Motorsport Australia Speed Read - August 2023

SPEEDREAD

AUGUST

SHANNONS TROPHY SERIES A SPECTACLE FOR SUNSHINE STATE

FIRE EXTINGUISHER UPDATES FOR CIRCUIT EVENTS

Motorsport Australia wishes to inform competitors of upcoming changes to fire extinguisher requirements for Circuit Race Events.

ROBINSON

RISING STARS SELECTED FOR FERRARI DRIVER ACADEMY TRIALS

The participants for the 2023 FDA Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program have been confirmed for next month’s prestigious event.

OFF ROAD CHAMPION

Travis Robinson and Andrew Pinto have claimed the 2023 Polaris AORC title after securing an unassailable lead at last month’s Loveday 400.

NSW 2259. The winner will be notified by phone and email by 19/1/24 and published in The Australian newspaper on 22/1/24 and on the competition website. ACT Permit TP 23/01097.1, SA Licence T23/854 & NSW Authority TP/00259. Images for illustrative purposes only. 1 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 an additional $5,000 AUD spending money (i.e. total spending money of $10,000 AUD). 2 Actual 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. Shannons Roadside Assist (Roadside) is an optional cover only available in conjunction with Shannons Comprehensive Motor Insurance. The issue of optional Roadside is subject to the winner being issued the comprehensive motorcycle

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SAFETY AT THE HEART OF BELINDA'S PASSION

This month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar goes to Belinda Howard, who currently serves as the Safety Delegate for the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.

Having first joined motorsport when her husband, Tony, introduced her to the sport in 2000, Belinda has gone on to become one of the most highly respected senior officials in the country.

Belinda started out doing Road Closures and Radio Communications at rally events before being promoted to Chief Marshal under Adrian Stafford for Rally Australia, which led her to becoming Chief Safety Officer of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) event for many years.

Eventually, by invitation from Michele Mouton, she completed the FIA Safety Delegation Training Course in 2020. Belinda was then appointed to the Safety Delegate position for the ARC, a role which she still holds.

In addition to her position in the ARC, she also volunteers, alongside her husband, at as many as four to six events per year for the Brisbane Sporting Car Club.

In 2023, Belinda was tasked with the hugely important job of going to the Tatts Finke Desert Race to oversee the smooth implementation

of all safety protocols introduced to help make the race run this year.

Belinda utilised her vast experience during the event and, as a result, the iconic off road race went off without a hitch, leading to her becoming a Supercheap Auto Official Superstar.

“I am surprised to be nominated but am highly grateful that there is recognition for the time and willingness that volunteers give to the sport,” Belinda said.

“I just love the sport - anything that goes fast really – and to me, rally is the most interesting.

“What I love most about rally though, is the people and the sense of community and family in rallying at all levels.

“They are all incredibly competitive, but in the service park, they all help each other. It’s gratifying to see that - I just love that atmosphere.

“It’s a big family where everyone helps each other, which keeps a lot of people, competitors and volunteers, continually coming back.”

Belinda is a worthy recipient of our Supercheap Auto Official Superstar, and will receive a $100 gift card, commemorative pin, and certificate for her efforts.

BELINDA HOWARD

Do you know someone like Belinda; a Motorsport Australia official who deserves to be recognised for going above and beyond their duty?

Nominate now and your friend could win a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin, and certificate — with their story shared in Speed Read.

Submit your nomination to Speed Read

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NSW CHAMPIONSHIPS SEE PLENTY OF DRAMA AT SMSP

The 2023 Nankang Motorsport Australia NSW Motor Race Championships held the latest round of their season last month, with a strong field of more than 200 competitors strutting out on track.

Hosted by the ARDC at Sydney Motorsport Park, the event featured nine categories in action across the two days, ranging from Formula Vee to the weekend’s biggest category, the Production Touring Cars.

The most exciting result of the weekend though was in Formula Vee, where after two thrilling finishes, the round was decided in a pivotal race three - Craig Sparke and Darren Williams the two protagonists in the category.

Sparke got the jump on Williams to win a chaotic race one after the lead

changed hands five times, before Williams came back to beat Sparke by just two hundredths of a second.

Williams would then secure the overall round victory after taking out the ever-important final race home over Michael Kinsella, while Sparke slumped to fifth.

The Formula Vees weren’t the only category to have a thrilling contest, with the Superkarts also going down to the wire - Mark Robin taking round honours despite only winning the first of four races.

While Lee Vella won the final two races, and Paul Campbell won the second, it was Robin's three podiums in addition to the win that saw him claim the round win – Vella’s rollercoaster round punished after a DNF in race two.

Similarly in the Sports Sedans class, Brad Shiels qualified almost a second ahead of Peter Ingram, but it was the latter who claimed victory in race one after the polesitter failed to finish.

Much like the Superkarts, the Sports Sedans saw Brad Shiels, Peter Ingram and Steven Lacey enjoy a race win each, but it was Lacey who was rewarded with the outright win, courtesy of being the only one of the three to finish each race inside the top three.

Sharing the track with Sports Sedans were the Sports Cars where Nick Mantikos won the round after securing two second place finishes and a race win, beating race one winner Richard Gartner and polesitter Dylan de Szabo.

Despite not finishing race two, Justin Tigani claimed the Supersports series with two victories either side

of the DNF, as he held off challenges from a threatening Sergio Pires and Jonathon Canavan, who placed second in race one and three.

While there was plenty of close racing, there was also a fair share of clean sweeps, with Chris Molle (HQ Holdens), Anthony Soole and Adam Burgess (Production Touring Cars), Kurt Macready (Improved

Production Cars Under 2L) and Benjamin Algie (Improved Production Cars Over 2L) all picking up wins in their respective categories' races.

The Nankang Motorsport Australia NSW Motor Race Championships will return to Sydney Motorsport Park for the fifth round on Saturday 12 August.

Photos: Priceless Images

BENSON BRILLIANT IN THRILLING TAS HILLCLIMB

Stuart Benson triumphed in an exciting edition of the Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Hillclimb Championship at Baskerville last month, which saw the top three separated by just over a tenth of a second.

Hosted by Club Motori Italia, an impressive 31 competitors made their way to the popular circuit in Old Beach in order to post the fastest run up the two-kilometre circuit for state honours.

With competitors getting six runs during the day, it was Benson who would ultimately claim bragging rights with his 45.57-second final run, finishing ahead of Rod Bender and David Michaelson.

While 22 out of the 31 competitors posted their fastest times of the day on their final run, the pecking order changed significantly throughout, which included Michaelson guiding

his Nissan Skyline to the lead after posting a time two-hundredths of a second faster than Bender on the fourth run – setting up an epic finale.

Leaving his best run to last, Benson leapfrogged the leading pair to take victory in the dying stages in his Subaru STi, while Bender eventually snatched second off Michaelson.

While the top three enjoyed a remarkable finish, the fourth placed Liam Hooper wasn’t far behind either with a time of 46.47 in his Nissan R35 GTR, while Geoffrey Stevens put a stop to the Class F dominance in his Ferrari F430 Challenge to round out the top five and claim honours in Class D.

Narrowly missing out on the top five by less than a second was James Lonergan, as he charged to sixth behind the wheel of his Subaru WRX ahead of another Volkswagen Golf R piloted by Anthony Genge in seventh.

