Motorsport Australia Speed Read - March 2024

SPEEDREAD

FUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

TAKES OVER AUSSIE CAPITAL

AGP READY TO ROLL FOR 2024

With the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season well and truly underway, its highly anticipated visit down under is fast approaching.

VICTORY AT BATHURST 12 HOUR

This first ever Festival of Speed Canberra has proven to be a major success with thousands of car enthusiasts having been treated to an entertaining two-day spectacle.

The Supercheap Auto Motorsport Australia Club Development Fund has opened for 2024, with round one applications now being accepted.

Queenslander Matt Campbell has added another 12 Hour victory to his long list of achievements, steering his Porsche 911 to victory at the iconic endurance race.

Cover photo by Photo: McLaren Media / Simon Galloway

FROM THE CEO

Monthly message from Sunil Vohra, Motorsport Australia CEO

Welcome to the March 2024 edition of Speed Read.

Being March, that means we’re going racing in the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix.

A wonderful event, one of the great grand prix in the world and the biggest attended sporting event in Australia. I think I’ve been to every race in Melbourne since 1996 as a fan, but now I ‘m part of the Motorsport Australia team that helps put it on and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

It’s been wonderful to see teams come together from different organisations and bring together a massive, complex event with precision and skill. Motorsport Australia plays a key role with responsibility for all on-track activity and it’s been super impressive to see the team go to work preparing.

Motorsport Australia also has more than 900 volunteers and officials at Albert Park, and I’m genuinely thrilled to be one of them. So, while it’s my 27th Australian Grand Prix, it’s really my first and I hope to see many of you there.

Across Australia, it’s been great to see all levels of our sport get back racing for the new season. From state championships and club events to the Shannon SpeedSeries and the double header Bathurst Superfest - all things feel better when we go racing.

I was lucky enough to get to the 12 Hour, which is one of my favourite events, and see Queenslander Matt Campbell triumph with Manthey EMA in a star-studded field of international drivers.

I also loved attending the massive Phillip Island Classic Festival of Motorsport recently.

Full credit to the Victorian Historic Racing Register and all the volunteers and competitors who put on the biggest historics racing event in the Southern Hemisphere – all in scorching heat.

And then the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship kicks in Canberra off next month, which is also exciting.

Back at HQ, I marvel at the breadth of our work across motorsport each day. One minute we’re meeting for Formula 1, and the next, solving issues for a club event in the bush. I really enjoy the variety of our work and take very seriously our responsibilities across all parts of the sport.

One my early observations is I think we can improve our communication about what we are doing and why we do it – especially when we change things. We can better engage with those impacted, with guidance of what it means in reality.

Changes to regs or technical schedules are not random or intended to make life difficult, but at times, we have made it harder than it should be. So hopefully you start to feel improvements as you interact with us and changes will make more sense as we go.

Finally, a shout of thanks to the 194 officials who attended the recent FIA Safety Week webinars and to the 190 officials registered for the SelfExtraction webinar later this month.

Go well, Sunil.

2024 CLUB DEVELOPMENT FUND OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The Supercheap Auto Motorsport Australia Club Development Fund has opened for 2024, with round one applications now being accepted.

Available to all Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs, the Club Development Fund was created as a way to help clubs in growth and development by supplying funds, which can be used to run participation programs and increase membership.

There are three different funding areas open to clubs, with projects that fit within each category likely to receive funding.

Those areas include the purchase of Safety and Operational Equipment, Volunteer Upskilling & Club Capacity Building, and Participation Programs – the latter of which is divided into three subsections.

Making up the Participation Programs that this funding area offers to support are Come & Try Days, Junior Development and Women’s Introduction to Motorsport Programs.

Resources such as program guides and additional support from Motorsport Australia staff is also available to assist clubs in getting these programs off the ground.

an increase in membership and participation at events,” Vohra said.

“Applying for the Club Development Fund is a very simple process and I highly recommend clubs do it as there is nothing to lose – especially if clubs run an event within the participation segment.

Motorsport Australia is invested in making our sport grow across all levels, but especially at grassroots level

Clubs have until 11:59pm AEST on 31 May to apply for funding and can do so by submitting the online application form available here. All clubs will receive the outcome of their round one application in June.

Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra encouraged Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs to apply for funding.

“The Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund is a great opportunity for clubs to get some financial assistance and put towards a program that will ultimately drive

“Motorsport Australia is invested in making our sport grow across all levels, but especially at grassroots level as that is the heartbeat of Australian motorsport.”

Clubs can get more information by heading to the Club Resource Centre, or by reaching out to their respective Regional Development Executive.

In 2023, 21 clubs received funding of up to $1500 to run events via the Club Development Fund, and clubs can receive a similar amount with the exception of those who apply for the Participation Programs, which has been raised to $3000.

