Motorsport Australia Speed Read - June 2023

SPEEDREAD

JUNE

QUINN CLAIMS WIN IN FOREST RALLY THRILLER

Nathan Quinn and Ray Winwood-Smith won the second round of the 2023 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship in what was a thrilling battle for top spot on the formidable roads of Western Australia.

ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT PRIZE BACK IN 2023

Fans can now win one of the best prizes in motorsport with the return of the popular Ultimate Motorsport Prize competition.

After two exciting rounds, the premier Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) round has arrived.

AGE NO PROBLEM FOR MUSICO IN IMPRESSIVE KHANACROSS VICTORY

Junior driver Toby Musico has claimed victory in an almighty performance during the Future Auto Wynnum South East Queensland Khanacross Championships.

AORC FINKE BOUND FOR MIDWAY POINT OF 2023

NSW 2259. The winner will be notified by phone and email by 12/7/23 and published in The Australian newspaper on 14/7/23 and on the competition website. ACT permit TP 22/02359 SA licence T22/1956 & NSW Authority Number TP/00259. Images for illustrative purposes only. 1 Or similar, car hire is subject to availability and the terms and conditions specified by the hire provider.2 If the winner is a member of the Shannons Club with a profile image and enthusiast vehicle image at the time of the draw, they will receive an additional $5,000

over reigning ARC Champions Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

Photo by Dakar Press Team Australia

OFFICIALS CELEBRATED IN MAY’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

The month of May saw thousands of sporting volunteers around the country celebrated via Australian Sporting Commission's National Volunteer Week.

Motorsport Australia was part of the celebrations as there are more than 9,000 passionate individuals who volunteer their time and energy to serve as Motorsport Australia officials at events all around the country, as well as the thousands of volunteers who serve their clubs as administrators.

Without these dedicated individuals, the sport would not survive as they are integral to the safe and organised

running of grassroot, state, national and international motorsport events. Often considered the best seat in the house, being a Motorsport Australia official is also about being part of a family who share the same passions and common interests in motorsport.

From scrutineers, timekeepers and flag marshals to Race Control, club administrators and event secretaries, the many roles of officials are vital to the successful running of the sport.

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser paid tribute to the individuals who volunteer for the betterment of the sport.

“National Volunteers Week is an important week because it not only gives us another opportunity to appreciate and recognise our incredible officials, but all volunteers around the country,” Fraser said.

“There’s no doubting the impact the volunteers have on sport in this country – especially in motorsport because without the tireless efforts of our Motorsport Australia officials, our sport would not be the same.

“So on behalf of Motorsport Australia, I would like to thank all volunteer officials, club administrators and event organisers for their outstanding output and support every year and more importantly, their general passion for the sport.

“Whether their desire to be part of the sport is due to being a car enthusiast, or for the love of racing or just that they enjoy spending time with like-minded people, there is no doubt Motorsport Australia officials are the lifeblood of this sport and the best in the world.”

“Without the tireless efforts of our Motorsport Australia officials, our sport would not be the same”

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

Photo: Revved Photography

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ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT PRIZE BACK IN 2023

Fans can now win one of the best prizes in motorsport with the return of the popular Ultimate Motorsport Prize competition.

Back for its third year, the prize will see one lucky fan enjoy an exclusive experience at this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 courtesy of Pirtek and a number of key stakeholders such as Motorsport Australia, Speedcafe and Supercars.

Included in the prize are return flights and accommodation to the premier motorsport event in the country, a lap of Mount Panorama in the BP Safety Car and an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Motorsport Australia Race Control and other parts of the event.

After two successful years, Pirtek CEO Stephen Dutton was expecting big interest in the competition once again.

“The ultimate motorsport prize is in its third year and it’s just gone from strength-tostrength,” said Dutton.

“We established the raffle in 2021 and we knew we had something special that could become an annual highlight for Australian motorsport fans," said Dutton.

"Our commitment is to support St Vincent’s Hospital and the Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit and we know the funds raised will assist them to continue their great work.

“Last year, our winner had the time of her life and gained access to

areas of the Bathurst 1000 that no general punter can get to. She had experiences she’ll never forget and you’ll get the same should you win the major prize.

"We have to thank all the stakeholders for again getting involved. Every part of the prize is donated which means 100% of proceeds raised go directly to St Vincent's."

“Every part of the prize is donated which means 100% of proceeds raised go directly to St Vincent's”

A second and third place prize are also available for those entered, with details on the raffle’s website.

To enter the competition, interested fans simply need to purchase tickets for the raffle with all proceeds to again go towards the St Vincent’s Hospital. With only limited tickets on sale, fans are being encouraged to get in quick.

The Repco Bathurst 1000 takes place at the famous Mount Panorama on 5-8 October.

ULTIMATE MOTORSPORT EXPERIENCE PRIZE

• Return trip to the 2023 Bathurst 1000 from the winner’s nearest Australian capital city

• 2-3 nights accommodation at Bathurst

• Wave the green starter’s flag for the Bathurst 1000

• Ride around Mt Panorama in the Supercars’ course car

• 3-Day Supercars Paddock Club access

• Presentation of the PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge trophy on Friday Night

• Meet the race winners in PIRTEK Victory lane

Buy your ticket via the Ultimate Motorsport Prize website

• VIP tour of the Dick Johnson Racing pits

• Behind the scenes tour of Mt Panorama - including visit to the top of the mountain and the podium

• VIP (After hours) tour of the National Motor Museum at Mt Panorama

• Opportunity to change the wheel on a V8 Supercar

• Helicopter flight around Mt Panorama

• Access to the grid before the race for the national anthem

• A personal tour of the Supercars TV compound

• A photo taken with the Peter Brock Trophy on the podium

• A visit to Race Control

• A signed photo with the race winners as the ultimate momento of the experience

• PIRTEK Merchandise pack

FABULOUS OFFICIALS CELEBRATED AT PHILLIP ISLAND

A number of volunteer officials were celebrated at last month’s Shannons SpeedSeries in Phillip Island for their contributions to motorsport week-in-week-out.

