Motorsport Australia Speed Read - May 2024

SPEEDREAD

POONCARIE LAUNCHES THE 2024 AORC SEASON

Cover photo by Dan Thompson Photography

FROM THE CEO

Monthly message from Sunil Vohra, Motorsport Australia CEO

Welcome to the May 2024 edition of Speed Read

The last month has proved quite busy for Motorsport Australia both from a sporting and an administrative point of view.

As announced earlier this month, Motorsport Australia reported an EBITDA deficit of $517,792 and an overall net loss of $1,060,928 for the 2023 financial year. Motorsport runs to a calendar financial year so this result spans Jan – Dec 2023.

In our Member Forum presentation, we went into detail of the expense increases across insurance and inflationary costs – many of you will be experiencing a version of this as well. While these factors are somewhat outside our direct control, there is still substantial work underway under my watch in 2024 to improve the financial result for this financial year. Financial stability is a prerequisite for the governing body and the entire organisation and governance structure is very focussed on this.

Adding to the challenging month has been the Victorian Budget for the next financial year, which does not include funding for Motorsport Australia's Home of Victorian Motorsport at Avalon. The substantial change in economic conditions in Victoria meant this was not unexpected and consistent with recent discussions we had with the Government. Our discussions with the Minister and the relevant departments continue with the chance to reframe the case for next budget cycle.

Some good news this last month is the recent appointment of Lisa Crampton, who will join Motorsport Australia as the new Sporting & Technical Director in July.

Lisa has a wealth of knowledge in motorsport, and I expect the positive impact of her efforts to be felt quickly across motorsport.

One of the areas Lisa will have responsibility for is our officials and taking carriage of our significant work that has been underway by the Officials Working Group.

The fantastic work of this working group, chaired by rally legend Ed Ordynski, has given invaluable insight to the issues to solve across officials and volunteers. Length of days, ongoing training, renewal and opportunity are all themes that a resulted in a large number of recommendations to implement. Stand by for more detailed comms to follow on this work and how we are taking big steps to better support our most valued asset – the 10,000 volunteers that are the engine room of Australian motorsport.

Finally, it was great to get back in the car and race myself in the last few weeks. I loved joining the SA Motor Racing Championship at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park recently and getting the chance to race around the wonderful circuit.

Our car was a little outgunned in horsepower by the machinery around us but it was great fun to be back racing and come away with a (small) trophy in my class.

As always, have a safe and enjoyable month!

Go well, Sunil.

Photos: Bob Taylor

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RELEASES 2023 FINANCIALS

In the lead up to its annual Member Forum, Motorsport Australia released its audited financial results for 2023.

Motorsport Australia, which operates to a calendar financial year (January – December) confirmed an EBITDA deficit of $517,792 in 2023 as inflation and rising insurance costs made for challenging operating conditions.

While the Motorsport Australia balance sheet and cash reserves remain strong, the sport cannot continue indefinitely to absorb rising costs.

A major factor was sustained and continuing increasing cost of insurance, which increased by 36 per cent year-on-year (a $730,000 increase). The net result in 2023 was a $1,060,928 deficit (2022: $288,492).

The increasing costs of doing business, such as travel and supplier increases –which no business has been immune to in the past 12 months - have also impacted the sport, as competitors and promoters and other participants have experienced similarly.

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser said the result underscored the need for the sport to take further steps to ensure its sustainability, following on from the decision to increase licence costs by 15 per cent from 1 October last year.

“We have a new CEO, along with other new leaders, who have a clear mandate to deliver organisational sustainability for the longer-term future of the sport.”

Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra said the financial rigour and discipline was a key early focus in his tenure.

“We know that results such as this are not sustainable for the sport on an ongoing basis and the bottom line is: we need to significantly improve our bottom line,” Vohra said.

“There are a number of working groups and other initiatives already in place to ensure we improve our financial position”

“Business and households are facing the pressure of rising costs, and we are not immune,” Fraser said.

“We are working to hold costs down where we can, but ultimately this result is not sustainable if repeated into the future. In recent years, we have done our best to absorb much of the inflationary pressures on the sport to date, but we cannot continue to do this and must ensure our sport remains in a strong financial position.

“I can confirm we have put in place new reporting structures and increased financial oversight as we progress through 2024.

“There are a number of working groups and other initiatives already in place to ensure we improve our financial position and reduce our expenses further wherever possible, while also looking at new revenue opportunities. Discussions are also underway with our insurers to determine how we can address the significant increases in our premiums and what more can be done to reduce our costs.

“Rising insurance costs are an issue for us, for other motorsport bodies and

for sport generally. All options need to be on the table to address this trend.

“As members would be aware, the cost of licences was increased by 15 per cent late last year. This was directly related to the increasing insurance costs we are facing.”

KEY POINTS TO NOTE

• Motorsport Australia’s balance sheet is strong, with a net asset position of more than $10million

• Head office costs reduced by 15 per cent

• Consultant and professional fees were reduced by 67 per cent

• Employee costs were below CPI – held at 3.6 per cent

• Insurance costs increased 36 per cent year-on-year

• Travel and events costs increased 18 per cent year-on-year

AORC BEGINS 2024 SEASON WITH NEW WINNING CREW

Dale Martin has secured his first BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) victory after claiming last month’s Wentworth Shire Pooncarie Desert Dash.