Get more information on the 2024 Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund at motorsport.org.au

2023 RECIPIENTS

NSW Christian Autosports Club of Australia

Series X3 NSW

NSW Road Racing Club

Raleigh Motorsports Association

QLD

Historic Leyburn Sprints

Central Coast Car Club (Gladstone)

SA

Tarmac Junior Development Program Assoc. of South Australia

Sporting Car Club of SA Inc

Walkerville All Cars Club Incorporated

TAS

Hobart Sporting Car Club

Light Car Club of Tasmania

VIC

Impreza WRX Club Inc

Car Club Of RMIT Inc

MG Car Club of Geelong Marque Sports Car Association of Victoria

Toyota Car Club Of Australia Inc

Ballarat Light Car Club Incorporated

HSV Owners Club Victoria (Incorporating HDT) Inc

Austin Healey Sprite Drivers' Club

WA

WA Sporting Car Club Ashendons First Intervention Inc

HRCCQ GIVE FOUR YOUNGSTERS SPECIAL MORGAN PARK ACCESS

Four young drivers enjoyed a memorable experience at Morgan Park last month, when the Historic Racing Car Club of Queensland (HRCCQ) held its Try, Test and Tune Day last month and gave them complimentary access to the event.

The event traditionally opens the club’s racing season each year, and 2024 was no different with a host of drivers getting the opportunity to get some valuable seat time behind the wheel at the circuit.

The four teenage girls and boys were graduates of the circuit’s Driver Training Program, a program where drivers are given a safe environment to prepare the basics of public road use and motorsport.

At the Try, Test and Tune Day, the four participants spent time learning about documentation, driver briefings, the various flags/lights to look out for and the dos and don'ts of race craft and passing before eventually heading out onto the track alongside other competitors.

All four drivers have aspirations to continue their motorsport journey, with one of the 14-year-old boys

locked in to run a Formula Vee at state level this year and another to continue taking part in the Morgan Park Super Sprints this year.

Each individual utilised the day to gain as much track time as they could, with the families of all four youngsters showing plenty of support throughout the day, as well as in their careers.

Photo: Shifting Focus Photography

AGP READY TO ROLL FOR 2024

With the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season well and truly underway, its highly anticipated visit down under is fast approaching.

Taking place over the second last weekend of March, the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix will take over the picturesque Albert Park as the world’s best drivers strut their stuff in front of thousands of fans.

The past two years have welcomed record crowds through the gates, with more than 400,000 people attending the event across the four days.

Not only is there a sold-out crowd expected to make their way to Albert Park, but there is also a huge

number of Motorsport Australia officials locked in, as more than 940 individuals volunteer their time to help the weekend run smoothly.

Of course, all eyes will be on the main event and whether Max Verstappen will continue to dominate or whether the likes of Ferrari and Mercedes can peg back time on the Red Bulls.

Having two Australians contesting an Australian Grand Prix for the first time in a decade will also be a major narrative for the event, with plenty on the line for Oscar Piastri and Daniel Ricciardo.

For Ricciardo, 2024 will undoubtedly be a year of redemption as he looks to

work his way back up the ranks, and a big result for the Visa Cash App RB Driver on home soil will do just that.

Ricciardo has had a mixed bag of results at Albert Park, with two P4s, a collection of top 10s, three DNFs and a disqualification making up his nine results there.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool / Peter Fox

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool / Quinn Rooney

As for Piastri, the young Victorian has been taking the competition by storm since debuting in Bahrain last year. In just his second Formula 1 season, the McLaren driver will be hoping to replicate the same result as his Australian debut last year, where he scored his first-ever F1 points in what was a chaotic end.

Formula 1 will take centre stage multiple times throughout the weekend, with the three practice sessions to be spread across Friday and Saturday morning,

while qualifying will be held at 4pm on the Sunday afternoon.

The main race will then run at 3pm

AEDT on the Sunday following the traditional Drivers’ Parade at 1pm.

In addition to Formula 1, there are four big championships on the support bill with Formula 2, Formula 3, Supercars and the Porsche Carrera Cup Championship all enjoying plenty of racing action.

Off track, there will be plenty of activations for fans to enjoy,

including the Live Fast Motor Fest, where a number of Motorsport Australia affiliated car clubs will have their cars on show.

The 2024 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix takes place at Albert Park Circuit on 21-24 March.

Photo: McLaren Media / Simon Galloway

2024 Australian Grand Prix at grandprix.com.au

BERENICE A BATHURST BLESSING

This month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar is Berenice Stratton, who went above and beyond as a Motorsport Australia official at the recent Bathurst SuperFest at Mount Panorama.

The Queenslander recently volunteered at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour and Thrifty Bathurst 500, displaying exceptional communication skills on the radio and compassion for her fellow officials.

Across the fortnight at Bathurst, Berenice was the Safety Car Communicator, which requires skills of thinking and reacting quickly in a fast-paced environment.

While her duties on the radio were greatly valued and appreciated across the two events, what earnt Berenice the Superstar badge was her assistance to another official — who was involved in an accident that saw their vehicle damaged.

Berenice showed strong leadership skills and assisted the official during the situation, organising for the car to be in a safe spot and relieving what was a stressful situation.