The eight officials were recognised on the final day during the third round of the national series, with seven being named as Fabulous Officials and one receiving a Motorsport Australia Service Award.

The Fabulous Officials award is an honour that was created in 2011 to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of certain officials to the sport, as well as those who go above and beyond.

Victoria is one of multiple Australian states who recognise officials through the Fabulous Officials program and the Shannons SpeedSeries presentation was the first of the year.

Taking out the awards were four representatives from the Victorian Flag Marshalling Team, two scrutineers and one Phillip Island Auto Racing Club representative.

Victorian State Officiating Panel Chair Mark D Thompson congratulated the seven who received the awards.

“We like to honour volunteer officials at least two or three times a year through this initiative and I am very proud to see so many people going above and beyond at every event.” Thompson said.

“In fact, we had quite a few more people that we could have recognised during this batch of awards, but obviously had to keep it down.

'With that said, congratulations to all seven officials who were named as the Fabulous Officials, all of whom were highly deserving.

“I encourage all officials to be on the lookout for someone who they believe is worthy of this award and to nominate them as officials are integral to this sport and we want them to receive recognition.”

In addition to the Fabulous Officials, the presentation also gave a chance for Service Award recipient Russell Stork to receive his award after he

missed the 2022 Motorsport Australia Victorian State Awards earlier this year.

A Chief Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief Fire Marshal for the Victorian Fire and Rescue Squad, Russell has been a regular official at national and international events every year. His approachable, reliable and conscientious demeanour makes him a highly popular figure amongst volunteer officials.

Nominations for the Fabulous Officials Award can be sent to mark.thompson@vicflag.org.au

FABULOUS OFFICIALS RECIPIENTS

Ninad Kavi - VFT

Geoff Kay - VFT

Troy Hungerford - Scrutineers

Jennifer Campbell - PIARC

Michelle Clewett - VFT

Jeff Birrell - Scrutineers

Justin Parrant - VFT

“I am very proud to see so many people going above and beyond at every event”

QUINN CLAIMS FIRST WIN OF 2023 IN FOREST RALLY THRILLER

Nathan Quinn and Ray WinwoodSmith won the second round of the 2023 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) after taking out Heat 2 of the Make Smoking History Forest Rally.

The 2017 ARC Champion had been in outright second place for most of Sunday until a one-minute penalty to leaders Harry Bates and Coral Taylor ahead of the EROAD Power Stage elevated him to top spot.

Quinn managed to bring his Hyundai i20 G4 home to third place on the final stage of the day – confirming both the Heat win and outright

victory over reigning ARC Champions Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

Finishing second in both Heats, Bates and McLoughlin just missed out on the outright win to Quinn and Winwood-Smith, who finished third in Heat 1, but didn’t leave empty handed as they claimed maximum bonus points during the EROAD Power Stage.

In what was a thrilling conclusion to an exciting rally and symbolic of the end result, Lewis and McLoughlin snatched the stage win off Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia teammates in Harry and Taylor by the smallest of margins – ending a solid campaign for the reigning champions.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Harry and Taylor after the duo had their victory taken away from

them in the lead up to the EROAD Power Stage and had been leading Heat 2 up until that stage.

However, despite being gifted the lead in the lead up, Quinn was still a deserving winner after overcoming several issues early in the rally to claim multiple stages across the weekend.

“It was certainly worth a trip,” Quinn said.

“We decided early to come and the decision has paid off. It is a shame the way it happened for us to get the win, but overall we had a good event.

“Fabulous drives by Harry and Lewis and one day I will get a Power Stage win.”

Even though they didn’t walk away with the outright win, Harry remained positive having left Western Australia

Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

“It is a shame the way it happened for us to get the win, but overall we had a good event”

with a collection of stage wins and his first heat win in almost a year.

“It’s been a long time between drinks and probably longer than I would have imagined, but it was the perfect day,” Bates said after his Heat 1 win.

“We really just focused on getting our rhythm and enjoying ourselves and Coral and I’ve had the perfect day. The car has been amazing and we really just felt at one with it all day.

“I think over the last 11 months, since my last heat win, we’ve had speed, but there’s been certain things that haven’t gone our way. So it was always there. It just required myself in the car to have a clean run and put it all together.”

Finishing the event outright fourth place courtesy of a Heat 2 third place was Troy Dowel and Bernie Webb in the Skoda Fabia R5, while Eddie Maguire and Zak Brakey rounded out the top five.

In what was another stellar performance by the Tasmanians, Maguire and Brakey guided their Contel Communications Subaru WRX to the White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup victory in dominant fashion. Their fifth place outright also came at the expense of West Australians Daniel Gonzalez and Daymon

Nicoli, whose Heat 2 fourth place was their best for the round.

The Skoda Fabia R5 pilots also wrapped up the event with an overall win in the Dunlop WA Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, beating Peter Rullo and James Marquet in the Hyundai i20 R2 and ARC debutants Craig Rando and Scott Beckwith –both of whom finished the weekend in the outright event top 10.

Sanders - the Tasmanians steering their Mazda RX7 to the ARC Classic Cup win, having claimed top honours on Sunday and second in Heat 1. The Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship continues heads to the sunshine state next with the Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland to take place in Gympie on 21-23 July.

