SPEED READ F E B R U A R Y
2 0 2 1
WELCOME, 2021
With the Boost Mobile Race Tasmania done and dusted, the 2021 national season of motorsport is officially underway.
INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE 2020 HONOURS
FEBRUARY UPCOMING STATE EVENTS
Worthy motorsport individuals have been celebrated for their contribution to the sport in a challenging year.
Check out the upcoming club and state events happening in the second month of this year.
M O T O R S P O R T . O R G . A U
AWESOME ASLAM FASTEST AT THE MOTORPLEX The WA Car Club Summer Autocross series resumed its 2020/21 season last month with a record 55 car field.
Confidence no matter what’s around the bend with your community insurance broker and consultant
Talk to us about: Race Track Whole Packages
As motorsport insurance specialists, our team have both the skills and experience to identify and address risks that are uniquely associated with motorsport. Our Race Track Whole Packages combines cover for several key risks including Motorsport Liability, Management Liability, Property (with or without track cover), Mobile Machinery, Commercial Motor, Personal Accident so that you can face what’s around the bend with confidence. sport.ajg.com.au
Find out more.
Get in touch with the Gallagher team.
sport@ajg.com.au Terry Berryman 07 3367 5010
Tim Roarty 02 8838 5711
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co (Aus) Limited. AFSL 238812. Cover is subject to the Policy terms and conditions. You should consider if the insurance is suitable for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and our Financial Services Guide (FSG) before making your decision to acquire insurance. These are available on request or at sport. ajg.com.au. REF2782-1020-1.1
CONTENTS 4
What's on in February?
6
Welcome to 2021
12
Individuals receive 2020 honours
16
Piastri honoured
18
Popular Rally Festival enters third year
19
Motorsport Australia App available for download
20
Motum Simulation signs on for two more years
22
Toowoomba circuit a step closer
23
2021 Anti-Doping Policy
24
SCCSA turn to Mallala for season launch
26
Australian Grand Prix shifts to November
27
Member Rewards spotlight
28
High Country to open up Targa 2021 campaign
30
Race Tasmania opens up national racing calendar
32
Mud racing heats up in wet Top End comp
33
Shannons back in season with All Wheels Fest
34
Awesome Aslam fastest at the Motorplex
36
In case you missed it
40
Mount Panorama the opener for 2021
42
National Capital Rally ready for entries
6 18 26 28 32
COVER PHOTO
Thomas Randle is set for a big 2021, blitzing the S5000 Australian Drivers Championship competition in it's first round of the year. Photo: Angryman Photography
275 Canterbury Road, Canterbury VIC 3126 PO Box 172, Canterbury LPO Vic 3126 Member Hotline 1800 883 959 (9am - 5pm AEST) Telephone 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Website motorsport.org.au E-mail info@motorsport.org.au
40
WHAT'S ON IN
FEBRUARY? NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT
6 February: Skidpan Motorkhana - Sydney Motorsport Park 6 February: Impreza WRX Club Motorkhana Night Event - Sydney Motorsport Park (Skidpan) 7 February: R1 - Porsche Club NSW Inc Supersprint Championship - Sydney Motorsport Park (Druitt Circuit) 7 February: Ringwood Hillclimb Tar Series R1 - Ringwood Park 7 February: SDMA Club Hillclimb - Fairbairn Park Hillclimb Circuit 7 February: Fab Feb Khanacross - Unkya Reserve 7 February: NSW 86/BRZ Car Club Motorkhana - Sydney Motorsport Park (Skidpan) 11 February: Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series 20/21 - Sydney International Dragway 13 February: Pit Fence Motorkhana - Nabiac Motorsport Complex 14 February: Pit Fence Khanacross - Nabiac Motorsport Complex 14 February: Be My Valentine State Motorkhana - Awaba 20-21 February: Club Lap Dash Plus Come and Try - Oakburn Park 21 December: Dave Johnson Historic – Southern Highlands 21 February: February Multi-Club Khanacross - John Windsor Motorsport Park 21 February: Supersprint Championship R1 Sydney Motorsport Park (Amaroo Circuit) 21 February: Drive to the Blue Mountains for lunch - Blue Mountains 21 February: GSCC Test, Tune and Try Day Mountain View Motorsport Complex
Photo: Classic Rally Club NSW NSW: Dave Johnson Historic The Dave Johnson Historic will see competing crews cover more than 300kms across some picturesque roads in eastern New South Wales. Starting from the Mittagong RSL Club, competitors will negotiate their way through the Southern Highlands and Tablelands region before finishing back at the RSL club.
QUEENSLAND
5 February: Coffee Run, United Service Station 7 February: Cross Border Run – Mudgeeraba 7 February: Come and Try - Willowbank Raceway 12 February: Hangout Night - Stockland Hervey Bay 13 February - Come and Try/Test and Tune - Cornubia 13 February: FNQ Round 1 RD Technik Bitumen Khanacross - Springmount Raceway 14 February: Junior Development Day - Rosel Park 19 February: Coffee Run – Depot Hervey Bay 20-21 February: HRCC TTT and Super Sprint - Morgan Park Raceway 21 February: HSCCQ Come and Try/Test and Tune Motorkhana - Willowbank Raceway 21 February: Pub Run - Theebine Pub 27 December: FNQ R1 Gravel Khanacross – FNQ Rallysport Park
Photo: Shifting Focus QLD: HRCC TTT and Super Sprint The Historic Racing Car Club of Queensland will return to Morgan Park provide competitors with an opportunity to bust out some as many laps as they can to win the event via the fastest time. There will plenty of a classic cars on show for fans to enjoy too.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY
6-7 February: Twin Peaks Port MacDonnell Hillclimb Cross-Border Hillclimb Series R1 - Port MacDonnell 12-13 February: Stadium Buggy Demonstration - Adelaide Showgrounds 13 February: PCSA Supersprint #1 - Mallala Motorsport Park 20 February: 2021 Season Launch - Mallala Motorsport Park 21 February: Show-n-Shine - Wigley Reserve Glenelg
4
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Photo: Warren Edwards (Freelance Images) SA: PCSA Supersprint #1 Members of the Porsche Club of South Australia will come together at Mallala Raceway to compete in a series of timed sprints across one day of competition. All members will have the chance to take part in three sprints across the day.
TASMANIA
13 February: Motorsports Clubs of Tasmania Khanacross - Symmons Plains Raceway 20 February: Must Love Cars Tasmanian Hillclimb Series R1 – Highclere
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
6 February: Collie Motorplex Come and Try Day - Collie Motorplex 11 February: Shannons Targa Rallysprint R4 – Perth Motorplex 18 February: Infinite Time Attack - Wanneroo Raceway 28 February-1 March: Targa Albany Sprint
Photo: Revved Photography VIC: Motorsport Australia Victorian State Circuit Racing Championship Undertaking its first event in 12 months, the Motorsport Australia Victorian State Circuit Racing Championship finally returns to action as a number of category favourites hit the famous Sandown Raceway. Featuring on the bill will be the Hyundai Excels, Formula Ford, Sports Sedans, HQ Holdens and Historic Touring Cars.