To thank Berenice for her compassion, professionalism, and continued display of teamwork, she will receive a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin and certificate.

BERENICE STRATTON

Do you know someone like Berenice; 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

MOTORSPORT TRAINING EMPOWERS OFFICIALS

The first official Motorsport Australia training course for 2024 took place last month, with the MG Car Club of Victoria hosting a Silver Module program.

Twelve individuals looking to advance their professional development and make waves within the motorsport community took part in the training day, which was hosted by seasoned professionals, Mark Thompson and David Thornbury.

Throughout the day-long program, Thompson and Thornbury engaged in lively discussions with the 12 participants, while also sharing their experiences in the sport.

Using their combined expertise and wealth of knowledge, the two presenters educated the participants on the nuances of officiating, safety protocols,

regulatory compliance, and effective event management strategies.

Adding to the success of the day was the diverse range of officials attending the program, with scrutineering, recovery, flagmarshalling, rally, race control, and sector marshals all covered.

Each participant shared their own experiences via their unique perspectives, contributing to a dynamic learning environment and the exceptional level.

“The day proved quite successful and I felt it was an immersive experience filled with insightful interactions and invaluable anecdotal inputs,” Mark Thompson said following the event.

“The presence of having a diverse list of officials from different roles underscored the comprehensive nature of the training, ensuring

I felt it was an immersive experience filled with insightful interactions

a holistic understanding of the intricacies involved in officiating various motorsport events.

“The Silver Module course served as a testament to Motorsport Australia's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering professional development within the motorsport officiating fraternity.

“By providing access to highquality training programs such as this, Motorsport Australia empowers officials to enhance

their skills, stay abreast of industry standards, and elevate the overall quality of officiating across the nation's motorsport landscape.

“In essence, the Silver Module course encapsulated the spirit of collaboration, learning, and passion that defines the motorsport community.

"With each participant leaving enriched and inspired, the event served as a beacon of progress and innovation, setting the stage for a future where skilled and dedicated officials continue to drive the success of motorsport in Australia.

“Moving forward, participants can leverage the knowledge gained from this course to further their careers, contribute meaningfully to the success of motorsport events, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and safety.”

Get more

Motorsport Australia training courses at motorsport.org.au

SILVER MODULE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

• Cameron Jamieson - Recovery - Deputy Chief

• Ninad Kavi - Race Control - Flag Marshal

• Rebecca Armstrong - Flag Marshal & Sector Marshal

• John Booker - Sector Marshal

• Michael Verni - Communicator

• Andrew Thorp - Rally - Deputy Chief

• John Lempereur - Flag marshal

• Michelle Clewett - Flag Marshal - Trainer

• Ian Hogan - Scrutineer - Flag Marshal

• Arvind Gawade - Flag Marshal - Pit Lane

• Patrick Harding - Sector Marshal

• Christopher Sullivan - Flag Marshal

HAMLETT HISTORIC WIN IN WA STATE SPEED EVENT SERIES

off for 2024 with a brand new event in February proving a huge success amongst the huge competitor base.

Taking place at the popular Collie Motorplex, the new Collie Combined Sprints saw the 66 entered competitors complete runs over both the circuit’s long and short layouts, with Tom Hamlett eventually taking the win.

Although it was a gloomy day at Collie with some light rain, Hamlett managed the conditions perfectly, posting an event-winning time of 1:51.4948 on his first run.

Not only did the Dallara F3 pilot win the event and set a new record on that run, but it was also the only time under two minutes, with Rhyan Shapkaris in second place a further nine seconds off.

Rounding out the season opener podium less than a second off Shapkaris was John Webb, while Phillip Morley finished just three tenths off in fourth place Webb, as all three drivers secured their best times on their fifth and final lap.

With the top four cars all in the Formula Libre class, the best tin top belonged to Justin O'Hehir, who guided his Subaru WRX to fifth place in the most thrilling of circumstances.

After his Subaru experienced prop shaft issues in the morning’s warmup sessions, O'Hehir was forced to rush back to his workshop almost an hour away to fix the car. Making it back just in time for the final set of runs, O'Hehir managed to snatch a top-five finish at the expense of Porsche drivers Emranjeet Malhi and David Baxter.

Around half a second separated the trio at the end of the day, with

O'Hehir’s lap time of 2:06.4992

pipping Malhi’s best time by two tenths, while Baxter’s best time on his last attempt was a further three tenths short of Malhi.

Making up the remaining positions in the top 10 were Ryan Goldberg, Daryl Henthorn and Daniel Bathe with less than a second separating the three drivers.

The next Motorsport Australia State Speed Event Series WA will again be at Collie Motorplex with a double round to take place on 6-7 April.

Photos: Sport Pixx Sport Photography

FESTIVAL OF SPEED TAKES OVER AUSSIE CAPITAL

The first ever Festival of Speed Canberra has proven to be a major success with thousands of car enthusiasts treated to an entertaining two-day spectacle.

Taking place on a purpose-built mini circuit at Thoroughbred Park, there were more than 200 cars in action and on display throughout the event, showcasing a vast range of types."

