Motorsport Australia Speed Read - May 2023

SPEEDREAD

HISTORIC CLASSIC A HIT FOR SA

The 42nd Sporting Car Club of South Australia All Historic proved a successful affair once again, as historic motor racing enthusiasts were treated to a fantastic day of racing action over the Anzac Day weekend.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RELEASES STRATEGIC VISION

Motorsport Australia has released its 2023-25 Strategic Plan, outlining key projects and initiatives to drive the future of motorsport.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAM EXPANDS IN 2023

Following a successful debut in 2022, Motorsport Australia’s Introduction Program for Women will return in July at Sydney Motorsport Park.

MAHON DOMINANT AT BRYANT PARK HILL CLIMB

The Motorsport Australia Victorian Hill Climb Championship completed its fourth round of 2023 as an impressive field of 72 took on the famous Bryant Park.

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

Photo by Bob Taylor

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RELEASES STRATEGIC VISION

Motorsport Australia has released its 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, outlining key projects and initiatives to drive the future of motorsport.

This new Strategic Plan sets the course for the future from the grassroots to the elite level of the sport, based around key strategic initiatives across four separate areas:

• Expand and increase participation and engagement in motorsport

• Improve participant experience across all touchpoints

• Secure and improve access to facilities

• Minimise our environmental footprint and commence work towards net-zero carbon dioxide emissions

Each goal is expanded on in the Plan, outlining the key projects that will help Motorsport Australia achieve its goals over the next three years. The measures required to meet these goals are also clearly defined.

The importance of officials to motorsport is confirmed with key initiatives focussing on the recruitment of officials as well as doing everything possible to retain those already involved in the sport. New plans are being developed to assist officials getting started at the grassroots level and to also provide opportunities and further support to event organisers.

Motorsport Australia has spent several years improving its systems and member experience and this remains a major focus heading into the next period of success. An improved member portal with easy-to-use event entry and app experiences will play an important role in providing members with a seamless experience.

An important objective of this Plan is to protect existing facilities and explore the potential for future motorsport centres. Likewise, our environmental goals prioritise our journey towards a more sustainable future for our sport.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

The committee is made up of experienced professionals in the motorsport industry and includes:

• John Murphy – Chair

An experienced and highly respected consultant who has worked with Formula 1, FIA and Motorsport Australia

• Tim Watsford

Supercars’ Innovation and Sustainability Officer

• Colin Trinder

An experienced motorsport consultant who has been involved in previous environmental projects

• Sarah Lowe

Australian Grand Prix Corporation’s Project Officer, Sustainability

• Bradley Eyes

Former Dick Johnson Racing team member and sustainability advocate

• Jamie Augustine

Motorsport Australia’s Risk and Safety Manager

• Nicky Lennon – CEO’s Delegate

Motorsport Australia People & Culture Manager

• Chantel Collins – Executive Officer

Motorsport Australia State Administration & Participation Officer

Photo: Revved Photography

Photo: Unlabelled Photography

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser said the 2023-2025 Strategic Plan provided pathway to build on in the coming years.

“The four clear goals outline the challenges and opportunities that will come our way in future years, as well as giving us the opportunity to innovate, lead and embrace changing technology.

“While the Plan acknowledges our existing strengths, it also clearly outlines the areas we will prioritise to ensure our sport remains strong and sustainable. As a memberbased organisation, we exist for our members and that’s clearly our focus.

“As an organisation, we are committed to this plan so that more people enjoy more motorsport more often.

Ultimately, the more people involved in the sport the better. Of course, it’s up to Motorsport Australia to drive that growth and not sit on our hands as the world around us changes.”

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca encouraged all members to read the Plan and gain an understanding of the organisation’s objectives for the future.

“The 2023-2025 Motorsport Australia Strategic Plan is a significant document outlining our goals and ambitions for the years ahead,” Arocca said.

“While there is a focus on 2023-2025, the Plan also takes a longer-term view on the sport, particularly when it comes to the importance of facilities and the environment.

“We are pleased to say the work on a number of the strategies outlined in the Plan is already well underway.”

That work includes significant developments in the environmental and sustainability area and Motorsport Australia can today confirm it has established an Environment and Sustainability Committee in line with its Climate and Environment Action Plan.

2023 MEMBER FORUM AVAILABLE TO WATCH

The full replay of the 2023 Motorsport Australia Membership Forum is now available to watch.

Held online, Motorsport Australia

President Andrew Fraser, Motorsport Australia Vice President Margot Foster, CEO Eugene Arocca and CFO Charlotte Hayes all featured in the forum, which included a dedicated Q&A section.

We welcome questions at any time of the year, so if you wish to contact us, you can do so both online and via email/phone.

The full replay of the 2023 Motorsport Australia Membership Forum is available to watch on YouTube

“The Environment and Sustainability Committee has an important role to play and this is an area that we see as a priority and one that we need to get right. The world is changing rapidly and motorsport needs to make sure it continues to be a world leader in innovation and be across government requirements and the best ways for us as a sport to reduce our carbon footprint.” Fraser added.

Read

2022 FINANCIAL RESULT

Motorsport Australia's 2022 audited Financial result has been confirmed, with strong signs of recovery in the outcome despite ongoing challenges in the operating environment.

Overall the result was a deficit of $288,492, which is an improvement on the loss from last year (2021: $488,550).

Removing the one-off effects of JobKeeper and the sale of a property from the last two years, the normalised EBITDA of Motorsport Australia returned to a surplus in 2022 of $313,697.

Motorsport Australia's contact details can be found at the end of this magazine

“It clearly outlines the areas we will prioritise to ensure our sport remains strong and sustainable”

2023-2025 Motorsport Australia Strategic Plan at motorsport.org.au

MAHON DOMINANT AT BRYANT PARK HILL CLIMB

The Motorsport Australia Victorian Hill Climb Championship completed its fourth round of the 2023 season last month as an impressive field of 72 took on the famous Bryant Park.

Competitors had four attempts to post the fastest time across their four completed runs, but it was a familiar face in David Mahon who topped the timesheets once again.

The South Australian’s fastest time came in his third run, where he steered his Dallara Hayabusa F394 to a rapid time of 66.90 seconds.

Not only did Mahon post the fastest time in the third run, but his second and fourth runs were also unbeaten by any other competitor.