2021 SHANNONS MOTORSPORT VICTORIA AUSTRALIA 2 February: Coffee, Cars and Donuts - Jells Park 5-7 February: Targa HighCHAMPIONSHIPS Country 2021 - Mount Buller 6-7 February: PIARC Supersprint - Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit CALENDAR
7 February: Junior Driver Experience Sandown International Raceway Round 1 8 February: Coffee, CarsPhillip and Donuts - Jells Park Island, Victoria, Photo: Mark Young February 2021 TBC* 12-14 February: Victorian State Circuit Racing Championship R1, Sandown Raceway Round 2 TAS: Motorsports Clubs of Tasmania Khanacross 13 February: Group 5 NCCA Motorkhana R1 TCCA Grounds Bathurst 6 Hour, New The Motorsports Clubs of Tasmania will host its first event of 2021 13 February: Victorian Hillclimb Championship with competitors to attend the famous Symmons Plains Raceway South Wales, 2-4 April R2 2021 - Bryant Park and undergo a series of challenges across different surfaces. Round 3 13 February: Junior Driver Experience Sydney Motorsport Park, New Sandown International Raceway SouthHigh Wales, 1-2 May 13 February: Driver Dynamics Performance Track Days - Sandown Raceway Round 4 13-14 February: Drift School LevelPark, 1 andQueensland, 2Morgan Winton Motor Raceway 25-27 (Skidpan) June 14 February: Marque Sports Car Vic Track Day - Sandown Raceway Round 5 - Powelltown 20 February: George Woods Rally Sandown International Raceway, 21 February: Multiclub Khanacross - Bryant Park Victoria, 10-12 September Photo: Alan Bird Photography 21 February: DSCC 2021 Autocross and Khanacross R1 - Deniliquin Motorsport Complex Round 6 WA: Shannons Targa Rallysprint The Bend Motorsport Park, 24 February: Summer Autocross Series R4 - Perth Motorplex The Shannons Targa Rallysprint reaches its penultimate round as competitors South Australia, 15-17 October compete against the clock at 20 second intervals to grab the fastest set of runs. 27 December: AROCA Sandown Sprint – A major part of the series, fans will have free access to Perth Motorsport to Sandown International Raceway watch the action unfold as negotiate the course in a tarmac or gravel rally car. Photos: Speed Shots Photography 27 December: Rally Retro Festival 2021 - METEC Driver Training
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37 5 MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU
WELCOME TO
2021 With the completion of the Boost Mobile Race Tasmania, the national season of motorsport is officially underway. There are more than 20 national championships and series confirmed to take place in 2021 with many scheduled to hold their first rounds this month, including the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships and the Repco Supercars Championship. Motorsport fans were starved of action in 2020, but the 2021 calendar looks jam packed with action and Speed Read has compiled every round so fans can pencil in which events they want to watch live on television or online.
6 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Photo: Angryman Photography
SHANNONS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS 19-21 Feb: Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 2-4 Apr: Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, Mount Panorama 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-27 Jun: Morgan Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway 15-17 Oct: The Bend Motorsport Park
SUPERCHEAP AUTO TCR AUSTRALIA SERIES 24-26 Jan: Symmons Plains Raceway 19-21 Feb: Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 2-4 Apr: Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, Mount Panorama 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-27 Jun: Morgan Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway
VHT S5000 AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP 24-26 Jan: Symmons Plains Raceway 19-21 Feb: Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit TBC: TBC 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park
GULF WESTERN OIL TOURING CAR MASTERS
24-26 Jan: Symmons Plains Raceway TBC: TBC 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-27 Jun: Morgan Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway TBC: Bathurst International
2021 GT WORLD CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA POWERED BY AWS
19-21 Feb: Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 2-4 Apr: Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, Mount Panorama 8-9 May: OTR SuperSprint, Tailem Bend TBC: TBC 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway TBC: Bathurst International (Endurance)
MRF TYRES AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION CAR SERIES 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-27 Jun: Morgan Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway 15 -17 Oct: The Bend Motorsport Park
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7
REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP
26-28 Feb: Mount Panorama 500, Bathurst 18-21 March: Sandown Supersprint, Sandown Raceway 10-11 April: Tasmania SuperSprint, Symmons Plains Raceway 8-9 May: OTR SuperSprint, Tailem Bend 29-30 May: Winton SuperSprint, Winton 19-20 June: Darwin Triple Crown, Hidden Valley 9-11 July: NTI Townsville, Reid Park 20-22 Aug: Sydney SuperNight, Sydney Motorsport Park 11-12 Sept: Perth SuperNight, Wanneroo Raceway 7-10 Oct: Repco Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama 6-7 Nov: ITM Auckland SuperSprint, New Zealand 3-5 Dec: Gold Coast Street Circuit, Surfers Paradise
DUNLOP SUPER2 AND SUPER3 SERIES
26-28 Feb: Mount Panorama 500, Bathurst 29-30 May: Winton SuperSprint, Winton 9-11 July: NTI Townsville, Reid Park 20-22 Aug: Sydney SuperNight, Sydney Motorsport Park 7-10 Oct: Repco Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama 3-5 Dec: Gold Coast Street Circuit, Surfers Paradise
V8 SUPERUTES
8-9 May: OTR SuperSprint, Tailem Bend TBA May: TBA 20-22 Aug: Sydney SuperNight, Sydney Motorsport Park 11-12 Sept: Perth SuperNight, Wanneroo Raceway 7-10 Oct: Repco Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama
Photo: Edge Photographics
PORSCHE PAYNTER DIXON CARRERA CUP AUSTRALIA
18-21 Mar: Sandown Supersprint, Sandown Raceway 8-9 May: OTR SuperSprint, Tailem Bend 9-11 Jul: NTI Townsville, Reid Park 20-22 Aug: Sydney SuperNight, Sydney Motorsport Park 11-12 Sep: Perth SuperNight, Wanneroo Raceway 7-10 Oct: Repco Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama TBC Nov: Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne 3-5 Dec: Gold Coast Street Circuit, Surfers Paradise
PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA 19-21 Feb: Australian All Wheels Race Fest, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-27 Jun: Morgan Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway 15-17 Oct: The Bend Motorsport Park TBC: Bathurst International
Photo: Revved Photography
8 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
TOYOTA GAZOO RACING AUSTRALIA 86 SERIES
26-28 Feb: Mount Panorama 500, Bathurst 29-30 May: Winton SuperSprint, Winton 9-11 Jul: NTI Townsville, Reid Park 20-22 Aug: Sydney SuperNight, Sydney Motorsport Park 7-10 Oct: Repco Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama
BATTERY WORLD AUSSIE RACING CARS SUPER SERIES
26-28 Feb: Mount Panorama 500, Bathurst 10-11 Apr: Tasmania SuperSprint, Symmons Plains Raceway 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park TBA: TBA 25-27 Jun: Morgan Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway 3-5 Dec: Gold Coast Street Circuit, Surfers Paradise
RADICAL AUSTRALIA CUP Photo: Revved Photography