From spectacular modern day and classical race cars to luxury sports cars of all types, there was something for everyone as the festival celebrated the some of the world's most glamorous vehicles.

Some of the major highlights of the event included classical Formula 1

and Formula 2 open wheelers and the 2024 Matt Stone Racing Repco Supercars Championship Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Cameron Hill. The variety of cars at the event was also first class, with 29 different

Ferrari models, 16 different types of Porsches, 11 different Lamborghinis, as well as a handful of McLarens, Audis, and Lotus cars all in action.

Other popular European manufacturers to feature included

Photo: MT Media

Mercedes, BMW and Jaguar, with many famous Japanese and American vehicles also playing a major role in the event.

In addition to drivers skilfully navigating the exhibition circuit behind some of the world’s most exotic cars, there were also plenty of activations throughout the event, including the Hall of Heroes, trade shows, merchandise stands and plenty of food and drink stands.

The event also marked Menslink Canberra as its Community and Charity Partner, with some of the special international guests French Embassy, British High Commission and Embassy of Italy all attending.

Festival of Speed Canberra Project Manager Ellie Barron was thrilled with how the inaugural running of the event transpired.

"The event was trouble free with a happy festival crowd captivated by the experience," Barron said.

"It was amazing to have the quality of cars that we did. From Formula 1, S5000, V8 Supercar and representation from the marque brands.

"We are extremely pleased with the event and the overall feedback and interest in it certainly exceeded our expectations - there is already huge interest in the next one.”

FESTIVAL OF SPEED FAST FACTS

TOTAL CROWD

13,656 STAFF

100 REGISTERED CARS

225 VOLUNTEERS

40 TRADE STANDS

29

Photo: MT Media

Photo: MT Media

Photo: Photox

Photo: Photox

Photo: Photox

2024 NATIONAL SPEED AND AUTO TEST CALENDAR CONFIRMED

The official dates for the 2024 Motorsport Australia Speed and Auto Test Championships have been confirmed, with all disciplines to run in the back half of the year.

Taking place across October and November, the four championships serve as the pinnacle of grassroots motorsport, with each respective discipline attracting competitors from all over the country.

The first two events to kick off the National Speed and Auto Test season for this year will be the Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship and the Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship.

The Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship will be hosted by the Gippsland Car Club at the famous Bryant Park on the last weekend of October. Also known as the Haunted

Hills, the track is a fan favourite and will welcome back the national event for the first time since 2018.

Running on the same weekend will be the Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship, which will see the Mini Car Club of WA hold the event at a venue also well-known to the wider motorsport community - Carco.com.au Raceway in Perth.

The Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship will take place the following weekend in Tasmania, with the Motorsports Club of Tasmania to host the event at Symmons Plains.

Wrapping up the year will be the Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship, which will be run by the Marque Sports Club Association midway through the month at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria.

Further details for each championship, including formats and when entries open, will be announced in the coming months.

2024 SPEED AND AUTO TEST CALENDAR

24-27 October: Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship – Bryant Park - Gippsland Car Club

26-27 October: Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship – Carco. com.au Raceway – Mini Car Club WA

2-3 November: Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship – Symmons Plains - Motorsports Club of TAS

16-17 November: Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship – Winton Motor Raceway – MSCA

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OLDHAM AND FARR TAKE GEORGE WOODS RALLY WIN

The 41st annual George Woods Rally has been run and won for 2024 with Connor Oldham and Charlotte Farr taking out a surprise victory in the popular regularity rally.

Taking place in and around the forests of the picturesque East Victorian town of Powelltown, 35 crews were entered in the event, where they tackled 135 competitive kilometres over eight stages.

While overall pace is a significant part of the rally, checking in at the correct second and the night stages are just as important with the event designed to level up the playing field between newcomers and experienced crews.

And that’s exactly what occurred at the 2024 edition of the rally, with Oldham and Farr guiding their Mazda Familia 323 to a convincing victory over the Hyundai Excel of Matt Raymond and Brett William.

Although the rally was Farr’s debut event as a co-driver, she looked extremely comfortable calling the notes for Oldham as the duo enjoyed a strong start and found themselves sharing the lead with Geoff Holloway and Stuart Reid at the halfway point of the event.

The duo then produced a remarkable clean sweep of wins during the event’s night stages to complete

Photos:

their unlikely victory, with just eight points separating them with Raymond and William.

Rounding out the event podium was Rian Calder and Andrew Murdoch Jr, with the Subaru WRX pilots 72 points behind.

In the battle for fourth place, nothing could separate the Peter Sweeney and Simon Young in their Subaru Liberty and the Peugeot 504 of Greg Park and Brian Ward, with the two crews finishing on equal points.

Another notable performance belonged to decorated co-driver Kate Raymond (formally Catford) who made her official debut in the driver’s seat, and steered her Hyundai Excel to a respectable ninth place with Glenn Raymond in the co-driver’s seat.

The next major Victorian rally will be the Mitta Rally, which serves as the opening round of the 2024 Till Hino Motorsport Australia Victorian Rally Championship on 16 March.