With Tanner James as his navigator, Martin took out the season after after a strong section two saw him pip James Cook and Mitch Aucote on the final lap of the event, while reigning champion Travis Robinson and navigator Paul Currie rounded out the podium.

De Simone, who stopped halfway through the section’s second lap.

“Just every corner, every bump was perfect. And Tanner called a perfect race”

Just 40 seconds separated Dale and Cook after more than four hours of racing as the two took advantage of the retirement of section one winners, Brent Martin and Andre

Up until that point, Brent and De Simone had been the clear front runners having started the final day of the event from the front of the field. Their DNF then elevated Cook and Aucote to top spot with a 40 second lead ahead of the final lap. However, a perfect run of the 106km course from Dale and James saw them leapfrog the Victorian leaders for the lead and the overall win.

The victory was Dale’s first in more than 10 years of competition –marking a bittersweet result for the Martin Motorsport team.

“We’ve taken a few seconds and thirds over the years, but it’s been a long time coming to get first place. They’re hard to come by,” Dale said.

“We looked at the numbers (before the last lap) and my Dad said that we can do it and to put the foot down.

“So, it was a bit of inspiration, a push from him, and a blinder of a lap where we didn’t miss a beat.

“Just every corner, every bump was perfect. And Tanner called a perfect race.

“We caught up to the back his (Cook’s) dust and got a feeling like, ‘Maybe we’ve done this’.”

Photos: Dan Thompson Photography

The fight for the final place on the podium was just as memorable, as Travis Robinson managed to snatch the final podium place by just two seconds. Robinson’s podium showcased a remarkable turnaround of fortune for the West Australian, who endured a handful of mechanical dramas on the Saturday after winning Transportable Shade Sheds Prologue to finish the day one minute off the pace before making up significant time in section two and pipping Aaron Haby on the final lap.

With the top four cars all Pro Buggies, the best-ranked driver outside the

class was the Extreme 2WD winners Beau Robinson and Shane Hutt in fifth.

Finishing sixth for the weekend were Mel and Liam Brandle, with the 2023 overall runner-up taking out the Prolite class in the process.

Behind the South Australian father-son duo were a trio of Pro Buggies with Brett Rogers and Brett Richardson, Tom Owen and Damon Bennett, and West Australians Jared Percival and Brenton Gallasch. Rounding out the top 10 was the second placed Prolite of Benjamin Falk and John O’Connor.

In the Transportable Shade Sheds SXS Motorsport Australia Championship, Greg and Tori Campbell have provisionally won the class, after a big Sunday saw them overtake Saturday leaders James and Michael Mogford.

Other class winners include Jan Wisse and Emily Brandle in SXS Sport, Rick Chambers and Patrick Geraghty in Super 1650, Paul Tinga and Daniel

Kelsey in Sportslite, Michael Shipton and Paul Chorlton in Performance 2WD, and Norman Parker and Mark Robertson in Production 4WD.

The next round of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) is the Tatts Finke Desert Race on 7-10 June.

Photos: Dan Thompson Photography

IN RECOVERY ROD WE TRUST

This month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar is Rodney McDonald, who went above and beyond at the combined Motorsport Australia Queensland Circuit Championships, Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series and Superbikes event Queensland Raceway.

Whether it’s a local club event, a state meeting or a national round, for the many years Rodney been involved in the sport, he has always done whatever it takes to ensure sure the event is running efficiently and safely.

As a Recovery Manager, Rodney's organisation, hard work and positive attitude have been key to his success as an official at the hundreds of events he has attended, with last month’s Superbikes event just one example of his exceptional dedication.

With the bikes and cars experiencing the unique situation of sharing the Ipswich-based circuit, Rodney continued to go above and beyond throughout the entire meeting.

He was the first to arrive and the last to leave on every day, spending lots of time cleaning the track so the Superbikes weren’t affected by the gravel.

Managing the recovery team and coordinating each recovery, the incredibly quick reactions to varying incidents ultimately minimised the multiple Safety Car periods, giving the categories more time to compete.

To thank Rodney for his many years of service, professionalism, and extensive knowledge, he will receive a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin and certificate.

Do you know someone like Rod; 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

RODNEY MCDONALD

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NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK CELEBRATING INCREDIBLE OFFICIALS

Thousands of individuals who volunteer at sporting events around the country will be celebrated during the month of May via the Australian Sporting Commission's National Volunteer Week.

The 10,000 passionate and dedicated officials from within the Motorsport Australia community are well and truly part of those celebrations.

Every week, across the whole country, there are hundreds of passionate officials who volunteer their time and energy attending motorsport events to make sure they run smoothly and safely for the overall benefit of everyone involved. From flag marshals and pit lane marshals, to the Clerk of Courses and Race Directors and every valuable official at each venue,

without the efforts of these dedicated individuals, the sport could not thrive.

At every level of the sport - be it local, state, national and international - the many different officials are vital to the success of our sport, while also enjoying the best seats in the house to watch the action.

“Without the many passionate officials and dedicated club administrators... motorsport in this country would not thrive as it does now”

But being a Motorsport Australia official means far more than just being a fan of the sport, it’s also about being part of a like-minded community who share the same passions and common interests in motorsport.