2-4 Apr: Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, Mount Panorama 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway 15-17 Oct: The Bend Motorsport Park
AUSTRALIAN PROTOTYPE SERIES 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway 15-17 Oct: The Bend Motorsport Park TBC: TBC TBC: TBC
NATIONAL TRANS AM SERIES
24-26 Jan: Symmons Plains Raceway, January 29-31 Jan: Baskerville Raceway, January* 19-21 Feb: Phillip Island 2-4 Apr: Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, Mount Panorama 1-2 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-27 Jun: Morgan Park 17-19 Sep: Sandown Raceway *Series holding invitational Roadways Tasmanian Ten Thousand
Photo: Speed Shots Photography
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 9
RSEA SAFETY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
26-28 Mar: Netier National Capital Rally 21-23 May: Make Smoking History Forest Rally 2-4 Jul: Rally Tasmania 7-8 Aug: Gippsland Rally 16-17 Oct: AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally 20-21 Nov: FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship Finale, Location TBC
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA TARGA CHAMPIONSHIP 5-7 Feb: Targa High Country 19-24 Apr: Targa Tasmania 3-5 Sep: Targa Great Barrier Reef
Photo: Ryan Schembri
BFGOODRICH MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP 19-21 Mar: Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 12-14 Jun: Tatts Finke Desert Race 23-25 Jul: Can-Am Loveday 400 27-29 Aug: Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro 21-24 Oct: Kalgoorlie Desert Race
KINCROME SXS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIP
13 Mar: Rainbow 17 Apr: Alice Springs 15 May: Kooralbyn 7 Aug: St Helens 11 Sep: Kalgoorlie 16 Oct: The Bend Motorsport Park* 13 November - Nabiac, New South Wales *Subject to finalisation of agreement
Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia
10 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Are you Looking for COMPETITIVE FINANCE OPTIONS?
Expert financial solutions to bring your vision to life
As the official finance partner of Motorsport Australia, Morris Finance offer flexible and competitive asset finance packages allowing you to manage your budgets effectively by funding the purchase of business equipment.
With access to multiple financial institutions, we have over 150 product lines on offer, meaning we can provide you the best solution for your specific needs and industry. Call us today on 1300 4 MORRIS to discuss how our finance options can help you.
FINANCE OPTIONS
Our finance options include Finance, Investment, Insurance & Leasing for the following: BUSINESS CAR FINANCE
CAPITAL RAISING COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE FINANCE FARM MACHINERY FINANCE
TALK TO US TODAY HEAVY MACHINERY FINANCE
morrisfinance.com.au
Australian Credit Licence 395 249 | ABN 70 083 630 139
INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE 2020 HONOURS
12 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
With varied COVID-19 restrictions still in place and uncertainty surrounding the nation’s state border closures, Motorsport Australia confirmed in Janurary the 2020 Motorsport Australia National and State Awards ceremonies will not take place this year. Though there will be no physical ceremonies, it has not prevented worthy individuals being recognised for their contribution to the sport in a challenging year. From the challenging Supercars ‘border run’ and travel bubbles, through to the multitude of events taking place at state and local level with strict measures in place, there were many inspiring motorsport stories across the nation. As seen on motorsport.org. au over the past few months, a number of award winners were already been declared for their achievements last year including international young stars Oscar Piastri and Alex Peroni, while Dr Jeff Brown and Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Chief Medical Officer Dr Brent May were awarded Presidential Citations.
“Last year is a year we will never forget. It was one where people were faced with adversity but came out stronger on the other side,” - Andrew Fraser, Motorsport Australia President
Dr May was also been with the Motorsport Australia National Official of the Year award following his efforts during the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, before leading Motorsport Australia’s ‘Return to Race’ campaign to create a COVIDsafe resumption of motorsport. With the 2020 Motorsport Australia state winners and media awards to be announced in the coming weeks, Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser paid tribute to all the award recipients despite no ceremonies being able to take place in 2021. “Last year is a year we will never forget. It was one where people were faced with adversity but came out stronger on the other side,” Fraser said. “That is why it’s so important to still recognise those individuals who went above and beyond in their area of expertise, as well as the drivers who excelled in their respective categories.
“With that said, on behalf of Motorsport Australia, it is my pleasure to congratulate all award winners for their 2020 achievements. “It’s a shame we can’t honour them in person this year, but hopefully we will be back to normal sooner rather than later and we can celebrate them then.”
NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS TO DATE Sir Jack Brabham Award - Oscar Piastri Peter Brock Medal - Alex Peroni Presidential Citation - Dr Brent May Presidential Citation - Dr Jeff Brown Motorsport Australia Official of the Year - Dr Brent May
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 13
WHAT THE AWARD WINNERS SAID DR BRENT MAY PRESIDENTIAL C I TAT I O N
“It’s an amazing honour to receive this award and I feel I receive the citation on behalf of all the front line personnel that have worked so hard throughout the extraordinary year we experienced. “I would like to thank Andrew Fraser, Eugene Arocca, Michael Smith and Motorsport Australia for the award and for their confidence in the work we achieved during a very difficult period. “I look forward to much better times.”
Photo: Clinton Plowman
DR JEFF BROWN
PRESIDENTIAL C I TAT I O N “I have been involved with Motorsport Australia for a long time both in administration and as a driver, so it’s an honour to not only contribute to the motorsport community, but to be recognised with such a prestigious award for it. “It’s fantastic and I am honoured. “It’s very nice for Eugene Arocca and Motorsport Australia to think of me as a recipient of the award and I hope I can contribute to my sporting community for many years to come.”
14
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
OSCAR PIASTRI
SIR JACK BR ABHAM AW A R D “To win this award is a massive honour. Not just because of the award in general, but also having Sir Jack’s name attached to it. “It’s very special. “Knowing everything he has achieved is in the sport such as his three world championships and running his own successful team, it means a lot. “It’s also very cool to have my name amongst the previous winners. To be recognised in that calibre of drivers and amongst those names is very special.”
ALEX PERONI
PETER BROCK MEDAL “It’s the first time I have won an award like this and it’s a bit different to winning a race because it’s more of an accolade, however it’s definitely up there with some of my greatest career achievements. “I feel this award will help boost my profile in Australia and it can be only a good thing to be tied to a name like Peter Brock.”
