Motorsport Australia Speed Read - December 2022

SPEEDREAD

HOLDEN'S LAST DANCE AT ADELAIDE

The Repco Supercars Championship has concluded for 2022 and it was a fairytale finish to the season as the Holden era ended with two wins at the VALO Adelaide 500.

THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE OFFICIALS

The FIA Volunteers Weekend, one of the most important dates on the motorsport calendar was celebrated last month by thousands of volunteer officials and administrators.

SPEEDWAY RETURNS TO THE MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA FAMILY

Speedway Australia has re-joined the Motorsport Australia family, and in turn will now be able to compete under the Motorsport Australia and FIA banner.

HALL OF FAME HONOUR FOR STALWART SCHENKEN

Motorsport Australia stalwart Tim Schenken OAM has received his latest honour after being inducted into the Supercars Hall of Fame.

THANK YOU TO OUR INCREDIBLE OFFICIALS

One of the most important weekends on the motorsport calendar was held last month, with thousands of volunteer officials and administrators celebrated via the FIA Volunteers Weekend.

Happening across the world, the FIA Volunteers Weekend recognised all the people who volunteer their time to help the sport run on a week-to-week basis.

From fire and rescue marshals, flaggies and scrutineers to race control, technical delegates and event secretaries - without volunteers, motorsport would not exist.

In Australia alone, there are approximately 9000 Motorsport Australia volunteer officials who dedicate themselves across the many disciplines within the sport.

Throughout the weekend, many drivers, teams and organisations gave thanks to these individuals who are crucial to the sport and its survival via the #FIAVolunteersWeekend hashtag.

Photo: AHC Women Officials

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

Photo: WA Sporting Car Club

Photo: Simon Leonard

Photo: Revved Photography

Photo: Revved Photography

One of those Motorsport Australia Officials volunteering their time during the weekend was Jacqueline Devereaux, who played a crucial role in the successful running of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.

“It’s a really special weekend. It’s a chance for the volunteers to celebrate what they do. We all love the sport and like getting involved. The weekend was recognition of all the time we put in,” Devereaux said.

“What I love about volunteering is that you can’t get any closer to the action. We have the best seats in the house. Just being part of the sport. Everyone gets enjoyment and helping the sport run. I enjoy that team atmosphere and contributing. It’s lots of fun.”

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser thanked the thousands of individuals who volunteer every year.

“The FIA Volunteer Weekend is extremely important to all of us because it allows us to recognise

and acknowledge every single volunteer and official who contributes to motorsport,” Fraser said.

“As we say time and time again, volunteer officials are the lifeblood of our sport and without them, the sport would be nothing like what it is today.

“For anyone planning on attending motorsport events, I encourage you to take the time to give thanks to these people who dedicate their spare time to motorsport.

“On behalf of all those at Motorsport Australia, I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank every volunteer for their service.”

“It’s a chance for the volunteers to celebrate what they do.”

Photo: Queensland Motor Racing Officials Association

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

Photo: Simon Leonard

Photo: Revved Photography

Photo: Simon Leonard

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

RACING TOGETHER NOMINATED FOR GLOBAL AWARD

The innovative Racing Together program has been shortlisted as a finalist for the FIA President’s Awards.

One of nine global programs nominated, the prestigious award is recognition of the program’s success in the diversity and inclusion space.

The FIA President’s Awards were created to honour the FIA Member Clubs whose commitment brings sustainable and measurable change within the FIA community and society at large.

The Awards celebrate outstanding contributions in the fields of Climate Action, Road Safety, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. The FIA received 51 applications from all regions of the world, out of which nine were shortlisted, including Racing Together.

Racing Together was one of three programs nominated for the 2022 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award, alongside the Bahamas Motor Sports Association’s EduKarting program and Deutscher Motor Sport Bund’s (Germany’s ASN) United in Dreams initiative.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca congratulated all those involved in the program’s success to date.

“The Racing Together program is already a winner in our eyes and both Monique and Garry Connelly should be proud of what has been achieved in such a short time,” Arocca said.

“Motorsport Australia is a proud supporter of Racing Together and with good reason – it is clearly having an impact and creating amazing opportunities that may not have otherwise been possible.

“On behalf of everyone at Motorsport Australia, we congratulate all finalists in

The winner of the 2022 FIA President’s Awards will be announced at the FIA Prize Giving Ceremony in Bologna, Italy on 10 December.

The program, developed by Monique and Garry Connelly, was selected as a finalist for “opening motorsport to the Indigenous population of Australia, who previously saw this sport as not financially nor socially accessible to them”. Highlighting its success, of the ten initial members of the Racing Together team – six boys and four girls – three have already achieved full-time jobs in the industry.

Click here to read about all finalists for the FIA President’s Awards.

A DOZEN OF THE BEST

Racing Together held its open day for the 2023 intake in Townsville in October, with 12 aged from 12 to 17 accepted into the next year’s program.

With Pat Driscoll running the open day with the assistance of RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship star Harry Bates, the 12 kids will now get a chance to drive a test car in some motorkhanas and karting activities before beginning their project of building a car and racing it.

YOUR 2022 CHAMPIONS

After two interrupted years, normality was restored in 2022 as many of the national series and championships enjoyed full seasons that took them all around the country.

Adding to the joyous return of motorsport was the thrilling conclusion to many

of the different categories, with many results going down to the final rounds of their respective seasons.

With all championships now officially done and dusted, Speed Read takes a look at all the winners and grinners from what was a memorable 2022 season.

DUNLOP SUPER2 SERIES

Declan Fraser

It may have taken until the final round in Adelaide, but Declan Fraser has staked his claim to join Australia’s top tier championship next year, after winning Super2.

Representing Triple Eight Racing in its bid to win a record four titles in a calendar year, Fraser finished the year with four wins and two podiums – his last two wins coming in the final round of the year.

Aaron Borg

Photo: Edge Photographics

Photo:

Photo: Zed Photography

SUPERCHEAP AUTO TCR AUSTRALIA SERIES

Tony D’Alberto

A thrilling final round as part of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International had people on the edge of the seats as Tony D’Alberto only managed to seal the deal in the final laps of the final race of the year. While the Victorian only ended up with two wins and three extra podiums for the year, he was rewarded for his consistency as he finished almost every one of the 20 races in top 10.

AUSTRALIAN S5000 DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Joey Mawson

Joey Mawson’s homecoming to Australia has proved quite successful since his return after the New South Welshman confirmed back-to-back Motorsport Australia Gold Stars.

In what was a season of ups and down, the New South Welshman proved too good throughout the year as he claimed five wins, two of which were feature races, a further three podiums and two top five placings across the five rounds.

Dean Tighe

After just missing out on Speed and Auto test titles in previous years, Dean Tighe was a man on a mission in 2022 as the Queenslander claimed a solid victory by four tenths of a second at his home course of Mount Cotton. Tighe’s long awaited national hill climb title came just one week after he won in the Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park – giving him the rare achievement of two Motorsport Australia Speed and Auto test titles in a calendar year.

Photo: CH Images

Photo: Rhys

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA MOTORKHANA CHAMPIONSHIP

Aaron Wuillemin

Aaron Wuillemin backed up his Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship title in 2019 with a second consecutive victory, fighting off a number of stars in the process.

The New South Welshan had a tough battle with three-time champion Corinne East-Johnston, but ended up claiming a nine second victory after the 10 completed tests.

In their first full year competing in the full national off road circuit, James Cook and Mitch Aucote came away with the SXS title courtesy of hard work and dedication. The duo had a solid second half of the year that was capped off with a dominant Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race, where they matched it with the outright crews. In the end, they came away with two wins, two podiums and a top five – a stellar effort considering it was their first full season.

Photo:

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

RALLY HALL OF FAME WELCOMES NEW ADDITIONS

Seven individuals were officially welcomed into the Australian Rally Hall of Fame earlier this month as part of the Australian Rally Hall of Fame Gala dinner. Taking place during the Alpine Rally of East Gippsland, the dinner paid tribute to the seven individuals who have contributed immensely to the sport.

The individuals joining the 36 current members of the exclusive club were Cody Crocker, Les Walkden, the late Stewart McLeod, the late Geoff Portman, Iain Stewart, Stuart Bowes and the late Mike Bell.

Upon receiving their awards, all seven inductees or their representatives shared their unique journeys and stories to the sold-out crowd, while Rally Hall of Famer and Australian Rally Champion Ed Ordynski was the evening’s special guest speaker.

Hall of Fame member Coral Taylor was present at the dinner and believed it was a huge success.

“It was a truly wonderful night, as well as being a massive hit with all those who attended,” Taylor said.

“The committee is pleased with how it turned out as we had a

sold-out crowd, despite it being initially postponed from the Ranges Rallysprint, which was cancelled.

“It was really enjoyable to go back in time and listen to some of these impressive individuals speak and share their stories – there was a lot of laughter and a lot of sentiment shared over the night.