Taking out top honours in Class B with an outright eighth place was Leigh Ford, outlasting his closest class competitors Craig Wright and Franklin Trouw.

Making up the final spots in the top 10 was Michael Watt and Michael Elliot, with Watt steering his Volkswagen Golf R to ninth over the Mazda RX-7 of Elliot by less than three tenths.

Other notable class winners included Wayne Monson in Class C, finishing ahead of Aaron Bugeja by a couple of seconds while Ashley Bell finished ahead of Darryll Bennett by exactly one second in Class A.

Christopher Wiggins finished atop of Class E while also claiming a spot in the top 15 outright, while Andrew Hayhurst finished 17th outright and topped Class E.

SHANNONS TROPHY SERIES SHINES BRIGHT IN QR

The sun has set on another successful edition of the Shannons Trophy Series, with Queensland Raceway hosting the most recent round of the 2023 season.

Five categories featured across three days, all of which continued their own respective seasons, and did so in style, as attending fans were treated to quite the spectacle.

Making up the category list was the Workhorse Radical Cup Australia Series, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia Scholarship Series, National Sports Sedans Series, Series X3 Queensland and the Australian Formula Open Series. Very few of the categories had one driver dominate the weekend,

and even for the ones that did, the overall round winners were made to work hard for their silverware.

Teenager Alice Buckley was one of those who enjoyed a clean sweep of wins, with the Queenslander taking out all three races in the Scholarship Series.

However, Lachlan Bloxsom was on her tail for most of the weekend and had even claimed the lead in the final race until ultimately falling just short of the win.

Another future star was dominant in the Radicals, with series rookie Alex Gardner claiming maximum points across the weekend – his pole position and two race wins earning him a perfect run of results.

In the Australian Formula Open, Trent Grubel came close to a clean sweep

of wind, but missed out after coming second in the Errol Gilmour Memorial Trophy race to Ryan How, although two wins earlier in the weekend helped secured him the round win. In the same category was the Formula 4 class, and it was Brodie Norries who claimed overall honours after enjoying a solid win

While the Precision National Sport Sedans winner Jordan Caruso had the same amount of victories to his name as Grubel, his success came in the opposite order as series legend Tony Ricciardello won the first race before Caruso went back-to-back on the Sunday to win the round.

Rounding out the categories was Series X3 Queensland, which saw three different race winners across the five races – two-time winner Jaylyn Robotham ultimately claiming the overall victory.

Photos: MTR Images

Two runner-up finishes, a third place and his two wins was enough to seal the day for Robotham, while race one and two winner Jack Wood finished second – his seventh place in the final race contributing to his overall loss.

In addition to the racing, there was also a unique Speed Comparison, that included reigning Australian Hill Climb and Supersprint Champion, Dean Tighe, Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) star Ryan Taylor in a pro buggy, and Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) driver Cameron Henry all taking part in the promotion. The final round of the Shannons Trophy Series will take place at The Bend Motorsport Park on 13-15 October.

AUSTRALIA FORMULA OPEN

PRECISION NATIONAL SPORT SEDANS

TGRA SCHOLARSHIP SERIES

SERIES X3

QUEENSLAND

WORKHORSE RADICAL CUP AUSTRALIA

1. Trent Grubel

2. Ryan How

3. Miles Bromley

1. Alice Buckley

2. Lachlan Bloxsom

3. Lincoln Taylor

1. Alex Gardner

2. Elliott Schutte

3. Peter Paddon

1. Jordan Caruso

2. Tony Ricciardello

3. Ashley Jarvis

1. Jaylyn Robotham

2. Jack Wood

3. Tyler Collins

Watch the full replay of Sunday’s broadcast on 7plus

Photos: MTR Images

FIRE EXTINGUISHER UPDATES FOR CIRCUIT EVENTS

Motorsport Australia wishes to inform competitors of upcoming changes to fire extinguisher requirements for Circuit Race Events.

Following investigations into several incidents at Circuit Race Events at all levels of the sport, Motorsport Australia will be mandating the fitment of fire extinguishers for all Automobiles in Circuit Races.

A fire extinguisher installed in a competition vehicle is primarily designed to delay the development of a fire and consequently give the occupant more time to exit the vehicle.

From 1st January 2024, all automobiles competing in a Circuit Race Event will be required to install either a plumbed in or handheld fire extinguisher dependent on competition level.

National Championship or Series. Automobiles competing in a National Championship or Series will be required to install a plumbed in extinguisher system from FIA Technical List No. 16 or FIA Technical List No. 52.

Systems must be installed in accordance with FIA Sporting Code, Appendix J, Article 253

Standalone classification National Competition and all other Circuit Race.

Automobiles competing in a standalone National Competition (i.e. Improved Production Nationals), or any other Circuit Race (i.e State and below level including 5th Category) will be required to install either a hand-held extinguisher or a plumbed-in extinguisher system from FIA Technical List No. 16 or FIA Technical List No. 52.

PLUMBED-IN EXTINGUISHER SYSTEMS

Approved systems, detailed in FIA Technical List No. 16 or No. 52, utilise a remote mounted bottle securely installed inside the cockpit which can be triggered both internally and externally to supply extinguishant to specific areas of the automobile. All plumbed-in systems must be installed in accordance with FIA Sporting Code, Appendix J, Article 253.

Systems with both mechanical and electrical trigger options are available together with a range of FIA approved extinguishants.

Plumbed-in extinguishers are required to be serviced by the manufacturer’s authorised service agent every 24 months.

HAND-HELD EXTINGUISHERS

Approved Hand-held extinguishers are either 1 kg (minimum) Australian Standard 1841.5 ABE Powder or an FIA standard handheld extinguisher. Hand-held extinguishers must be installed in accordance with Motorsport Australia Manual, Technical Appendix, Schedule H. An AS1841 ABE Powder extinguisher must be serviced or replaced every 3 years.

An FIA Standard handheld extinguisher must be serviced every 2 years.

Motorsport Australia has been working with fire extinguisher manufacturers and Australia’s leading suppliers to limit potential supply chain issues and ensure an adequate nationwide service network is available to all competitors.

For further information please contact the Motorsport Australia Technical Department at technical@motorsport.org.au

HAND-HELD EXTINGUISHERS PLUMBED-IN EXTINGUISHER SYSTEMS

New Officials’ Range

2023’s Motorsport Australia Officials uniform has dropped. New gear available at:

motorsport.org.au/estore

FORMER SAE REPRESENTATIVE TO JOIN PIASTRI AT MCLAREN

Oscar Piastri isn’t the only Australian associated with the McLaren Formula 1 Team this year, with Monash University student Adam Corbett having started a year-long internship with the team last month.

Corbett was selected from a large pool of applicants to take part in the Internship, which has seen him relocate to the team’s facility in Woking, UK.

A graduate of Monash Motorsport’s Formula SAE team, Corbett has entered the internship with a wealth of experience having been a vital part of the program since joining in 2020.

Remarkably, he isn’t the only Australian to be selected for a Formula 1 internship this year, with a further three from Monash and a student from both Queensland and Western Australian Universities also receiving the opportunity –although they will be heading to different teams such as Mercedes, Red Bull and Williams.