Photo: Dutch Photo Agency
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 15
PIASTRI HONOURED Oscar Piastri’s remarkable season behind the wheel continues to receive accolades, with the 20-year-old named the latest recipient of the prestigious Sir Jack Brabham Award, presented by Motorsport Australia. The award, named in honour of Australia's first ever Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham OBE, recognises outstanding achievements and success by an Australian motorsport competitor at an international level. After winning the Formula Renault Eurocup series in 2019, Piastri joined Italian outfit Prema Racing for the 2020 FIA Formula 3 Championship, in which he ultimately won the title thanks to two race wins, four podiums and top 10 finishes in all but three races. In receiving the award, the Renault Academy young gun joins an exclusive list of high-profile drivers including two-time winner
and Indycar star Will Power, Formula 1 race winners Daniel Ricciardo and Mark Webber AO, rally champion Cody Crocker and Porsche factory works driver Matthew Campbell. “To win this award is a massive honour. Not just because of the award in general, but also having Sir Jack’s name attached to it. It’s very special,” Piastri said. “Knowing everything he has achieved is in the sport such as his three world championships and running his own successful team, it means a lot. “It’s also very cool to have my name amongst the previous winners. To be recognised in that calibre of drivers and amongst those names is very special. “Winning the award is one of those things where it’s a real honour to have it on your
“To win this award is a massive honour. Not just because of the award, but also having Sir Jack’s name attached to it” - Oscar Piastri
16 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
CV. It’s cool to get the award and it’s only going to bring good things for my career.
on from afar, along with the rest of Australia who will be cheering him on in 2021.”
“It’s nice to have my hard work and success from F3 recognised so a big thank you to Motorsport Australia for giving me this honour.”
Piastri begins his FIA Formula 2 Championship campaign with testing next month before the eight round season gets underway at the Bahrain Grand Prix on 27-28 March.
Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser congratulated Piastri on the award. “After a such a strong season, Oscar is a very worthy recipient of the prestigious Sir Jack Brabham Award,” Fraser said. “Oscar was a shining light in 2020 and we all know that he has a bright future ahead of him, and this award is proof of the high regard in which he is already held here in Australia. “I wish him all the best for his maiden season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship and look forward to watching
SIR JACK BRABHAM AWARD WINNERS 2020: Oscar Piastri 2018: Will Power 2017: Matthew Campbell 2014: Daniel Ricciardo 2012: David Brabham 2011: Tony Gaze DFC, Two Bars, OAM 2009: Marcos Ambrose 2009: Mark Webber AO 2007: Will Power 2006: Cody Crocker 2006: Ben Atkinson
R E A D Y
H I G H
T O
P E R F O R M A N C E
R A C E
C U S T O M
2 0 2 1
A P P A R E L
S p e c i a l i s t s i n u n i forms for co rpo rate s, car clubs, racing te ams and e - s p or ts. We su ppl y a wi de range of ce rtifi e d appare l including: -
Pol o s L i g h t wei gh t /a l l wea t h er j ackets Pan ts /s hort s Ho od i e s/ mi d l ayer tops Me rc ha n di se a n d a ccessories
Wh o l e s a l e ava i l a bl e!
s-trend .com . a u / 03 9 0 7 7 2 63 8
Photos: Bruce Keys
POPULAR RALLY FESTIVAL ENTERS THIRD YEAR After two highly successful years, the Historic Rally Associations’ Rally Retro Festival returns this month with the event on track to be bigger and better than previous editions.
“The festival provides an event for owners of significant historic rally cars, so we can all re-live just a bit of the magic that these cars brought to the forest,” Cranston said.
Jumping to a new level in 2020, some of the most famous names in Australian rally were in attendance, including 10 national champions who shared 24 titles across a 50 year period – the most notable being four time RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally champions Neal Bates and Coral Taylor.
“In other words: to get them out of the shed, on display and on the track.” “The great news is it also brings the famous drivers and codrivers back together.”
Taking place at the METEC Driver Education centre in Bayswater North in Victoria, the festival is made up of a car display where fans can see some of the finest rally vehicles in Australian history and a demonstration involving those same significant cars.
Outside of the display and demonstrations, the Rally Retro Festival also allows rally clubs from around the country to promote and advertise their upcoming events, as well as introducing a panel to judge each car’s presentation and authenticity and award the winning entry.
Headlining the list of special guests for this year will be nine-time New South Wales rally champion Barry Ferguson and his famous Repco Reliability Trial Holden Commodore, with the 82-yearold to have the honour of event patron.
Open to rally cars from the 1950s to the early 2000s, the participating cars often don their old period livery and have been restored to better than new.
With the festival’s main focus to encourage the preservation and restoration of significant rally cars, event Director Rob Cranston believed the event is important as it gives owners and fans a chance to re-live the glory days.
The 2021 Rally Retro Festival takes place at the METEC Driver Education centre in Bayswater North, Vic on Saturday 27 February.
18
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA APP AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD All Motorsport Australia members can now access their licence on their mobile device, with the new Motorsport Australia app available on the App Store and Google Play. The app will replace existing licence cards, providing competitors and officials with an up-to-date licence which can be viewed on any device. This is one of many upgrades of Motorsport Australia’s technology solutions, designed to make life easier for everyone taking part in motorsport events across Australia. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the app would reduce delays for members waiting on hard licence cards in the post, as well as ensuring people had the most up to date details to show at Motorsport Australia events.
“We want to see more people, enjoying more motorsport, more often and this app is one of the latest developments to help achieve this,” Arocca said. “Once members have renewed their licence via the Member Portal or with our membership team, the app will update instantly, meaning there’s no waiting for the card to be printed and then sent in the mail. “Of course, anyone who still requires a physical card can be provided one on request, but as technology changes and people are more likely to move around without a wallet full of cards, we know our members will make the most of this app on their phone or tablet when attending events and needing to show their licence.”
searching ‘Motorsport Australia’. You can also click on your chosen store below to download the app now. Members can log in to the app using their existing Motorsport Australia Member Portal login details. If you have not registered for the Member Portal, you will need to do so before using the app.
Click here to learn more about the Motorsport Australia App.
The app can be found in Apple’s App Store and Google Play by MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 19
Photo: Revved Photography
MOTUM SIMULATION SIGNS ON FOR TWO MORE YEARS Motorsport Australia is pleased to announce a two year partnership extension with Motum Simulation as its official simulation partner, having commenced the association in 2018. Motum has developed groundbreaking, patented motion simulation technology that is deployed across motorsport, defence, aviation and research applications. A major part of the Motorsport Australia’s Member Rewards program, Motum Simulation is often trackside motorsport events, including the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was proud to announce the partnership extension.
“It gives us great confidence when our partners continue to show their commitment to us, especially after the year like 2020,” Arocca said. “To have Motum Simulation sign on for two years is fantastic. Steve Hoinville and his team provide a brilliant experience and their products are second to none. “We look forward to working with them again and encourage our members to join the many drivers, teams and engineers that work with this incredible piece of technology.” Motum Simulation Founder Steve Hoinville was also thrilled with the agreement extension. “At Motum we are extremely proud to extend our relationship with Motorsport Australia as its official simulation partner,” Hoinville added.