“I am just really pleased we were able to celebrate these people who have done so much for the sport.”

Click here to view the full Australian Rally Hall of Fame.

Photos:AUTOPIX

“There was a lot of laughter and a lot of sentiment shared over the night”

AUSSIE NAMED WORLD’S BEST

Motorsport Australia official Christopher McMahon has been named 2022 FIA Senior Official of the Year.

Among a small number of officials recognised from around the world, McMahon was acknowledged for his work as a senior steward.

McMahon has been a regular contributor to motorsport in Australia, including as one of the current co-chairs of the Repco Supercars Championship Stewards Panel.

He is also passionate about developing and mentoring officials looking to advance through the officiating pathway.

“It’s a bit humbling but I am very chuffed that my efforts have been acknowledged,” McMahon said.

“To be honest, I am a little embarrassed as stewarding is a team activity, and I was individually recognised. However, it is all very pleasing and came as a complete surprise.

“There are a lot of people to thank for this honour, but the key individuals were my mentors over the years, including the late Ann Thomson, who first identified me as a Steward, my first mentor Trevor Neumann at state level and then Steve Chopping and Peter Drew who welcomed and supported me into stewarding at Supercars Championship level.

“I would also like to acknowledge some of the core members of the Supercars Stewards team in Matt Selley and Steve Lisk, while the Race Direction team of Tim Schenken, Michael Masi and James Taylor have been excellent to work with.

“I also found the FIA family is a really good fit and I have worked with some good people including, Robert Reid (now FIA Deputy President of Sport) Timo Rautiainen (now FIA WRC Sporting Delegate) and Waultraud Wunsch (a member of the FIA International Court of Appeal) –

all of whom have been fantastic in helping me develop my skills as a steward since my time in the sport.

“Finally, I am very grateful for all the support over the years, as well as the nomination itself, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be in motorsport – We don’t do this for the awards, but it’s pleasing to be recognised.”

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser congratulated McMahon on the award.

“On behalf of everyone at Motorsport Australia, and our wider motorsport community, we couldn’t be prouder to see Chris named FIA Senior Official of the Year for 2022,” Fraser said.

“As a senior steward here in Australia, Chris’ knowledge and experience has allowed him to officiate at both a national and international level throughout his impressive career, which includes taking on the role as Co-Chair of the Supercars Stewards Panel.

“It’s certainly a tough job, and together with the support of all his colleagues Chris has done an outstanding job, not only in 2022 but over many

years in the sport. He is clearly dedicated and committed to making Australian motorsport the best it can be, as well as supporting those looking to follow in his footsteps.

“It’s no surprise that Australians regularly feature in these annual FIA volunteer awards. It is a clear indication to us that we have the best officials in the world who are so passionate about what they do. We should all be extremely proud of each and every one of our 9,000 plus Motorsport Australia officials.”

Motorsport Australia Officials have been recognised every year since 2011, highlighting the skills and expertise working across the sport locally.

FIA AWARDS FOR MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA OFFICIALS

2022 FIA Senior Official of the Year: Christopher McMahon

2021 FIA Senior Official of the Year: Henk van den Dungen

2020 FIA Best Team of Officials of the Season: Australian Grand Prix Officials Team

2019 FIA Best Track or Road Marshal of the Season: Robert Thiry

2018 Best Chief Medical Officer Official of the Season: Dr Matthew Croxford

2018 FIA Best Chief Scrutineer Official of the Season: Barry Habgood

2017 Outstanding Official of the Season: Roger Chirnside

2016 Best Doctor of the Season: Dr Brent May

2015 Best Marshal of the Season: Belinda Taylor

2014 Best Senior Official of the Season: Adrian Stafford

2013 Best Scrutineer of the Season: Ewan Cole

2013 Best Doctor of the Season: Dr Rik Hagen

2012 Best Senior Official of the Season: Steve Chopping

2011 Outstanding Senior Official of the Season: Dr Michelle Gatton

“We don’t do this for the awards, but it’s pleasing to be recognised”

AMAZING ALPINE CELEBRATES A CENTURY

The 100th anniversary of the famous Alpine Rally of East Gippsland was run earlier this month, with Nathan Quinn and Ray WinwoodSmith taking out the event.

Behind the wheel of a 1970 Mazda RX2, Quinn enjoyed a solid victory after four days of tough competition, finishing almost three minutes ahead of Andrew and David Travis, while Claude Murray and Lizzy Ferme rounded out the podium.

There was plenty of drama to occur over the course of the event, with Quinn facing plenty of challengers during the 23-stages.

Some of those included Adrian Stratford and Kain Manning, who

guided their 1985 Toyota Corolla to faster stages and the lead midway through the event, while Tristan Carrigan and Neill Woolley in the 1999 Mitsubishi Magna surprised many who were there.

However both drivers had significant issues during the event and were unable to continue their gallant challenge of Quinn and Winwood-Smith.

Veteran Jack Monkhouse and Dale Moscatt were extremely quick throughout the event, but a broken driveshaft on day one prevented them from really challenging for the win – a similar outcome for Brendan Reeves and Kate Catford who finished ninth overall.

In the end, nothing could stop Quinn, who claimed back-to-back victories of the famous event.

“To be fair, it's unbelievable. After I won what was a shortened event a few years ago, I knew I had unfinished business and that was to win the full rally,” Quinn said.

Photos: Bruce Keys

“I had made the promise to my team and supporters and then to actually achieve it was fantastic, although it was probably better for them, while it was more a relief for me.

“A big thank you to my crew and Ray for his help, we worked really hard all year to make sure we had the correct prep in and out of the car and it showed with our good start.

“Our goal was to go out fast on Thursday and set the race pace. To then manage four days and stay up the front and not let the red mist take over once I had the lead, well that was one of the hardest things to do.”

Following on from the event, Clerk of Course, Owen Polanski was thrilled with how it all panned out.

“It was almost like a fairy tale,” Polanski said.

“We postponed this time last year because of COVID and then the last few weeks were a bit worrying with cases in Victoria rising, but to be able to get it done was just amazing.

“And then to have the weather that we had was amazing.

“The feedback from everyone was that they really loved the event and many people likened this year's

running to the iconic Alpine Rally of the 1970s and 1980s," Polanski said.

“We believe we have set a new standard and that we have given the old editions the justice they deserve.

"Competition wise, the crowds were fantastic and the crews put on a really good show. It was great to see the pressure off Jack and to see him produce the times he was, while the crowd just loved Tristan.

“Then to have a crew like Andrew Myers and Chris Storer, who are both deaf, come in and finish within the top 50 - this was a very memorable moment and highly emotional for everyone.

"All in all, it was just amazing and with this being my last event, it was the perfect send off and I just couldn’t think of a better way to step down."

“The local community in Gippsland were also rapt with it all. The East Gippsland council Mayor was really excited with the event was keen to keep the event continuing in the years to come.

The next edition of the Alpine Rally of East Gippsland will be confirmed in the coming months.

Photos: Bruce Keys

“To stay up the front and not let the red mist take over once I had the lead, well that was one of the hardest things to do”

FROM THE GOLD COAST TO SPAIN

JONES BIDS FOR PORSCHE GOLDEN TICKET

Harri Jones would be someone on cloud nine right now.

After a a stellar year behind the wheel, having won the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship, the 23-year-old talented steerer was invited to participate in the esteemed Porsche Global Shootout in Spain.

There he went up against 11 of the best young Porsche drivers from around the world for a spot driving for Porsche overseas.

Spending the last month touring the Middle East and Europe, Jones has only just returned home in readiness for his next move.

Speed Read caught up with Jones to discuss the rare experience.

Speed Read: It’s been a big year for you, but the last month proved even bigger, didn’t it?

Harri Jones: Yeah, it’s been a massive month since the Gold Coast 500. Straight after we won the title, we had a two-day break before going to

Bahrain to start testing with Lechner Racing in the BWT Junior Car.

I was then lucky enough to compete in the first round of Porsche Sprint Challenge Middle East, where I took out a podium.

It was also a good chance for me to get some experience on a F1 style circuit and learn from established drivers, engineers and coaches, as well as have some good competition from Harry King, before going for the Junior shootout.

SR: While that would have been nice, your main focus was the Porsche Global Junior Shootout; talk us through what would have been a challenging three days.

HJ: It was an amazing experience. The first day was

Photo: Porsche AG/Hoch Zwei

Photo: Harri Jones Racing

full of off-track activities testing mental, physical and media attributes, as well as meeting the team and getting familiar with the car. It was a big day and all twelve drivers slept well that night, but it was something super different and cool.

On the second day, we got familiar with the track and got a chance to do a few laps in the car before doing a qualifying and race sim on the final day – sort of like a mock race day.

Honestly, I put it all on the table. It’s hard to know exactly how everyone else did, but I left nothing to chance and I am confident I did well.