Monash itself has an impressive cohort of graduates to have been selected for Formula 1 internships, with Simone Briggs having gone to Renault in 2020 and three more

students currently undergoing internships now – one of which is at Red Bull and the other two at Mercedes – while another former Monash student is currently working fulltime at Aston Martin.

For Corbett, the opportunity to head to McLaren and complete an internship was something he could only ever dream about.

“It’s unbelievable and I am extremely excited,” Corbett said. “To be honest, an opportunity like this is all about learning and I will be using the experience to learn as much as I can.

“Getting to work with the team at the highest level and seeing how they operate will be an incredible

experience. My goal is to gain as much knowledge as I can and use it to help me after I graduate.

at Monash Motorsport than anywhere else. The individual experience and knowledge I gained were incredible – in fact I am still learning things every day.

“The fact that Simone went previously, there were other Monash graduates in the middle of theirs and another four of us going this year shows that Monash is a great breeding ground for talent.

“I truly believe being part of Monash Motorsport’s Formula SAE program helped me get this position 100 per cent.

“I have learned more about the industry in the past three years

“It is kind of cool knowing that Oscar is there too – we come from the same karting club, the Oakleigh Go Kart Club, and although we never really raced together as we were in different classes, we shared the same retailer for our karts, spares and support – so it’s nice to have that connection and will be nice to see him there too.”

“Getting to work with the team at the highest level and seeing how they operate will be an incredible experience”

RISING STARS SELECTED FOR FERRARI DRIVER ACADEMY TRIALS

The participants for the 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program have been confirmed for next month’s prestigious event.

Following an application process that saw more than 100 aspiring drivers apply, 25 of the best young talents from around the region were selected and will now make their way to Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia to take part in the five-day program.

The program will see each participant undergo rigorous testing both in the car and out, before two drivers are invited to the FDA’s Scouting World Finals in Maranello, where they will go up against drivers from other regions for a potential place in the FDA next year.

Highlighting the international diversity of the selection program, representatives from six different countries feature in the top 25; China, South Korea, The Philippines, India, New Zealand and Australia.

On the entry list are a couple of familiar names who attended last year’s event, including James Piszcyk, Lincoln Taylor and Kristen Janev.

With Motorsport Australia once again tasked with running the regional program in conjunction with the team at the FDA, Motorsport Australia’s Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said the event was poised to be a great success.

“We’re looking forward to hosting 25 of the best young drivers from the Asia Pacific region at Sepang and giving them the opportunity

to showcase and develop their skills through our rigorous academy program,” Smith said.

“It’s particularly exciting to see more drivers from outside of Australia as part of this year’s FDA selection program, highlighting the ability for this initiative to develop and find the best young talent from our region.

“We can’t wait to meet all the drivers and their families in Sepang in September and look forward to seeing them all grow their skills both on and off track as part of this highly renowned event.”

The program will begin on Saturday 23 September, where participants will spend two days completing seat fittings and a track walk, as well as meeting their engineers and event personnel.

Official testing will then begin on Monday 25 September, where the candidates will showcase their skills behind the wheel of the Tatuus FIA F4-T421, as well as completing fitness testing and media and sponsorship sessions.

The top six drivers will be selected to take part in the final day of the program on 27 September, where they will get one last chance to impress FDA and Motorsport Australia representatives for a spot in the FDA’s Scouting World Finals at the end of October.

The Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program takes place Sepang International Circuit on 23-27 September.

SELECTED CANDIDATES

Giancarlo Artho - Vic, Australia

Peter Bouzinelos - Vic, Australia

Pip Casabene - Vic, Australia

Arjun Chheda - India

Yuhao Fu - China

William John Riley Go - Phillipines

Loclan Hennock - Qld, Australia

Kristian Janev - Vic, Australia

Ruiqi Liu - China

Ryan MacMillan - Qld, Australia

Sebastian Manson - New Zealand

Hayden Millington - Vic, Australia

Kamal Mrad - NSW, Australia

Brodie Norris - Qld, Australia

Jaden Pariat - India

Dominic Penman - Qld, Australia

James Piszcyk - SA, Australia

Rishon Rajeev - India

Zhelin Shen - China

Ha Rim Song - Korea

Republic of (South Korea)

Nicolas Stati - WA, Australia

Jack Taylor - Tas, Australia

Lincoln Taylor - Qld, Australia

Joel Wheeler - WA, Australia

Enzo Yeh - China

MOBIL™ OIL GUIDE NOW WITH NUMBER PLATE SEARCH

Thanks to Rego-Plate-Mate, it only takes a few keystrokes to find the right Mobil™ lubricants for any vehicle – as specified by the manufacturer.

And while it’s faster, smarter and more user friendly, it remains as comprehensive as ever. In addition to listing the recommended Mobil 1, Mobil Super, or Mobil Delvac engine oils, the Mobil Oil Guide displays most Service Fill Capacities (including filter).

When it comes to specifying the right oil for your car, the industry leading Rego-Plate-Mate and Mobil™ lubricants have your back. Give it a try, enter the web address below or use the QR code and find the right Mobil oil for your vehicle fast.

https://www.m1oils.com.au/oil-guide/

SUNSHINE STATE A WARM WELCOME FOR SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES

A long awaited break will finally come to an end this month when the Shannons SpeedSeries makes its way up north to Queensland Raceway for round five of the 2023 season.

Six national categories will make the trip to Ipswich on the weekend of 1113 August, with many fan-favourites, including the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series and National Trans Am Series – with the latter to take the track for four action-packed races for the first time this season.

Joining the two categories will be the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, Kumho V8 Touring Car Series, the combined

Most categories will enjoy three races across the weekend, with the exception of Trans Am and the GT World Challenge – who will battle it out in their usual two one-hour outings on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

The category will also introduce a brand-new Top 10 Shootout

format for Sunday morning to set the starting grid for race two, with only the amateur drivers allowed to participate, while the usual twopart qualifying session will still take place on Saturday for race one.

Another key attraction for the action-packed weekend will be the 10th rendition of the popular ‘Fight in the Night’ race on Saturday night, where the Production Cars will be joined by the newly formed

Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia, as well as the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia.

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

GT4 series for the very first time for two hours of racing under the lights at Queensland Raceway.

The categories will also feature on two other occasions throughout the weekend, with race one to take place on Friday afternoon and race three will partake on Sunday.

In between sessions on Saturday and Sunday, the Hot Wheels Stunt Team will provide spectators and Stan Sport onlookers with a dazzling display of stunts and driving on four separate occasions.

Those planning on attending the event can still purchase tickets, with single-day and weekend passes available, while kids under the age of 15 go free.

Stan Sport and the Nine Network will be the best places to catch all the action from the fifth round of the Shannons SpeedSeries 2023 season.

Fans will be treated to 12 hours of live, ad-break free and ondemand coverage across two

days of jam-packed action at Queensland Raceway.

Live and free-to-air coverage will be also available on 9Go! on Saturday from 2:00pm-5:00pm AEST – interested viewers are encouraged to check your local guides for more information.

The fifth round of the 2023 Shannons SpeedSeries season will take place at Queensland Raceway on 11-13 August.