Ben and Catherine Hayes continued their strong 2023 campaign with a victory in the ARC 2WD Cup, as they finished second for the class in both heats.

After a challenging Saturday, Queenslanders Josh Wiedman and Nick Reid had a happy ending to their WA debut, taking out ARC 2WD Cup Heat 2 honours and the overall Shamrock Haulage ARC Junior Cup.

Rounding out the Cup wins was David Thompson and Matthew

View results at the Subaru Results Hub.

View the full ARC standings at rally.com.au

Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

TALENT ROLLING IN FOR FDA ASIA PACIFIC AND OCEANIA PROGRAM

Entries for September’s Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program have been flowing in with a number of young aspiring drivers hopeful of getting a crack at the big time.

The Ferrari Driver Academy has produced some of the world's biggest talents in recent years, with graduates having gone on to race in a range of Championships and Series

around the world, including the FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

As Ferrari’s selected partner in the Asia Pacific and Oceania region, Motorsport Australia will once again run the program and welcome an elite pool of young drivers from around the region.

The 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program will take place at the famous Sepang International Circuit at the end of September, with the top two selected candidates to head to the world final at Scuderia Ferrari's home base in Maranello.

As part of September’s regional program, participants will get between two and three days of track time on a former Formula 1 race track in top-spec Formula 4 cars, support from professional mechanics, advice and training from professional F4 race engineers and much more.

While information on the program is available online, further details can be obtained via a replay of the online webinar held at the start of June. This webinar includes details about the application process and what to expect at the selection camp. Those who were unable to attend can view a replay of the webinar on Motorsport Australia’s website.

Photos: Xoom D'Image

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DALE CAGNEY REIGNS SUPREME IN MOUNT GAMBIER

Dale Cagney reigned supreme at the SEAC Motorsport Park in Mount Gambier last month as he topped the time sheets in the opening round of the 2023 Motorsport Australia SA Autocross season.

An impressive 43 competitors were entered in the South East Automobile Club (SEAC) event where they tackled multiple layouts featuring sharp corners, water hazards, crests and other obstacles designed to test drivers of all abilities and skill levels.

Competitors battled it out for the fastest times across each track, with Cagney posting the fastest cumulative time overall.

Behind the wheel of his Mitsubishi EVO6, Cagney was too good for the strong field as he posted the fastest times across all six heats to finish 14

seconds clear of the second-placed Ryan Poel in the Subaru WRX. Also running in a WRX was Oscar Farnden, who claimed the final outright podium place after consistent top four finishes saw him finish 14 seconds off Poel – his

best result being a second place in the sixth and final run of the day.

Coming in fourth was Damien Wilson in his Nissan S13, and although he was 13 seconds off Farnden, he led a tight group of competitors behind including Dion Becker,

Photos: GMF Photography

Adam Jesse, John Whitehead and Christopher Simmons.

Whilst the pack was only split by 10 seconds, the following ten placings were separated by a similar margin – emphasising the competitiveness of the field.

However the day belonged to the dominant Cagney, who was pleased to walk away with the win.

“It was really good; I drove consistently and quick all day,” Dale said.

“The track was prepped really well before we started - it was grippy and provided for a good day of racing.

“It is my home track, I am very familiar with it and it suited my car. There was a battle between the 4WD and the buggy as well, so

it was a really good competitive day and it was a lot of fun.

“We had awesome weather that day, there was pretty much no wind or rain meaning there was no dust, so didn’t affect any of the racing.

“It felt like a matter of knowing the track and where you needed to be. Local knowledge definitely helps and the next round is in Adelaide, which I'm not so familiar with, so we will see how we go.

“The pressure will be on me because now when I go to other people's home tracks they will have the advantage, but I can't wait.”

The next round of the Motorsport Australia SA Autocross Series will take place at the Mid Murray Motorplex on 9 July.

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“It was a really good competitive day and it was a lot of fun”

Photos: GMF Photography

RACING TOGETHER FINDS NEW PERMANENT HOME

The innovative and groundbreaking Indigenous Australian motorsport program, Racing Together, has received a major boost after launching its new headquarters last month.

Having originally been based at Norwell Motorplex on the Gold Coast thanks to former Supercars driver Paul Morris, the award-winning program will now call the newly renovated Queensland Raceway in Ipswich its home.

The new headquarters was launched in an official ceremony attended by dignitaries including Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser, Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Newman MP and Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development Lance MacCallum MP. Created in 2020, Racing Together facilitates and encourages young indigenous Australians to get involved in motorsport, where chosen participants build, prepare and race Hyundai Excels in state championship events in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

The popularity and success of the program has seen it grow

exponentially since its inauguration and received global recognition last year when it was named as the inaugural FIA President’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award from FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

With larger facilities required due to its substantial growth, Queensland Raceway owner Tony Quinn threw his support behind the program to create a permanent home for it at the circuit.

Racing Together

Founder Garry Connelly was thrilled with the new headquarters and thanked both Quinn and Morris for their support.

“Tony Quinn has been an amazing supporter of Racing Together and thanks to his generosity, we have been able to move into larger facilities than where we were previously,” Connelly said.

“Having a dedicated space to be able to run Racing Together will enable us to take the program to the next level, and provide an environment for our inductees that fully represents a race team working environment.

“A big thank you to Paul Morris and the crew at Norwell for accommodating us since we started

a few years ago, and Paul will still be helping with driver training and mentoring the program participants.

“When we launched in 2020, there was virtually no indigenous participation in motorsport, so we’re proud we’ve been able to encourage first nations Australians to become involved in the sport, and four of the inductees from our original intake have already found employment within the sport.”