“Motorsport is in our DNA, so having a strong alignment with the sport is incredibly important to us” - Steve Hoinville, Motum Simulation Founder
Motum Simulation has developed and patented groundbreaking motion simulation technology that delivers the most complete 6 Degree of Freedom (6DoF) motion profile for motorsport, automotive, defence, aerospace, research and industry
“Motorsport is in our DNA, so having a strong alignment with the sport is incredibly important to us. “We look forward to continuing our work with Eugene and his team to make our world-leading True Motion simulation technology available to young drivers, fans, members and the industry.”
20 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
For more information on Motum Simulation, click here.
OFFICIAL PARTNER
MEMBER REWARDS
GET RACE READY WITH MOTUM SIMULATION Motum Southbank is open for test drives and driver training. Strap yourself into the MP6 Motorsport Motion Simulator to tune up for the start of the racing season or your next track day.
As used by leading Supercar team Walkinshaw Andretti United, Motum’s patented Motorsport True Motion™ Simulator technology delivers 6DOF as a complete motion profile in a fully immersive VR environment, excelling in peak and sustained G-forces to generate intuitive and accurate motion cues. In addition to its motion offering, Motum provides highly engineered static simulators for motorsport, sim racing, and entertainment.
www.motumsimulation.com 29 Miles Street, Southbank, Vic, 3006 +61 407 898 606 sales@motumsimulation.com
TOOWOOMBA CIRCUIT A STEP CLOSER Queensland motorsport will see a significant boost from the soon-tobe-built Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct near Toowoomba. Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser and CEO Eugene Arocca met with John Wagner at Wellcamp last month, with further updates on the progress of the build and plans provided. The facility, next to the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport, welcomed a $40 million funding pledge from the Queensland State Government in 2020, highlighting the significance of the project to Queensland’s economy. Arocca said the site visit provided Motorsport Australia with valuable information about the next steps in the delivery of this “game-changing” facility. “A lot has changed since I last visited this site in 2014 and clearly the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct, which will incorporate a large motorsport facility, will change the face of motorsport in southeast Queensland,” Arocca said.
“The planning is well underway and thanks to the hard work of John Wagner and his impressive team, we can expect to see construction get underway very soon. “This world-class facility will drive significant growth in participation and be a major economic boost for the state. It will of course be capable of hosting international, national and grassroots motorsport. It will allow for greater opportunities to have a venue suitable for Supercars, Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships and club motorsport that is sorely needed in this region, given the opportunities for track time near Brisbane are limited. “As part of our commitment to the sport here in Australia, we are determined to see more venues developed to allow more people to enjoy more motorsport, more often.” Construction on the Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct, which incorporates the motorsport circuit, driver-training and 40-000 person performing arts venue, is expected to begin in the coming months.
“As part of our commitment to the sport here in Australia, we are determined to see more venues developed to allow more people to enjoy more motorsport, more often” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
2021 ANTIDOPING POLICY Motorsport Australia recently approved its 2021 AntiDoping Policy which came into effect on 1 January 2021. The Motorsport Australia anti-doping policy is the new Australian National Anti-Doping Policy established by Sport Integrity Australia and can be found on the Motorsport Australia website here. All members, participants and non-participants in Motorsport are bound by these rules. This includes athletes, support personnel and employees whose employment contracts enables this. It is important that all members understand their obligations under the new policy. Changes include a new anti-doping rule violation of retaliation, a category of athletes that is lower-level and flexibility related to sanctioning for certain levels of athletes/participants.
WHAT IS SPORT INTEGRITY?
Sport is an Australian way of life. It brings people together, transcending differences in language, ability, culture
and beliefs, and provides physical, social and economic benefits. Threats to sports integrity include competition-manipulation, doping and behaviours that impact people’s positive experience of sport, such as discrimination or abuse. Integrity in sport means that athletes, supporters and fans can participate, confident in the knowledge that they are part of a safe, ethical and inclusive environment. Motorsport Australia takes integrity seriously and all members have an obligation to protect and maintain the integrity of sport, as well as each individual’s health and wellbeing. Motorsport Australia will work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, the federal agency established to prevent and deal with integrity threats in sport. Contact with the Motorsport Australia Integrity Department can be made via integrity@motorsport.org.au
Further information can be found here on the World Anti Doping Code.
For more information about all Integrity topics, visit our sports Integrity webpage.
Click here to view the fact sheet behind the 2021 changes.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 23
Photo: John Lemm
SCCSA TURN TO MALLALA FOR SEASON LAUNCH The Sporting Car Club of South Australia (SCCSA) will introduce a new event to its members next month as it looks to launch the 2021 motorsport season in style. Scheduled to take place at Mallala Motorsport Park, the event will see the club host a motorkhana, supersprint, regularity and series of races - all at the same location on the same day. Run in conjunction with the Motorsport Australia SA and NT Autotest Panel, the SCCCA-hosted season launch will also offer plenty of other
“If you have a vehicle you want to take to the track – get it out of the garage and come along to Mallala” - Melissa Rees, SCCSA Event Organiser
opportunities for beginner drivers to complete tasks required to continue their development in the sport. For those more experienced drivers itching to get the 2021 campaign underway, the event will be the perfect chance to test and tune their cars ahead of the 2021 Motorsport Australia SA Motor Racing Championships, which begins at Mallala in March. Participants will not have to worry too much about missing out with all competitors able to choose up to two disciplines to take part in throughout the day. Event Organiser Melissa Rees believed the season launch would
be the perfect dress rehearsal for drivers, officials and the club ahead of what will be a big year. “Basically we wanted to have an event to launch the 2021 season and offer the opportunity for people to get their vehicles out of the garage and onto the track,” Rees said. “There are a lot of vehicles in South Australia that don’t run as the only circuit events offered in SA are State Championships. However, not everyone wants to compete at that level so we thought we would introduce an alternative. “While it will certainly be an enjoyable day for the more experienced drivers, it is a really good chance for new drivers to complete their Observed License Tests (OLT) and P-plate drivers to complete their day of flags, which are obviously both very important to the development of young drivers. “If you have a vehicle you want to take to the track – get it out of the garage and come along to Mallala where you will get to enjoy a nice day out under a stress-free environment.” Interested competitors can purchase early bird entries until Wednesday 3 February with official closure to be on Wednesday 10 February. The SCCSA 2021 Season Launch takes place at Mallala Motorsport Park on 20 February.
Entries for the event are currently open with members to enter via Motorsport Australia Event Entry portal here.
EXPERT ADVICE TIPS & TRICKS MEMBERS PRICING
PROVIDED BY THE MOST EXPERIENCED PARTS PEOPLE IN THE GAME
SIGN UP TO BURSON GARAGE FOR FREE TODAY!