CATEGORIES ON SHOW AT QUEENSLAND RACEWAY

• Supercheap Auto TCR

Australia Series

• National Trans Am Series

Tickets for the event can be purchased at motorsporttickets.com.au

• Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia

• Fanatec GT World Challenge

Australia powered by AWS

• Kumho V8 Touring Car Series

• Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome

GT4 Australia Series

Sign up to Stan Sport to watch the Shannons SpeedSeries

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

STRONG LICENCE NUMBERS BOOSTING MOTORSPORT

Motorsport in Australia is thriving, with record licence numbers in June adding to an already strong start to 2023. Currently, there are a total of 23,500 active competition licence holders, along with 9,650 licenced Officials.

This year, Motorsport Australia’s membership team has processed 14,275 competition licences in the first half of 2023 – a three per cent increase on 2022.

These numbers are the highest and on par with 2019 numbers before the pandemic saw licence numbers fall significantly due to a lack of motorsport events in 2020 and 2021. The month of June saw Motorsport Australia process a record 2,587 competition licences – the biggest June in Motorsport Australia’s history and well-above the five-year average of 2,078 licences processed.

Pleasingly, the amount of Officials licences being processed is also increasing, with 2,285 licences processed between January and June. Officials licences only need to be renewed every four years, however it is clear more people are eager to get out there and give back to the sport.

Motorsport Australia Membership Manager Michael Melilli said the results were proof the sport was enjoying significant interest and continued growth.

“These numbers are a great indication that motorsport in Australia is enjoying a strong 2023 and people are eager to participate at all levels, particularly grassroots,” Melilli said.

“The record number of licences processed in June is a terrific outcome for the sport, particularly given the broader economic climate in Australia.

“A huge thank you must go to all our licence holders, including our

loyal officials, for their ongoing support and interest in motorsport. We know that many sports are struggling to attract volunteers, so for us to be increasing the number of officials in motorsport is a great sign that the community is stronger and more welcoming than ever.

“Our small, hard-working membership team also deserve credit for this result – with the team making sure all members are well looked after and assisted as needed throughout their dealings with us.

“As Motorsport Australia’s investment in new IT systems continues, we know that more people are making use of our improved member portal and event entry and we look forward to even more innovation in the future to make getting out on track, or on stage, even easier.”

Haven't got a motorsport licence?

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“These numbers are a great indication that motorsport in Australia is enjoying a strong 2023”

Photo: Revved Photography

EVENTS LEFT FOR 2023

First Gear is the easiest and cheapest intro to motorsport, if you’re aged 12–17.

You’ll be provided with a car for the day, and you’ll buddy up with a race driver instructor to coach you.

Whether you want to get into circuit racing, rally or off road racing, First Gear is the first step.

BOOK AT

ROBINSON OFF ROAD

Travis Robinson and Andrew Pinto have claimed the 2023 Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) title after securing an unassailable championship lead at last month’s Loveday 400.

In what was a troubled weekend for many of the AORC title contenders, Robinson and Pinto’s fourth place was enough to extend their lead in the championship over Mel and navigators Emily and Liam Brandle, who finished in sixth - while James Cook and Mitch Aucote were unable to crack the top 10. In what was a first-ever national championship win for the

long-serving Robinson family, Travis dedicated his win to his late father, Brian.

“It feels good – all the years and lessons from the old man (Brian Robinson) have finally paid off,” Robinson said.

“It’s been a testing year, but we’ve got it all together, it’s amazing to have won the title.

“We have had lots of curveballs thrown at us this season, but we’ve just kept it together and it’s been a very hectic year, but we have come together as a team.

“No doubt, the old man was watching over us.”

While Robinson and Pinto claimed the title, taking out the event itself

were nine-time AORC Champions Shannon and Ian Rentsch, who enjoyed their win their first AORC round since the 2019 St George 399.

The Rentsch’s proved too strong for the 45 AORC crews they charged out an overall lead of just under four minutes after the first two sections, setting the fastest time across all five laps.

With a high attrition rate the main talking point for both days, the

Photo: Tony Donoghue Photography

“All the years and lessons from the old man have finally paid off”

nine-time AORC champions then built on their lead on to comfortably beat Tom Owen and Damon Bennett by almost six minutes.

“It’s been a good week and it’s been a long time between drinks, as we haven’t won for a while, so it’s good to be out the front again,” Shannon said.

“It’s a bit of relief to win – I have a bit more confidence back now. We built this new car a couple of years ago now, but it’s been a bit of a challenge getting to where we like – we’re starting to get on top of it now and getting some results.

While it was an exceptional display from Rentsch, the battle behind him was one of the most thrilling battles of the weekend as Owen eventually edged out 2019 AORC

runner-up Roydn Bailey and Dean Ellbourn by a minute.

The two crews were neck-and-neck for much of the event, with Bailey just three seconds ahead heading into the final section, before a strong run in the last two laps from Owen saw the young gun claim second place by just over a minute.

Finishing in fourth behind the two crews were Robinson and Pinto, who despite multiple mechanical issues affecting their race, comfortably beat Prolite winners Alan Dixon and Zachary O’Bree.

With Dixon and O’Bree finishing 55 seconds ahead of the Brandles to finish fifth outright, Robinson and Pinto had built a big enough lead to be crowned as champions-

elect with one round to go.

While the AORC title race is all but wrapped up, the high attrition of Loveday sees the SXS Motorsport Australia Championship title race continue to the season finale after a handful of crews struggled to have a clean run on the challenging Loveday course.

Lachlan Bailey and Nathan Sracek had little issues though, as the South Australians produced a dominant 16-minute victory over Greg and Lachlan Campbell, with the two crews placing outright seventh and eighth respectively.

Rounding out the top 10 were another pair of SXS Pros with Graham and Aaron Colbran beating Glenn Brinkman and Dale Moscatt by more than two minutes.

Other notable class victors who finished all 10 laps included Connor Corrigan and Sarah Galliford, who finished 14th overall and took out the Super 1650 class, and Sean and Mathew Beck who claimed top honours in the Performance 2WD class.

The fifth and final round of the 2023 Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship season will take place at the Kalgoorlie Desert Race on 19-22 October.

Photo: Tony Donoghue Photography

Photo: Tony Donoghue Photography

Photo: Tony Donoghue Photography

Photo: Brett Lehmann Photography

AUSTRALIANS TO BATTLE REGION'S BEST AT ASIA PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP

Motorsport Australia has opened expressions of interest for the upcoming inaugural Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship to be held in Malaysia later this year.

Representing Team Australia, competitors across several different categories will be selected to wear the famous ‘green and gold’ at the event to be held on 30 September – 1 October, 2023.

The regional Championships will see motorsport competitors from across the Asia Pacific region battle it out at the famous Sepang International Circuit against competitors representing their local ASN.

Motorsport Australia, together with Karting Australia, will enter the following categories, based on competitor interest:

• Esports (two participants, must be current Motorsport Australia Esports licence holders). Participants will need to enter an online qualifier and finish in the top 12 in order to be eligible to qualify for the finals at the Asia Pacific Esports Championship.

• Gymkhana (two participants, one male and one female. Preference given to top performers in recent

Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship events)

• Rally regularity (driver and co-driver)

• Karting Slalom and Karting (competitors chosen by Karting Australia

Competitors will be responsible for their own accommodation and travel to the event, with Motorsport Australia to provide a team uniform and small subsidy to cover entry fees and any other costs. In the rally discipline, competitors must also source their own vehicle, with Motorsport Australia able to provide some assistance in finding suitable options.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations

Michael Smith said the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship will be a great opportunity for grassroots competitors to represent their country on the international stage.