Racing Together will run at least three Hyundai Excels in the 2023 Motorsport Australia Queensland Circuit Racing Championships, with both Braedyn Cidoni and Karlai Warner confirmed as drivers.

More information on Racing Together can be found at racingtogether.org

“We’re proud we’ve been able to encourage first nations Australians to become involved in the sport”

AORC FINKE BOUND FOR MIDWAY POINT OF 2023

After two exciting rounds, the premier Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) round has arrived.

This year's Tatts Finke Desert Race will welcome a huge field of 131 crews, who will tackle the everchallenging Australian conditions from Alice Springs to the Aputula Community and back again in three days of gruelling action.

Sharing the event with more than 600 bikes, the weekend will undoubtedly serve up a mix of drama, thrills, spills, heartache and a King of the Desert.

But to make a call on who will claim the prestigious prize at this year’s event is just too close of a call.

Of course, reigning champion Toby Price will enter as the clear favourite behind the wheel of his Mitsubishi TSCO Trophy Truck and the Queenslander will be hoping to be making it three wins.

Standing in his way is a starstudded collection of talented drivers, all of whom are capable of winning the race.

Headlining that list is current AORC leader Travis Robinson and navigator Andrew Pinto.

Although Robinson has been away from the sport for a handful of years, he has enjoyed a remarkable lead up to this weekend with two outright AORC podiums thus far and very little issues.

However Price’s biggest rival from the 2022 race in Josh Howells will once again be there despite his pro buggy troubling him in the opening rounds this year – the New South Welshman will be itching to reclaim a top step having not won since St George last year.

Robinson and Howells lead a long list of pro buggy stars, including previous

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

Photo: Dan Thompson

winners Shannon Rentsch and Mark Burrows, reigning AORC champion Ryan Taylor, and Aaron James, who will be hoping to go one better than his runner-up finish last year.

Rentsch, Burrows and James are just a few of the notable names who will be making their first AORC appearance for the year and contending for a Finke victory, with the likes of Greg Gartner, Beau Robinson, Andrew Mowles, Paul Weel, Brent Smoothy and David Fellows amongst those to offer a challenge.

From a SXS Pro standpoint, reigning champion James Cook

and current points leader Glenn Brinkman headline a long list of crews hoping to take top spot in the class, however they will face some serious challengers from potetnail winners Jeff McNiven, Peter Carr and a handful of others.

The event kicks off on the morning of Saturday 10 June where crews will battle for the ever-important starting place in Method Race Wheels Prologue, before heading down to Finke on the Sunday and returning on the Monday.

However in the lead up to the great race, the town of Alice Springs

will come alive with the highly anticipated Todd Mall Street Party on Thursday evening and the festivallike Scrutineering at the Start/ Finish line complex on Friday.

Spectators are welcome to attend the event, however attendees are required to follow all implemented safety measures, including always standing 30 metres away from the track and obeying spectator 'No Go' zones.

The Tatts Finke Desert Race serves as the third round of the 2023 AORC season and takes place in Alice Springs and Finke on 8-12 June.

The full entry list can be viewed on the Tatts Finke Desert Race's website

Get more information on the event at aorc.com.au

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

Photo: Dan Thompson

Photo: Dan Thompson

CONSISTENT CHANDLER TAKES OUT KEMPSEY 300

Experienced off road campaigner

David Chandler found his way back on the winners’ list last month after powering his way to a thrilling Kempsey 300 victory.

A 49-strong field made the trip 20km west of Kempsey, NSW to Wittitrin where crews tackled 300 competitive kilometres for the second round of the Motorsport Australia New South Wales Off Road Championship.

And after four hours, the result went right down to the wire as Chandler took victory by just four minutes over Dean Meginley despite not winning any of the three sections.

Chandler was highly consistent throughout the three-section race but it was his second run that proved the difference as he went almost four minutes faster than Meginley, who despite winning the final section, couldn’t reduce the deficit enough to knock the winner off.

Up until that final section though, it was Mat Huxley who was dominating

the field with two convincing section wins before being forced to pull over in the final section to fix a broken pulley/power steering belt.

Although he was able to get back on track again, the 15 minutes he lost trying to repair the car saw him lose the event as he finished seven minutes off the winning Chandler and three minutes off Meginley.

Coming in fourth was Derek Rose, four seconds ahead of Lachlan Campbell who rounded out the top five.

Putting in an impressive performance throughout the weekend was Michael Spokes, highlighted by an incredible nosedive overtaking move in prologue before going on to win the top 10 shootout ahead of Meginley and Huxley.

The 42-year-old was on track for a good result after going fastest in the opening race, before having to withdraw due to an issue with his co-driver in the second run.

Despite falling just short in the outright standings, Meginley took top honours in the Sportslite class ahead of Rory Wills.

Campbell was able to hold his head high after edging Paul Herviou to SXS Turbo class honours, while Nathan Wills was dominant in the Extreme 4WD class.

Other class winners include Mark Sankey in the pro lite class, David Towers in Extreme 2WD, Desmond Woods in the 13-strong Super 1650 class, Kevin Cant proved he can in the in the SXS Sport while Riley Wilson and Ethan Harris took honours in Sportsman and Production 4WD respectively.

Full results can be viewed on speedhive.mylaps.com

Photos: Gears and Wheels Photography

JOHNSON IMPRESSES IN MT LEURA HILL CLIMB

The EZI Up & Go Motorsport Australia Victorian Hill Climb Championship has welcomed a new driver to the winners’ list for 2023 after Douglas Johnson took out the fifth round of the season.