WWW.BURSONGARAGE.COM.AU
Photo: Renault Sport
AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX SHIFTS TO NOVEMBER The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2021 has been postponed, with the event confirmed to take place in November. With works to the Albert Park street circuit scheduled to have begin in January, an early decision had to be made in the best interests of all parties. The change in date means the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Championship season will begin one week later at the Bahrain Grand Prix in March, while the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will move to the 18-21 November timeslot, setting up a mouth-watering month of Australian motorsport between October and November. Starting off with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships’ season finale at The Bend Motorsport Park on 15-17 October, the following weekend will see all eyes on the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix for the MotoGP’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. The final round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship will also take place in November.
“We now have the honour of hosting the event at the business end of the season” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
the season in March, having a new date confirmed is a terrific outcome for all parties involved,” Arocca said.
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca welcomed the new Australian Grand Prix date.
“The decision to keep Australia on the calendar underlines how important our race is to the Formula 1 Championship. While fans are used to seeing the cars on track on the streets of Albert Park in March of each year, we now have the honour of hosting the event at the business end of the season where the Championship fight could well and truly be decided.
“While Melbourne could not open
“Congratulations to the Australian
26
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Grand Prix Corporation and the Victorian Government for working so hard to ensure that Formula 1 comes to Australia in 2021. “November is also a vibrant and busy time in Melbourne and this event will certainly add to a busy motorsport and events calendar here in Victoria and across Australia. “There is so much to look forward to later this year and to have two world-class Grands Prix running within a month of each other is a very exciting prospect for Australian motorsport fans.” Australia wasn’t the only change to be made to the 2021 Formula 1 calendar, with Imola circuit in Italy to replace China for the second round on 18 April and an unconfirmed location to host the third round on 2 May. The new date for the Australian Grand Prix, which is still subject to World Motor Sport Council approval, confirms Australia as the third last race of the 23-round season – the largest Formula 1 calendar in its 70 plus year history. The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2021 will take place at Albert Park in Melbourne on 18-21 November.
MEMBER REWARDS SPOTLIGHT The Motorsport Australia Member Rewards program allows Motorsport Australia members to take advantage of some of the special offers available. Speed Read has a look at two of the many exclusive discounts through the program.
CRAFT CARTEL From international brands, award winning Australian makes and small batch brews, Craft Cartel boasts a range of some of best craft beers and spirits in the country. Every day, there are new beers to choose from, with more than 700 craft beer options available, while the company also offer an array of packages and deals Please drink responsibly.
Motorsport Australia members get $20 off and free shipping
JAY LENO’S GARAGE AUSTRALIA International comedian and passionate car lover Jay Leno has worked closely with industry-leading professionals to develop an all-inclusive line of vehicle care products that deliver the essence of worldclass cleaning, protection and shine capabilities. Products that stand the concourse-level judgement yet are simplified and easy to use.
To access these exclusive products, log on to the Motorsport Australia Member Portal and click on Member Rewards Find more discounts and offers online through our Member Rewards partners, including: • Marriott Hotels • SicLids
• Burson Garage
• Motum Simulation
• S-Trend Sportswear • SKOOP Print
• Morris Finance • Thrifty
Motorsport Australia members get 15% off.
• Petals
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 27
HIGH COUNTRY TO OPEN UP TARGA 2021 CAMPAIGN The 2021 Motorsport Australia Targa Championship gets underway this month with the ever popular Targa High Country. It’s been more than a year since Australia’s premier tarmac rally championship made its way to the iconic Mount Buller with the Victorian event having established itself as the season finale in recent years. However with 2020 causing a number of national championships to put their seasons on hold or be cancelled altogether, Targa High Country now finds itself in the unfamiliar position of running at the start of the year. The last time Targa High Country took place, which was in November 2019, the mountain was surprisingly
covered in snow – this time round, it looks a little different with easier weather conditions and while some of the heavy hitters from 2019 won't be there, there are still plenty of stars to feature in a field of just under 150 entries. Headlining the entry list is the 2020 Targa Great Barrier Reef winner Tony Quinn, who has enlisted the services of 2019 Targa champion co-driver Kate Catford. Quinn and Catford’s biggest rivals will come in the form RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) stars Luke Anear and Andy Sarandis, with the duo raring to make amends for their premature ending at last year's Targa Great Barrier Reef.
Photos: Angryman Photography
28
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Photos: Angryman Photography
Other notable entries for the 16-stage event are Anthony and Sandra Seymour in the 2019 Lotus Exige Sport 410, Richard and Chris Perini in the 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS and ARC regulars Adam Kaplan and Aleshia Penney in the 1988 HSV Walkinshaw. With around 90 crews making up the competition side of the event, the remaining 60 will be spread across the five class tour, with all cars to experience the picturesque course at their own pace and in cruise mode. Starting on Friday 5 February with two stages, crews will then tackle eight the following day before wrapping up with six on the Sunday. Targa High Country gets underway at Mount Buller in Victoria on 5-7 February.
Click here to view the entry list.
Click here for more information on Targa High Country.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 29
Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
Photo: Angryman Photography
Photo: Angryman Photography
RACE TASMANIA OPENS UP NATIONAL RACING CALENDAR
The highly anticipated Boost Mobile Race Tasmania is done and dusted after events at Symmons Plains and Baskerville Raceway welcomed back Australian motorsport at the highest level in style. A number of national categories were on display throughout the two weekends with the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship and Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters all kickstarting their 2021 seasons at Symmons Plains. The National Trans-Am Series also began its season during the Australia
30 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Day long weekend, but all eyes were on the Baskerville round as the category held its special Roadways Tasmanian Ten Thousand feature race. Joining the four national categories were a host of state level categories including the popular Hyundai Excels, Improved Production Cars and the one-make Holden HQs series. With a full house of fans attending both race meetings, it was the perfect way to celebrate the return to action on a national scale with plenty to celebrate post-event.