“We’re pleased to see more international events being offered through the FIA for our grassroots competitors and those eager to showcase their skills against the best-of-the-best from our region,” Smith said.

“Any opportunity to compete at world class venue like Sepang International Circuit is also one that many competitors will be eager to experience.

“Esports is also rapidly growing here in Australia and this is yet another opportunity for those talented competitors to develop their skills and represent their country in an internationally recognised competition.

“With the biennial FIA Motorsport Games not being held this year, this is also a great opportunity for competitors to put their hand up and showcase their skills for potential opportunities when those Games return in 2024 and we consider the make-up of Team Australia for that event next year.”

Anyone wishing to find out more information about the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship before filling out the Expression of Interest should email participation@motorsport.org.au

“This is yet another opportunity for those talented competitors to develop their skills and represent their country”

GUY ADDS ANOTHER DONDINGALONG WIN TO CAREER VICTORIES

Following a two-month postponement, the Scotts Hydraulic Dondingalong Challenge finally took over Circuit Lane and it was the popular Justin Guy who claimed an impressive victory.

Hosted by the Kempsey Maclaey Off Road Club, there were 27 crews entered in the fourth round of the Motorsport Australia NSW Off Road Championship, as Guy and Lachlan Davies beat SXS Pro youngster Lachlan Campbell and Chelsea Dearth by 44 seconds. While the margin between the top two crews was less than a minute, it was still an emphatic display from the winning Pro Buggy pilots, who claimed all five races as part of the event.

Campbell’s close second was also the result of a terrific weekend as the youngster secured a top three finish in all five races, including three runner-up placings, and the top spot for his class.

Finishing the event in third place a further minute and 20 seconds off Campbell was the Trophy Truck of Nathan and Gaby Wills, with the Extreme 4WD winners making it a mixed podium of different classes. However, the event was all about Guy, who took home his eighth

victory in Dondingalong – a much needed result after what had been a disappointing start to the season, which included an absence from round one and three, and a 22nd place finish in round two that had him entering round four in 30th.

“The car wasn’t ready for the first round, and I was in a motorbike accident at the end of last year, so I was still recuperating,” Guy said.

“Then we went to Wittitrin and had little issues with the car that weren’t quite right, so we decided

Photos: Kempsey Macleay RSL Photographic Club

to miss Colo to get the car right for Dondingalong and then the rest of the year.

“Winning was a relief, because the first run of the year we didn’t have much luck. And it was quite surprising to come away with another win because there were quite a few fast cars up there.

“But it’s a different kind of racing than we’re used to doing. It’s a very small, tight track, and it’s a very enjoyable track. It’s challenging but rewarding. You can drive at ten tenths the whole day and you’re

rewarded with the fastest time.

“My old man’s been in the sport for 40 odd years, and he’s raced and won there many times, so we go up there every year.

“But it’s a massive team effort. Without all the crew that came away with me we wouldn’t be there. They help out behind the scenes and on the weekends, so it’s a big thank you to them as well.”

Winning the remaining classes were Richard and Teresa Wilton for Super 1650, Riley Wilson and Nicholas

Towle in Sportsman, Kym Vonholdt in Sportslite, Ashley Southwell and James Steinmetz in Extreme 2WD and Lucky Mattiussi and Bayley Bamford in Production 4WD.

The event also saw plenty of drama across the weekend, with the highest profile victims, including frontrunner Mat Huxley, who ended the weekend in 19th due to power steering complications.

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Photos: Kempsey Macleay RSL Photographic Club

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“It was quite surprising to come away with another win because there were quite a few fast cars up there”

SUPERSPRINT SUCCESS AT SUNNY ISLAND

The latest round of the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC) SuperSprints season was held last month with a strong field of competition producing plenty of impressive times throughout the event.

Held at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, a field of 31 competitors completed many laps across the day in a bid to post the fastest time around the circuit. Enjoying bragging rights for the fastest lap for the event was Jordan Ford who showed elite pace all day, before posting the event winning lap time of 1:32.9949 during his fourth session.

Ford was consistently the quickest of all runners within his group in every session, the next best driver being Lachlan Strickland, whose

best lap in his Mygale Duratec was seven seconds off the winner.

While Ford was in a league of his own, Strickland was forced to fight hard for his runner-up finish, edging out Daniel Frougas by just a quarter of a tenth behind in his Mygale SJ08.

Group one’s fifth run proved to be the standout one, with the top three drivers all posting times under 1:40.00 and five of the other six’s quickest falling inside the two-minute barrier.

Strickland and Frougas’ quickest times of the day also came in this run, while Ford’s 1:33.5937 effort was his second quickest.

Ford was simply a cut above, showcasing his eye-catching pace throughout the day, he finished with nine laps inside the 1:40.00 mark. In comparison, Strickland and Frougas both finished with just three laps inside the same mark. Also held at the track on the same weekend were a variety of racing categories, Excel Masters, Victorian SuperKart Club, Excel Trophy and Formula Vee – all of which took place on the Saturday.

In the Excel Masters, it was a mixed bag of results across the three races, with Adam Bywater taking out the first before Dale Carpenter clinched wins in the second two to

finish the round eight points ahead and claim the overall win.

Similarly, in the SuperKarts, Geoffrey Lawrence dropped race one to Brad Stebbing before winning the category’s next three in the 125 Gearbox class; Russ Occhipinti did the same in the 125 Max Light class, dropping the first to Sanuja Perera, while Colin McIntrye did the same but in reverse, winning the first three and then dropping the fourth to Patrick Ross in the 125 Max Heavy class.

Joe Brancati took out the MS Class, with two race wins and two second places, to Martin Golledge’s two wins. Oliver Bonaccorso was in a class of his own in the Stock Honda and was quickest in race three. Gary Pegoraro took out the International class with a clean sweep. Similarly, Reef McCarthy capped off a dominant clean sweep in the Formula Vee action, finishing fastest in qualifying before winning all three races on the Sunday.

In contrast, it was Toby Waghorn who clinched victory in the Excel Trophy by a scintillating three points thanks to a fifth place finish in race three, which came after winning the first two races.

The PIARC SuperSprint will return to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on Saturday 11 November for another round of action.

Photos: Revved Photography

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BATES RETURNS TO WINNING WAYS IN GYMPIE

Harry Bates picked up his first Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) win in more than a year after taking out the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland in July.

Alongside co-driver Coral Taylor, Bates charged to an emphatic two-and-ahalf-minute win over Eddie Maguire and Zak Brakey at the conclusion of the first heat, before sealing the outright victory with a 16-second Heat 2 win over Toyota Gazoo

Racing Australia teammates Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin. While deservedly finishing Heat 2 in second place, Lewis and McLoughlin were unable to replicate that finish in the outright results, as they fell short of Maguire and Brakey after the Tasmanians backed up their Heat 1 runner-up finish with a third place on the Sunday.

Harry and Taylor got off to a flying start on a drama-filled opening day that saw lots of attrition amongst the 30 ARC crews entered – claiming victory in the opening stage before going on to win five of the next six in what was a dominant display.