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser paid tribute to all Motorsport Australia volunteers.

“Every year, the nation celebrates thousands of men and women as part of National Volunteers Week,” Fraser said.

“Our volunteers in motorsport have an extra significance in my eyes because without the many passionate officials and dedicated club administrators associated with Motorsport Australia, motorsport in this country would not thrive as it does now.

“They are the lifeblood of our sport and there is no doubt about the critical impact these selfless individuals have.

Australia also has the best volunteer officials in the world, which is just another reason to celebrate them.

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

Motorsport Australia encourages everyone involved in motorsport to join the celebrations of National Volunteers Week, say thanks and acknowledge our incredible volunteers the next time they are at an event.

National Volunteer Week takes place on 20-26 May.

Become a Motorsport Australia volunteer Official at motorsport.org.au

Revved Photography

Photo: CarsMosport

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NEW SPORTING & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR APPOINTED

Lisa Crampton will take on an important new role at Motorsport Australia, appointed to the newly created Sporting & Technical Director position.

The role will oversee officials, stewarding, safety and motorsport regulations, along with other key motorsport portfolios.

Crampton, who has extensive experience as a race director and working with high profile motorsport teams across the globe, will return to Melbourne to start the role with Motorsport Australia in July.

Currently based in Germany, Crampton has held senior leadership roles across international motorsport sport, including as Sporting Director for 2024 Dakar Rally winners Q Motorsport, Head of Development and Team Manager for X-raid GmbH and for BMW Motorsport. She has also led specialist motorsport consultancy business working across event management, race control and commercial programs.

Crampton brings top level Race Director experience, having held the top job in Race Control for FIA eTouring Car World Cup as well as a six-year stint as Assistant Race Director for the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Motorsport Australia CEO

Sunil Vohra congratulated Crampton on her appointment..

“We are very pleased to have Lisa joining Motorsport Australia as our new Sporting & Technical Director and part of our senior management team,” Vohra said.

dedicated focus to enhancing further our world-class officials, and building out the capacity our existing team.

“Her deep expertise in Race Control will be a valuable asset for our talented senior officials, and lead the new frameworks we have to develop the next generation of aspiring Race Directors.

“Her deep expertise in Race Control will be a valuable asset for our talented senior officials”

“Developing further our sporting and technical capabilities is a key part of our strategy and having someone of Lisa’s calibre will be a great asset to the organisation. Lisa’s experience across world motorsport allow us to put

“A key focus for the Sporting & Technical Director will be to lead our strategy and continual developments for safety in motorsport. Lisa will lead this work across all disciplines and bring world class practice to risk and safety in motorsport that supports growth of the sport. Lisa’s experience across all facets of the sport will be utilised across the organisation,

supporting our objectives to grow and develop the sport nationally.

Crampton was delighted to be joining Motorsport Australia.

“The opportunity to return to Australia and take on this exciting new role is one that I am eagerly anticipating,” Crampton said.

“Motorsport Australia is known as a world-leader and sets a global standard in across motorsport. I am keen to bring my own extensive experience in the sport and help lead this next phase of development for the organisation across many critical areas.

“Motorsport in Australia enjoys a great following and all made possible by a dedicated group of officials working to grow our sport and see it thrive. I am thrilled to join the highly experienced team at Motorsport Australia and look forward to playing a big role in shaping the future of the sport.

WOMEN'S INTRO PROGRAM HITS SOUTH AUS

Motorsport Australia’s successful Women's Introduction to Motorsport program has opened for 2024, with registrations for its first event now being accepted.

Three events are going to form part of Motorsport Australia’s program this year, which debuted in 2022 before being expanded last year because of its popularity, with South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales to host the events.

The initiative’s first event for 2024 will be at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia and will take place on Saturday 15 June.

The program is set to cover a range of topics and experiences, all designed for participants to experience

motorsport for the first time all within the comfort of their own road cars.

In addition to the hands-on experience from experienced motorsport professionals, participants will also learn how to prepare a vehicle and take part in a network lunch with guest speakers and individuals involved with the sport.

The Women's Introduction to Motorsport program has proved so successful since its inauguration, last year’s event at METEC in Melbourne has been named as a finalist for the "VicHealth Sport and Active Recreation Initiative of the Year” category in the 2023 Victorian Sport Awards.

The South Australian event will include one session in the morning and one in the afternoon, with both sessions to host the networking lunch.

The first Motorsport Australia Women's Introduction to Motorsport for the year takes place at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park on Saturday 15 June.

Photos: Chantel Collins

RACE, RINSE, REPEAT

Meguiar’s now sponsoring 2024 Australian Production Car season.

WE SUPPORT MOTORSPORT.

MICHELIN TO UP ITS SUPPORT IN 2024

Motorsport Australia is pleased to confirm Michelin will extend its support of the organisation, FIA Girls on Track and the Shannons SpeedSeries.

The famous tyre company has already been a long-time supporter of motorsport in Australia, having been a major partner for a number of development racing categories and programs.

In 2024, Michelin will become the Official Tyre Partner of both Motorsport Australia and its Member Rewards Program.

In addition to its commitments to Motorsport Australia and the FIA Girls on Track program, Michelin has also been confirmed as the Official Media Partner for the Shannons SpeedSeries, which will see them featured in the live broadcast.

growing support of the organisation and the sport in general.