Going to Jerez was incredible and the circuit was amazing. All the cars were brand new too, so it was a really eye-opening experience to see how well the factory is run and how important the shootout is for Porsche.

SR: Results aside, how did you find the opportunity to join 11 other drivers in this prestigious event?

HJ: I definitely learned a lot while I was over there – especially in Bahrain. To be up against Harry King, who is an established driver in Supercup and to be in his realm, looking at his data and his footage really helped me.

It was also cool to meet the other juniors and rub shoulders with some of the best young drivers from around the world –hearing about their motorsport journey and how they came to be where they can be now – it was just really cool.

It was a massive experience but such a good one. Even now that I am back in Australia and just reflecting on it – it was awesome.

SR: It sounds like it was a busy month

HJ: It was 100 per cent the best month of my career.

From winning the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship in front of friends and family on the Gold Coast, to travelling

overseas two days later to undergo this amazing experience.

It felt a bit like a month of celebration, full of learning and developing in my career.

SR: Winning the Shootout would be amazing, wouldn’t it?

HJ: Absolutely. I would love to win for multiple reasons. It’s not just financial help that is amazing, it’s also the junior program itself. It’s made in such a way that it could really fast track my own development and it could turn me into a proper factory driver.

It would be a dream come true if I was to win.

SR: So what is the plan for Harri Jones then – regardless of the result?

HJ: If we win the shootout, we will be on the Supercup grid and in the German Carrera Cup, but if we don’t win, there are still plenty of good options.

We will push hard to do the Carrera Cup journey, but we also have other options which are all really exciting, so we will have to wait and see.

“It felt a bit like a month of celebration, full of learning and developing in my career.”

Photo: Porsche AG/Hoch Zwei

Photo: Porsche AG/Hoch Zwei

Photo: Porsche AG/Hoch Zwei

Photo: Harri Jones Racing

STEWARD ELLISON DECEMBER'S SUPERSTAR

Having been nominated by a number of groups, December’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar is West Australian Jenn Ellison.

Always going above and beyond at motorsport events, Ellison has been a big contributor to the sport and which saw the MX5 Racing Inc and MX5 Club of WA and all the staff at Messenger Driver Developments nominate her for the award.

In becoming the latest official to win the award, Speed Read caught up with Jenn to get an insight into the volunteer official.

Speed Read: So Jenn, how did you get into motorsport?

Jenn Ellison: I started with club-level motorkhanas when I was 17-years-old and dad thought it was a great way to give me some driving experience before letting me loose on the road.

SR: Why did you decide to be an official?

JE: It was a bit of a running joke, but dad likes to volunteer me for things and when our club became Motorsport Australia officiated

and they needed someone to help out and train as a steward so we could continue to run events, my name was put down.

Almost 12 months later, I can't get enough of it and love to help out where possible.

SR: What do you like most about being an official?

JE: I love all the hard work officials do. We are essentially one big happy family at events and sometimes it can feel like you live at the track, but I love it. The friendships you make, the skills you pick up, the amazing fun you have and experiences you gain are all what I love about it.

All of us are volunteers and do it for the love of motorsport.

SR: What is your favourite highlight?

JE: It has to be this year’s Supercars round in WA and getting to be a flag marshall – feeling the rumble of V8's up close - I don't think I stopped grinning for a week.

SR: What is your favourite role?

JE: Love being a Flag Marshall, but Stewarding will always have my heart.

SR: Any advice you have?

JE: Just a shout-out to anyone who has some free time - get involved, and help out where you can, no matter how little you think your efforts are, your local motorsport venue will thoroughly appreciate it.

JENN ELLISON

Do you know someone or would like to self-nominate to be February 2023's Supercheap Auto Official Superstar?

Click here to submit your story.

FORGET ABOUT RECEIPTS

JUNIORS DOMINATE IN STATE KHANACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Light Car Club of WA held its last khanacross for the year last month as a huge field of 37 competitors took part in the event at Northam Race Club.

The event saw competitors split into two groups and running two short tracks in the morning before combining them for one long track in the afternoon, and it was a couple of unlikely individuals contesting for outright honours.

Making up more than a quarter of the bumper entry list were nine juniors and three women and it was two of the youngsters who proved the strongest across the whole event with Sam Moody steering his 4WD Subaru Impreza to the victory.

While Moody won two of the tests, it was runner-up Cody Joss who actually won more across the day, including the long test in the afternoon.

There was very little separating them across the day, and it was Joss who started off strongest as he won the first test by one hundredth of a second before Moody bounced back with a huge five second win in the second test.

Joss then went fastest on test three by a second, only for Moody to respond with a two and half second win in the fourth and final short test, extending the gap out to six seconds.

Photo: Alan Bird and Julie Moody

Joss would then steer his 2WD Ford Focus to a solid three and half second win, but it wasn’t enough as Moody took out the outright win, along with the 4WD class and junior honours.

The runner-up didn’t leave empty handed though as he claimed the 2WD prize ahead of David Price, who rounded out the overall podium.

The next four best drivers were all running 2WD cars, with the fourth placed Alan Makin finishing third in class, while the seventh placed Brayden Miller rounded out the junior podium behind Moody and Joss in his Mitsubishi Mirage.

In eighth overall was the 4WD runner-up in David Orchard, while Mitchell Orchard took out the class’ final position, as well as the final spot in the outright top 10 behind Matthew Doherty.

In the women’s cup, it was Sarah Taylor who took out the victory, comfortably beating Hayley Buckner and Coral Hands.

Event Secretary Georgina Helm was thrilled with the event.

“It was horsepower of a different kind over the weekend as competitors and volunteers came together to have a day of fun and friendly rivalry,” Helm said.

“There was everything from juniors entering and driving a manual for the first time to seasoned rally drivers trying hard – all of whom enjoyed grassroots motorsport at its best.

“It was a very dusty day at only the second outing for the Light Car Club of WA at its venue. This may have caused a few wrong ways and some cones to be touched, but also brought out some showmanship and plenty of rooster tails.

“It was a day of encouragement with the two competition classes being won by junior entrants and less than three seconds separating them.

“From a mixture of fathers and sons, husbands and wives, brothers, cousins and friends, competitors came together to enjoy motorsport.”

Photos: Alan Bird and Julie Moody

“It was a day of encouragement with the two competition classes being won by junior entrants and less than three seconds separating them”

QUEENSLAND’S ESPORTS BOOST

The Queensland Government has committed to supporting more motorsport events in the sunshine state, with a new grant to assist in boosting Motorsport Australia’s Esports offering in 2023.

Funded as part of the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport’s ActiveKIT program, the grant will allow Motorsport Australia to connect more Queenslanders to Esports and motorsport in 2023.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca thanked Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Tourism, Innovation Sport, for the Queensland Government’s ongoing support.

“This is a terrific boost to the profile of motorsport in Queensland and we thank Minister Hinchliffe for the government’s ongoing support of motorsport across the state,” Arocca said.

“Just recently we gathered in Brisbane to celebrate the new Parliamentary Friends of Motorsport group and it is clear that there is great support to further grow and develop motorsport in Queensland.

“Esports is a big part of motorsport’s future, a strong discipline in its own right and can also double as an important pathway for our sport, given how easy it is to get involved and the various competitions

that are already thriving in Queensland and around Australia.

“We can’t wait to release the details of our offering and look forward to more exciting developments for Queensland’s motorsport scene in the short-term future.”

Further information about Motorsport Australia’s Esports Program will be confirmed early next year.

For more information on Motorsport Australia’s ongoing work in Esports, visit motorsport.org.au/esports

FOUR MORE YEARS FOR ADELAIDE RALLY

The top level of motorsport returned to the heart of Adelaide last month as the Shannons Adelaide Rally kicked off a weeklong celebration of motorsport, which wrapped up with the VALO Adelaide 500 at Victoria Park.

While South Australians took the famous streets to welcome back both the popular events, it also gave a chance for the South Australian State Government to showcase its commitment to the sport.

Following the successful return of the Adelaide Rally, the State Government committed $2 million worth of funding over four

years, ultimately locking in the event for another four years.

Minister Stephen Mullighan was pleased to get behind what has become a highly popular event in the state.

"Big events drive our economy,” Mullighan said

“We are repositioning ourselves on the national and international stage to bring tourists and dollars into our state. It’s fantastic to witness SA streets buzzing again."

Event organisers also used the opportunity to announce the dates

for the 2023 Adelaide Rally, which will take place between 17-19 November.

Like this year, the event will take place over three days and see hundreds of cars tour over tarmac stages in and around Adelaide with the main highlights being the Gouger Street Party on the Friday, the Saturday’s Wairoa Spectator Stage and the final party stage at Victoria Park.

There will be one difference for next year’s event though with an urban night stage and second town stage to be introduced into the schedule.

Entries will open early 2023.