The second Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Yaris AP4 suffered from mechanical problems early on in Heat 1, as did Nathan Quinn and Ray Winwood-Smith, allowing Harry to

get out to a comfortable lead, which he held for the rest of the Heat.

Harry then continued his red-hot start to the rally in the second heat, winning four of the six stages on Sunday, including the EROAD Power Stage.

Lewis and McLoughlin bounced back from a disappointing Saturday to claim two stage wins on the day but were unable to overcome the eventual winners for the remainder of the rally.

“It’s been a long time, it’s been a tough year without a win, 13 months since Coral and I last won,” Harry said. “Right now, it’s mixed feelings of relief and total gratitude for our team and everyone who has helped us get back to the top step.

“It actually took a smart strategy from the start. It’s a tough rally, a real war of attrition out there and we saw so many people with issues, yesterday in particular.

“I think our strategy of taking it easy paid off. It was a total sprint between Lewis and I for the Heat win for much of the today, so to

have both heat wins and my first Power Stage win in a while is cool.”

Coming home in fourth place after a strong weekend were another Tasmanian crew in Bodie Reading and Mark Young, while Peter Rullo and Ben Searcy rounded out the top five after two top 10 heat finishes.

Not only did Reading and Young produce a top five finish, but they were also rewarded for their efforts by winning the White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup overall.

The Victorian entry of Ben and Cathy Hayes made it a trifecta of ARC 2WD Cup wins in 2023 after

another impressive performance in Gympie, while Josh Wiedman and Nick Reid took top honours in the Shamrock Haulage ARC Junior Cup.

The ARC Classic Cup was won by Ian Griffin and Liam Bainton after the Toyota Celica drivers putting in a brilliant stint in heat two on Sunday.

The Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship continues this month with The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally in Victoria on 25-27 August.

Results from the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland can be viewed at rally.com.au

Photos: MTR Images

“It was a total sprint between Lewis and I for the Heat win”

CLEMENTS DOMINATE SA AUTOCROSS

The Southern Districts Car Club put on a terrific weekend of South Australian motorsport last month, with a strong spread of the state’s best autocross drivers taking part in the South Australian Autocross Championship and round 2 of the 2023 Motorsport Australia SA Autocross Series.

The second and final round of this year’s state series, along with the SA Autocross Championship, saw more than 30 drivers take to the Mid Murray Motorplex.

The weekend consisted of 12 runs, with all 12 contributing to the results for the South Australian Autocross Championship, and only runs eight to 12 comprising round two of the SA Autocross Series. While many faces returned for the final round, the combined event also saw some new faces join the

2023 autocross season, most notably Bradley and Michael Clements, and Guy Tyler – the trio dominating the weekend and taking out the top three spots for both events after having not competed in round one.

Claiming the overall win was Bradley, but it was not without a fight from Michael and Tyler after each picked up their fair share of run wins across the weekend. While Michael claimed three wins and Tyler two, it was Bradley who managed to leave with seven in total, with gaps as close as one tenth of a second separating him and Michael across the weekend.

This closeness in times made for an entertaining viewing, with not only the top three a tight affair, but also the top five – which saw one minute seperating round one winner Dale Cagney and Sam Humphries.

As for the class battles, Bradley took top honours for the AWD or 4WD production-based vehicles, Lachlan Tillett was victorious in 2WD modified production cars 2001cc and over, Oscar Farnden won the 2WD modified production cars up to 1600cc and Damien Wilson the 2WD modified production 1601cc to 2000cc.

Farnden also ended the weekend as the fastest junior in eighth place, following a third-place finish at round one, and Tanya Tillett received fastest female in 14th.

Photos: PMF Photography

GIPPSLAND TO LAUNCH SECOND HALF OF THRILLING ARC SEASON

Competitors will tackle more than 180 competitive kilometres across 16 stages and unlike the previous three rounds, the rally will run in an endurance format, meaning there is no room for error.

The Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) will return this month with the eagerly anticipated The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally to kick off the second half of the season.

Hosting the fourth round of the 2023 season, some of Australia’s best rally drivers will make the trip to the picturesque Gippsland region in Victoria for a busy weekend of rally action.

While it is one combined time, the rally will be split into four different sections, with Saturday’s two sections to be made up of 121 competitive kilometres across eight stages in the mountains northwest of Heyfield, between Walhalla, Toombon and Glenfalloch.

Sunday will see crews fighting it out in Briagolong, including the everimportant EROAD Power Stage, where bonus points will be up for grabs in the final stage of the weekend.

The round is expected to attract a large entry list with interest in the event forever growing after three thrilling rounds of action thus far in 2023.

After claiming their first round win in more than a year at the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland, Harry Bates and Coral Taylor will be eying back-to-back victories ahead of championship rivals and Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia teammates Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin. There will be plenty of other competitors capable of taking out top honours, with Make Smoking History Forest Rally winners Nathan Quinn and Ray Winwood-Smith keen to bounce back, as well as the return 2014 ARC Champion Scott Pedder.

Photo: MTR Images

Photo: Liam Meyer Photography

Photo: James Forrester Photography

Although he has now contested multiple events in the past two years, Pedder has acquired a top-spec Skoda Fabia R5 for the event, as well as securing the services of highlyesteemed co-driver Glenn Macneall.

“I have done a few ARC rounds over the past two years in the Clio, but this one is different because we are in an outright specification car for the first time in seven years, so I am quite pumped,” Pedder said.

“I am thrilled to have Glenn with me – he is arguably Australia’s most successful co-driver and is such a well credentialled competitor.

“That was important for me coming back. If I was to get into a car like the Skoda, which is the best of its type in the world, as well as aim for a good result, from experience it is critical to tick all the boxes to allow pure focus on driving.

“This is a sport that never leaves your system, and I knew this opportunity might happen, but to have Glenn and Race Torque and to be doing it in Victoria will be pretty special. I can’t wait.”

A host of local talent will also take part alongside the ARC, with the Till’s US Pickups Motorsport Australia Victorian Rally Championship also running at the event, with the state championship to host the third round of its season during Saturday’s eight stages.

The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally will take place in the Gippsland region on 25-27 August.

Get all the information on The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally at rally.com.au

Photos: James Forrester Photography

PEDDER DROVE A SKODA FABIA R5 IN PORTUGAL BACK IN 2016

“From experience it is critical to tick all the boxes to allow pure focus on driving”

MAHON IN GOOD STRIDE FOR ANOTHER TITLE AFTER ROB ROY WIN

After a delayed started to this year’s Motorsport Australia Victorian Hillclimb Championship, more than 50 entrants were finally able to tackle the newly upgraded Rob Roy Hillclimb last month, for the rescheduled first round of the season.

In what was the first official state championship round at the revamped venue, the MG Car Club-run event marked the special occasion with a highly entertaining and fierce competition.

All 50 drivers had the opportunity to have six runs each across the day,

a number that proved vital for the round’s leading competitors who fought tirelessly for the top spot.

Delivering some of the best competition at the top of the field were current state champion David Mahon and Patrick Malanaphy who, prior to round one, had peaked with two third place finishes this season.

Mahon was the one to beat going into the event after what has been a stellar 2023 season thus far, in addition to consecutive Rob Roy wins and outright titles in 2021 and 2022.