“Michelin is a brand that is synonymous with Australian motorsport, so to have them as an official tyre partner in 2024 is fantastic and we are extremely pleased,” Vohra said.

“With the multinational tyre manufacturer continuing its backing of FIA Girls on Track while also branching out to the Shannons SpeedSeries – I would like to thank the team at Michelin Australia for their unwavering support.

“I am confident this partnership will help motorsport continue to thrive in the coming years, both at grassroots and national level.”

“I am confident this partnership will help motorsport continue to thrive in the coming years”

Michelin Australia Marketing Manager, David Laing was thrilled to be able to expand the company’s support.

forward to staying involved and inspiring the next generation of young women into the sport.

Michelin already has a major presence in the Shannons SpeedSeries, serving as the name partner of the highly popular Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, a mainstay on the Shannons SpeedSeries calendar over the years.

Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra welcomed Michelin’s

“Motorsport Australia has achieved plenty of success in increasing its member base and we are delighted to be able to come on board as the Official Tyre Partner,” Laing said.

“We have also experienced great joy in our support of the FIA Girls on Track program and look

“Finally, having already been part of the Shannons SpeedSeries via the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, we have seen first-hand how much it has grown in recent years –both as a product and its popularity with the fan base,” Laing said.

“So, it was an easy decision to join the Shannons SpeedSeries with the hopes of helping it grow even further.”

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SIGNS UNITED AGAINST ONLINE ABUSE CHARTER

The FIA-led initiative United Against Online Abuse has confirmed that the Australian Government and Motorsport Australia has now signed the UAOA charter. By signing the charter, the Government expresses their commitment to upholding and promoting best practice in relation to the prevention and removal of hate speech, and to supporting dialogue, research and collaboration around the subject.

The Australian Government has already carried out significant work in this space. In recent years, it passed an Online Safety Act (2021), researched and consulted on safety measures on online platforms, and created new online safety resources for sport in collaboration with the eSafety Commission.

“We are delighted to sign the United Against Online Abuse charter, and join the coalition in their efforts to tackle online harassment," Minister Wells said.

"By working together, we hope to eradicate this problem and build a healthier, more positive and more sustainable future for everyone who works in sport.”

FIA President and United Against Online Abuse Founding patron Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed Australia's pledge.

“By working together, we hope to eradicate this problem and build a healthier... future for everyone who works in sport”

“We are pleased that the Australian Government has joined us in the fight against Online Abuse in sport. Their support will help us to broaden the Campaign’s reach, impact and knowledge-base, accelerating our journey towards zero-abuse in sport," Sulayem said.

the Albanian Government and the Greek Government.

In 2024, the coalition has made significant strides forward, awarding four scholarships to researchers in the online abuse space, publishing the industry’s first barometer aimed at measuring federations’ perspectives on online abuse.

Coalition members and peers will unite in May to discuss the UAOA Campaign at its inaugural conference.

The Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, signed the document during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The Australian Government joins a strong coalition of stakeholders, which includes Peace and Sport, the International Esports Federation, the French Government,

Get more information about the United Against Online Abuse campaign at unitedagainstonlineabuse.com

Photo: Revved Photography

HISTORICS TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT MALLALA OPENER

The Sporting Car Club of South Australia (SCCSA) held its everpopular Autosport All Historic Mallala last month with 150 competitors taking part in the busy three-day event.

From F5000s, Sports Sedans and Group N Historic Touring Cars to a Historic regularity and Outlaw Speed Shop Sprint, there was something for everyone over the course of the weekend.

There was mixed results in the five racing categories, with a collection of clean sweeps and close battles.

The closest fight was within the combined F5000 and Groups Q, R class, with four different drivers winning a race. David Benda won the most with two, while Bill Hemming, James Doig and Phillip Lane were the others to win a race each.

In Historic Group N, Andrew Williams picked up four race wins and a

podium in his Holden Torana XU1, and Victorian Andrew McInnes won all three Formula Ford races he started on the Saturday before missing Sunday's action, which saw fellow statesman. Declan Foo win both races

Peter Fagan guided his Cooper Mk6 to a clean sweep of wins in the Groups K,L,FJ,FV, which included the category's main event - the Don Fraser Memorial.

Fagan wasn't the only driver to dominate his class, with Brabham BT30 driver Sean Whelan winning all five of the Autosport Groups M,O's races by more than 10 seconds in all but one outing.

Outside of racing categories, there were three Supersprint’s and one regularity.

Historic Regularity Open Cars winner Daniel Jeffries was made to work for his win in the class, however the Elfin Clubman driver was highly consistent throughout the event, scoring the least amount of points on three occasions.

The Outlaw Speed Shop Sprint proved just as close between the top contenders, as Brett Sunstrom went fastest in three of the five sessions, while David Rowell went fastest twice. Although he only had two wins, Rowell managed to post the fastest time of the weekend for the category, with a 1:17.5577.

Despite only winning one of the five Bullet Race Engineering Sport Sedans Sprints, Simon Pfitzner's sprint five winning time was significantly better than most, as he steered his Mercedes 450 SLC to a 1:09.4427, which was four seconds faster than the next best time.

Supersprint winner Matthew Frith may not have recorded a dominant lap time like Pfitzner's, but he was too good for the rest of the field, posting the fastest time in all five of the category's sessions.