The winner was two whole seconds faster than the second placed Wim Janssen, who finished in the top five for the second time in as many outings at Bryant Park this season.

The Minihan family in their Hayward VHCC Pete 07 held down two spots within the top five with Bruce rounding out the podium and Peter not far behind in fifth, while Patrick Malanaphy split the pair with a solid time of 72.71 seconds in his third and final run.

Mahon now leads the championship by 20 points over former leader Greg Ackland, who sits equal second with Malanaphy on 37 points.

With the A class open wheelers dominating the event, Mirko Grbic was the highest placed tin top, finishing seventh overall and topping the C class competitors.

Behind him in eighth overall was D Class winner Thomas Inkster in his IDS clubman IDS sports car, while a pair of Honda Civics driven by Rhys Yeomans and Stuart Haverkort rounded out the top 10.

Just missing out on a top 10 fimish was Colin Newitt, however

the Lotus Clubman sports car driver didn't go home empty handed as he won the B Class.

The Motorsport Australia Victorian Hill Climb Championship will now return to Mt Leura for the second time this season on 20-21 May.

Event results are available on the Gippsland Car Club's website

Photos: Seven70 Photography

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MICHELIN EXTENDS GIRLS ON TRACK SUPPORT

Motorsport Australia is pleased to confirm Michelin has continued its support of FIA Girls on Track by extending its partnership with the highly successful development program.

The multinational tyre manufacturing company has been supporting the FIA Girls on Track program for a number of years, having provided race suits for program participants, as well as launching the ‘Michelin Mentor’ program.

The program saw 10 lucky girls paired with FIA Girls on Track Ambassadors, who acted as mentors and regularly met with the girls to discuss ambitions and career aspirations within the motorsport industry, while also helping them achieve their goals.

Some of the Ambassadors holding mentor roles are Triple Eight Race Engineering Co-Owner and Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship TV Presenter Jessica Dane and Triple Eight Racing Race Engineer Romy Mayer.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca thanked Michelin for its ongoing support in the FIA Girls on Track program.

“The FIA Girls on Track program has continued to grow around the country and constantly attracts full attendance at each event,” Arocca said.

“This substantial growth could not

happen without the backing of companies such as Michelin, and we are very appreciative of the team at Michelin for its ongoing support.

“The fact we are able to include this special mentor program as part of the FIA Girls on Track program is a bonus in our goal to increase participation in all areas of the sport in Australia.”

PR & Brand Partnerships Manager at Michelin Australia, Ebony Doherty was thrilled Michelin Australia would remain a part of the initiative.

“It’s been fantastic to see the drive and determination in the next generation of young women at the Girls on Track programs looking to join the automotive and motorsport community,” Doherty said.

“From networking at various Pathways events in 2022, then seeing a number of these successors land fantastic internships and work opportunities for 2023 is a testament to the work the Girls on Track team are doing.

“The interest in the program is going from strength to strength with the spotlight shining bright on the wide range of on and off track roles that are available. The

Girls on Track Ambassadors and Champions do an incredible job providing their time, knowledge and passion for the industry, making a real effort to connect with those keen to learn more, and in turn they build confidence and inspire these rising stars to chase their goals.

“Michelin Australia are proud to continue our support of Girls on Track alongside like-minded partners such as Supercheap Auto. We look forward to seeing more young girls and women be inspired to get involved and ultimately strengthen and further diversify the automotive and motorsport community in the future.”

After already attended multiple FIA Girls on Track events to help mentor, Doherty will now step up as a Champion of the program in 2023.

More information on the FIA Girls on Track can be found at motorsport.org.au.

Photo: Nakita Pollock Photography

“We look forward to seeing more young girls and women be inspired to get involved and ultimately strengthen and further diversify the automotive and motorsport community”

FINKE ON THE HUNT FOR OFFICIALS

The iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race is eager to recruit more officials to get involved in this year’s event, which also doubles as the third round of the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC).

The Finke Desert Race is a multiday event that runs on the King's Birthday long weekend and hosts the best off road competitors across two and four wheels, as crews battle it out to be the fastest on the famous course from Alice Springs to the remote Finke community.

It is one of the biggest annual sporting events in the Northern

Territory and has a reputation of being one of the most difficult off road courses in the world, as well as being a bucket list item for competitors, officials and spectators alike.

This year marks the 43rd running of the event, with officials required across a range of roles.

Last year more than 300 volunteers and officials were integral to putting on an incredible weekend of off road action.

The community event is organised and operated off the back of the support of officials

and volunteers, with minimal prerequisites to suit any individual who is looking to get involved.

The 43rd edition of the Tatts Finke Desert Race will take place on 9-12 June in Alice Springs and Finke.

Those interested in signing up for the event should visit the Finke website officials’ hub.

INNOVATIVE PROGRAM EXPANDS IN 2023

Following a successful debut last year, Motorsport Australia’s Introduction Program for Women will return in July with the next event to be held in Sydney.

After selling out the first ever program in Queensland, Motorsport Australia will now expand the initiative across Australia, with the next event to be held on 2 July at Sydney Motorsport Park.

The program covers off a range of topics and experiences, all designed to allow women to experience motorsport for the first time and in the familiarity of their own road car.

Participants will get unique handson experiences from motorsport professionals including how to prepare a vehicle, along with a range of on track exercises focusing on car control and skills. Women already involved in grassroots motorsport will also be on hand to help them navigate their way through the first steps of motorsport.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the program’s success in Queensland in 2022 highlighted how these initiatives are a key pathway for many.

“The first Women’s Introduction to Motorsport program last year ‘sold out’ and was a popular addition to the motorsport calendar,” Arocca said.

“The ability for women to experience a tailored motorsport initiative has already proven to be beneficial for the attendees as well as providing an exciting opportunity to network with like-minded people throughout the events.

“We are excited to be bringing this event to Sydney in July with further events to follow later this year.”

The event is open to women, non-binary and gender diverse folk to attend. Registrations are now open and are being accepted until 16 June, unless the program reaches capacity prior.

The 2023 Women’s Introduction to Motorsport program in Sydney will be held on 2 July.

Register for the Women’s Introduction to Motorsport program at motorsport.org.au

“The ability for women to experience a tailored motorsport initiative has already proven to be beneficial for the attendees”

Photos: Chantel Collins

FDA PROGRAM OPENS FOR 2023

Aspiring young drivers aged 14-17 are now invited to apply for this year's edition of Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program.