Run by the Ballarat Light Car Club at Mt Leura in Camperdown, the twoday encounter offered up plenty of entertainment for attending fans.

A strong field of 81 entrants got up to nine runs each across the

weekend in mixed conditions as they attempted to post the fastest time in their respective classes.

A wet and rainy Saturday session saw Patrick Malanaphy set the benchmark early with a time 32.46 seconds in his second attempt, which also served as his final run of the whole weekend – an impressive time considering the wet conditions.

Sunday then offered up prestige conditions and allowed Johnson

to steer his non-championship classified Subaru WRX into the lead with a 31.64-second attempt on the seventh run, before going sub 31 seconds in his final two runs – his final attempt of 30.69 seconds earning a maiden outright win for 2023.

Not far behind in second place was one of the four open-wheel entrants in Keith Wilson, who set an impressive 31.48 second time in his NINJA BH1 on his last run.

With Johnson behind the wheel of a non-championship-logged Subaru WRX, it meant Wilson walked away as the official winner regarding championship points – elevating him to third on the overall standings.

Ending the weekend second on the standings was Malanaphy, whose 32.46-second run in his Yacar Cross was enough to secure the final podium place.

Photos: Seven70 Photography

A pair of Subarus rounded out the top five with David Harris and Derrick White enjoying a thrilling battleHarris snatching fourth place on his final run to beat White by just three hundredths of a second.

A just as dramatic battle took place in the Prod Sports up to 2000cc class with Mick Goossens edging out Mazda MX5 driver Ian Speight in his Toyota MR2 by two hundredths on his final run.

There was another tight tussle in the Sports Sedans over 2000cc class with Steve Grinstead taking the win

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in his Holden VL Commodore ahead of Adam Stoddart in his recently restored Mini Clubman Turbo.

A time of 35.35 seconds in his final run proved good enough for Warren Health to convincingly claim the Improved Production class ahead of Glenn Morris and Luke Paterson.

Other class winners included Colin Newitt in the Sports Car, Scott Markby in the Sports Car Open/Closed, James McNiven in Sports Sedans under 1600cc, Stuart Haverkort in Sports Sedans over 1600cc, Jordan James in Sports Sedans 4WD, Drew Widgery

in Improved Production 2WD, David Harris in Improved Production 4WD and Mark Pitman in Historic.

The next round of the Motorsport Australia Victorian Hill Climb Championships will take place at One Tree Hill in Ararat on 10-11 June.

The full results have been posted on the Victorian Hill Climb Championships' website

Photos: Seven70 Photography

AGE NO PROBLEM FOR MUSICO IN IMPRESSIVE KHANACROSS VICTORY

Junior driver Toby Musico has claimed victory in an almighty performance during May’s opening round of the new Future Auto Wynnum South East Queensland Khanacross Championships.

Hosted by the Gold Coast Tweed Motorsport Club, the event was the first of seven rounds for the year as 36 competitors were faced with five tests on multiple track layouts.

At just 12-years-old, Musico was declared the winner after posting the lowest cumulative

time across all five tests, finishing four seconds ahead of his closest competitor in Leigh Garrioch.

Behind the wheel of a Subaru Impreza STI, Musico led from the top throughout the entirety of the event, holding off Garrioch in the Excel and a pair of WRX’s piloted by Colin O’Brien and Alan Kuss in the process.

The fourth test proved vital for the Queenslander as he finished two seconds ahead of anybody else in the field as well as adding a further five seconds to his outright lead over Garrioch and ultimately setting up the victory.

While the top two spots were determined in straightforward fashion, the final podium place was ultimately decided as a result of some of Kuss’ costly mistakes – a handful of penalties during the event dropping him to fourth behind O’Brien.

Rounding out the top five was John Kelly in his Nissan Pulsar, who finished with the same time as the fourth placed Kuss whilst claiming the Class B honours in the process.

The pair were followed closely by David Micjan, Riley Beggs, Luke Behan and Jude Livermore, who claimed Class G honours along the way.

Other class winners include Lyndon Mechielsen in Class D, Michelle Van

Der Wilk in Class F and Harrison Garth who topped Class C.

The next round of the Future Auto Wynnum South East Queensland Khanacross will take place on 11 June.

Full results are available on the Gold Coast Tweed Motorsport Club's website

Photos: Zed Photography

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HISTORY BECKONS FOR SMSP TROPHY SERIES

After lots of anticipation, Motorsport Australia’s inaugural Shannons Trophy Series round will finally get underway this month with the first of three rounds.

Taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park, six national categories will hold official rounds of their respective 2023 seasons throughout the three-day race meeting.

The categories making up the historic round will be the Improved Production Nationals, MARC Cars Australia, TGRA Scholarship Series, the Mobil 1 Australian Production

Cars & Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, Hyundai Excels and the Workhorse Radical Cup Australia.

With more than 20 hours of racing making up the schedule, it will be a busy weekend for all involved, including drivers, officials and fans, the latter of which will enjoy free entry for all three days.

Starting at 9am AEST on the Friday morning, all categories will enjoy practice sessions throughout the day, while the Excels will have its first race and both the Improved Productions and the combined

Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars & Monochrome GT4 Australia Series will have qualifying sessions.

Saturday is the biggest day of three with the action to begin from 9am

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

AEST and conclude at 7:30pm as some of the races enjoy the spectacle of running under the night sky and the Sydney Motorsport Park lights.

Sunday has the earliest start of the three days with the Improved Production Nationals to hold its fifth heat at 8am, while the Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars & Monochrome GT4 Australia Series will wrap up the weekend at around 5pm.