KALGOORLIE HIGHLIGHTS SHOW NOW STREAMING

BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) fans can now watch the extended highlights show for the 2022 season finale on 7plus.

Held at the end of October, the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race was the centre of one of the most thrilling AORC title fights in recent years.

Hosted by popular media personality Greg Rust, the highlights show from the sixth and final round of the

AORC features extensive interviews, highlights and results from the round.

While Beau Robinson and Jake Clucas ended up taking out the victory, it was the battle between the AORC’s two main title protagonists in Jake Swinglehurst and Ryan Taylor who stole the show.

To watch, fans simply need to create a free 7plus account, with many smart TVs having the app already installed.

New Zealand off road fans can also keep up to date with the

extended show now available to stream on SkyGo.

With the 2022 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship now complete, the next season will begin with the Gold City 450 in Charters Towers on 10-12 March.

Click here to watch the episode on 7plus.

Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

WILSON EDGES OUT HARRIS IN OPENING SHANNONS RALLYSPRINT

Troy Wilson and Lachlan Carson have made the perfect start to the 2022/2023 Shannons Targa Rallysprint Series season after winning the opening round last month.

With a huge field of 62 crews entered in the event, Wilson and Carson proved too strong for the competition, as they enjoyed an eight second win over Cody Harris and Matt Palmer, while RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship regular Daniel Gonzalez and Daymon Nicoli rounded out the top three.

Right from the get-go, Wilson was on song, as he steered his 2010 Mitsubishi Evo X to the fastest time of the day with a 2:09.25.

Harris ended up finishing two and a half seconds slower than Wilson in the opening run, but still picked up his best time of the day – the

2004 Mitsubishi Evo 8 MR driver’s 2:11.85 also unbeaten all day.

Both Wilson and Harris would go on to record the top two fastest times in each of the remaining three runs, with the former winning all three.

The closest Harris got to going fastest came on run three when just three tenths separated the duo, however Wilson responded with a four and a half second win on the fourth and final run.

Gonzalez on the other hand, guided his 1999 Porsche 911 GT3 to third place in every run and comfortably sealed the podium place by eight seconds

Whilst there was a big gap between Gonzalez and the fourth placed 2019 Tesla Model 3P+ of Nigel Ball and Kate Gurney, there was just one and a half seconds separating the next six crews.

In fifth place just two and a half tenths off the Tesla were Chris Caruso and Seth Higson in their 2008 Dodge Viper ACR, who in turn were just two and a half tenths ahead of the 2005 Subaru WRX STI of Drew Nutton and Tina Frank.

Half a second off the sixth ranked crew were Noel Moore and Higin Prazmo, who had been sitting in fifth ahead of the final run.

However Moore’s 2017 AMG A45 dropped to seventh by the end

of the event, despite posting his fastest time as Ball, Caruso and Nutton’s fastest times also came on the final run and were just faster.

Only one crew dropped further than Moore and that was Paul and Katie Oxley, who had been sitting fourth after run three, but a slower final run saw him fall to eighth and just over one tenth behind the AMG.

Max Whiting and Savanna Maxted were the last crew in that fight, but had recorded two strong second half times after a slow start to the event, while Cody Smith and Brett Hale rounded out the podium.

The Shannons Targa Rallysprint Series continues later this month with the second round to take place on 15 December.

Click here to view the full results.

Photos: Unlabelled Photography

CHRISTMAS OFFICE CLOSURE

With the Christmas and New Year holiday period fast approaching, Motorsport Australia can confirm its offices will be closed during the festive season.

From 11am AEDT on Thursday, 22 December 2022, Motorsport Australia’s national office will be closed before reopening at 8:45am (AEDT) on Thursday, 5 January 2023.

During this time, the Motorsport Australia hotline and will be offline and the member services email will be monitored sporadically, meaning emails may not be responded to until 2023.

The Motorsport Australia member portal will remain open and available to members via our website over the holiday period.

Car clubs wanting to affiliate for 2023 must note that there will be no processing of paperwork during the holiday period, and no event permits can be issued during this time.

All Motorsport Australia members and car clubs are encouraged to reach out to finalise any queries, documentation, licence applications or renewals prior to the Christmas and New Year closure.

SPEEDWAY RETURNS TO THE MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA FAMILY

Speedway Australia has re-joined the Motorsport Australia family, and in turn will now be able to compete under the Motorsport Australia and FIA banner.

The affiliation will see Speedway Australia join the likes of Karting Australia and the Australian National Drag Racing Authority (ANDRA) as authorised delegates of Motorsport Australia.

The partnership is a welcome one for both parties, which will benefit the entire motorsport industry – its participants, officials and all stakeholders.

Speedway Australia General Manager Darren Tindal said the news was one which would have widereaching benefits for the discipline.

“It is such a great affiliation for us to be able to come back under Motorsport Australia. It has been quite a few years now but to be able to come back and join forces, and as I have said to a number of people now, there is a great message in numbers,” Tindal said.

“And when you join these two with drag racing, karting and motorcycling, we’ve got some great numbers for the sport moving forward.

“One of the biggest things is that it gives us a lot of credibility when we go to government that we are part of Motorsport Australia, and that will be extremely helpful in every region of our nation. For example, all 22 Speedway Australia venues in Victoria will now have the opportunity to start looking at grants for safety upgrades, lights, catch fences, concrete walls, all those types of things, all because of this relationship.

“We see around the country there are more motorsport complexes being built, where they are putting circuit racing, drag racing, speedway and karting together. I think that if we weren’t part of the Motorsport Australia family, that we may not be recognised as part of those motorsport complexes. We are made up of 13,500 licence holders, 97 venues around the country, 275 clubs - so that’s a lot of people looking to go racing on a Saturday night.

“I think it is important to be part of a collective group of people who are all trying to move a sport in the general direction.”

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca echoed Tindal’s sentiments.

“We are thrilled that Speedway Australia are back in the family, it's a benefit to them, and it's a benefit for us because we can share information. Additionally, it provides a pathway through to the FIA, which connects us to international motorsport,” Arocca explained.

“It is very significant from a motorsport point of view in that we now have a major discipline of our sport, which is Speedway, back under the FIA banner via their delegated authority from Motorsport Australia.

“For the Australian Motorsport Council, it completes the process of bringing together the entire motorsport industry being karting, motorsport, motorcycling, drag racing, and speedway. Apart from the opportunity to share our collective knowledge, it is very important in allowing us to promote the sport generally. We already have a strong working relationship between all the recognised sanctioning bodies and importantly, it confirms the international pathways leading within the FIA and FIM.

“We are thrilled that Darren and the Speedway Australia Board have reconnected with Motorsport Australia.”

“It's important to be part of a collective group of people who are all trying to move a sport in the general direction”

Meguiar’s Hybrid family - to protect and shine.

QUEENSLAND RALLY CHAMPS CROWNED

Ronnie Bustard and Larisa Biggar have been officially crowned as champions of the 2022 Acworth Recruit Motorsport Australia Queensland Rally Championship (QRC).

While the 2022 QRC season was marred by constant wet weather forcing the cancellation of many events, one event was able to run in September, allowing a title to be decided.

Held in September, the Globe Roamer III Rally in Imbil saw Bustard and Biggar win a thrilling contest, beating Clay Badenoch and James Wilson by just four seconds after eight stages.

With no events having taken place for the rest of the year, the Motorsport Australia Queensland State Council declared the results of the 2022 Acworth Recruitment Queensland Rally Championship – crowning Bustard and Bigger as champions.

Remarkably, there was just one point separating the two crews on the final standings after Bustard and Biggar finished first and third in the two heats, while Badenoch and Wilson finished both in second place.

The runner-up duo didn’t come away with nothing though after they also won the Acworth Motorsport Australia Queensland Rally 2WD Championship.

In third place were Marius Swart and Ryan Preston, who finished 11 points behind, while Ryan Smart and Brad Jones finished fourth, just two points ahead of two crews equal in fifth.

Sharing top five honours with Todd Webster and Melinda Bergmann were John McHugh and Darren Whyte.

Other notable results saw Michael Gill and Alex Cherry win the Junior Championship, Glenn Mitchell and Tony Arbon the Next Level Creations Motorsport Australia

Queensland Clubman Rally Series and Steven Casper and Bear Hodge claimed the Virtual Security Guard Motorsport Australia Queensland Novice Rally Series.

In announcing the news, Queensland Rally Advisory Panel Chair, Matt Sosimenko was grateful to sponsors for making the championship happen.

Photos:

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Acworth Recruitment as our major sponsor and for their support of our Championship this year,” Sosimenko said.

“Thank you also to our Clubman Series Sponsor Next Level Creations and Novice Series sponsor Virtual Security Guard.

“These two series continue to grow and welcome lots of new competitors to rallying in Queensland.”