Photos: Bob Taylor

Unless you have four feet...

FOREST RALLY TO WELCOME STARSTUDDED ARC

The Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) continues this month with the popular Forest Rally hosting the second round of the 2024 season.

Taking place in and around the forests of Nannup and Busselton, a strong field of 33 ARC crews will contest the event, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the ARC hosting a round in Western Australia.

Serving as a sprint event, where championship points will be divided into two Heats, more

than 180 kilometres make up the competitive distance with plenty of action to unfold across two days.

The rally officially gets underway on Saturday morning with six stages in the Nannup area forming part of Heat 1 –totalling to 104 competitive kilometres.

On Sunday, a further five stages over 76 competitive kilometres await crews, including the returning Lewana Stage, which hasn’t been used for 15 years, and the Galvaniize Insurance Power Stage.

Before the action begins though, event organisers will kick off the event with a Rally Show and Ceremonial Start on the Friday night, which will take place on the Busselton foreshore alongside the famous Busselton Jetty, giving fans the chance to see the cars and meet the teams.

This year’s Forest Rally features no shortage of stars up and down the entry list.

Headlining the ARC field are reigning champions and Techworkz Automotive Rally of Canberra winners, Harry Bates and Coral Taylor, and their Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia teammates Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

Other key names capable of wins are Pedders Suspension and Brakes’ Scott Pedder and Glenn Macneall, Poly Welding Solutions’ Eddie Maguire and Zak Brakey and IntelliSpatial Fleetcare Racing’s Alex Rullo and Steve Glenney, who are coming off their maiden ARC podium in Canberra.

The Mainfix ARC Production Cup once again has strong representation, with an impressive 17 crews to contest the popular class, with the likes of Molly Taylor and co-driver Andy Sarandis,

Photo:

CarsMosport

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

as well as local stars Craig Rando and Scott Beckwith, the main contenders.

The Trenching Systems Australia 2WD Classic Cup will also provide an entertaining battle over the course of the weekend, with reigning class champions Dave Thompson and Matthew Sanders and Trailer Camper Australia & CBR Sparkies’ Peter Dimmock and Paul Bennett just a couple of big names to look out for.

Not only is the event hosting the ARC for the second round of the season, but the Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship and WA Clubman Series will also be run, with a further 26 crews entered solely in the state level competitions.

Event Clerk of the Course Ross Tapper was looking forward to having the best crews in the country at the longstanding Western Australian event.

“We are extremely pleased to have a field of more than 30 ARC crews with up to 14 of them coming from interstate,” Tapper said.

“Not only do we have a big entry list, but it is an extremely strong field and there are a handful of

drivers who could win the rally, so it will be quite entertaining from a sporting point of view.

“We have once again refreshed the event with a Rally Show and Ceremonial Start at the Busselton Jetty Foreshore on the Friday night and a shake-up of stages in Nannup on Saturday.

“We are proud to bring something new to the event around the brilliant Nannup plantation roads,

which will undoubtedly bring exciting action to the region.”

The 2024 Forest Rally takes place in and around the forests of Nannup and Busselton on 17-19 May.

Get more information on the 2024 Forest Rally at arc.com.au

Photo: CarsMosport

FAMOUS FINKE AWAITS AORC

After an exciting opening to the 2024 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) season, there has never been a more exciting time for the Tatts Finke Desert Race.

Once again, Alice Springs and the remote community of Aputula will host the nation’s biggest off road event over the King’s Birthday Long Weekend, with more than 130 of Australia’s best off road drivers entered in the event.

Many of the crews who attended last month’s Wentworth Shire Pooncarie Desert Dash, won by Dale Martin and Tanner James, will be attending next month’s great race including the likes of James Cook, Travis Robinson, Aaron Haby, Beau Robinson, Mel Brandle, Josh Howells, Matt Hanson, Aaron James, Carl Haby, Brent Smoothy and Shane Elphinstone.

And while all of them enter the famous race with different motivations, they all share a common goal: to be the King of the Desert. Some have done it once before and fewer have achieved it multiple times, but for most, it’s an elusive feat that may only ever remain a dream.

Desert is six-time Finke champion, Shannon Rentsch, who will make his first AORC appearance since winning last year’s Loveday 400.

“To win the Tatts Finke Desert Race, everything needs to go right and all the stars need to align,” Rentsch said.

“I haven’t won for a few years now, so I am hungrier than ever”

One of those who knows what it takes to be crowned King of the

“It’s a tough race for so many reasons, but mainly because you get all the best drivers and cars in the country, all of whom want to win, and the track itself is a huge challenge.

“I feel very fortunate to have won it so many times - I really do appreciate its significance, but I haven’t won for a few years now, so I am hungrier than ever.”

Starting off with the popular Finke Street Party on the Thursday evening in Todd Mall and the Scrutineering Party on the Friday leading up to the event, the action officially gets

underway on the Saturday with the most important part of the eventTransportable Shade Sheds Prologue.

Then on the Sunday, crews begin their journey down to Aputula, taking on all the elements over a challenging 200 kilometre track before doing it all again on the Monday, where a champion will be crowned.

Toby Price has won the last three years, but the talented Queenslander will miss this year’s event – meaning someone new will become King of the Desert for the first time since Jack Rhodes made history in 2019.