The final day of the event will also include a live stream from 9am-4pm AEST, which fans can view live and free on 7plus, as well as the Shannons Trophy Series Facebook page.

Motorsport Australia's Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations

Michael Smith was looking forward to what would be a special weekend.

“We have seen circuit racing around the country grow substantially over the past couple of years and we’re really pleased to be able to have the Shannons Trophy Series that gives categories another opportunity to race on the national level,” Smith said.

“The first round of the threepart series will feature some really exciting categories and I am sure each category will offer lots of entertainment to the

fans who attend, or those who tune in via the live stream.

“I’d like to thank the six categories for getting involved with the Shannons Trophy Series and I am looking forward to seeing them in action on what should be a jam-packed weekend.”

The inaugural round of Motorsport Australia’s Shannons Trophy Series takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park on 16-18 June.

View all the information on the event, including a full schedule, via the Motorsport Australia website

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

“I am sure each category will offer lots of entertainment to the fans who attend. or those who tune in via the live stream”

HARD WORKING KRYSTYNA ON THE MONEY

This month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar goes to Krystyna Sutton, who is the Captain and Treasurer of the Hobart Sporting Car Club.

Krystyna was nominated by her colleagues for always going above and beyond at any event she is involved in, and more recently for her efforts in bringing Mother’s Day to life at the Baskerville 1000 event.

Described as ‘one of the loveliest people’, Krystyna goes out of her way to do whatever she can to make other people’s lives easier at the track, doing all the jobs that no-one else wants to do without a fuss.

A highly valued member of the Hobart Sporting Car Club Committee, she is now performing the dual role of Club Captain and Treasurer, while working her day job.

Krystyna attends every event the club promotes and works hard behind the scenes to ensure their events run smoothly — even while her husband is racing.

Considered a great organiser, Krystyna can often be found filing paperwork and pitching for sponsors for the club.

For her whole adult life, Krystyna has been involved in motorsport and played a huge role in the ‘Save the Baskerville’ movement, when the circuit was at risk of being sold to developers.

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

KRYSTYNA SUTTON

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

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

Submit your nomination to Speed Read

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WHAT'S ON IN JUNE

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

9-11 June: Australian Hay Mini Nationals

10 June: HSVfest Show and Shine

10-11 June: HSRCA 2023 Sydney Classic

1-12 June: Tour de Bathurst

11 June: NSW Hillclimb

Championship Round 5

11 June: MGCCN KC3 Dirt & Tar Khanacross

11 June: June Club Motorkhana

15-18 June: Shannons Trophy Series - Sydney Motorsport Park 17 June: Round 2 CSCA Supersprint 17 June: Fineform S1 Rallysprint - Round 2 18 June: Euroday

18 June: Mazda MX-5 Car Club of NSW NSW State Supersprint Round 3

18 June: June Breakfast Run

18 June: Tour d Course

18 June: DSCC 2023 Autocross Round 5

18 June: Southern Cross Credit Union Motorkhana Round 2

19 June: Mazda MX-5 Club of NSW Supersprint 24 June: June Day/Night State Khanacross 24 June: YDDC - 3 24 June: 2023 National Patios ACT Khanacross Series Round 3 25 June: Huntley Hillclimb plus come and try

25 June: Impreza WRX Club (NSW) 2023 Motorkhana Championship Round 2

QUEENSLAND

9-10 June: BODS Strive2Drive Camp

10-11 June: BitumenKhanacross Series Round 4

10 June: Skidfest 2023

11 June: Our Townsville 2023

11 June: GCTMC Khanacross

17-18 June: Aus Timing Warwick 1000

17 June: The KCF Rallysport Winter Stages

17 June: The KCF Rallysport Jimna Stages

17-18 June: Proston Khanacross/Burnouts

18 June: MAC Dirt Sprints Round 3

18 June: HSCCQ Khanacross

18 June: Round 2 CQMSC Khanacross Series

18 June: Round 5 2023 Club Championship

NSW: 18 June – DSCC 2023 Autocross Round 5

Hosted by the Alfa Romeo Owners club and in conjunction with the Classic Rally Clubthis event provides great driving roads and fine food on an annual basis.

Photo: Alfa Romeo Owners Club

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

9-12 June: [NT] Tatts Finke Desert Race

10-11 June: Lamborghini Super

Trofeo Asia Series Incorporating

SA Motorsport Series Round 2

11 June: SDCC Club Khanacross Round 3

11 June: SCCSA 2023 Ray

Pank Winter Cup 2

16-18 June: [NT] betR Darwin

Triple Crown Supercars

25 June: Tint-a-Car GawlerWalky Park Series Round 2

25 June: MSCA - Supersprint Round 2

TASMANIA

17 June: Pirtek Rallye Natone

18 June: Hillclimb and Sprints

VICTORIA

8 June: Shannons SpeedSeriesRound 4 - Winton Motor Raceway

9-12 June: Mudbash

10-11 June: Victorian Hillclimb

Championship Round 6

11 June: HSVFest Motorkhana Day

11 June: RAAF Auto Club Sprint

11-12 June: FFCC / TCCA Kings

Birthday Driver Training and Sprint

17-18 June: Nissan Nightmoves Trial

17-18 June: VCAS Round 7

17 June: Rob Roy Youth Driver Training

17 June: 86/BRZ Club Motorkhana Round 1

24 June: MADCC Round 3

24 June: BMWDCM Alex Baxter Memorial

Driver Training/Come and Try Day

24-25 June: Motorsport

Australia VMC Round 4

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

10 June: Come & Try Day

10 June: WASCC Round 3

11 June: SWTCC Round 2

11 June: Red Mist Series 13 Event

22-26 June: Xmas in June

Mudbash is an annual motorsport event run by the Rover Scout section of Scouts Australia. Among the weekend’s activities are adventurous expeditions, competitive on-site activities, scouting camp craft, exciting nightlife entertainment, and of course motorsport.