Click here to view the full

Photos: Zed Photography

SANDOWN THUNDER UNDER SUNNY SKIES

The Victorian Historic Racing Register’s Historic Sandown event took place early last month with a huge entry list of more than 300 vehicles at the three-day event.

Taking place at Sandown International Raceway, the event was celebrating its ’30 Years of Thunder’ anniversary with plenty of powerful cars taking centre stage over the course of the meeting.

In front of a huge crowd, the event took fans back in time with popular cars across more than 10 categories from yesteryear in

competition, including a 60 car Historic Touring Cars field that was split into two groups.

There was an eclectic mix of cars on show throughout the weekend, which included cars from the 1940s, while Australian legend John Bowe was in attendance, driving a 1969 Ford Mustang.

Although the past was celebrated under sunny Melbourne skies, so was the present, as the National Sports Sedans Series held its season finale – Jordan Caruso

winning the round in dominant fashion and the title as a result.

In addition to the non-stop racing action, there were plenty of cars on show for fans to admire, which included the impressive MGB displays celebrating 60 years, while hundreds of cars were on Red Hill as more enthusiasts showcased their pride and joys.

Enjoy some of the snaps from what was a highly successful weekend for the Victorian Historic Racing Register.

Photos: Revved Photography

Photos: Revved Photography

MOLINA MARKS THE SPOT IN NSW RALLYCROSS

Lou Molina claimed a club and state championship title in the same weekend last month as he took out the Motorsport Australia NSW Rallycross Championship event at Raleigh Raceway.

A huge field of 28 were entered in the Raleigh Motorsport Association run event, which saw them complete 12 qualifying laps, four heats and a three-stage finale over two days.

With points being scored in the finals, Molina’s victory came as a result of his consistency and a solid race and tyre strategy that saw him edge out Dave Carlton and 2021 state champion Troy Haworth.

Although not driving the fastest car in the field, Molina would post the fastest lap time in the heats and earn himself a good position for the three finals.

Only needing a fourth place overall to seal the club championship,

Molina went on to record a secondplace finish in both the pre-final and final, before putting in one his best performances to win the grand final.

Behind him, both Carlton and Haworth produced a gallant challenge with the latter setting a new lap record in the process.

Despite their best efforts, neither driver could surpass Molina on the point score, leaving the winner thrilled to take what felt like an unlikely scenario.

“I am absolutely stoked as we had worked pretty hard for this result, so we are rapt with the result,” Molina said.

“There was a lot of strategy involved as my car wasn’t the quickest. I guess the two key elements were my Joker lap in the final, where I was able to save time and get clean air, and my middle four laps, which were all within seven hundredths of each other.

“So for me, it was consistency and strategy that won us the weekend as Dave and Troy had slightly quicker cars and it showed as Dave was able to get me off the start line while Troy had that record lap.

“All in all, I am very pleased because I didn’t really believe it until the last minute. I had found that I won the club championship a bit earlier and that gave me the confidence to have a real crack at the state championship.

“Honestly, I thought I had lost in the final at one point, but I managed to hold on and beat Troy by one tenth, before driving the race of my life in the grand final and winning overall.

“Big shout out to my team for giving me a fantastic car to work with.”

Photo: Bruce Thomas

ENJOY YOUR DRIVE.

SUPERCARS FAREWELLS AN OLD FRIEND IN FITTING FASHION

The Repco Supercars Championship has concluded for 2022 and it was a fairytale finish to the season as the Holden era ended with two wins at the w Adelaide 500.

In what was the return of the popular event to South Australia, both days saw a Holden one-two take place with plenty of special moments to mark the weekend.

The event’s first 78-lap race saw Chaz Mostert claim an emotional victory for Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) as he led teammate Nick Percat across the line for a dominant one-two.

The victory was Mostert’s first at the famous Adelaide circuit and in taking out the win, he also set the fastest lap, while Percat picked up his first podium for his new team on home-soil.

With both drivers donning the iconic HRT white livery before WAU to make the switch to Ford in 2023, Mostert was thrilled to claim the win.

"It was pretty edgy out there, had to get my elbows out with a few people," Mostert said post-race.

"It was a tough race... these 250km races, they never pan out how you think.

"So good to get a one-two for the team, so good for Nick for the year he's had."

Finishing behind the duo was Tickford Racing’s James Courtney. Mostert was again in the thick of the action in the final race of the year as he battled hard to make it two wins in a row, but the Queenslander ultimately fell short – settling for second.

Instead, it was 20-year-old Broc Feeney who picked up his first ever Supercars win, becoming the

Photos: Edge Photographics

second youngest driver to win a Supercars race, behind only threetime champion Scott McLaughlin. Having started the race from the second row, Feeney was immediately jumped by Triple Eight teammate and champion Shane van Gisbergen before working his way towards the lead.

With Feeney and Mostert securing a one-two over Anton De Pasquale in Holden’s last ever race, it was a special moment that captivated the nation and Feeney was thrilled to have played his part in the Championship’s history.

“I can't believe it,” Feeney said.

“It's been an awesome year, I felt like the win has always been close.

“To get it at the last race in front of all these fans for Holden, it means so much.

“To everyone who's supported me, it's been one hell of a ride.

“In that race, I was out to show next year I can hopefully be a contender.”

As for the championship standings, with van Gisbergen finally able to officially celebrate his third title, Cameron Waters managed to hold onto second for the year over Mostert.

The only major change within the top five after the final affair was podiumgetter De Pasquale moving ahead of Shell V Power Racing teammate Davison for fourth overall.

The grand return of the VALO Adelaide 500 saw a crowd of more than 258,000 attend the event over the course of the four days.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship season and the new Gen3 era will begin with the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on 10-12 March.

“To

much”

Photos: Edge Photographics

HALL OF FAME HONOUR FOR STALWART SCHENKEN

Motorsport Australia stalwart Tim Schenken OAM has received his latest honour after being inducted into the Supercars Hall of Fame.

Schenken was inducted into the prestigious club alongside Supercars great Craig Lowndes during the Repco Supercars Championship’s Gala Dinner in Adelaide following the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Having been in the sport for more than 50 years, Schenken has had a stellar career both as a driver and as a key official/administrator.

Behind the wheel, Schenken competed at the highest level of the sport, which included 36 Formula 1 Grands Prix and Le Mans class wins, as well as being the only Australian to drive for Ferrari.

In 1987, Schenken was appointed as Australian Touring Cars Championship Race Director and held onto the role for more than three decades, eventually standing down at the end of 2021.

Also serving as a track inspector for the FIA and Motorsport Australia Director of Racing Operations, Schenken’s expertise has been sought from ASNs all over the world.

The induction follows Schenken’s recent tribute of having the famous race control tower at Mount Panorama renamed in his honour.

Upon receiving the induction, Schenken was honoured to be joining an exclusive club, full of Australian talent.

“Some great Australians have been inducted so I am honoured to be put

into the category amongst the elite of Australian motorsport,” Schenken said.

“To be joining the likes of Allan Moffat, Peter Brock and Dick Johnson, as well as in the same year as an icon of Australian sport in Craig Lowndes – makes me extremely humbled.

“To be honest, it came as a surprise and I had no idea it was happening until not long before, but I am proud that I was recognised for my work over the years – especially

“To have a standing ovation when I was receiving this award was truly a special moment”

Photo: Edge Photographics

since I am the first official there, which is truly a special honour.

“To have a standing ovation in front of my wife Brigitte when I was receiving this award was truly a special moment and I am pleased that I was able to contribute so much during my career.

“I am lucky enough to have had a career both as driver and one as a key official and I have to thank my family for their unwavering support, as well as all the people who shared the journey with me along the way.”

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser congratulated Schenken on the honour.

“Tim has been an incredible contributor to our sport for decades and it’s fantastic to see Supercars give him the recognition he deserves,” Fraser said.

“Tim is highly deserving of this award and it’s very special to see someone inducted into the Hall of Fame for their efforts outside of purely driving.

“He has done a lot for not just Supercars, but for the sport in general and on behalf of Motorsport Australia, I would like to congratulate Tim for this honour.”

In addition to Lowndes and Schenken, the Gala awards also

After finishing second in the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship season, Cam Waters recieved the Drivers' Driver Award, as voted by his peers, while Lee Holdsworth was named as the Barry Sheene Medal Winner.

The coveted award is presented to the driver for their outstanding leadership, media interaction, character, personality, fan appeal and sportsmanship throughout the season.

Champions Shane van Gisbergen and Red Bull Ampol Racing were voted as the most popular driver and best presented team respectively by the fans, while the season-ending VALO Adelaide 500 was the most popular event.

The volunteer officials for this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 were dubbed the best volunteer group for 2022.

Click here to view the Supercars Hall of Fame.