As Ferrari’s selected partner in the region, Motorsport Australia will once again run the program and welcome a number of leading talents in the Asian Pacific and Oceana regions to the regional event to aid Ferrari in its search for a potential future champion.

Off the back of a successful event at Sepang in Malaysia last year, Motorsport Australia will again host its FDA selection program at the former Formula 1 circuit on 23-27 September this year.

The selection program will showcase the elite pool of young drivers in

the region, as they hope to one day live out their dream of competing in the pinnacle categories of international motorsport.

Selected applicants will have the opportunity to show their talent in a Top Speed prepared Formula 4 Generation 2 car on the famous Sepang circuit, in front of the Ferrari Driver academy scouts, competing for a place in the Ferrari Driver Academy Finals in Italy later this year.

The cars themselves are the same chassis used in the FIA Formula 4 UAE Championship earlier this year –with some of the best young drivers steering the cars in recent times.

Ferrari started the FDA in 2009 with a goal to source drivers who may one day be able to represent Scuderia Ferrari on the international stage.

The academy has produced some of the world's biggest talents in recent times in Formula One and Formula Two, while other drivers have also gone on to compete in a range of Championships and Series throughout Europe.

Australian James Wharton was the first successful applicant through the partnership with Motorsport Australia in 2020, which now sees him compete in competitive Formula 4 racing across Europe and the Middle East as a member of the FDA.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith was excited at the prospect of providing young drivers in the region the opportunity to showcase their talents and be part of the FDA process.

Photo: Xoom D'Image

“We are excited to once again have the opportunity to work with the FDA and provide young drivers the opportunity to live out their motorsport dream and take a huge step in their careers,” Smith said.

“Importantly, this is not just for Australians but for all those in the Asia-Pacific region. We encourage those living in the eligible countries to put their name forward for this program.

“Sepang was a terrific venue last year, is located centrally in the region and is a track that is perfect for this sort of activity as a FIA Grade 1 international circuit.

“We are confident that there are many young drivers in the region who are more than capable of securing their spot in such a highly regarded academy and

we can't wait to showcase their talent in front of FDA scouts.”

Interested applicants are required to fill out an online form with applications closing on 16 June. Those who took part in the 2022 program are welcome to apply again for 2023.

The 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program will be held at Sepang in Malaysia on 23-27 September.

Visit motorsport.org.au to find out more about the FDA Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program and how to enter.

THE 2023 PROGRAM WILL INCLUDE

• Track time and testing in Formula 4 cars

• Support from professional mechanics (including car preparation)

• Advice and training from professional F4 race engineers

• Dedicated race engineer for the entire time on track

• Dedicated track time across two days, competing for a third and final selection day

• Fitness training and testing

• Media, Sponsorship and Data Analysis testing and training

• Nutrition and psychology workshops

Photos: Xoom D'Image

NEW ESPORTS WEBSITE LAUNCHES

Motorsport Australia is pleased to announce the launch of its official Esports website.

The new website will now act as a central hub for Esports in the country as Motorsport Australia continues to delve into the ever-growing world of online and virtual racing. In addition to being a place for competitors to enter events,

the website will house the Motorsport Australia Esports Resource Centre, which will contain a variety of information on games, platforms, hardware, driver training, Esports officiating licences and equipment offers.

The Esports website will also be the main location for community clubs to promote themselves to prospective members and their specific Esports leagues, which will also feature news updates.

With Motorsport Australia having unveiled its official National Championships and Cups calendar, the website will serve as the main destination for results from each event.

Interested individuals wanting to get involved with Esports are encouraged to head to the website for more information as to how

to do so, with opportunities for participants of all levels available. Also available throughout the year will be exclusive deals targeted at enhancing the experience for Esports members, with the current offer being a free three-month subscription to new iRacing members.

Aspiring teenage gamers will also have the chance for a once-in-alifetime opportunity to attend the Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program in Malaysia this year, with the best young Esports talent aged 14 - 17 to attend the event as a guest.

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WHAT'S ON IN MAY

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

7 May: SDMA Club Hillclimb

6-7 May: Macleay Valley Rally

6 May: Triumph Sports Owners

Assn Training Day

6-7 May: 2023 NSW Hillclimb Championship

Shannon’s Insurance Round 4

6-7 May: Scott’s Hydraulic Kempsey 300

6 May: Volunteers Rallysprint

7 May: May Come and Try Motorkhana

7 May: PCNSW 2023 Tony McKnight Motorkhana Championship Round 3

14 May: NSW Motorkhana

Championship 2023 Round 5

20 May: Round 4 Porsche Club NSW Inc Supersprint Championship

20 May: 2023 Horizon Apartments Narooma Forest Rally

20-21 May: Tri Series Lap Dash Round 2

20 May: Toyosports May Time Attack Autocross

21 May: Around The Lake Mystery Venue

21 May: The Tulip Run

21 May: American Muscle Cars on the Murray

21 May: DSCC 2023 Autocross Round 4

21 May: May Khanacross

21 May: May Supersprint

28 May: VW Nationals 2023

QUEENSLAND

7 May: Cyclones Annual Show N Shine

7 May: MAC Dirt Sprints Round 2

12-14 May: 2023 Autumn Historic Warwick

14 May: GCTMC Khanacross

19-22 May: 2023 National Rally

20 May: The KCF Rallysport

Jimna Stages Rally

20-21 May: Rd 2 2023 Qld -NSW

Sprint Challenge & Rd 2 2023 Short Course Touring Car Series

27-28 May: Queensland

Hillclimb Championship

27-28 May: Mount Stuart

Hillclimb Series Round 2

QLD: 14 May – GCTMC Khanacross

A fantastic event for juniors to step into the world of khanacross, while also playing host to round two of the Future Auto Wynnum South East Queensland Khanacross Series.