Photo: Angryman Photography
Photo: Angryman Photography
Photo: Hyundai Excels
Photo: Angryman Photography
SYMMONS PLAINS Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series 1. Jordan Cox 2. Lee Holdsworth 3. Chaz Mostert S5000 Australian Drivers Championship 1. Thomas Randle 2. Tim Macrow 3. Joey Mawson Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters 1. John Bowe 2. Adam Garwood 3. Steve Johnson
National Trans-Am Series 1. Nathan Herne 2. Aaron Seton 3. Owen Kelly HQ Holdens 1. Phillip Ashlin 2. Brandon Madden 3. Andrew Toth Improved Production 1. Adam Williams 2. Rye Dunsmuir 3. Jarod House Hyundai Excels 1. Jay Hanson 2. Josh Webster 3. Ben Grice
Photo: Angryman Photography
BASKERVILLE National Trans-Am Series 1. Aaron Seton 2. Owen Kelly 3. Brett Holdsworth Improved Production 1. Jarod House 2. Phil House 3. Rye Dunsmuir HQ Holden 1. Phillip Ashlin 2. Andrew Toth 3. Otis Cordwell
Hyundai Excels 1. Josh Webster 2. Ben Grice 3. Calum Mitchell Supercheap Auto TCR Australia invitational 1. Aaron Cameron 2. Jordan Cox 3. Zac Soutar Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters invitational 1. Adam Garwood 2. John Bowe 3. Greg Garwood
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 31
MUD RACING HEATS UP IN WET TOP END COMP Top End Mud Racing resumed its 2020/21 season in January with 21 competitors battling it out on the slippery and wet conditions of the Downs Park mud circuit. With drivers going head to head to record the fastest times on the circuit, the full house of spectators and entertaining action made it an electrifying atmosphere as the rain pelted down throughout night. While the racing action provided fans with plenty of amusement, the showmanship of the drivers and their cars that made the series’ fourth round a memorable outing Taking out top honours in the Top Gun class was Ted Roderick with the #16 Hyper Active pilot securing a victory over Jason Tynan and his famous Mudzilla and Rod Gobell in the Rampage. Photos: Craig William Oliver
The trio weren’t the only ones to put on a show for the adoring fans as the Pro Modified class saw Mark Tattingham claim the victory over Simon Modra and Roy Stanton. Fletcher Tomes managed to steer his car to the 4WD Standard win after enduring a tough battle against Jennifer Doyle and the two-driver team of Greg and Ronda Logan. Other notable results saw Ashlee Modra win the 4WD Modified class, Vor Bolton win the 2WD Standard over Eddie Tattingham and Jeff Gale fastest in the 2WD open cars. In what is a major boost for the series, an extra round has been added to the season, making it four rounds remaining – starting with round five on Saturday 13 February.
REMAINING ROUNDS OF 2020/21 SEASON Round 5: 13 February Round 6: 6 March Round 7: 27 March Round 8: 17 April
32 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
SHANNONS BACK IN SEASON WITH ALL WHEELS FEST The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships makes its long awaited return to action this month with the highly anticipated Australian All Wheels Race Fest.
Fans wanting to attend the event will be able to enter Friday’s sessions for free with Saturday and Sunday tickets available from $25 per adult, while a weekend pass will cost $40 per adult.
Scheduled to take place at the iconic Victorian circuit, the event will see bikes and cars join together at last with a number of premier national categories to feature as part of the event.
Children aged 15 years and under will receive free entry across all three days of action.
Fresh off an impressive first round in Symmons Plains and headlining this four-wheels line up will be the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series in which Jordan Cox sits on top of the summit thanks to his two wins in Tasmania. Also taking place for their second rounds of the 2021 season are the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship and the National TransAm Series, while the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australian gets its campaign underway at the island. The Kawasaki Superbikes will be headlining the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul’s four categories, with Motorsports TV Supersport, YMI Supersport 300 and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup also running in the jam-packed weekend.
In what is a major boost for the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, the Seven Network will broadcast every round of the year for Australian audiences, including this month’s event, while Sky New Zealand will air the round for Kiwi viewers as the rest of the world can tune in via Motorsport.tv. The opening round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships takes place at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as part of the Australian All Wheels Race Fest on 19-21 February.
Click here to buy a ticket to the Australian All Wheels Race Fest
How to watch? Fans can watch every lap of the weekend via the free 7plus app here.
THE CATEGORIES Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships • Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series • VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship • GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS • Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge • Nationals TransAm Series mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul • Kawasaki Superbike • Motorsports TV Supersport • YMI Supersport 300 (including YMF R3 Cup) • bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup
Photo: Russell Colvin Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 33
AWESOME ASLAM FASTEST AT THE MOTORPLEX The WA Car Club Summer Autocross series resumed its 2020/21 season last month with a record 55 car field taking part in the third round of the season. Perth Motorplex was once again the location of the event as competitors got four three lap attempts at the course with the top three progressing through to a five lap grand final. Throughout the night, there was no shortage of entertainment as every driver produced a number of solid performances, but there was one who was a clear standout in Ali Aslam. Behind the wheel of a 2001 Subaru Impreza WRX, Aslam was magnificent across the whole event as his constancy saw him rewarded with top spot ahead of the grand final, before he posted an unbeatable time of 2:15.62 - comfortably taking out the win by two seconds. The battle for second was less straight forward as only one hundredth of a second separated Chris Caruso in his 1989 Mazda Familia GTX and Dave Thomas in another Subaru Impreza WRX with the former ultimately coming away with the spoils. Caruso and Thomas had been battling it out all night as each were faster than the other on two occasions and while Caruso finished with the outright faster time, Thomas gave him a big scare in the final. Finishing fourth place was 1992 Subaru Legacy RS driver
Timothy Miles and just one second behind him was the fastest woman in the field in Kelly Thomas who rounded out the top five. Kelly was the clear fastest out of seven registered women with the next closest being Joanne McIlroy in 27th outright, whose fastest time was seven seconds slower. Another notable women to compete in the round was current Targa West Competition Modern co-driver champion Steph Esterbauer, who switched the navigator notes for the steering wheel and came in at 40th. Taking out 2WD honours was Dale Hands after driving his 1999 Ford Fairmont AU to within eight hundredths of an outright top 10 finish, while Rhett Ashby and Randle Beaves rounded out the class’ top three. The series’ next round takes place at Peth Motorplex on 24 February with entries now open.
Click here to view the full round three results.
Click here for more details on how to enter round four.
Photos: Angryman Photography
34
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Photo: Image1265
Photo: Blake Rattenbury
Photo: Image1265
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 35
IN CASE YOU IT
MISSED
There was plenty of big news to happen to Australian motorsport in December last year, but you’d be forgiven for missing some of it due to the whirlwind ending to an unforgettable year. For those who weren’t able to tune in via motorsport.org.au, Speed Read has you covered with all the major content you may have missed.
36 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
MORE MOTORSPORT MORE OFTEN Motorsport Australia announced significant changes to its licence and permits structure, improving access to motorsport participation and simplify the licence structure. The new look initiative ‘More Motorsport More Often’, will see 90 per cent of competitor licence holders pay less or the same for their 2021 licence renewals, while those competitors who will see a slight increase in renewal costs will now be able to access more events. There was also a reduction licence structures with the competitor numbers going down from 34 types to 11 and 78 Officials licence types to 40. These changes will not stop officials from continuing in roles they had previously, however they will provide an easier pathway for Officials to learn new skills. Event organisers and clubs will also see benefits from these changes, with Motorsport Australia confirming its 172 permit types are being reduced to 61. This change will see more consistency in the cost of permits, with the new permit structure to cast a wider net on events, making the permit process easier and fairer. More information will be provided directly to clubs and event organisers via email, while competitors and officials should have received emails for more information on these changes.
More information about these changes can be found here.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37 Photo: MG Car Club Tasmania
NEW LOOK TO POPULAR SXS CHAMPIONSHIP For the first time in its short history, the Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship will run a new format over seven rounds in a single season. Starting off in Victoria, the Championship heads to Alice Springs and Kooralbyn, St Helens, Kalgoorlie and Tailem Bend before wrapping up in the New South Wales rural town of Nabiac. As for the new format, Championship organisers have opted to move away from the traditional system and tap into the off road market, with the rounds to now run as an endurance events exclusively for SXS vehicles.