GEORGE WOODS RALLY TOP 10

1. Connor Oldham/ Charlotte Farr - 10 points

2. Matt Raymond/ Brett Williams - 18

3. Rian Calder/ Andrew Murdoch Jnr - 90

=4. Peter Sweeney/ Simon Young - 101

=4. Greg Park/

Brian Ward - 101

5. Gavin Porthouse/ Hugh Porthouse - 123

6. Alan Upton/ Mark Laidlay - 133

7. Paul Mahony/

Amy Mahony - 203

8. Kate Raymond/ Glen Raymond - 295

9. Tony Fleming/ Kim Begelhole - 299

Photos: Bruce Keys

NAVIGATION RALLIES TO RETURN TO WA IN 2024

The Light Car Club of WA will bring back the navigation rally of old this year, with the club to host the Navigation Rally of the Great Southern next month.

The event will take place across a variety of sealed and good gravel roads around the Albany and Mount Barker regions in Western Australia, with more than 300 kilometres making up the competitive distance.

Like most regularity relays, the special Navigation Rally of the Great Southern is open to any interested competitor

with a road registered car, with the winner to be determined by a points system and not by who produces the fastest accumulative time.

In the works for more than 12 months, the event is the brainchild of Brian D’Arcy, who will serve as the road director and who will lead a special training program on how to read the instructions for those new to a navigational rally.

and Event Secretary, Georgina Helm.

Entries for the event are currently open and will remain open until the middle of March, with a number of individuals already registered - experienced drivers Peter Flood and John Poyner some of the first notable entries for the event.

There will be three training sessions in the lead up to the event that will help new entrants understand where they’re going and what the instructions mean. The three sessions will be a mix of online and face-toface sessons at the Club Rooms for those who prefer to meet in person.

Supporting D’Arcy to run the event is Light Car Club of WA President,

The Tour-assembly style event will start from 5pm local time and will go for much of the evening, as competitors navigate their way from Albany to Mount Barker and around Plantagenet without a GPS and using solely maps and clues given by any event organisers.

The Navigation Rally of the Great Southern takes place in Albany and Mount Barker on 6 April.

Wendy Walker who will serve as the Clerk of the Course

2024 ESPORTS CALENDAR

GT3

MOTORSPORT

V8 TOURING ESPORT

TOYOTA 86

MOTORSPORT

FORMULA VEE

MOTORSPORT

R1_ 13 MARCH

R2_ 10 APRIL

R3_ 1 MAY

R4_ 22 MAY

R5_ 12 JUNE

R6_ 3 JULY

R7_ 24 JULY

R8_ 9 AUGUST

R9_ 30 AUGUST

R10_ 15 SEPT

R11_ 23 OCT

R12_ 13 NOV

R1_ 4 SEPTEMBER

R2_ 11 SEPTEMBER

R3_ 18 SEPTEMBER

R4_ 25 SEPTEMBER

R5_ 2 OCTOBER

R6_ 9 OCTOBER

R1_ 1 MARCH

R2_ 9 MARCH

R3_ 16 MARCH

R4_ 30 MARCH

R5_ 6 APRIL

R6_ 20 APRIL

R7_ 27 APRIL

R8_ 4 MAY

R9_ 11 MAY

R1_ 1 FEBRUARY

R2_ 8 FEBRUARY

R3_ 15 FEBRUARY

R4_ 22 FEBRUARY

R5_ 29FEBRUARY

R6_ 7 MARCH

R7_ 14 MARCH

R8_ 21 MARCH

R9_ 28 MARCH

R1_ 5 FEBRUARY

R2_ 12 FEBRUARY

R3_ 19 FEBRUARY

R4_ 26 FEBRUARY

R5_ 4 MARCH

R6_ 11 MARCH

R7_ 25 MARCH

R8_ 1 APRIL

HAYWARD ONWARD AND UPWARD AT BRYANT PARK

Brett Hayward has secured the first win of his 2024 EZIUP AND GO Victorian Hill Climb Championship campaign after an impressive performance during the second round of the season.

Taking place at the popular Bryant Park last month, a strong field of 98 participants contested the Gippsland Car Club-run event, which saw Hayward comfortably take out the win.

With all competitors getting four runs throughout the day, Hayward claimed the victory with an incredible time of 45.82 seconds on his second run of the course, as Greg Ackland finished in second with a time of 46.22 seconds in his Ninja GA8 BH1.

Although unable to beat Hayward, Ackland displayed strong

competition throughout the day by consistently holding onto second place in all four runs.

Rounding out the podium was reigning state champion, Dave Mahon, who finished in third place with a time of 46.74 seconds behind the wheel of his Dallara F394.

In the battle for fourth, round one winner Mike Barker and Michael De Luca enjoyed a gripping battle, with the former eventually posting a 49.72 run to beat De Luca by seven tenths of a second.

While the top ten positions were dominated by open-wheelers, a notable performance came from Thomas Inkster’s Historic IDS Sport Car, who wrapped up the day in ninth place.

Behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Evolution, James Jordan snatched a tenth place, with his fastest time of 55.72 seconds coming on his second run. Other notable class winners included Bruce Minahan in the Hayward 07, Keith Wilson driving a Ninja BH1 and Mathew Healy.

The next round of the EZI UP AND GO Motorsport Australia Victorian Hillclimb Championship will be run by the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club at Bryant Park on 21 April.

View the full results on the Gippsland Car Club's website

Photos: Kev Wilson

15-17

1

16-23

24

31

Manumbar

The 2024 Motorsport Australia Queensland Rally Championship kicks off this month, with the popular Manumbar Rally seeing 123 competitive kilometres of across nine stages awaiting the state's best rally crews.

NSW: 27-31 March - 2024 Hi-Tec Oils

Bathurst 6 Hour

The famous Mount Panorama hosts its next biggest event for the year with popular six hour endurance race see stars from around Australia battle it out in the country's finest production cars.

15-17 March:

23 March :

24 March :

6 April:

TASMANIA

15-17 March:

23 March :

6

16

16

16

16-17

16-17

17

17

Car Club Motorkhana

17 March : Porsche Club Of Victoria Inc- Phillip Island Autumn Sprint

SA: 15-17 March - 2024 Adelaide

Motorsport Festival Victoria Park Sprint

A popular precursor to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, this busy weekend at the Victoria will see a variety of cars in demonstrations and on display, while welcoming a number of big guests, including Guenther Steiner, Liam Lawson and Valtteri Bottas.

17 March : Geelong Motor Sport ClubAvalon 17 March Khanacross

17 March : Victorian Khanacross

Championship Round 3

17 March : Chapmans Motorkhana and Khanacross

17-21 March : Australian Classic

Events Pty Ltd-Targa Classica

20-24 March : Formula 1® Rolex Australia Grand Prix 2024

23 March : Bendigo Car Club Inc-

39th Eddington Sprints

24 March : Gippsland Car Club Khanacross

6 April: MSCA Supersprint Round 3

6 April: Eastside Cruisers Come and Try Motorkhana Day

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

17 March: South West Touring Car Club Motorkhana Round 1

20 March : WA Car Club Inc-Summer Autocross Series Round 5

21 March : Competition Drivers Club Of WA-Infinite Time Attack

23-24 March : 2024 Collie Motorplex Icebreaker Race & Time Challenge/Regularity Event

23-24 March : Beverley Off Road MotorsportsBormsa Autocross & Driver Development Day

6 April: Navigation Rally of the Great Southern 2024

QLD: 16 March - APX Suspension

Rally

Photo: Adelaide Motorsport Festival Photo: SpeedShots Photography

Photo: Zed Photography

WEBINAR FOR OFFICIALS ON SELF-EXTRACTION REQUIREMENTS

As part of the introduction of the new self-extraction requirements, Motorsport Australia is inviting relevant officials to attend a selfextraction webinar this month.

The webinar will provide an opportunity for officials to further understand the testing procedures, as well as ask any questions that may have arisen since its implementation earlier this year.

The free webinar will be held on Monday, 18 March at 7.30pm AEDT.

Topics covered during this webinar will include:

• When testing should occur

• Regulations surrounding historic vehicles

• How to conduct the testing

• How to time the test

• Managing and working with competitors who do not meet the requirements

A replay will be available to view after the webinar on Motorsport Australia’s

website for those unable to attend. Registrations will remain open up until the start of the webinar, which begins at 7.30pm AEDT on Monday, 18 March.

Registration is required for the free webinar through the Microsoft Teams platform

Photo: Drag Photos

SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES HEADS SOUTH FOR SECOND ROUND

The Shannons SpeedSeries will make its way across the Bass Strait this month, as AWC Race Tasmania hosts the second round of the season at Symmons Plains. Five categories will be in action throughout the three-day event, with the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series and Trico Trans Am Series both returning after thrilling season openers at Race Sandown.

Joining the Shannons SpeedSeries regulars will be another national category, the Precision National Sports Sedan Series, and local Tasmanian categories, Sparco Tassie Tin Tops and ACL Race Series Hyundai Excel.

With more than 15 hours of track time, there will be plenty of racing amongst the five categories, with both TCR and the Sports Sedans running their traditional three-race formats, Trans Am and Tassie Tin Tops to run four races each and Excels to run the weekend’s most of five races.

Both TCR and Trans Am enter Tasmania off the back of entertaining opening rounds of the season with Ben Bargwanna leading reigning champion Josh Buchan by just two points after Sandown, while reigning Trans Am champion James Moffat has a comfortable 50 point lead over Elliot Cleary.

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer / Race Project

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

In addition to the five categories, the entertaining Drift League Tasmania will take centre stage six times during the event for special demonstration laps, with three sessions running on both Saturday and Sunday. For those unable to make the event, the Seven Network will once again broadcast another four hours of freeto-air as well as full day coverage on Saturday and Sunday’s live and free via its online streaming service, 7plus.