Photo: CH Images

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

5-7 May: Richard Bennet Memorial Enduro

6-7 May: Burrangle Bash TRE

7 May: [NT] ASORRC May Brekky

Bash-Finke Prologue Track

7 May: [NT] Alice City Tyrepower

Mother's Day Khanacross

7 May: Peter Hall Memorial – 6 Hour Regularity Relay

7 May: Collingrove Challenge Trophy 2

7 May: PCSA MK #1

12- 14 May: Supaservice Tyre & Auto Backbone Hillclimb

21 May: Scout JDP 1 and Come & Try Motorkhana

27-28 May: Motorsport Australia Sporting Car Club of SA Inc. 2023 State Motor Racing Championship Round 2

28 May: Atkinson Auto Electrical Khanacross

SA: 7 May – Peter Hall Memorial – 6 Hour Regularity Relay

The Peter Hall Memorial 6-hour relay allows individuals to battle it out across six hours to earn as many points as they can for their team.

TASMANIA

6 May: Motorkhana - 4Front Real Estate

7 May: Autocraft Baskerville 1000

7 May: Motor Sports Club of Tasmania

Khanacross Series Round 2

19-21 May: NED Whisky

Tasmania SuperSprint

VICTORIA

5 May: Autumn Glory Tour of North East Victoria

6-7 May: SHCC Come and Try/Test and Tune

6 May: BCC Twilight Khanacross

6-7 May: 2023 OST 2

7 May: Junior Development Program

7 May: MSCA Super Sprint

7 May: VHRR Historic Rob Roy Hillclimb 2023

8-9 May: Charity Drive Days

13 May: SDCC Navigational

Khanacross Come & Try Round 3

13-14 May: 2023 Moonlight Meander

Rally & MMSC Memorial Trial

14 May: 2023 WRX Club Round 3

20-21 May: 2023 Terry Baker

Motorsport Weekend

20-21 May: Round 5 of The 2023

Motorsport Australia Trydell Victorian Hillclimb Championship

21 May: Broadford Autumn Sprint

26-28 May: Round 3 of the 2023 Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships

27-28 May: Western Tour

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

6-7 May: Corrigin Motorkhana

7 May: Tarmac Sportz Point 2 Point #1

VIC: 21 May - Broadford Autumn Sprint

The Autumn Sprint returns to Broadford for the first time since 2019, offering up a tight and technical challenge to all competitors as they battle it out for front position.

19-21 May: 2023 Make Smoking History Forest Rally

Photo: Porsche Club of Victoria

NATIONAL ESPORTS CALENDAR LOCKED IN

Motorsport Australia is pleased to confirm it has finalised its inaugural Esports National Cups calendar.

Five competitions make up Motorsport Australia’s firstever national schedule, with a total of 48 events to run across the year and four different

both March and April – the series will continue its season later this month and will hold rounds in every month until November.

The Southern Cross E-Sports run Formula Vee Cup is the only other category to see any action in May with its opening two rounds to take place throughout the month.

With the S5000 and Formula 4 Cups, both of which are run by Formula Racing Group, and the Octane Online Racing organised GT3 Cup to be run in June, each Cup will have at least one round every month between June and October.

Australia Esports Licence, which can be easily obtained via the Motorsport Australia Esport hub.

The five Cups are just some of the initiatives launched by Motorsport Australia as it continues to expand into the growing world of Esports.

More initiatives and programs will be announced throughout the month.

THE MOTORSPORT

AUSTRALIA ESPORTS

NATIONAL CUPS

• Touring cars - 10 rounds -

Australian Sim Racing Group

• S5000 - 10 rounds -

organisations to host the Cups.

The five categories to feature in the busy calendar are Touring Cars, S5000, Formula 4, Formula Vee and GT3, with all Cups to be made up of 10 rounds with the exception of Formula Vee, which will have eight rounds.

Just one of the categories has already started its 2023 campaign with the Australian Sim Racing Group run Touring Cars having held rounds in

Four of the five categories will have seasons made up of regular race weekend formulas throughout the year, while the GT3’s format will be different and will see the first four events run as knockout rounds.

All Cups barring Touring Cars are open to the public and are accepting entries, however interested participants are encouraged to enter as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

To compete in one of the Cups, participants must hold a Motorsport

Formula Racing Group

• Formula 4 - 10 rounds -

Formula Racing Group

• Formula Vee - 8 rounds -

Southern Cross E-Sports

• GT3 - 10 rounds -

Octane Online Racing

View the full calendars via Motorsport Australia’s brand new online Esports hub.

Photo: Southern Cross E-Sports

Photo: Australian Sim Racing Group

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SCCSA SUCCEED IN ANOTHER ALL HISTORIC CLASSIC

The 42nd Sporting Car Club of South Australia (SCCSA) All Historic proved a successful affair once again, as historic motor racing enthusiasts were treated to a fantastic day of racing action over the Anzac Day weekend.

A remarkable 178 competitors registered for the event which featured nine categories across the weekend, demonstrating a

wide display of historic racing cars that date all the way back to almost a century ago.

There was plenty of drama to occur throughout the event as there were a mix of close battles, dominant displays and entertaining racing amongst the categories.

Just three drivers managed to dominate their respective categories, including Bowden's David

Photos: Bob Taylor

Hardman, who won all four of the Groups Q&R races and Victoria’s Darren Hossack, who had a field day in GPN Historic Touring Cars, winning all five races comfortably ahead of the likes of Adam Smith, Joshua Axford and Kirk Davis.

The Historic Regularity Closed cars sessions didn’t quite feature an array of winners as Neil Martin took control across all four sessions in his Triumph TR7 V8.

On the contrary, the Open class proved quite exciting for all involved, as Rod Chivas was the fastest driver on track in the opening session before Shane Lee found himself

on top of the timesheets in the second and third. South Australia’s own Lindsay Hick was victorious in the fourth and final session.

Peter Fagan was the driver to beat in Groups K&L after winning four of the five races, including a win in the Don Fraser Memorial race, however he just fell short of a perfect weekend having failed to finish race two – the victory going to Shane Bowden.

Jason Maros was the victor in the opening Autosport Historic Sedans Supersprint session, holding off Simon Pfitzner who then went on to win three of the five sessions held. Maros finished in the top five

through all sessions with Myles Bond claiming top spot in session three. Five races took place in Formula Ford, with Neil Richardson claiming two wins throughout the event and finishing second in the races he was unable to win. Sean Whelan won race two, but it was Declan Foo who finished out the event strong with wins in races four and five.

Laurie Bennett and Shane Kuchel alternated wins in the Groups M&O races, while Mathew Frith and Michael Reimann enjoyed a similar feat in the Supersprint class.