The 2024 Tatts Finke Desert Race takes place at Alice Springs and the remote community of Aputula on 7-10 June.

Get more information on the Tatts finke Desert Race at finkedesertrace.com.au

Photo:

Photo: Off Road Racing Australia

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ERNIE HASTIE MEMORIAL SHINES AT COLLIE

Collie Motorplex hosted a highly successful round of the Motorsport Australia WA State Championship at the start of the month, with eight categories featuring in the Ernie Hastie Memorial.

Taking place over two days, more than 80 competitors took to the popular track to put on a show as most of the racing categories and regularities enjoyed three races each.

The event’s feature race formed part of Saloon Cars, which held the Ernie Hastie Memorial on the Saturday night, and was won by Mason Harvey in his Ford Falcon.

Although Harvey was victorious in the feature race, it was the runner-up in Grant Johnson who won the weekend both overall and in the Pro class –guiding his Holden Commodore VT to victory in the opening two races.

In the Pro Am class, Michael Koberstein cruised to three wins – beating Adam Koberstein in all three races.

The HQ Holdens may not have been involved in the feature race, but it had the busiest schedule, with the series running two rounds across the race meeting.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was Michael Howlett who proved the strongest throughout as he claimed five of the overall six races.

On Saturday, Howlett enjoyed a clean sweep of wins to comfortably win the first round over Mitch Woodbridge, who only just beat Sturt Kenny on the standings after three races.

On the Sunday, the series' fourth round of the season was much closer, as Howlett took out top honours by two points over Woodbridge - a

Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

win either side of a fourth place finish in the day’s second race.

The event’s biggest field belonged to the Excel Cup, and eventual winner Zane Rhodes experienced almost identical results to Howlett’s round four win on Sunday.

In the end, a race one and three win helped Rhodes finish just one point ahead of Carlos Ambrosio, who managed to win the category’s second race.

One of the closest battles for round honours over the weekend occurred in Formula Ford, where Todd Vince managed to overcome Marc Redman in the final race to seal the overall victory. Having finished second in both the first and second race, a victory over Redman in the third helped leapfrog Vince to top spot by two points.

The Regularity had 21 competitors split over two groups, which had a handful of classes within.

The most notable results in Group 1 and 2 saw Andrew Morrison and Paul Cooper win Modern Cars, John Wilding and Gary Cutler take out Production Cars respectively. Group 2’s major class winners included Russell Benn and Ivan Michelsen winning the Sports Cars (Post 1977) competition. Rounding out the categories was the combined Improved Production and WA Street Car State Series, which had Improved Production Cars winner Matt Cherry win every race, while also setting a new lap record in the process.

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Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

SCHEDULE SET FOR RACE TAILEM BEND

A jam packed track schedule for Race Tailem Bend has been confirmed with seven categories forming part the fourth round of the 2024 Shannons SpeedSeries calendar.

Taking place at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia, the Shannons SpeedSeries will also utilise the facility’s exciting West circuit – a 3.41km, 12 turn layout.

Following successful season openers last month, Monochrome GT4 Australia and the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered By AWS will continue with their winning format of two one-hour races.

The returning Meguiar’s Australian Production Cars will

also have an endurance round with four one-hour outings.

The Trico Trans Am Series will return to a four race format, while Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Precision National Sports Sedans and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will have three races each – the latter of which will have its endurance race run on Sunday morning.

Tickets for the event are available for purchase at motorsporttickets. com.au with multiple ticketing options on sale, including weekend passes and VIP experiences.

There will be plenty of activations for fans to enjoy, inluding a signing

session involving many stars of the Shannons SpeedSeries.

Fans who can’t make it to the track will be able to tune into the event via the 7plus broadcast, with stream times available on the Shannons SpeedSeries website.

The fourth round of the 2024 Shannons SpeedSeries season, Race Tailem Bend, takes place at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park on 31 May-2 June.

Get more information on Race Tailem Bend at speedseries.com.au

Photo: Photographer credit

AUSTRALIA TAKING INTEREST FOR MOTORSPORT GAMES

Motorsport Australia is on the lookout for competitors to represent the nation in this year’s FIA Motorsport Games.

Taking place in Valencia, Spain, the third instalment of the growing multidisciplinary event will welcome competitors from all around the world for a four-day festival in October after successful previous editions in France and Italy.

This year, an expanded list of categories and disciplines will form part of the FIA Motorsport Games, with 28 different competitions forming part of the event.

From circuit racing and karting to rally, slalom and Esports, there are a variety of disciplines will be on show, with the most recent addition being the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli.

Founded 32 years ago, it is one of the most prestigious single-make categories, with two international series in Europe and North America and more than 1000 drivers from around the world.

The one-make series joins five other categories open to Motorsport Australia licence holders, including GT and GT Sprint, Touring Car, Formula 4 and Drifting.

Boasting the most categories at the Games is Rally, which has three different classes for Rally2, Rally4 and Historics.

Once again, Karting will have four categories available, with senior and junior sprints and endurance races, while karting will also have a competition in the Slalom discipline. Motorsport Australia will work closely with Karting Australia on selecting the best competitors to represent their country at the Games.

Rounding out the list of disciplines are Esports and Cross Car, which have multiple competitions each.