But despite entering the round as the favourite, Mahon was challenged by Malanaphy from the get-go after the latter produced the fastest time in the first three runs, as he looked to claim first win of the season.

Unfortunately for Malanaphy, his hopes for a win were short-lived after consecutive five-second penalties on his fourth and fifth runs of the day runs prevented him from posting competitive times, as Mahon began to unleash his pace.

The reigning champion then delivered the knockout blow on his final run, his time of 26.78 seconds sealing his third consecutive victory at the iconic hill climb.

Mahon’s win also saw him claim top honours in the Formula Libre class and move a step closer to another state title, with just one round remaining.

Other notable class winners included Jordan James, who finished third outright and was the fastest Sports Sedans 4WD driver, as well as Warren Heath, who won the Improved Production 2WD up to 1600cc class after narrowly missing out on the top ten. Also just missing out on a top ten finish was Emma Collyer who finished 14th outright and won fastest women with an impressive time of 32.35 seconds. The seventh and final round of the EZIUP & GO Victorian Hill Climb championship, hosted by the Victorian Mini Club, will take place on 27 August at Bryant Park.

Photos: Seven70 Photography

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WHAT'S ON IN AUGUST

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

12-13 August: Motorsport Australia NSW

Hillclimb Championship Round 7

12 August: 2023 Motorsport Australia

NSW Motor Race Championship, The NANKANG TYRES Round 5

12 August: BMWDCNSW Supersprint

Championship Round 5 2023

13 August: MX5 Club of NSW Club Track

Day Round 5 & Interstate Challenge

13 August: Bathurst Light Car

Club August Khanacross

13 August: GSCC Hillclimb Series Round 4

13 August: 2023 National Patios

ACT Khanacross Series Round 4

13 August: PCNSW Tony McKnight

Motorkhana Round 5

17 August: SMSP Night Sprints

19-20 August: Tri Series Lap Dash Round 3

19 August: Club Super Sprint

Round 4 CSCA Series 2023

20 August: MG Car Club

Canberra Club Motorkhana

20 August: New England Sporting Car Club Motorkhana #4

20 August: DSCC 2023 Autocross Round 7

25-26 August: Bathurst Tour

25-28 August: 2023 Bellett Isuzu Nationals

26 August: Kosciuszko

Automotive Monaro Stages

27 August: Round 4 NSW

Supersprint Championship 2023

27 August: Southern Cross Credit Union Khanacross Round 3

31 August-2 September: World Time Attack Challenge 2023

QUEENSLAND

10 August: Girls on Track - Pathways

11 August: Girls on TrackInspire and Pathways

11-13 August:: Shannons SpeedSeries

- Round 5 - Queensland Raceway

12 August: 2023 Ingham Toyota Forest Rally

12 August: The KCF Rallysport Jimna Stages

12 August: FNQMSC Bitumen - Round 5

13 August: Ford v Holden Car Show

13 August: Holden Sporting Car Club of Qld Khanacross

13 August: GCTMC Khanacross

18 August: 2023 Historic Leyburn Sprints

19 August: Charters Towers Burnout Club Test and Tune

NSW:

31 August-2 September

– World Time Attack Challenge 2023

One of the most popular events on the national calendar, the World Time Attack Challenge is back again for another year as competitors from around the world competing for the fastest lap around Sydney Motorsport Park.

20 August: Douglas Shire Motor Sport Association Round 7 2023 Club Championship

25 August: Cruising the Cane Fields

26 August: Markwell Group Gold City 320

26 August: Clermont Khanacross Event #3

WA: 26 AugustMarkwell Group Gold City 320 Hosted by North Queensland Offroad Racing Association, the Gold City 320 presents a rare expierence, and challenge, with action packed racing from 9am on Saturday to 8am Sunday.

Photo: World Time Attack Challenge 2023

Photo: Gears and Wheels Photography

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

12 August: 2023 Copyworld Walky 100 Rally

13 August: SEAC Motorkhana

Series 2023 - Round 3

13 August: MSCA - Supersprint Round 3

18-20 August: OTR SuperSprint 2023

20 August: SCCSA Ray Pank Winter Cup 4

26 August: SA Prototype Series Round 4

Incorporating Porsche Club Sprint #6

TASMANIA

12 August: Les Walkden Enterprises Mountain Stages Rally

12 August: St Helens Screamer

13 August: MG Car Club Of Tasmania Motorkhana

19 August: Lufra to Lookout Regularity Hillclimb

26-27 August: Autocraft Baskerville 1000

VICTORIA

11-13 August: 2023 Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships Round 4

11-13 August: Top Gear Rover

12-13 August: Cross Border Challenge Round 3

12-13 August: 2023 OST 8 John Pryce Trial

12 August: 86/BRZ Club Motorkhana Round 2

12-13 August: SHSCC Club Level Non Competitive/Come And Try

18-20 August: PIARC August Access

19 Agust: Lotus Club Driver Training

19 August: Winton Winter Sprint (Long/Short)

19 August: MADCC Round 5

20 August: MSCA Super Sprint

inc TSOA Triumph Challenge

20 August: Rob Roy Observed Section Trial

2023 Club Championship— Round #15

20 August: DECA Motorkhana

25 August: Sandown Showdown

25-27 August: The Middle of everywhere Gippsland Rally

26 August: 2023 WRX Club Round

5 Motorsport Broadford Circuit

27 August: 2023 Victorian Hillclimb

Championship Round 7

29-30 August: Pedders Tech Conference

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

12 August: 2023 WACC Karri Rally

19-20 August: 2023 The Tyre Place Track Attack Race & Time

Challenge/Regularity Event

20 August: WRX Club - Jack's Hill

VIC: 26-27 August - Autocraft Baskerville 1000

Hosted by the Hobart Sporting Car Club the Autocraft Baskerville 1000 is a unique and unconventional competition that sees points awarded for consistency, with the goal to set lap times as close as possible to the time.

Photo: James Griffiths (Optical Note Productions)

HISTORICALLY DIVERSE FIELD PROMISED FOR 27TH LEYBURN SPRINTS

One of Queensland's most beloved heritage motorsport events will write a new chapter in its storied history this month, with a capacity field of historic, classic and performance cars.

Thanks to a large amount of interest, the 27th Historic Leyburn Sprints will feature more than 220 cars, ranging from 1920s to modern day models, all converging on the home of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix.

The packed field will include everything from a 1922 Ford Model T racer to a Brabham singleseater once owned by Formula 1 team founder Frank Williams, to a thundering Le Mans-style Ford Shelby Daytona coupe replica making its Australian debut.

Diversity is expected to be present within the final list of drivers too with eight teenagers competing for the Junior Trophy, one competitor over the age of 80 and 40 drivers making their Sprints debut around Leyburn’s kilometre long street course.

Adding to the excitement, reigning Motorsport Australia Hillclimb champion Dean Amos will be aiming to win his eighth trophy for outright fastest time in one of the quickest sprint and Hillclimb cars in the country, his Britishbuilt Gould GR55B V8.

Sprints President Tricia Chant expected the event to attract up to 15,000 visitors to watch 50 categories race the clock, with drivers allowed seven attempts to post the quickest time.

“When the Sprints come to town the atmosphere is fantastic,” Chant said.