Photos: Bob Taylor

REEVES AND RAYMOND VICTORIOUS IN THE FOREST OF NOOJEE

Brendan Reeves and Kate Raymond have taken out top honours in the forests of Noojee for the second round of the Motorsport Australia Till Hino Victorian Rally Championship (VRC).

In what was forecast to be a wet and windy day, the weather held off for the European Affair Ada River Rally that provided a brilliant weekend of rally action last month.

VRC crews contested 155 competitive kilometres across eight stages, with the return to Noojee featuring some of the popular roads from previous years, as well as two brand new stages which provided extra challenges for the returning competitors.

In what was a brilliant overall weekend for the Datsun P510 pilots, Reeves and Raymond stormed to the top of the overall standings after having the fastest times in the second heat, taking advantage of a DNF from the early leaders in Darren Windus and Joe Brkic to finish with the fastest overall time of 1:47:03.

In second place were Justin Dowel and Tracey Dewhurst in their Ford Fiesta, as the duo consistently finished in the top five of every stage to finish just 16 seconds off the winner while also holding off Peter and Chris Schey, who finished three seconds back.

The pairing of Brad Till and Mitch Garrad were also impressive in their Subaru Impreza WRX Sti claiming fourth place in the overall standings while Tony Moore and Try Hutchins rounded out the top five.

Another notable performance was Rowan Quill and Ari Patterson, who are proving their worth more and more every week by taking out the VCRS class ahead of Keith and Jack Lewis.

The event also saw a fair share of bad luck for contending crews, including the leading duo of Windus and Brkic, who were unable to complete the rally after an engine failure during SS6, while their closest

competitors at the time Tim Clark and Leonie Clark were forced to retire during SS8 due to brake issues.

The Motorsport Australia Till Hino Victorian Rally Championship returns this month with the Autumn Glory Tour of North East Victoria on 5-7 May.

Photos: Bruce Keys

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SPECIAL MILESTONE TO MARK ARC RETURN TO WA

The 2023 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) continues this month with the highly anticipated Make Smoking History Forest Rally. In an event that marks the 50th anniversary of the ARC visiting Western Australia, this year’s running of the popular rally is

tipped to be one of the biggest WA rounds in recent years, with more than 50 crews entered.

Many of the country’s biggest stars will contest the second round of the season, where 179 competitive kilometres across 17 stages await crews.

Like the season opener in Launceston, the event will be run in a sprint format and split into two heats, with the first to include four runs of Super Special Stages at Bunbury Speedway on the Friday night and a further eight on Saturday, totalling 119 competitive kilometres.

The remaining 60 competitive kilometres will be run in Heat 2 on the Sunday across five stages,

which includes the ever-important EROAD Power Stage, where bonus points will be once again on offer. Many fan favourites from the east coast will make the journey out west, headlined by reigning champion and current ARC leaders Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia stars will have their hands full throughout the event though with 2017 ARC champion Nathan Quinn, Luke Anear, Tom Clarke, Troy Dowel and last year’s winner Harry Bates all capable of winning – especially the Harry who would be hungry to get back on the winners’ list after a tough run of poor results continued in Tasmania.

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

There will also be a collection of local drivers who will be keen to apply pressure on the top contenders including Daniel Gonzalez, Alex Rullo and Peter Rullo – all three behind the wheel of R5-spec cars and coming off a strong run in last month’s Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship round in Winvale.

A few youngsters will also be making their WA debuts this month, including youngster Joshua Wiedman and Rally Launceston success story Bodie Reading – the Tasmanian keen to build on what was a career-best performance in the ARC season opener.

“I had never intended to do WA because the amount of travel and time off work I need to do to transport, as well as the cost for a big trip itself were the things stopping me,” Reading said.

“But when Neal approached me on the Saturday night of Rally Launceston

and made the offer to transport the car from Canberra to WA, it was kind of the sealer to get me to WA and I was so excited to go.

“It’s my first time there and I have heard a lot of good things about the event – everyone raves about this rally.

“I am not looking to do anything like I did in Launceston. Honestly, I just want to finish the rally and I am there mainly for the experience.”

With the event also hosting a round of the Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship, state-level crews will tackle every stage with the exception of the EROAD Power Stage.

The big winners for the event though are the fans as there are plenty of opportunities to see the cars in action or up close – all of which are free of charge.

Fans will be able to attend the Bunbury Speedway on the Friday

night for the Super Special Stages or one of the multiple spectator points during the weekend, as well as at Rally Central in Nannup where they can see the cars being worked on by hard working crews.

For those unable to attend, they will be able to keep updated with the live results via the Subaru Results Hub, as well Sunday’s EROAD Power Stage, which will be live streamed on 7plus.

The 2023 Make Smoking History Forest Rally takes place in Bunbury and Nannup on 19-21 May.

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Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

“I have heard a lot of good things about the event – everyone raves about this rally”

GONZALEZ TRIUMPHS IN RALLY WA OPENER

Daniel Gonzalez has started the Dunlop Tyres Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship (WARC) on a high after taking victory at the opening round of the 2023 season last month.

The event was held at the Winvale Park Complex near Bakers Hill, where a solid field of more than 40 crews tackled the eight stages, however Gonzalez and co-driver Daymon Nicoli proved too strong over the course of the day.

In what was an event dominated by Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) crews, taking out second place was Peter Rullo and James Marquet, while Alex Rullo and Ben Searcy rounded out the podium.

The winners were fast right from the get-go as they guided the Realty Lane Skoda Fabia R5 to a convincing 16-second win on the opening stage, before extending the lead to 18 and a half seconds after stage two.

Peter and Marquet responded with a stage win for themselves on

SS3, but Gonzalez and Nicoli went on a brilliant run, winning seven consecutive stages and sealing the win by almost a minute and a half.

Although they claimed a handful of victories over Peter Rullo and James Marquet during the middle stages of the rally, the rally was essentially sealed on stage seven, where the leaders won by 17.6 seconds and moved to an advantage of 53.4 seconds.

The eventual winners then added a further 27 seconds onto their lead in the final three stages to solidify their place on the top step of the podium. In what was perfect preparation for the upcoming Make Smoking History Forest Rally next month, Gonzalez will now look to continue his winning form as he attempts to claim his maiden ARC win.

In the final two spots on the podium, the Rullos had a fascinating battle with each other, with Peter having the edge through the first three stages, before trading stage results with Alex for the rest of the event.

