sebastian Borg 3 Laps 15. Tom Evans/Samual Horrocks 3 laps 16. Alex Handley/Jack Battye 1 lap

RAISING FUNDS FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS

Bushfire Relief Iron On Patch 2021 SHANNONS MOTORSPORT$ AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS CALENDAR

Throughout 2021, Motorsport Australia will donate 30% from the total sale of all Bushfire Relief apparel to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund and the RSCPA National Bushfire Fund. Items in the range include:

Round 1 Phillip Island, Victoria, February 2021 TBC* Round 2 Bathurst 6 Hour, Bushfire Relief KeyNew Ring South Wales, 2-4 April

Round 3 Sydney Motorsport Park, New South Wales, 1-2 May

Bushfire Relief Stubby Holder

$ Bushfire Relief Polo Shirt

Round 4 Morgan Park, Queensland, 25-27 June Round 5 Sandown International Raceway, Victoria, 10-12 September

Click here to show your

Round 6 support and shop now. The Bend Motorsport Park, South Australia, 15-17 October

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37

WELCOME RETURN FOR WA SPEED SERIES WINNERS The popular Motorsport Australia WA State Speed Series enjoyed back-to-back rounds in early March with more than 40 competitors contesting both rounds at Collie Motorplex over one weekend. Holding the season’s second round short circuit sprint on the Saturday and the long circuit sprint on the Sunday, the series saw competitors produce impressive lap times all weekend as the battle for top spot went right down to the wire. Taking out top honours on the Saturday was Ray Ferrari as the series veteran guided his Speads RM07 to the fastest lap on his eighth attempt – a 44.7795 second lap time proving enough to take the win. Ferrari wasn’t gifted the win though as Radical SR3 RSX driver John Webb’s best lap time fell just two tenths behind and although he was unable to for the round victory, Webb still provided a more than admirable challenge, coming close on multiple times.

Photos: Sports Pixx

38 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

It was a fantastic return to the series for Ferrari, who missed out on the title last year due to breaking both feet in the lead up to the season finale. Ferrari wasn’t the only driver to experience a memorable return with Ryan Humfrey and his Ford Falcon earning plaudits amongst those in attendance for his results over the weekend after almost 10 years out of the sport. Having finished third behind Ferrari and Webb on the short course, Humfrey looked on track for a far better result on Sunday after trading lap wins with Ferrari. Humfrey soon posted the field’s fastest lap time midway through the session and slowly extended the gap, one Ferrari couldn’t break down, before eventually closing out the victory after unleashing a brilliant final lap that saw him as the only driver to go sub one minute and 10 seconds. Following on from the double event, Humfrey was thrilled with his comeback race. “Having not competed in a speed event series since 2011, this event really felt like going back to the pure raw enjoyment where my motorsport addiction really took off," Humfrey said. "The car, team and Collie facilities have all wildly changed since then and we were super stoked the car was on song out of the box. “It was a massive effort from the team as we were fully cooked after a big Saturday. My wife had to make a dash to bring another tyre to us from Perth and then we were super lucky not to lose the car after a pit lane fire incident. “Digging deep, the old Falcs was patched up and back out to knock a second off both our long and short track personal best times. The friendly and exciting atmosphere from Collie is always worth the short trip and we just had an absolute ball. "Both the Collie Motorplex and Speed Event Series organisers ran an excellent event with the competitors, officials, series/track sponsors and volunteers all putting on a fantastic show all well deserving of a massive thanks.” With Humfrey not registered for the series, Ferrari ended up with maximum points for both events, while Webb cemented his spot on top of the standings courtesy of his two runner-up placings. Just two points behind Webb on the outright standings is 2019 champion Marcel Every after he finished just behind the series leader in both Collie events. The series continues later this month with the Point 2 Point sprint at Barbagallo Raceway on 18 April.

Click here to view the event standings.

Photos: Sports Pixx

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 39

STRATFORD AND MANNING TAKE OUT THRILLING MITTA MOUNTAIN RALLY

Adrian Stratford and Kain Manning have won the first round of the Motorsport Australia Till Hino Victorian Rally Championship after producing a brilliant comeback performance in the thrilling seven stage rally. Behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta, the duo had a less than ideal start to the Border Oils and Batteries Mitta Mountain Rally, posting the 19th fastest time on the first stage and placing in the bottom half of the 36 crews. The duo then recovered nicely over the next three stages, posting times in the top three and ending the first heat in sixth place, just one and a half minutes behind leaders Franco Liucci and Barry Sheridan. At the start of the second heat, Liucci and Sheridan failed to finish the

Photos: Bruce Keys

40 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

opening stage while Stratford and Manning continued to press up the field and into fourth ahead of the final stage, before a combination of some luck and their first stage win for the day saw them leapfrog the crews above to claim the win. The final stage proved to be a heartbreaking end for the three crews ahead of Stratford and Manning as issues for the leaders in Tim and Leonie Clark saw them post the 26th fastest time and finish in 14th outright. It was a similar fate suffered by Stephen Raymond and Brett Williams as their 25th on the final stage saw them drop from third to 13th, while Brendan Reeves and Kate Catford posted the fourth fastest time, the Datsun 1600 pilots falling from second to third place.