“I say it every year, it is simply a great weekend, you don’t have to be a motorsport enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.

“But if you do love your cars, it’s simply the best.”

The event, which will be held in the 1850s gold-rush town, situated approximately 200 kilometres west of Brisbane in the Southern Darling Downs, will include an impressive array of festival activities for all to enjoy.

Leyburn Historic Sprints 2023 will be loaded with off-track attractions, from the Shannons Show ‘n’ Shine and Vintage Caravan displays, to race car and helicopter rides, market stalls, live music in the 1863-licensed Royal Hotel and great country-style food.

The Historic Leyburn Sprints takes place in the Queensland town of Leyburn on 19-20 August with each day commencing at 8:00am AEST.

Tickets are available at the gate and can be purchased online

Photos: Trapnell Creations

“But if you do love your cars, it’s simply the best”

SUPERCARS’ SUPER JULY

July proved a busy month for the Repco Supercars Championship with two events taking place and plenty of drama occurring across the board. With this season showcasing the diverse range of talent the Supercars grid has to offer, no one dominated the month with four different winners, while no driver stood on a podium more than twice.

Starting off with the NTI Townsville 500 at the start of the month and wrapping up with the Beaurepaires

Sydney SuperNight at the end of July, each event had two races making up the schedule.

The first outing on the streets of Townsville saw a changing of leadership at the top of the standings as Will Brown picked up his third win for the year – his Erebus teammate Brodie Kostecki limping home in 19th.

The victory saw Brown end the day the outright championship leader, however this wouldn’t last too long as Kostecki secured a runner-up finish in the event’s second race, re-elevating him above Brown, who had finished sixth.

Claiming top honours in the second race of the Townsville weekend

was DJR’s Anton De Pasquale, who bounced back from a DNF in the first race and picked up Ford’s first win in what has been a challenging season thus far.

"It's awesome, it's been an average year so far," De Pasquale said after becoming the eighth different winner of 2023.

“The guys worked all night fixing the problems from yesterday (Saturday).

"I had an amazing car today, it was a dream to drive. Big credit to everyone behind me, they've done awesome. It's good to get this done."

Unfortunately, Broc Feeney was unable to live up to his nickname of Mr Sunday, having won a race every Sunday of a meeting since the opening round,

Photos: Edge Photographics

“I had an amazing car today, it was a dream to drive”

as he finished in fourth place behind Andre Heimgartner.

Feeney didn’t leave Townsville empty handed though as he finished Townsville’s first race in second behind Brown, leading Chaz Mostert across the line – the Walkinshaw Andretti United superstar grabbing his first podium since the season opener in Newcastle.

A victory in the highly anticipated Sydney SuperNight feature to Kostecki helped build a bigger gap at the top of the standings, with Brown rounding out the podium.

Splitting the two Erebus drivers was Mostert, who secured podiums in back-to-back rounds for the first time this year – the Queenslander bouncing back from a disappointing DNF in the final race of Townsville. The second race of the round saw a familiar name at the top of the podium, with Shane van Gisbergen finally making an appearance into Victory Lane for his first win in 12 attempts – an impressive feat considering he had to make the switch to a different car for the race.

"I have to thank my team," van Gisbergen said post-race.

"They haven't given up on me, I've been struggling, but they've rebuilt this car, changed chassis,

they've done so much work. It's so cool to be back here.

"Kiwi one-two which is awesome. We're back on the right track."

Heimgartner again found himself on the podium, finishing in second place, while De Pasquale enjoyed a visit for the podium – marking consecutive round podiums for the first time in 2023.

Despite the mix of results, the top eight is as it was when he headed into July, although Kostecki, Brown, van Gisbergen and Feeney have extended the buffer between the fifth placed Mostert.

The reigning champion has also replaced his younger teammate in third place, while there is a much smaller difference between the leading quartet, with only 67 points the difference.

Mostert leads the chasing pack, with his biggest threat being Heimgartner, who is on his way to a career-best season, while Cameron Waters is chipping away in seventh a further 47 points off the Brad Jones Racing big name.

The month of August has just one round, with the OTR SuperSprint to take place at The Bend Motorsport Park on 16-18 August.

REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10

1. Brodie Kostecki – 1590 points

2. Will Brown - 1549

3. Broc Feeney - 1536

4. Shane van Gisbergen - 1523

5. Chaz Mostert - 1348

6. Andre Heimgartner - 1308

7. Cam Waters - 1261

8. Jack Le Brocq - 1159

10.

9. Bryce Fullwood - 1076

Mark Winterbottom – 1056

FIA INFORMATION NOTE FOR ACCIDENT DATA RECORDERS

The FIA have released information regarding Accident Data Recorders (ADR).

This information is important for Scrutineers, Competitors and officials responding to incidents.

SAFETY HARNESS' NEEDED FOR AIMSS TESTING

Motorsport Australia and the Australian Institute of Motorsport Safety (AIMSS) are currently on the lookout for two sets of the 8853-2016 Safety Harness.

With AIMSS looking to potentially extend the service life of the 88532016 Safety Harness as it did to the 8853/98 specification Safety Harness, the safety organisation needs to be able to test the harness to make sure it meets all safety requirements.

It is hoped that testing the harnesses will allow the harnesses to have a five-year extension to their life, meaning owners will not need to purchase a new one.

Therefore, AIMSS is calling out to any Motorsport Australia members who currently own an expired or close to expired 853-2016 specification harness to kindly provide their harness to allow the testing to proceed.

Any member who has the 8853-2016 Safety Harness is encouraged to contact David Stuart at dstuart@motorsport.org.au

DATES CONFIRMED FOR AGP AND ADELAIDE FESTIVAL

The 2024 dates for some of the biggest events on the Australian motorsport calendar have been confirmed with both the Adelaide Motorsport Festival (AMF) and the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix to run back-to-back once again.

Taking place over two weeks in March, the highly popular South Australian event will serve as the precursor to the international Grand Prix, which will run as the third round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship season.

Similar to last year, the Adelaide Motorsport Festival will commence with a day of private practice and the Street Party on Friday, before the official track action is held over the Saturday and Sunday.

While the complete event line-up is yet to be confirmed, Adelaide Motorsport Festival event organisers have announced that V8 Supercars, Group C and A Touring Cars, Sportscars, IndyCars will all be on show, as well as the headline act of Formula 1 cars.

Following the completion of the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, which will be live streamed by Speedcafe. com, all attention will turn to the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, which will be held at its traditional location in Albert Park.

Both of Formula 1's feeder series, Formula 2 and Formula 3, will again race at Albert Park, making for another stellar weekend of motorsport after this year’s record breaking attendance saw the round become the most attended Sporting event in Melbourne’s history.

The Australian round will follow the season opening rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which also take place in March, before the championship heads to Japan two weeks after.

The 2024 Adelaide Motorsport Festival takes place at Victoria Park on 15-17 March, while the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will be held at the Albert Park Street Circuit on 22-24 March.

Those wanting to volunteer at the Australian Grand Prix can register in October but can sign up as a Motorsport Australia official now at motorsport.org.au

Expressions of interest for entries into the Adelaide Motorsport Festival are open now at the AMF website

Photo: McLaren Media

Photo: Adelaide Motorsport Festival

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