Both day's 7plus coverage will begin from 9:30am AEDT and wrap up at 4pm, while there will also be multiple races shown free-to-air on both days from 2pm to 4pm AEDT via 7mate.

Tickets for Shannons SpeedSeries AWC Race Tasmania are available at motorsporttickets.com.au

The 2024 AWC Race Tasmania takes place at Symmons Plains Raceway on 15-17 March. Get all the information on AWC Race Tasmania at speedseries.com.au

/racetasmania

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: ACL Race Series Hyundai Excel

GET YOUR TICKETS TO RACE PHILLIP ISLAND

Tickets for April’s Race Phillip Island now on sale, with plenty of ticketing options available to purchase.

Taking place at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the third round of the 2024 Shannons SpeedSeries season will see a bumper line up of categories, with six championships and series forming part of the event.

Featuring at a Shannons SpeedSeries event for the third time this year will be the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series and the Trico Trans Am Series, both of which will hold their second rounds of the season at this month’s AWC Race Tasmania.

The remaining categories will be making their maiden Shannons SpeedSeries appearances for 2024, with Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia and Workhorse Radical Cup Australia.

Race Phillip Island will also host each of those category’s first round of the season.

For fans wanting to head to the epic weekend, weekend passes are available at $60 per person, while single-day passes cost $35 – with tickets to include access to the Pit Paddock and multiple grid walks.

Friday’s action will be free of charge for attendees of all ages, while children under the age of 15 have free access to all three days.

Those who can’t make it to Phillip Island will be able to watch most of Saturday and Sunday’s action unfold via the 7plus coverage.

More details on the final track and broadcast schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

Race Phillip Island takes place at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 14-16 April.

Photo: Race Project

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Race Project

Purchase tickets to Race Phillip Island via motorsporttickets.com.au

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CAMPBELL CLAIMS VICTORY AT BATHURST 12 HOUR

Queenslander Matt Campbell has added another Repco Bathurst 12 Hour victory to his long list of achievements, steering his Manthey EMA Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) to victory at the iconic Mount Panorama endurance race.

Driving alongside Belgium’s Laurens Vanthoor and Turkey’s Ayhancan Güven, Campbell produced an epic final stint to secure the victory.

The Porsche team started fourth on Sunday morning, as the race got underway well before sunrise. There were intense battles up and down the field, with plenty of intrigue in both the

outright and class battles across a memorable 12 hours of racing.

The race would essentially come down to a final 30-minute sprint after a late safety car condensed the field for a final shootout, with Campbell behind the wheel and driving clear of his nearest rivals to take the chequered flag in style.

it is a great start to the year. Another Bathurst 12 Hour victory now, what a race

Manthey EMA Racing’s victory ended an impressive streak for Sun Energy’s Jules Gounon who was hoping to secure a record fourth straight win in the 12 Hour, however he and his team, featuring Aussie Kenny Habul and German Luca Stolz had to settle for second.

Reigning Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia champion Liam Talbot rounded out the outright podium alongside teammates Christopher Haase and Kelvin van der Linde.

It’s been an impressive start to 2024 for Campbell, who won the Rolex 24 at Daytona only two weeks before.

“Super excited after that one,” Campbell said post-race.

Photos: Edge Photographics

“Obviously, it is a great start to the year. Another Bathurst 12 Hour victory now, what a race.

“We had fantastic speed all day and in every condition. The team did a fantastic job. We made a little bit of a mistake in the middle of the race, but we came back very quickly and the whole crew did phenomenal after that, especially in the pit stops.

“Laurens did incredible during his stints and Ayhancan showed great speed, making no mistakes on his first race here, so I am really happy for him as well.”

In the class battles, it was more success for Manthey EMA Racing as they claimed another important victory – Alessio Picariello, Harry King and Yasser Shahin victorious in the Pro Am battle, finishing ninth outright.

Wall Racing’s Lamborghini of Tony D’Alberto, David Wall, Grant Denyer, Adrian Deitz claimed victory in the Silver class, while GT4 victory went to Mercedes-AMG pilots Mark Griffith, Adam Christoudolou and Daniel Bilski. Daniel Jileson, Adam Hargraves, Cedric Sbirrazzouli steered their #20 IRC GT to Invitational class victory.

Photo: Edge Photographics

RALLY OF CANBERRA ENTRIES OPEN

Entries for the 2024 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) season opener are now being accepted.

Welcoming back the ARC after a thrilling 2023 season finale in November, the popular Techworkz Automotive Rally of Canberra will once again provide a unique challenge for Australia’s best rally crews in April.

until 11:59pm AEDT on Friday 22 March to lock in their place.

Techworkz Automotive Rally of Canberra Clerk of Course Adrian Dudok was hopeful of a big field heading to the nation’s capital.

We are looking forward to being back as the first round of the 2024 season

Similar to last year’s rally, crews will complete 180 competitive kilometres over 12 stages, with six stages running on both the Saturday and Sunday. However, for the first time in five years, the rally will run as a sprint event split into two separate heats with separate points on offer in each.