Peter and Marquet took advantage of the rally-defining seventh stage to take back second overall once again – a position they were able to sustain for the remaining three stages.

Alex, alongside co-driver Ben Searcy finished almost 11 seconds back

from his father and solidified third place after having a steady 30 second advantage over the fourth-place runners in Rando and Beckwith.

The trio will battle it out once again next month as the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship comes to town on 19-21 May for the Make Smoking History Forest Rally.

Find out more about the Dunlop Tyres Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship at rallywa.com

Photo: Jarrod Sierociak Photography

Photo: Unlabelled Photography

Photo: Unlabelled Photography

Photo: Unlabelled Photography

KIWIS CLAIM FIRST EVER AUSSIE WIN IN POONCARIE

The second round of the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) was held last month as New Zealanders Raana Horan and Michael Connor claimed their first ever win in Australia.

The Kiwis proved highly consistent throughout the whole Wentworth Shire Pooncarie Desert Dash beating West Australians Travis Robinson and Andrew Pinto by just over a minute, while Mel Brandle and Nick Price secured a maiden AORC podium.

A strong entry list of 50 crews were entered in the event taking place in rural New South Wales and it was the Sydney-based Josh Howells and co-driver Gordon Tardrew who initially proved too good, snatching pole position from the 2022 AORC reigning champions Ryan Taylor and Kye Floyd by just over one second.

When it came to Section One of the race, Howells and Tardrew showed no signs of relinquishing their lead as

they were the only crew to finish the 106km lap under one hour.

Taylor and Floyd battled hard to solidify second place just over a minute behind, while Travis Robinson and Andrew Pinto dropped to fourth place after finishing Prologue in third.

Sunday’s Section Two action proved far less straightforward than Saturday’s Section One.

Fastest on Saturday, Howells and Tardrew crashed out midway through Section Two, elevating Taylor and Floyd to the race lead, but that didn’t last long as mechanical dramas forced them to the side of the road.

Last year’s winners eventually got back on the road, but they could only finish around the top 20.

Taylor’s fall opened up the door for Horan, who was highly consistent

across the whole weekend, after scoring fourth in Prologue and moving up to third by the end of Section One.

Once he took the lead though, he never looked back as the New Zealander finished off strong laps to stay ahead of Robinson.

“It’s the first time winning and It’s been a long time in the making,” Horan said.

Photos: Dan Thompson

“I’ve been coming to Australia for 12 years and coming over here trying to win something. I’ve had a couple of thirds, but first is my best so I’m happy.

“I didn’t think I’d won it until the end because we had a bit of a problem at the start. But when we were coming off lap three, I thought we’re in a really good spot because the guys in front of me had gone out. So I just had to do a clean lap, which I did.

“We’re into coming to these races but more into having the experience of travelling across Australia and doing races. So we’re actually looking to do some other races in Kalgoorlie and other places, somewhere we can camp and take the kids and have a good time while we’re doing it.”

In what was an event dominated by pro buggies, podium getters

and eventual Pro Lite winners Brandle and Price were the only non-pro buggy inside the top five as Daniel and Charlotte Hughes finished behind Brandle in fourth, the second New Zealand crew of John and Dave Morgan in fifth.

As for Robinson, while he missed out on taking out the win, it was still an important result as he moved to the top of the AORC drivers’ standings following Taylor’s mishap and the withdrawal of James Cook and Mitch Aucote.

Cook and Aucote ran out of fuel on the second lap of Section Two, and they were joined by eventual Extreme 2WD leaders Brett Comiskey and Corey Cooper who were also running out of fuel just a few kilometres from the end of lap two.

The Queenslanders managed to refuel just in time though and managed to reach the chequered flag, claiming the Extreme 2WD class win in the process.

Behind the second Kiwi team were more pro buggies crews, Joshua Wilson and Andrew Panton in sixth and Brent Rogers and Brett Richardson in seventh place, while Victorians Alan Dixon and Gary Wakefield finished in eighth respectively, also claiming second in the Pro Lite class.

Glenn Brinkman and Dale Moscatt took out ninth overall and a victory in the SXS Pro class by less than 15 seconds, while Kye and Luke Camilleri were second in class and rounded out the top 10.

The final class win went to Adam and Mitchell Jiear, who picked up the Production 4WD win.

With the second round of the AORC now complete, all attention turns to the famous Tatts Finke Desert Race in Alice Springs on 9-12 June.

The full results can be viewed at aorc.com.au

Photos: Dan Thompson

“It’s the first time winning and It’s been a long time in the making.”

FARNDEN STANDS TALL IN COMPETITIVE KHANACROSS OPENER

A competitive opening round of the 2023 SDCC Khanacross Series season saw young-gun Oscar Farnden claim bragging rights after an incredible display last month.

Forty competitors tackled the ins and outs of the Mid Murray Motorplex where they were able to put their immense skill behind the wheel on show.

Competitors battled it out for the fastest times across six runs, giving spectators plenty of opportunity to get a glimpse of the vast variety of off-road project cars that took the track across the event.

Farnden claimed victory on the opening run after edging out John Coles in his Mitsubishi Magna by two tenths of a second.

Despite getting the upper edge on the opening run, the 15-year-old fell short of claiming the second as Coles fought back to take victory and hold the early outright lead.

The leaders were unable to find a win during the halfway point of the event with Jim Myhill and Sam Humphries claiming first and second respectively in the third run - setting up a tight battle for the outright lead.

Myhill was then able to make it back-to-back victories after a nail-biting fourth run, with Coles doing enough to claim second and Humphries third, while Farnden was sitting steady in fourth.

The penultimate run played a vital role in the staging of the outright standings as a dominant display from Farnden saw him find an extra second and a half over his closest competitor in Humphries.

A second-place finish in the final run was enough to claim the outright victory while also taking top honors in the AM class as well as the junior category.

A run of consistent top five finishes was enough for Myhill to claim second place outright while also

sitting atop of the DM class ahead of the early leader in Coles.

Humphries win in the sixth and final run of the weekend handed him third in the outright standings and the fastest times in the FM class to top things off. Coles found himself in fourth position at the conclusion of the sixth-round while Marc Guyatt rounded out the top five.

Farnden will now look to make it two from two as the Mid Murray Motorplex hosts the second round of the SDCC Khanacross season on 14 May.