Photo: Porsche Club of Victoria

VIC: 9-12 June - Mudbash

MIXED CONDITIONS SPICE UP STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE BEND

Eight popular state categories have put on a show at The Bend Motorsport Park during last month’s second round of the 2023 SA State Motor Racing Championship Series.

Onlookers were treated to a brilliant display of racing from the regular categories, such as Improved Productions, Holden HQs and Sports Sedans, which was enhanced by the mixed bag of conditions served up at Tailem Bend.

More than 146 competitors were in action during the day as they battled for outright honours in their respective categories, with each series holding a mix of three or four races across the weekend.

Some of the notable results included a Bradley Vaughan double victory in both the combined Circuit Excels and Circuit Excels Masters, which boasted the largest field of the weekend of 38 cars, and the joint Saloon Cars/Holden HQs.

It was Vaughan’s consistency that ultimately rewarded him with the win in the Circuit Excels class ahead of race three and four winner Joel Johnson, while the South Australian also took honours in the Saloon Cars, guiding his Ford Falcon AU to two wins and two podiums.

Victorian Jamie Lovett showed his class in Sports Cars, winning three out of four races over his closest competitors in Andrew Hall and Panayot Boyaci to comfortably win the category.

Also winning in dominant fashion was Phillip Lane in the Historic

Racing & Sports category, Robert Braune in Improved Production and Daniel Wallis in the Sports Sedans.

There were also plenty of clean sweeps throughout the race meeting too, including Phillip Chester, who couldn’t be beaten in the MG and Invited British category and Mark Short in the Formula 3 & Libre/Aus Sports Cars/ Group6/Formula Vee category. The next round of the 2023 State Motor Racing Championship Series will take place at the Mallala Motorsport Park on 8-9 July.

Photos: Bob Taylor

ISLAND SHINES IN SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES’ SPECTACULAR SHOW

The Shannons SpeedSeries returned with a bang in May with seven national categories taking to the picturesque Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for an incredible weekend of action.

With the sun shining over the world famous circuit all weekend, a huge attendance of more than 17,000 people across the three days took advantage of the conditions to get a glimpse of some thrilling racing spread over a jam-packed three-day schedule.

The weekend was highlighted by three unmissable outings in the National Trans Am Series, where penalties, mechanical black flags and record-breaking finishes all played a part in a dramatic narrative.

The returning Nash Morris claimed the round victory after firstly winning race two, before crossing

the line ahead of series leader James Moffat in what was a recordbreaking margin to seal the deal. Moffat finished second overall despite going winless for the round, while the consistent Tom Hayman rounded out the podium places.

Fans of the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship were also treated to quite the spectacle as Cooper Webster powered his way to a stunning round victory ahead of series leader Joey Mawson, converting his pole position into two race victories to close the gap in the title race.

It was a weekend to remember for Josh Buchan in the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series after a disappointing outing in Tasmania, with the New South Welshman enjoying two races, while Michael Clemente enjoyed a maiden victory in the series.

Geoff Emery and Max Hofer were victorious in the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS category, with their race three victory all but confirming they would stand tall on the podium alongside Ross Poulakis and Jayden Ojeda in second.

Photos: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

While most categories saw tight battles, the same couldn’t be said for the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series, which saw Jude Bargwanna dominate most of the weekend and walk away with wins in races one and two, A podium finish in the final race sealed the round win ahead of the experienced Jim Pollicina and race three winner Ray Hislop.

It was a similar story in the combined Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia Series as Shane Smollen emerged victorious, comfortably winning every race. In the Australian Production Cars, it was Grant Sherrin who swept the APC class ahead of Coleby Cowham and Lindsay Kearns.

The fourth round of the Shannons SpeedSeries’ Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton takes place at Winton Raceway on 9-11 June.

SUPERCHEAP AUTO TCR AUSTRALIA SERIES

Race 1: Josh Buchan

Race 2: Michael Clemente

Race 3: Josh Buchan

S5000 AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

KUMHO V8 TOURING CAR SERIES

1. Jude Bargwanna

2. Jim Pollicina

3. Ray Hislop

MONOCHROME GT4 AUSTRALIA SERIES

1. Shane Smollen

2. Tony Quinn

3. Steve Jukes

NATIONAL TRANS

MOBIL 1 AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION CARS SERIES

1. Grant Sherrin

2. Coleby Cowham

3. Lindsay Kearns

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

1. Cooper Webster

2. Joey Mawson

3. James Golding

AM SERIES

1. Nash Morris

2. James Moffat

3. Tom Hayman

GT WORLD CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA POWERED BY AWS

1. Geoff Emery and Maximilian Hofer

2. Ross Poulakis and Jayden Ojeda

3. Stephen Grove and Brenton Grove

SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES TO WELCOME BACK WINTON WONDERLAND

The Shannons SpeedSeries returns this month with all eyes to be on Winton Motor Raceway for the Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton.

Serving as the fourth round of the Shannons SpeedSeries, seven national categories will enjoy plenty of track time across three action-packed days.

Plenty of regular Shannons SpeedSeries categories make up the event bill, including the National Trans Am Series, Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Kumho V8 Touring Car Series and the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship – all of whom featured in Phillip Island.