Photos: SRO / FIA Motorsport Games

Australia has a successful history in the FIA Motorsport Games, having finished second in the inaugural FIA Motorsport Games in 2019, while picking up Gold on multiple occasions.

Some of the individuals to represent Australia in previous years include Matt Campbell, who won Gold in GT last year, Brenton and Stephen Grove, Aaron Cameron in Touring Cars and Costa Toparis, who made his F4 debut in France.

In 2019, 19-year-old Cody Nikola Latkovski won Australia’s first-

ever Gold Medal in the Digital Cup, before the Groves claimed a bronze medal in the GT Cup.

The 2024 FIA Motorsport Games takes place at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain on 23-27 October.

Expression of Interest now open for Team

Australia at this year’s FIA Motorsport Games

Photos: SRO / FIA Motorsport Games

UPGRADES COMING TO HIDDEN VALLEY

The first stage of the Hidden Valley Master Plan upgrade will see important improvements made to the popular venue, thanks to the Territory Labor Government investing $3 million in the venue.

The upgrades will ensure that motorsport fans with a disability have improved facilities, upgraded pathways, new lighting and better signage when attending the circuit.

The remaining stages of the Plan, to be funded in the future, will include ontrack lighting to allow for night races to be held at the venue, a campground and a new shaded grandstand to improve spectator experience.

The upgrades will also ensure a coordinated and sequenced delivery of the remainder of the first stage of the Hidden Valley Master Plan including:

• Upgrades to the pits area including installing a shade canopy, stairs and additional pit spaces

• A new control tower and medical centre

• Creating a new entrance for Hidden Valley

Chief Minister Eva Lawler was proud to confirm the upgrades for the circuit

which also hosts a popular round of the Supercars Championship.

“Territorians love their motorsport and we are making sure every fan can enjoy a day out at Hidden Valley,” Lawler said.

“Delivering these upgrades in a staged way ensure that fans and competitors get the biggest benefits with the least disruption.

“The Territory Labor Government has a vision for the Hidden Valley precinct which will make it a world class venue for Territorians, tourists who travel to Darwin for our big motorsport events and competitors.”

Minister for Sport Kate Worden echoed those sentiments.

“Motorsport has a strong foundation in the Territory - from those who actively participate in the sport to fans who love to attend the Supercars weekend at Hidden Valley each year,” Worden said.

“The $3 million funding as part of Budget 2024 is the beginning of our transformation of this key piece of Territory sporting infrastructure and will ensure more Territorians can safely access this world-class facility.”

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RECORD-BREAKING MAHON WINS VIC HILL CLIMB AT BRYANT PARK

The Trydel Victorian Hill Climb Championship continued its 2024 season last month with a strong field of more than 90 competitors attending the fourth round of the year.

Taking place at Bryant Park, competitors got four runs at the famous figure-eight course, with a number of the championship’s heavy hitters such as David Mahon and Mike Barker headlining the field.

Both drivers were the star performers during the hill climb, but it was Mahon who ended up taking out top honours after guiding his Dallara Hayabusa F394 to an eventwinning time of 53.01 seconds.

Mahon set the fastest lap on every run, with his third attempt proving the most decisive as Barker’s best time was more than half a second off the pace.

Not only did Mahon’s third run seal the round victory, it also broke the Formula Libre up to 1300cc class record at the circuit.

Rounding out the podium behind Barker was Ewen Moile, who recorded a time of 56.84 seconds – almost four seconds off the second-placed Barker.

While the front two finished comfortably ahead of the field, the

Photos:

Seven70 Photography

battle for the final podium place was extremely close as just four tenths separated Moile with the fourth placed Matthew Healy – both drivers posting their best times of the final run.

A trio of open wheelers took the next three positions in the top 10, with Peter Minaham, Keith Wilson and Steven Buffinton finishing fifth to seventh respectively.

In eighth place was the highest ranked tin top in Zachary Hanlin, who steered his BMW M140i to a solid time of 62.20 seconds, edging out Toyota GR Yaris pilot James Dyer and Mitsubishi Evo 4 driver James Jordan in the process – just four tenths separating the three drivers at the bottom of the top 10.

Other notable results for the event saw Christine Crombie as the fastest women, while Rhys Yeomans (Improved Production 0-1600cc), Zachary Hanlin (Improved Production 3001cc and over) and Steven Weymouth-Wilson (Historic Group N up to 2000cc) all broke class records.

The next round of the 2024 Trydel Victorian Hill Climb Championship season will take place at the famous Rob Roy Hillclimb on Sunday 19 May.