Photos: Gillian Farnden

AWESOME ANDY A FAN-FAVOURITE

ANDY LANE

Andy Lane, a fire marshal from Western Australia, was nominated by his peer Rachel Thamm to be the recipient of the Supercheap Auto Official Superstar for May 2023.

Rachel nominated Andy for this Award as he was "awesome to work with" and patiently taught her the ropes of fire and rescue at the recent Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2023.

His strong communication skills and professional engagement with the crowd at the event made Andy more than worthy to be our Supercheap Auto Official Superstar this month.

Andy and Rachel could even be seen at the event handing out bottles of water and sunscreen to the race fans and built a great rapport with the crowd across the weekend.

Do you know someone like Andy; 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

Top right: May winner Andy Lane pictured bottom left, with nominator Rachael Thamm far right.

Right: Lane far right, Thamm left.

Photos: Revved Photography

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SPEEDSERIES TO VENTURE TO THE ISLAND FOR THE THIRD ROUND

After two highly entertaining rounds in 2023, the Shannons SpeedSeries returns this month with a visit to the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

Six categories will feature across the jam-packed weekend, which will include three days of non-stop racing action and include a collection of popular national categories.

Starting off with Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia Series at 9:20am AEST on the Friday morning and culminating with the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia series at 4:45pm on Sunday afternoon, there will be plenty of action for fans to enjoy live at the track or via the Stan Sport and Nine Network broadcast.

Joining the two categories for the third Shannons SpeedSeries event of the year will be popular categories such as the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia, National Trans Am Series and the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series.

It will be the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series' first of five appearances in the Shannons SpeedSeries this year, with the category to welcome a solid field for its season opener, including Jim Pollicina, who has his sights set on winning the newly branded V8 Touring Car Cup.

“My intent is to go out there and focus on achieving an outright podium in every single race, but winning the privateers cup is of course an absolute priority at this stage,” Pollicina said.

“It is always good if you can do well in the outright, it always depends on circumstances in each race, but we are heading to Phillip Island to make up as many places as possible and get ourselves a result.”

While the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series will be the newest inclusion for the Shannons SpeedSeries, the rest of the categories have already enjoyed centre stage this year.

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

“My intent is to go out there and focus on achieving an outright podium in every single race.”

The Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, National Trans Am Series and S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship all featured in the opening event for the year at Symmons Plains.

All three have strong entry lists for the event with a number of stars ready to resume the season with a bang.

TCR will see the likes of regular stars such Will Brown, Tony D’Alberto and Josh Buchan in action, as well as Ben Bargwanna, who is

coming off an unforgettable debut on the Kumho TCR World Tour.

Both S5000 and Trans Am will welcome back the regular names as well as some debutants, including Versa Motorsport’s newest S5000 addition in Winston Smith.

Although the trio of categories haven’t run since February’s AWC Race Tasmania, the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia and Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia Series have enjoyed events more recently.

The Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS enters Phillip Island for its third round of the season and with a strong field to battle it out – an impressive effort considering the most recent round was at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint late last month.

As for the Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia Series, the combined category

held its first round at the Hi Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour and will also welcome a strong field.

For those who are unable to make the trip to Phillip Island, Stan Sport will provide live and uninterrupted coverage from most of Saturday and Sunday’s action, while 9Gem will also broadcast three hours of Saturday afternoon’s racing.

The third round of the 2023 Shannons SpeedSeries will take place at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 12-14 May.

For more information on the Shannons SpeedSeries’ visit to Phillip Island head to speedseries.com.au

Tickets for the event are available for purchase via motorsporttickets.com.au

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

BARGWANNA SHINES IN TCR WORLD TOUR DEBUT

The inaugural Kumho TCR World Tour made history last month as the new series held its first ever round in Portugal.

Taking place at the famous Algarve International Circuit in Portugal, the Kumho TCR World Tour was running in conjunction with the TCR Europe Series, as Australian Ben Bargwanna entered both.

The youngster enjoyed a memorable international debut where he claimed a TCR Europe Rookie Trophy behind the wheel of the Burson-supported Peugeot 308 TCR.

In the historic opening race on Saturday, the Victorian started in 19th and guided the Burson Auto Parts Peugeot 308 TCR up two places to finish a solid 17th and ninth in TCR Europe.

Starting from the same position in race two, Bargwanna’s overall efforts in the drama-laden second race saw him avoid plenty of incidents and charge up the field to finish 13th overall before being promoted to P12 post-race.

Finishing fourth in TCR Europe in the process, Bargwanna also sealed the rookie win ahead of Brit Isaac Smith and Viktor Andersson.

“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions this weekend, but it has been one of the best of my life. I’m so happy, I can’t thank the Clairets, my parents and sponsors enough, it’s been incredible and I’m seriously so stoked,” Bargwanna said.

“I’m covered in champagne, I’ve got a trophy and it’s not what I expected to be coming home with, but I’m so happy.

“We get to do it again at Spa and I just can’t wait to return to Europe.”

Bargwanna leaves Portugal with four points and in 15th place on the Kumho TCR World Tour standings alongside Serbian Dušan Borković, while he sits sixth on the TCR Europe standings.

With the Victorian to contest the full Kumho TCR World Tour this year, Aussie fans can follow his

journey via Stan Sport, who will broadcast all nine rounds of the 2023 TCR World Tour in Australia, expanding their support of the global Touring Car formula this year.

Stan Sport will broadcast each round live as the series builds to the first-ever Aussie World TCR double-header in November, which starts off at Sydney Motorsport Park on 3-5 November.

It’s back-to-back weekends for the international series as it heads to the famous Mount Panorama as part of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International on 10-12 November.

The next round of the Kumho TCR World Tour will be at Circuit de SpaFrancorchamps on 26-28 May.

“It’s been a whirlwind of emotions this weekend”

KOSTECKI BUILDS ON LEAD AFTER IMPRESSIVE HOMECOMING

Brodie Kostecki has edged further ahead on the Repco Supercars Championship standings after another podium-filled weekend during last month’s Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint at Carco.com.au Raceway.

Racing at his local track, the West Australian star continued his brilliant season where he became the only driver to pick up podiums in every race for the second consecutive round.

Although he didn’t win a race in Perth, two runner-up placings and a third was enough to keep his fellow contenders at arm’s length, including Chaz Mostert and Shane van Gisbergen.