GALA DINNER AWARDS

Barry Sheene Medal: Lee Holdsworth, Penrite Racing

2022 Supercars Champion: Shane van Gisbergen, Red Bull Ampol Racing

Supercars Drivers’ Driver: Cam Waters, Tickford Racing

Dunlop Teams Championship: Red Bull Ampol Racing

2022 Supercars ARMOR ALL Pole Position: Cam Waters, Tickford Racing Champion Manufacturer of the Year: Holden

Supercars Hall of Fame Inductees: Craig Lowndes and Tim Schenken

Fans’ Choice Most Popular Driver: Shane van Gisbergen, Red Bull Ampol Racing Fans’ Choice Best Presented Team: Red Bull Ampol Racing

Fans’ Choice Best Event: VALO Adelaide 500

Best Volunteer Group: Repco Bathurst 1000

Media Award: Chad Neylon

Mike Kable Young Gun: Matt Payne, Grove Racing

2022 Dunlop Super2 Series Champion: Declan Fraser, Triple Eight Race Engineering

2022 Dunlop Super2 Series Teams Champion: Triple Eight Race Engineering

2022 Dunlop Super2 ARMOR

ALL Pole Position: Declan Fraser, Triple Eight Race Engineering

honoured a number of other drivers and individuals for their seasons.

SUPERCARS ANNOUNCES 2023 CALENDAR

The Repco Supercars Championship has released the schedule for its 2023 season with 12 events to make up the calendar.

In what will mark the first season of the new Gen3 era, the Championship will make its way to seven Australian states and territories, with a round to take place in every month between March and November.

Starting off with the already confirmed Thrifty Newcastle 500 in March, the first half of the season will include the Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, the Perth SuperSprint, the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint and the popular Darwin Triple Crown,

which will once again celebrate Indigenous Round in June.

July will mark a busy period for Supercars with Townsville back in the Winter school holiday period after a highly successful event in 2022, while the sole night race for the year will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park at the end of the month.

Following Sydney will be the OTR Supersprint and the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 before attention turns to the biggest event on the calendar, the famous Bathurst 1000,

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the iconic event will once again be in its traditional slot in October and will be one of two endurance races held across the year.

Like this year, the championship will wrap up with two fan favourite events – the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 at the end of October and the VALO Adelaide 500 on the final weekend of November.

With Winton and Queensland Raceway both missing out on making

“2023 is shaping as one of the most exciting in the history of our sport”

Photo: Edge Photographics

next year’s calendar, both circuits will be used for testing in January where fans are able to see the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro in action.

While all events will be broadcast live via Fox Sports and Kayo, the Seven Network will be showing Newcastle, Darwin, Townsville, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide rounds live and free.

Supercars CEO Shane Howard was pleased with the calendar and was looking forward to a big year introducing the new cars.

"With the Camaro vs Mustang debut, the return of the Sandown 500 and our marquee event, the Repco Bathurst 1000, celebrating its 60th anniversary, 2023 is shaping as one of the most exciting in the history of our sport,” Howard said.

“This year we have seen huge crowds return to our events and Adelaide is shaping as a spectacular

finale for the Holden Commodore and Ford Mustang rivalry.

“We cannot wait to rollout out our Gen3 Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro at Newcastle in March. What an amazing way to start the new chapter of racing for our sport.”

Joining Supercars on six of the biggest stages of the season will be the combined Dunlop Super2 and Super3 Series, with Newcastle, Mount Panorama and Adelaide all hosting the Supercars feeder series.

Although the calendar has been confirmed, the formats for each round will be announced in the coming months, with tickets for Newcastle now on the Supercars website.

The Repco Supercars Championship 2023 season begins with the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on the streets of Newcastle on 10-12 March.

10-12 March - Thrifty Newcastle 500

30 March to 2 AprilBeaurepaires Melbourne 400

28-30 April - Perth SuperSprint

19-21 May - NED Whisky

Tasmania SuperSprint

16-18 June - Darwin Triple Crown

7-9 July - NTI Townsville 500

28-30 July - Beaurepaires

Sydney SuperNight

18-20 August - OTR SuperSprint

15-17 September - Penrite

Oil Sandown 500

5-8 October - Repco Bathurst 1000

27-29 October - Boost

Mobile Gold Coast 500

23-26 November - VALO Adelaide 500

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA NATIONAL AWARDS DATE CONFIRMED

The 2022 Motorsport Australia National Awards, presented by Shannons Insurance will return to an in-person gala dinner for its next iteration, with the date locked in for the prestigious event.

To be held in Melbourne on Saturday, 18 February 2023, the event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the successes of 2022, including the national championship and series winners, as well as the recipients of several merit based awards.

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser said the return to an in-person celebration was an exciting prospect.

“We’re pleased to confirm the 2023 date for our in-person Motorsport Australia National Awards dinner to celebrate the best-of-the-best of motorsport in February next year,” Fraser said.

“It’s been a long time coming, and while we have been able to host virtual awards in recent years, the opportunity for our national award winners to come together and celebrate our collective successes is always an enjoyable and meaningful occasion.

“A number of awards have been held over in recent years, so we will finally get the chance to present and

celebrate these worthy winners at an event that is always presented to the highest of standards and holds special meaning to so many people.”

Full event details, including the opportunity to purchase tickets to the event, will be announced shortly.

The 2022 Motorsport Australia National Awards, presented by Shannons Insurance, will be held on Saturday, 18 February 2023 in Melbourne.

Photo: Flash Studio

NEWELL CLAIMS WA MOTORKHANA TITLE IN THRILLER

The 2022 Motorsport Australia West Australian Motorkhana Championship came to a close in November with veteran Jim Newell taking out top outright honours after what was an exciting three-way battle.

Heading into the fifth and final round of the season, Newell trailed championship leader William Bennett by a sole point, while star Scott Bennett was only one point behind in third place – setting up a mouth-watering finale.

Taking place on a wet Wanneroo Circuit, it would be Newell who would prevail courtesy of his new tyres helping claim the maximum 15-points in his Honda AV2, while Scott’s experience helped him edge out William to second place.

The trio’s final result was reflective of their full season as they were constantly towards the top end in each event - Newell ended up taking out the title by just one points over William and two points over Scott.

Having ended the year with two wins, two seconds and a fourth place, Newell sealed his 14th championship title – one he

felt was fortunate to obtain.

“It feels fairly lucky to be honest,” Newell said.

“A lot of circumstances went my way this year as my main competitors had multiple issues including a breakdown at Albany. Although they used my car, I felt I had an advantage – just like the final round as I had new tyres

Photos: West Australian Motorkhana Championship

after the national championship.

“With that said, I have been around long enough to not get excited, but I am still pleased with the win - this will be number 14.

“We had a good year and a good time. Probably gets a bit boring for most people as it’s the same people who win, but there are some good young guys coming through which is great.

“Funnily enough, I didn’t realise how close I was to winning until after it was over when I was informed by Scott’s father, who also told

me that if I had finished second, it would have been a three–way tie.”

The victory also means Newell takes out Class F ahead of a trio of Bennetts.

Across the other classes, David Elliot clean swept Class A by taking maximum points in each and every round, as well as finishing fourth on the overall standings.

The only other driver to clean sweep their class was Mike Brewer in Class D, who took out top honours in each of the four events he competed in.

Class B resulted in a deadlock of

points between Michael and Patrick Duffy as the two swapped positions throughout the season, each having two wins to their name as well as two second place finishes.

Brent Mathews is the last of the winners as he stormed his Toyota KE70 to victory in Class C by winning three out of his four appearances, with his closest competitor Finn Holland sevenpoints behind in the same make.

Click here to view full season results.

“Funnily enough, I didn’t realise how close I was to winning until after it was over”

Photos: West Australian Motorkhana Championship

SUNSHINE STATE CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIPS END 2022 ON HIGH

The Queensland Circuit Racing State Championships held its fourth and final round for 2022 last month where more than 100 entries across eight categories put on a show at Morgan Park.

With a bumper schedule of more than 30 races held throughout the race meeting, there was plenty of drama to occur over the course of the weekend.

Boasting the largest field for the event was the Circuit Excels, where 35 cars contested three races, however it was Jarrod Hughes who claimed top honours thanks to two podiums.

Remarkably there were three different winners and three different podiums each race as Treigh Maschotta beat Hughes and George Wood in the opening race, before Zane Rinaldi took out the second race ahead of Max Geoghegan and Riley Beggs.

In the final outing, Hughes became the first driver to appear on the podium for a second time, as he claimed the victory over Bradi Owen and Brock Giblin.

There was plenty of other close competition amongst other categories, a number of which had just a small difference of points by the end of the meeting,

while the Improved Production winners couldn’t be separated.

After four races, David Waldon and Kyle Organ-Moore both ended the round with 111 points courtesy of two wins and two runner-up placings each.

In HQ Holdens & Geminis, only one point proved the difference after the category’s races, Brandon Madden edging out two-time race winner Joseph Andriske after winning the final two races - the latter's third place in the final race costing him the round win.