The Gulf Western Oils Touring Car Masters returns for its third round of the 2023 season, following rounds at Newcastle and February’s AWC Race Tasmania.

Joining the Shannons SpeedSeries for the first time this year will be the Australian Formula Ford Series and the Precision National Sports Sedan Series, which holds the first round of its 2023 season.

The three-day event will feature practice and qualifying sessions on Friday, before Saturday will feature as the busiest day of the weekend with 15 sessions scheduled between 9am AEST and 4:40pm.

Kicking off the racing action will be the Australian Formula Ford Series with the first of their three races, and it will be Zak Lobko who will be looking to extend his series lead over Matt Hillyer after an impressive run of results.

After dominating the opening round of the season at Phillip Island, Jude Bargwanna will be hoping to continue his good form in the new era of the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series – potentially setting himself up for a healthy lead in the standings.

The S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship will feature an intriguing battle between championship leader Joey Mawson and the in-form Cooper Webster, and if Phillip Island was anything to go by, both drivers will once again provide non-stop entertainment in all three races.

It will be a similar story in the highly anticipated National Trans Am Series, who put on the most exciting show during its three races on the Island.

Nash Morris and Owen Kelly will be on the hunt for victory at Winton while the likes of Lochie Dalton and Josh Webster will be looking to close in on the series leader James Moffat.

Steven Johnson will look to continue his form in the Gulf Western Oils Touring Car Masters series, but will have the likes of the experienced John Bowe on his tail as he searches for another victory on his farewell tour.

The fan-favourite Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series will conclude

the weekend's action, where Josh Buchan will look to continue his form while the midfield crew will look to work their way into title contention.

All seven categories will be in action during this month’s Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton, with Saturday and Sunday’s action to be broadcast live and ad-free via Stan Sport.

Saturday’s coverage on Stan Sport will take place from 11:00am to 5:00pm AEST, while 9Gem will showcase the series live and free from 2pm AEST. Sunday’s action will be on Stan Sport from 9:30am and will conclude at 5:00pm.

The Shannons SpeedSeries’ Hi-Tec Oils Race Winton takes place at Winton Raceway on 9-11 June.

Photo: Australian Formula Ford Series

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

EREBUS SHINE IN TASSIE AS BROWN MOVES BEHIND KOSTECKI

The 2023 season of the Repco Supercars Championship has been all about Erebus Motorsport this year as the small Victorian team continues to punch above its weight. It was no different in last month’s Ned Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint as Will Brown starred with two victories and a podium while two podiums to Brodie Kostecki saw him solidify his Championship lead.

Although Kostecki kept the lead, his fast charging teammate reduced

the overall gap to less than what it was before their visit to Symmons Plains – Brown moving from sixth to second in a matter of three races.

Starting on Saturday, Brown’s charge began with his second race win of the year when he converted his ARMOR ALL Pole Position to the victory.

Outside of an early attack from Jack Le Brocq, who started on the front row alongside him, and a late challenge from eventual runner-up Andre Heimgartner, Brown was never truly troubled throughout the race.

Heimgartner proved the biggest headache though as he made up three positions after starting from fifth, while reigning champion Shane van Gisbergen rounded out the podium having picked through the field after starting 10th.

The big drama to occur during the race was on lap three when Cam Waters' attempted pass on Kostecki

at the famous turn 4 hairpin saw the latter hit the wall. In the same passage, Chaz Mostert and Broc Feeney both made contact on the hairpin exit and both drivers ended up facing the wrong way as a result.

Fortunately for both Kostecki and Feeney, they were able to eventually get back to the track and score valuable points.

Feeney would get his revenge on Sunday - dominating the first race of the day courtesy of a strong start that put him in contention before

Photos: Edge Photographics

a perfectly executed overcut on Brown saw him get the lead at the midway point of the race.

From that point, the Queenslander was never challenged as he produced a stellar drive to pick up his third win for the season.

Rounding out the podium though was Kostecki and Brown after the two teammates enjoyed a small battle of their own – the West Australian getting the edge after a late pass.

Although Brown missed out on a runner-up finish, he wouldn’t have

to wait long to get bragging rights as the Queenslander charged his way to a comfortable victory in the final outing for the weekend.

A faultless run saw the 24-yearold snatch top spot from the polesitting Kostecki before being unchallenged for the rest of the race.

Kostecki meanwhile did his best to hold off a lightning quick Feeney, but the Triple Eight star couldn’t be stopped as he picked up second place with just 10 laps to go.

van Gisbergen than had a shot of his own for the final podium place, but Kostecki held his ground and defended his podium place to claim much needed points.

The Repco Supercars Championship continues later this month with the highly popular Betr Darwin Triple Crown at Hidden Valley Raceway on 16-18 June.

RACE 10 TOP FIVE

1. Will Brown

2. Andre Heimgartner

3. Shane van Gisbergen

4. Cam Waters

5. Scott Pye

RACE 11 TOP FIVE

1. Broc Feeney

2. Brodie Kostecki

3. Will Brown

4. Cam Waters

5. Will Davison

RACE 12 TOP FIVE

1. Will Brown

2. Broc Feeney

3. Brodie Kostecki

4. Shane van Gisbergen

5. Jack Le Brocq

REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10

1. Brodie Kostecki – 784 points

2. Chaz Mostert – 684

3. Shane van Gisbergen – 648

4. Will Brown – 613

5. Broc Feeney – 564

6. David Reynolds – 533

7. Cam Waters – 523

8. Andre Heimgartner – 492

9. Will Davison – 463

10. Jack Le Brocq – 433

Photos: Edge Photographics

CONTACT US

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We look forward to hearing from you.