All seven rounds will see competitors split up into two groups based off a prologue where they will complete two 100km races each. An outright round winner will then be decided based off the team who clocks up the most kilometres over both races, with a maximum of 100 points per round on offer for the winner. At the conclusion of the season, only the top four round scores will contribute to a crew’s final score, allowing more competitors to be in contention for the title. The Championship also welcomed a new major naming rights partner in automotive, industrial and hardware tools and equipment wholesaler, Kincrome. The 2021 Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship begins in Rainbow, Victoria on 13 March.
38 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
EXPERIENCED LAWYERS TO JOIN AMSAC IN 2021 Motorsport Australia announced the appointments Matthew Selley and Ross Jackson into the Australian Motor Sport Appeals Court (AMSAC) for 2021 and beyond. AMSAC is at the very peak of the judicial process where parties can challenge decisions and/or penalties issued by any of the motorsport bodies in Australia. Both Selley and Jackson hold impressive resumes and possess a wealth of legal experience, as well as having an extensive knowledge of motorsport, making them well equipped for their roles as members of the Court. Having served as a partner at Maddocks law firm for more than 30 years, Jackson currently heads
up the firm’s Employment, Safety and People branch - an area he has excelled in for the past 20 years. While he has spent years practicing law before the courts, as well as federal and state employment and anti-discrimination Commissions, Jackson has also held a position on the Maddocks board for multiple years and chaired the company's 125th anniversary committee. As for Selley, the Managing Partner at Iles Selley Lawyers was admitted as a lawyer in the late 1980s and successfully practiced law for more than 30 years, specialising in commercial litigation and white-collar criminal defence, where he has represented an array of high-profile individuals.
THE 2021 AUSTRALIAN MOTOR SPORT APPEALS COURT PANEL Mr David Miles - AMSAC Chair Ms Julie-Ann Schafer Mr Desmond Ryan Mr Jonathon Forbes The Hon Peter Rae Matthew Selley Ross Jackson
Selley is experienced in motorsport administration having sat on multiple commissions, been appointed as a national and FIA Steward and more recently, cochaired the Repco Supercars Championship’s Steward Panel.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 39
MOUNT PANORAMA THE OPENER FOR 2021
The 2021 Repco Supercars Championship will get underway later this month with the inaugural running of the Repco Mount Panorama 500 on 26 - 28 February. With the cancelation of the Adelaide 500 late last year, this will be a brand-new event added to the racing calendar, with the popular venue operating as an additional event to its traditional slot in October as the Repco Bathurst 1000. With many changes occurring over the off-season, this year’s championship is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated in recent seasons.
TEAM AND DRIVER CHANGES Team Penske will no longer continue its involvement in Supercars, with the organisation to revert back to Dick Johnson Racing. Scott McLaughlin and Fabian Coulthard will depart the team as full-time drivers, with Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale to fill the void. Erebus Motorsport will have a brand-new line-up, with exciting young rookies Will Brown and Brodie Kostecki stepping up into full time competition.
Photo: Edge Photographics
40 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Kelly Racing saw a change in ownership over the off-season, with the Grove family buying into the organisation to be known as Kelly Grove Racing. David Reynolds will return to the team to pair up with Andre Heimgartner. Team Sydney will enter their second season in the category with a new pair of experienced drivers, with Fabian Coulthard switching from Dick Johnson Racing and Garry Jacobson competing for his third team in three seasons. Tim Blanchard has parted ways with Brad Jones Racing to form his own team, Blanchard Racing Team, bringing Tim Slade back into fulltime competition to fill the seat. Matt Stone Racing will promote Jake Kostecki and Zane Goddard
into full time drives in their own cars this year, after sharing an entry last season in the SuperLite program.
ROUND 1 – REPCO MOUNT PANORAMA 500 With the Adelaide 500 no longer able to continue as part of the championship in the near future, this provided an opportunity for Supercars to create a new and exciting event at the famous Mount Panorama Racing Circuit to kickstart the new season, the same as it was for the Adelaide 500. In keeping with tradition, the format will still consist of two 500-kilometre races on the Saturday and Sunday.
Photos: Edge Photographics
With McLaughlin no longer able to defend his title, there are now several contenders fighting for this year’s championship, but they will all need to ensure they commence their season well at Bathurst. Some of the drivers in contention for victory include the likes of Jamie Whincup, Shane Van Gisbergen, Chaz Mostert, Will Davison, Anton De Pasquale, David Reynolds, Mark Winterbottom and Nick Percat. Camping will once again be made available for Supercars enthusiasts with fans able to camp in the McPhillamy, Reid Park, Sulman and Max Cameron Campground precincts. The support category line-up will consist of Dunlop Super2, Aussie Racing Cars, Toyota 86 and Touring Car Masters, while Irving Vincent Motorcycles will perform demonstrations on each day of the event. Tickets into the event can be purchased here which are split between trackside, reserved grandstand and camping. The first round of the Repco Supercars Championship will take place at the Repco Mount Panorama 500 on 26 – 28 February.
2020 TOP 10 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Scott McLaughlin Cam Waters Shane Van Gisbergen Jamie Whincup Chaz Mostert Fabian Coulthard Nick Percat Anton De Pasquale Scott Pye Mark Winterbottom
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 41
Photo: Sportz Fotos
NATIONAL CAPITAL RALLY READY FOR ENTRIES Entries for the 2021 RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship’s (ARC) season opener in Canberra are now open.
two-day event with the number of entries capped to 60.
Taking place at the end of March, the Netier National Capital Rally will see crews battle it out over 162 competitive kilometres across 14 stages in and around the picturesque forests of Canberra.
While the national championship will be the headline act for the Canberra based rally, a number of state and local rally competitions will also be commencing their seasons including the Motorsport Australia NSW Rally Championship, East Coast Classic Rally Series and ACT Regional Rally Series.
Competitors have until 6pm AEDT on Friday 12 March to enter the
The Netier National Capital Rally takes place in Canberra on 26-28 March.
42 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Click here for the full story.
Click here to enter the Netier National Capital Rally.
CONTACT US The Motorsport Australia member hotline is open from 9am to 5pm AEST So for all your motorsport needs call the Motorsport Australia Hotline or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au
l Hit up Motorsport Australia on social media for photos from events, news, videos and other great motorsport content.
SEND US YOUR STORIES! If you have a motorsport story which you think should be told, get in touch with us and it could appear in Speed Read. If you have pictures or videos of motorsport you would like to share with us, we encourage you to do so. They could appear on our website, social media platforms or in Speed Read. Please email communications@motorsport.org.au We look forward to hearing from you!
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 43
THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS
THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN SPORT COMMISSION RECOGNISES MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA TO DEVELOP MOTORSPORT IN AUSTRALIA