In what was an entertaining weekend for all, the Erebus Motorsport and Triple Eight Race Engineering rivalry continued to heat up as all three race winners came from the two top teams.

Drawing first blood was the reigning champion in van Gisbergen, who beat Kostecki in a thrilling battle during the opening race having won an intense three-part qualifying session earlier in the day.

Trading fastest laps throughout the race, the Kiwi eventually converted his pole position into the race win as he crossed the finish line

just six tenths ahead the current championship leader, while David Reynolds rounded out the podium.

“I got a bad start (and lost position), and while the car was good, I couldn’t quite get through,” van Gisbergen said.

“We had a pretty awesome battle in the middle (of the race) but we were losing time to the people

Photos: Edge Photographics

who pitted – but our stop was awesome and we were able to drive through to catch those guys.”

Kostecki was again in the thick of the action in the second race for the weekend, only this time it was with teammate Will Brown, who bounced back from a disappointing P16 in Saturday’s sole race.

The Queenslander secured pole during qualifying and then survived a challenging early stint to power through to the chequered flag, leading Kostecki home in a comfortable one-two finish for Erebus.

Taking out the final place on the podium and his first for the season was James Courtney who

edged out fellow Mustang pilots Mostert and Will Davison.

Triple Eight was back on top in the final race as Broc Feeney picked up his second race win for the year after starting from pole.

The young Queenslander was too strong for the field as he led from lights out to the chequered flag in a dominant display, while Brown led Kostecki over the line once again as the teammates rounded out the podium.

A wonderful finish for Feeney proved the complete opposite for his teammate in van Gisbergen, who crossed the line in P12 and fell 140 points behind Kostecki.

The Repco Supercars Championship now turns its attention to the Apple Isle for the Tasmania SuperSprint at Symmons Plains Raceway on 20-21 May.

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

QUEENSLAND RACEWAY HOSTS THRILLING STATE ROUND

The second round of the Motorsport Australia Queensland Circuit Racing State Championships had its long-awaited return to the Queensland Raceway last month, with six categories in action over a thrilling two days.

More than 75 entrants across the six different categories hit the track for four races each, with practice sessions being held on Friday while Saturday hosted all qualifying sessions and races.

Spectators were treated to a variety of categories, including Formula Fords and Hyundai Excels, giving a little something for everyone involved.

In a field featuring 20 drivers, Bradley Neill found himself atop of the the Production Sports/MARC Cars and Invited class on three separate occasions. The only man able to dethrone Neal in his Mazda

while Jack Wood snatched a victory in the finale by just two tenths.

It was a similar affair in the Sports & Racing Cars, Formula Ford category as Christopher Farrell also won three of the four races across the weekend, but it was Jamieson Davies who took advantage of an off race by Farrell in race three to claim victory.

Mk1 was Adam Hargraves, who stormed to victory in his MARC GT during the opening race.

It was a similar story in the Holden HQs as Brandon Miller won the opening race but was unable to hold off Joseph Andriske winning the following three races by tight margins.

The X3 Circuit Excels also saw the common trend of three race wins continue, however it was in different order as Zane Rinaldi claimed victories in races one, two and three,

The Production Sports Cars – 2F & Invited class saw two winners across its four races, with Shane Plohl winning all three races he was involved in, while Glen Ebert won the remaining race in his Toyota 86. There was just one clean sweep throughout the round, which came in the Improved Production and Invited Sedans class where Grant Draney was dominant in winning all four races across the two days.

The Motorsport Australia Queensland Circuit Racing State Championships continue next month at Morgan Park on 16-18 June.

Photos: Peter Buchanan

LOCATION SELECTED FOR VICTORIA’S ‘HOME OF MOTORSPORT’

Melbourne’s Avalon Airport has been selected as the preferred site for Victoria’s proposed new Home of Motorsport.

Located 45 minutes west of Melbourne’s CBD, the venue serves a catchment of more than 3.3 million people, with easy access from both wider Melbourne and the rapidly growing Geelong region.

Avalon is now a fast-growing hub, with expansion of the site planned across a number of projects, including the proposed Home of Motorsport.

Victoria has a long and proud motorsport history which has previously been underpinned by a world class network of venues. The Home of Victorian Motorsport vision ensures the state’s ability to host major events and support industry development activities can be maintained.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos welcomed today's news.

“Motorsport is a great Victorian passion and pastime for many, and it also supports thousands of jobs and delivers significant economic benefits to our state,” Dimopoulos said.

“A Home of Motorsport at Avalon would inspire and encourage the development of up-and-coming drivers in their efforts to become

household names like local heroes Oscar Piastri and Cameron Waters.”

Member for Lara Ella George said Avalon would be a strong choice for any future venue.

“We’re backing the Home of Motorsport to be established at Avalon because we know the major economic and sporting benefits it will deliver to our local community.”

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said Avalon was the perfect location for this project and would significantly change motorsport in Victoria.

“Delivering a Home of Motorsport in Victoria would not only fulfill one of Motorsport Australia's key infrastructure goals, but it also enables the sport to grow its participation and competition with a reliable state venue,” Arocca said.

“Motorsport is very popular here in Victoria, however the state has been lagging behind due to a lack of accessible venues from the grassroots up to the professional level. A Home of Motorsport would solve this problem and will serve the Victorian motorsport community for many years to come.”

Experienced administrator Tim Bamford has also been appointed as the venue’s designated project director, with initial planning on multipurpose facility now well underway.

“We have been selected as the preferred site for the proposed Home of Motorsport in Victoria, a decision based on Motorsport Australia’s existing participation base, proximity to transport and logistics infrastructure, and the site’s potential for significant development,” Brun said.

“The attraction of the precinct for major public events and travel shows the further need for the establishment of a train station connecting the site to Melbourne and greater Victoria. We look forward to assisting the teams from Motorsport Australia and the Victorian State Government as the site planning stage of the proposed project gets underway.”

As planning progresses, further detail about the scope of the project will be provided. It is anticipated that the venue would feature both four and two-wheeled motorsport activities and host grassroots, state, national and international level events and be used year-round.

Melbourne Avalon Airport CEO Tony Brun said the selection of Avalon was a terrific opportunity for the region.

“We know the major economic and sporting benefits it will deliver to our local community”

Photo: Edge Photographics

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