Crews wanting to contest April’s Techworkz Automotive Rally of Canberra can enter via the Motorsport Australia Member Portal and have

“We are looking forward to being back as the first round of the 2024 season and welcoming the huge field of Australia’s best crews in April,” Dudok said.

“The event is coming together really well and it’s looking good on all fronts with both Service Park and the route now confirmed.

“We have also locked in the ceremonial start and rally show on the Friday night, so we’re hopeful there is a big field coming to Canberra and we can have a lot of colour in the town.

“All in all, we’re excited for should be a huge weekend for both us and the ARC.”

Rally fans interested in getting involved can also sign up as a volunteer official via the Brindabella Motorsport Club’s website.

Techworkz Automotive Rally of Canberra kicks off the 2024 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship season in Canberra on 5-7 April.

Get more information on Techworkz Automotive Rally of Canberra and how to enter at rally.com.au

Photos: Gears and Wheels Photography

TRIPLE EIGHT STARTS SUPERCARS SEASON WITH DOUBLE WIN

Red Bull Ampol Racing has enjoyed a perfect start to the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship season as both of its drivers claimed a race win each at the season opening Thrifty Bathurst 500.

Broc Feeney and Will Brown were the star performers across the weekend, each securing a pole and a race win.

Brown was the first of the two to make his mark for the season with

pole position, beating Feeney by just two tenths of a second.

And while he did get a good start to the race, it was Feeney who would claim race one honours after taking the lead during the first round of pit stops and never relinquishing it, despite a first ever full course yellow and a safety car finish.

That late safety car period ultimately allowed Feeney to cruise to his first win since the 2023 Penrite Oil Sandown 500, as Brown’s runner-up secured a Triple Eight one-two, while Walkinshaw Andretti United’s Chaz Mostert rounded out the podium.

"I felt like I needed a win to get me going again," Feeney said post-race.

"Still haven't made up for [the 2023 Bathurst 1000], we'll be trying to chase that one in October.

"We had plenty of speed in that second stint, which was great... the car's really fast and I just

want to go racing again, but I'm pumped to be here."

Brown wouldn’t have to wait long to register his first win of his maiden campaign with his new team as the Queenslander led the same top three to the chequered flag in the event’s second 250km race.

In what ended up an intense showdown between Brown and Mostert, the former snatched the lead after the two compulsory pit stops were complete and took out a one and a half second win,

Photos: Edge Photographics

while Feeney finished third after receiving a five second penalty.

"It means a lot, first round with the new team. To get a win, to get a pole position this weekend, absolutely stoked,” 25-year-old Brown said.

"So, thanks to everyone at Red Bull Ampol Racing. I'm absolutely knackered. It was pretty hard out there.

"I had Chaz just pushing me along. I thought he is going to have a lunge at me somewhere and he

“To get a win, to get a pole position this weekend, absolutely stoked”

is a hard racer, so just trying to keep a bit ahead. But God, he is quick down the hill, early days.

"It's a long year ahead. All these guys are driving great. So, we'll see where we end up."

The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship season will resume leter this month with the Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 to form part of the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix on 21-24 March.

AORC SEASON OPENER NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES

Entries for the 2024 Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) season opener are being accepted with the official Supplementary Regulations now available.

Taking place in the rural New South Wales town of Pooncarie next month, this year’s Wentworth Shire Pooncarie Desert Dash will open an AORC campaign for the first time since joining the national stage in 2022.

And there will be very few changes to the event’s format from previous years, with more than 420 competitive kilometres over two sections awaiting Australia’s best crews.

distance and structure, with Prologue to run on Saturday morning and the first lap of the 106-kilometre course in the afternoon.

Crews will then complete another three laps on Sunday to wrap up the first round of the 2024 season.

“Being the opening round of a national championship has plenty of prestige to it, as it offers a clean slate and a fresh start for crews who want to have a proper crack for the season.

“I also think that the season starting in April gives people that extra time to get their cars ready to go and plenty of time to prepare for both our event and the Tatts Finke Desert Race in June.

We've had two really good rounds since joining the AORC and I am expecting that this could be our biggest year yet

Heavy rain in the lead up to last year’s race saw the organising club, the Sunraysia Motorsport Club, forced to make adjustments to the event – the major being the track extending to 106 kilometres.

The new course proved a hit with crews last year, and as a result, organisers have kept the same

Fast becoming a popular event amongst AORC crews, the Pooncarie Desert Dash has welcomed strong numbers in its previous two editions and Clerk of Course Troy Bennett was hopeful another big field would turn out again this year.

“We have had two really good rounds since joining the AORC and I am expecting that this could be our biggest year yet,” Bennett said.

“With all that in mind, I am hopeful that we get similar numbers we have had in previous years and look forward to welcoming the best crews in Australia to Pooncarie.”

The Wentworth Shire Pooncarie Desert Dash kicks off the 2024 AORC season in Pooncarie on 19-21 April.

Photo: Dan Thompson

CONTACT US

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