Finishing the rally in second place ahead of Reeves and Catford after a dramatic final stage were Peter Schey and Michelle Canning in the Subaru Impreza WRX-C. With Tony Moore and Troy Hutchings coming in fourth and winning the P4 class, the top four positions were made up of different class winners as Stratford and Manning won both the 2WD and G2 classes, Schey and Canning the P5 class and Reeves and Catford the CLB class.

Click here to view full results.

TOP 10 1. Adrian Stratford/Kain Manning - Ford Fiesta 2. Peter Schey/Michelle Canning - Subaru Impreza WRX-C 3. Brendan Reeves/Kate Catford - Datsun 1600 CLB 4. Tony Moore/Troy Hutchins Ford - Focus ST P4 5. Brad Till/Mitch Garrad Subaru Impreza WRX STi 6. Tim Clark/Leonie Clark Subaru Impreza WRX 7. Ian Martin/Stephen Young Subaru Impreza WRX Sti 8. Danny Traverso/Matthew Dillon - Subaru Impreza RS 9. Stephen Raymond/Brett Williams - Subaru Impreza 10. Joel Wald/Chris Ellis - Datsun Stanza

Photos: Bruce Keys

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SUPER SHANE DELIVERS ONE FOR THE AGES The 2021 Penrite Oil Sandown Supersprint was memorable for many reasons. It could have been the fact that it was on a weekend that should have been the Australian Grand Prix or perhaps it was Repco Supercars Championship fans witnessing one of the greatest performances in the category’s long history. Entering the second meeting of the 2021 season on top of the leader board thanks to a fantastic display at Mount Panorama in February, Shane van Gisbergen was in doubt for attending the round after breaking his collarbone at the start of March. However, a quick turnaround between the surgery table to Sandown International Raceway, arriving at the circuit for the three races was an impressive feat in itself. The stage was set for something special, but no one could have predicted what would happen over the weekend.

As if the sporting gods were looking down at the Victorian circuit and smiling, van Gisbergen defied the odds and went on to win not just one race, but all three races over the weekend to firmly cement himself at the top of the standings with five wins from five races. Making the first win of the Penrite Oil Sandown Supersprint even more special was how he won – qualifying in 17th and charging his way through the field to take out the win. “I was a bit annoyed with myself in qualifying, it was up to me and not my injury, and I just didn’t get it right,” van Gisbergen said. “In the race, the car was awesome. I got a great start, a good first lap, worked hard to save my tyres and slowly picked off some of the drivers for position. “I managed to catch the guys at the front, but I think Chaz [Mostert] helped me a bit as he slowed everyone up, but I honestly didn’t expect that.

Photos: EDGE Photographics Photos: EDGE Photographics

42 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“I was a bit surprised and didn’t think our strategy would work for us, but we just had the speed in the end.” An incredible result considering just 48 hours before, he was unlikely to even race. The weekend wasn’t just extraordinary due to the heroic efforts of the gifted Triple Eight Racing driver, but also the result which saw rookie Brodie Kostecki claim his first career podium. The Repco Supercars Championship continues later this month with the Beaurepaires Tasmania SuperSprint on 18-19 April.

RACE 3 TOP THREE 1. Shane van Gisbergen 2. Cameron Waters 3. Jamie Whincup

RACE 4 TOP THREE 1. Shane van Gisbergen 2. Cameron Waters 3. Jamie Whincup

RACE 5 TOP THREE 1. Shane van Gisbergen 2. Brodie Kostecki 3. David Reynolds

CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10 1. Shane van Gisbergen – 605 points 2. Jamie Whincup - 455 3. Chaz Mostert - 442 4. Cameron Waters - 435 5. Mark Winterbottom – 411 6. Will Davison - 377 7. Andre Heimgartner - 326 8. Nick Percat – 317 9. David Reynolds - 316 10. Brodie Kostecki - 313 Photos: EDGE Photographics

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VALE ROY CROMPTON Motorsport Australia is saddened to hear of the passing of Queensland official Roy Crompton. A strong supporter of the Backseat Racing Drivers Club, the highly respected Roy had a huge impact within the Queensland motorsport community and was known for often going above and beyond at race meetings. Originally a boot maker by trade, Roy eventually worked as a serviceman in the fire industry, helping him gain valuable experience and knowledge which he would later utilise in motorsport. As an avid member of the Queensland Fire & Rescue Club, who supported the Backseat Racing Drivers Club, Roy was also integral in helping raise funds for the female members in the

car club to purchase a yellow Holden chase and support vehicle in 1980, which remains in use to this day. The club’s famous car wasn’t the only key purchase that Roy had an involvement with – he also heavily assisted the modernising of all of the club’s equipment throughout the years, which were often stored at his home, as well as spending many hours training members on their use.

as a provider of Fire and Rescue services at the Mt Cotton Hillclimb.

Such was his dedication to the sport, Roy spent years volunteering at many motorsport events throughout the year, his most notable work being

In his twilight years, Roy was recognised for his contributions to the sport and was presented with a Motorsport Australia Service Award.

CONTACT US The Motorsport Australia member hotline is open from 9am to 5pm AEST So for all your motorsport needs call the Motorsport Australia Hotline or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au

l Hit up Motorsport Australia on social media for photos from events, news, videos and other great motorsport content.

SEND US YOUR STORIES! If you have a motorsport story which you think should be told, get in touch with us and it could appear in Speed Read. If you have pictures or videos of motorsport you would like to share with us, we encourage you to do so. They could appear on our website, social media platforms or in Speed Read. Please email communications@motorsport.org.au We look forward to hearing from you!

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