Daniel Crompton and Geoffrey Taunton's battle in the Sports Sedans was just as close, as both drivers won two races each, however Darren Currie’s two runner-up finishes over Taunton in races three and four saw

Crompton take out the overall round.

In the remaining five categories, there was more of a gap between the contenders - Alex Macdonald in Formula Vee, Matthew Clift in Historic Touring Cars, and Thomas Davies in Formula Ford all comfortably winning.

Over the whole weekend, there would be two drivers to pick up clean sweeps, with Lindsay Kearns dominating the Production Touring Cars and Cameron Klee beating Gerard Miscamble in both Saloon Cars races.

Photos: Peter Buchanan

BATHURST INTERNATIONAL IMPRESSES ON DEBUT

Mount Panorama played host to a successful inaugural rendition of the 2022 Supercheap Auto Bathurst International last month despite wet weather conditions putting a halt to proceedings on the final day.

A mammoth 159 crews across seven different national series and championships provided fans with plenty of on track entertainment across the three days, with some having the privilege to crown their respective champions at the world-famous circuit.

One of the most notable champions was Tony D’Alberto, who was officially crowned as the 2022 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series champion after an 11th place finish in the final race of the weekend saw him obtain enough points.

Despite D’Alberto winning the title, it was Bailey Sweeney who

took out top honours for the weekend, beating title contender Will Brown and Aaron Cameron.

In the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia three-hour endurance race, an exciting encounter saw Prince Jefri Ibrahim and Broc Feeney claim victory over polesitters Brad Schumacher and Jordan Love, who led the race until the final 30 minutes before Feeney took the lead and held it.

The victory saw Triple Eight’s brilliant run at Mount Panorama continue with the powerhouse team having won the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, Bathurst 12 Hour, and Repco Bathurst 1000.

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

Another successful campaign highlighted at the International was 2022 Turtle Wax Trans Am Series champion elect Nathan Herne, whose brilliant year continued with a clean sweep of victories across the weekend, claiming all three races including the Trans Am Bathurst 100.

There was plenty of thrilling action throughout all the other categories, as the event wrapped up a memorable year for the iconic circuit.

The event also celebrated FIA Volunteers Weekend with title sponsor Supercheap Auto rewarding all attending officials with a $50 gift card.

Following on from the successful inaugural running of the event, The Supercheap Auto Bathurst International will be back bigger in 2023, with the event to host a round of the World TCR Series.

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

8 December: Ricciardo's Racers

10 December: CACA – Skidpan Motorkhana SMP 11 December: DSCC 2022 Autocross Series Round 8

15 December: Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series 2022/2023 - Round 3 17 December: Motorkhana #6 18 December: Khanacross #6

QUEENSLAND

9 December: Hangout Night 10 December: Open Sprint 12 December: Xmas Lunch 12 December: Supercars Australia Gen 3 Testing Day 18 December: Xmas Light Run

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

11 December: 2022 AMPL Willunga Hillclimb

TASMANIA

10 December: Motorkhana 10 December: The Cambridge Sprint 10-11 December: Khanacross Summer Series Round 2 (Sunday Only) & Junior Training Day

VICTORIA

8 December: Formula SAE-A 2022 10-11 December: PIARC December

Supersprint inc Vic Superkart Racing, Vic V8's Racing

10-11 December: Westmere Xmas Motorkhana

10 December: Peter Waddleton Memorial Motorkhana - Group5 Round 12 11 December: Bagshot Autocross and Motorkhana

11 December: Gippsland

Car Club Khanacross

11 December: 2022 WRX

Club Christmas Rexmas 18 December: Conspiracy Crew Motorkhana - Come and Try

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

10 December: WA Time Attack 15 December: Shannons Targa Rallysprint Round 2

NSW: 15 December - Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series 2022/2023 - Round 3 After a thrilling start to the 2022/2023 season, the Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series continues later this month with many competitors looking to finish the season on a high.

SA: 11 December - 2022 AMPL Willunga Hillclimb

A popular event in the state, the Willunga Hillclimb returns this month with Dan Day looking to continue his dominance over the competition.

Photo: North Shore Sporting Car Club

Photo: Straya Photography

COFFS COAST CROWNS NEW ARC CHAMPIONS

Lewis

With a huge field entered in the event that served as the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) season finale, Bates and McLoughlin ended up in second place behind locals Nathan Quinn and David Green, who also won the state championship.

Also, cross-entered in the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) grand finale, Bates ended up steering

the Neal Bates Motorsport prepared Toyota GR Yaris AP4 to second place behind New Zealanders Hayden Paddon and John Kennard.

Rounding out the podium in the ARC, APRC and the NSW Championship were Richie Dalton and Dale Moscatt, with the Irishman also sewing up third place on the overall standings.

However, the weekend was all about Bates and McLoughlin, who capped off their season with an outright victory in the EROAD Power Stage.

“I can’t thank the whole team in front of me enough for everything they have done,” Lewis said post-event.

“The GR Yaris has been incredible all year, especially this weekend, it was a tough event, and it has been absolutely faultless.

“I can’t thank everyone that supports us enough and yeah, I’m lost for words.

“I think the second half of the season has been very strong for us, I think we have had really good points and we have been incredibly consistent. Unfortunate for Harry and John today, something I never want to see, and I’m gutted for them.

“Overall, I’m absolutely over the moon.”

Bates and Anthony McLoughlin were crowned Australian champions for the first-time last month after the duo finished on the podium at the Supercheap Auto Coffs Coast Rally.

Photos: Zed Photography

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia crew entered the finale with a slender lead over teammates Harry Bates and John McCarthy and for much of the event, trailed in third place.

Requiring a win for any chance of the title, Harry and McCarthy, started the event on song and finished the first day of competition with a healthy lead over Quinn and Green, while Lewis was in third place.

Harry continued with his momentum in Sunday morning’s stages, however with Quinn pushing, the 2019 champion went too hard on the third last stage and crashed out, with both driver and co-driver okay.

The crash saw them out of the event and put his younger brother in the box seat, which he went on to take out the title.

Harry’s DNF also eased the pressure on Paddon, who had

steered his Hyundai i20 AP4 to a dominant Sunday.

Picking up a clean sweep of stage wins to claim the outright Supercheap Auto Coffs Coast Rally victory, Paddon also walked away with his first ever APRC title.

“Winning is what we came here to do, it’s a big relief after all the troubles yesterday. We have had to work for it, but the team has done an awesome job,” Paddon said.

“A thank you to everyone back at home who supported us and it’s been an awesome fight between Harry and Nathan here as well.

“Luckily, we have come out the right end. It was hard work, but it was worth it.”

Other results for the weekend saw young gun Taylor Gill and Daniel Brkic

claim seventh overall and victory in the White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup, local drivers Dean Ridge and Phillip Bonser take out the Shamrock Haulage ARC 2WD Cup and South Australians Molly Spalding and Douglas Johnson win the Glendun ARC Junior Cup.

Ian Griffin and Liam Bainton took out the Classic Cup after comfortably beating David Thompson and Matthew Sanders on the final stage.

Click here to see the champions of 2022.

Click here to view the Super Special Stage at Raleigh Raceway.

Click here to view the EROAD Power Stage.

“Luckily, we have come out the right end. It was hard work, but it was worth it”

Photos: Zed Photography

EROAD POWER STAGE RETURNS IN 2023

After a successful debut on the 2022 RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, the EROAD Power Stage will again feature at all rounds in 2023.

The news was confirmed during the Supercheap Auto Coffs Coast Rally, with EROAD also announcing it will continue its ongoing support as naming rights partner for the Power Stage in 2023.

Broadcast live as part of every event, the new addition has been a popular addition to the ARC and provides the opportunity for bonus points that helped shape the fight for the outright Championship.

“The competitors have certainly told us how much they enjoy the

EROAD Power Stage and pushing hard to make sure they finish the rally on a high and also with some extra Championship points under their belt," EROAD Australia General Manager, Konrad Stempniak said.

"The EROAD Power Stage has certainly been an exciting extra element to what was a thrilling Australian Rally Championship season,” Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said.

“The EROAD Power Stage is a popular and captivating component that provides plenty of talking points and battles between drivers as they search for all-important bonus points and bragging rights on the event’s final stage – as we saw this year, it was

SUPER SPECIAL SHOT

The ARC is also pleased to see young fans throwing their support behind the championship and it was no different on the exciting Super Special Stage when 12-yearold Sarah Biggar took this wonderful snap.

Speed Read encourages fans to share their images of the event and what they love about the sport.

“The EROAD Power Stage has certainly been an exciting extra element to what was a thrilling Australian Rally Championship season”

a stage that also had a significant impact in the overall ARC standings.”

The 2023 RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship calendar was released earlier this year and begins with Rally Launceston in March.

Photos: Zed Photography

FAREWELL ARTHUR BARTLETT

After more than three decades in motorsport, Arthur Bartlett will retire as Chaplain at the conclusion of 2022.