Photos: Seven70 Photography

WHAT'S ON IN MAY

19

QUEENSLAND

18-19 May: Round 2 HBMSA Khanacross 2024

18-19 May: Go for Gold S2 Rallysprint

19 May: Mount Stuart Hillclimb Series Round 2 19 May: MAC Dirt Sprints Round 2

19 May: Round 1 CQMSC Driftkhana 19 May: Open Sprint Round 1 Ipswich West Moreton Club

24-26 May: QSSC Series Round 2

26 May: QLD Motorkhana Championship & Series

1-2 June: 2024 Qld Hillclimb Championship 1-2 June: CCCC Dirt Khanacross Series Round 2

QLD: 19 May: Mount Stuart Hillclimb Series Round 2

After a successful start to the 2024 season earlier this month, the Mount Stuart Hillclimb Series is back with a jam packed second round.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

18-19 May: EPAC State Khanacross Championship

19 May: Motorsport Australia SA Motorkhana Championship 2024 Round 3

19 May: EPAC Khancross Come & Try

25-26 May: Motorsport Australia 2024 South Australian Motor Racing Championship Event 4

26 May: Northern Tyre Service Walky Park Series Round 2

26 May: SCCSA 2024 Collingrove Challenge Trophy 2

26 May: LCORC 2024 Khanacross & SEAC Round 3

31 May-2 June: Shannons SpeedSeries Race Tailem Bend

1 June: Batchelor Motorkhana

WA: 1-2 June: Albany Classic - Round-the-Houses and Mt Clarence Hillclimb

The streets of Albany will come alive once again as the Albany Classic "Around the Houses" sees hundreds of classics cars competeting on a special circuit around the town's famous streets.

TASMANIA

18-19 May 2024 Tasmanian Circuit Racing Championship - Round 4

25 May: Highclere Khanacross 4 Front Real Estate

26 May: 2024 Tasmanian State Motorkhana Championship

26 May: Backwards Basky Hillclimb #7

1 June: Symmons Plains 150

1 June: Tasmanian Motorkhana Championship Round 3

VICTORIA

18 May: MADCC Round 3

18-19 May: 2024 Terry Baker Motorsport Weekend

18-19 May: SHCC Come and Try/Test and Tune

18-19 May: 2024 OST 3 Austin 7 Club

19 May: Victorian Hillclimb Championship Round 5

19 May: VCAS 19 May Autocross Round 4

19 May: PAC Khanacross

19 May: Kyneton Car Club Autocross Championship

25-26 May: 2024 Moonlight Meander & MMSC Memorial Trial

25-26 May: Motorkhana and Come and Try

1-2 June: Trydell Victorian Hillclimb Championship Round 3

2 June: Maffra and District Car Club Motorkhana

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

17-19 May: Perth Supersprint

17-19 May: 2024 Forest Rally WA Car Club

23 May: Infinite Time Attack

1 June: WA State Motorkhana Round 2

1-2 June: Albany Classic - Round-theHouses and Mt Clarence Hillclimb

1-2 June: Great Southern Street Machine Association Inc. Weekend of Speed

1-2 June: Make Tracks Bencubbin 2024

Photo: Albany Classic "Around the Houses"

Photo: Kate Horsfall

Edge Photographics

TAUPŌ TREATED TO SUPER SHOW

The Repco Supercars Championship made its long awaited debut at Taupō Motorsport Park last month, with plenty of drama unfolding during the ITM Taupō 400.

With a sold-out crowd braving the mixed weather conditions to watch the third round of the 2023 season, Andre Heimgartner gave the home fans something to cheer about early on the weekend as the New Zealander claimed top honours in the first of two 200km races.

Starting from third place, the Brad Jones Racing star took advantage of

an early incident involving pole-sitter Cameron Waters, Tim Slade and Will Brown to slot into top spot.

Remaining at the front of the field for the rest of the wet race, Heimgartner fought off any challenges from rival drivers, eventually leading the two Dick Johnson Racing entries of Anton De Pasquale and Will Davison across the line – the latter gifted the final podium place in the final stages when Chaz Mostert’s wheel came loose and forced him back to the lane.

"I am a bit speechless," Heimgartner said post-race.

"I had Chaz all over me at the start and then, yeah, I was hoping to drive a bit cooler and then he was catching so fast, I had to just put caution to the wind.

"I was really pushing the last few laps and just had enough... I can't believe it. It was quite slippery, especially when we went back out on the new tyres, it really started raining.”

While Davison’s podium was as good as it got for him for the weekend, his teammate backed up his runner-up finish with third place on the Sunday.

De Pasquale started the event’s second race in fourth place and managed to work his way into third where he finished, earning the coveted Jason Richards Trophy for the overall round win in the process.

Ahead of him during the second race was an entertaining battle between

Photos:

the two Triple Eight Engineering stars of Will Brown and Broc Feeney, with the former eventually claiming the win.

Starting from the third row, Brown climbed four positions during the race and battled hard against his teammate in Feeney - the duo putting on a tense show for fans before Brown held on for a three second win.

"It was awesome racing between the team there, that's what it's all about,” Brown said post-race.

“I hope everyone out there in New Zealand loved that, but God, I was buggered at the end of that. I was trying everything to get around him and I locked the rears and just got around.

"Mega day, thanks to everyone at Red Bull Ampol, that was awesome. I hope everyone enjoyed it, had a lot of fun with Broc there.

"I might have touched him once, but I was trying not to, but it was hard to resist when you're in a battle like that. Great, great fun. That's the best race of my life."

Brown’s victory saw him maintain his Championship lead after three rounds – the gap between the two teammates now out to 71 points.

The Repco Supercars Championship continues this month with the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint taking place at Carco. com.au Raceway on 17-19 May.

Photos: Edge Photographics

CONTACT US

The Motorsport Australia member hotline is open from 9am to 5pm AEST

So for all your motorsport needs call the Motorsport Australia Hotline on 1300 883 959, or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au

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We look forward to hearing from you.