Bartlett has long been a staple at motorsport events around the country, best known for being integral to the building of the Chapel at Calder Park - the first of its kind at any racetrack in the world.

Bartlett’s journey in motorsport began at the age of 14 when he began attending Brisbane’s Speedway – a hobby that would grow through the late 1940s and early 1950s.

After 30 years, his involvement in the sport got more serious when he was a crew-member for his next-door neighbour’s son, David Weatherhead, in an Auscar at Calder Park.

It was Bartlett’s first proper experience with Calder Park and one of the most significant, until receiving an invitation from Bob Jane to be the facility’s first official Chaplain in 1991.

In order to gain the trust and respect of the regulars there, Bartlett built his own car, a Model T Van, which helped

establish his presence at the track, making him a welcome addition.

Over the next four years, there would be a number of individuals who unfortunately lost their lives, including Alan Hurren and Craig

Six years later, Flag Marshall Graham Beveridge was killed during the Australian Grand Prix and Bartlett was key in consoling 20 traumatised marshals and Beveridge’s 18-year-old daughter.

Thankfully, there wasn’t to be another death in the race during his 20-year tenure at Albert Park.

In 1996, Bartlett was invited by Jane to build a Chapel at Calder Park in 1996, and he found an old Baptist Church from Westgarth and moved it onto the Thunderdome.

He would have a longstanding association with the circuiteventually conducting Jane’s memorial service in 2018.

Hansford, to which Bartlett was key in helping people deal with the losses.

Donnie Hill was another major figure to pass away, with the esteemed Chief Fire Marshall losing his life in 1995 and Bartlett conducting the funeral.

Following the funeral, Bartlett was approached by Peter Nelson to be the Chaplain for the Australian Grand Prix later that year – which began his 20 year association with the nation’s biggest motorsport race.

Now at 87-years-old, Bartlett felt it was the right time to finish up.

“My purpose was to support, help, listen and advise on all areas of life. Also, to conduct weddings, baptisms, marriage counselling and funerals,” Bartlett said.

“This year totals 31 years of service to motorsport and at the age of 87 I will be retiring at the end of this season. Thanks for the friendships and thanks for the ride.”

“This year totals 31 years of service to motorsport and at the age of 87 I will be retiring at the end of this season.

Thanks for the friendships and thanks for the ride”

PORSCHE BATTLE HEADLINES MAGICAL ISLAND ATTRACTION

The annual Island Magic was held last month with more than 200 entries across eight categories in action at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

With bumper entries lists making up the event, it was the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia who headlined the event as 30 cars took part in the sixth and final round of the 2022 season.

Throughout the season, Thomas Sargent and Ryan Wood had been the two standout performers, each trading blows in a fierce battle that went right down the wire.

And although Wood would claim victory in the category’s two races, it wouldn’t prove enough for the Kiwi as Sargent’s two second place finishes saw him crowned champion.

“It has been a very, very hardfought year, it was a late year due to COVID we started quite late and since then it has been very awesome to have all this racing at the end of the year,” Sargent said.

“I have had a great time and I’m super stoked to have wrapped up the championship, it’s something we want to achieve, and it’s been amazing to do it with the CHE Racing Team again.”

The entertaining battle of the Porsche title contenders wasn’t the only thing to impress fans as Reef McCartney made history in Formula Vee, equalling category

legend Frank Haire’s record of four consecutive Island Magic round wins.

“I was stoked to be able to pull off another victory at Island Magic,” McCartney said.

“I can’t thank my support group enough for putting me in the position to win a fourth Island Magic title.

“My focus now is to try and find backing and see if we can make it to the Super2 grid in 2023. Supercars is still where I want to be racing and it is just the budget holding me back.”

Although McCartney took out top honours for Formula Vee with two wins, he missed out on a clean sweep of wins after John Cassimaty won the opening race of the weekend.

The young star may have missed out on his perfect weekend, however the same couldn’t be said for a handful of others who came away with clean sweeps in their respective categories – those drivers being James Westaway in Porsche 944,

Rounding out the categories were Historic Touring Cars, which fielded the biggest entry list of the weekend in 37.

The racing delivered plenty of entertainment too as West Australians Aldo De Paoli and Paul Stubber each came away with wins, although a DNF to the latter gave De Paoli the round win.

Adam Poole in Improved Production, Toby Waghorn in Circuit Excels, Trent Grubel in Formula Open and Matthew Hillyer in Formula Ford.

Photos: Revved Photography

CHANGES TO CIRCUIT PROVISIONAL LICENCING SYSTEM

From 2023 there will be changes to the type of vehicle those on a provisional circuit licence will be able to drive, Motorsport Australia has confirmed.

The Motorsport Australia Board has approved changes to its regulations which will mean no driver on a provisional circuit racing licence may drive a vehicle with a power to weight ratio less than 3.5kg per kw.

The change was presented to the Board upon the recommendation of the Australian Motor Racing Commission (AMRC) as well as the Motorsport Risk and Safety Committee.

Similar changes to the minimum age criteria for race categories were implemented earlier this year and outlined a new power

to weight criteria for determining the type of car that a driver of a certain age is permitted to race. Using this same philosophy, a provisionally endorsed circuit racing licence holder would now compete under similar regulations.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the Board unanimously approved the change.

“As of 1 January 2023, provisional circuit licence holders will not be able to drive a vehicle with a power-toweight less than 3.5kg/ kw,” Arocca explained.

“After three races in car of a lesser power, and formally upgrading their licence, drivers would then be permitted to race in a higher power vehicle, so it isn’t an onerous change and provides a level of extra experience on track.

“This is an important tweak to the regulations that is based entirely

on safety for all competitors. For example, some drivers were obtaining a provisional licence, completing an observed licence test on a Friday and then racing in a high powered vehicle, such as a GT3 car, at state level competition with very limited experience a day later. This is a risk to not only themselves, but the other more experienced drivers sharing the track.

“Motorsport Australia is not trying to stop people from competing at these higher levels, instead it’s about providing some certainty that competitors in these high powered vehicles have the relevant experience before making the step up.”

Some examples of vehicles impacted would include: Supercars, S5000, GT3 automobiles (including Carrera Cup), Trans Am and any other categories exceeding the power-to-weight limit).

The changes will be outlined in the 2023 Motorsport Australia Manual.

Photo: Dan Thompson

“It’s about providing some certainty that competitors in these high powered vehicles have the relevant experience before making the step up”

EIGHT UP FOR BUMPER CARRERA CUP CALENDAR

Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) has announced the calendar for the 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia Championship with eight rounds to make up the season.

In announcing the calendar, PCA also confirmed the popular onemake championship will be the primary support category for the Repco Supercars Championship once again, with all but one round to feature at Supercars events.

That sole round will instead be on the biggest stage in the country, with

the 2023 season to open at Albert Park in Victoria for the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in March, joining the support card made up of the FIA Formula 2 and 3 Championships and Supercars.

The Carrera Cup season will resume in June with a visit to the Northern Territory for the famous Darwin Triple Crown before heading east to Townsville just a few weeks later.

The Bend Motorsport Park and a return to Victoria for the Sandown 500 are the next two rounds on the calendar, acting as the perfect lead up to the biggest event on the Australian calendar, the Repco Bathurst 1000.

October serves as a busy month for the Carrera Cup as the category backs up its visit to Mount Panorama with the penultimate round on the Gold Coast before the

Photo: Edge Photographics

“I have no doubt that the 2023 season will arguably be one the best in its long and illustrious history”

season wraps up in style as part of the Adelaide 500 in November.

After one of the biggest years to date for the popular category in 2022, PCA Motorsport Manager, Barry Hay was excited about what the 2023 season had in store for the category.

"We are delighted to announce our 2023 calendar which will see our drivers continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year, in front of the biggest crowds, enjoying the best support and television package available,” Hay said.

“Every season we strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and partners and I have no doubt that the 2023 season will arguably be one the best in its long and illustrious history."

Fans unable to make the events can tune into all eight rounds via the live broadcast on Foxtel and Kayo, while the Darwin, Townsville, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide rounds will be aired live and free on the Seven network.

The 2023 Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup begins at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Albert Park, Victoria on 30 March – 2 April.

Click here for more information on the championship.

2023 PORSCHE PAYNTER DIXON CARRERA CUP AUSTRALIA CALENDAR

Round 1: 30 March-2 April - Formula

1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix, VIC

Round 2: 16-18 JuneDarwin Triple Crown, NT

Round 3: 07-09 JulyTownsville 500, QLD Round 4: 18-20 August - The Bend SuperSprint, SA

Round 5: 15-17 September - Sandown 500, VIC

Round 6: 05-08 OctoberBathurst 1000, NSW

Round 7: 27-29 OctoberGold Coast 500, QLD Round 8: 23-26 November - Adelaide 500, SA

Photo: Edge Photographics

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