Motorsport Australia Speed Read - October 2023

SPEEDREAD

OCTOBER 2023

JOHNSON CELEBRATES HALF CENTURY OF BATHURST

The 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 will mark a significant milestone in the illustrious career of Dick Johnson, half a century since his inaugural appearance in ‘The Great Race’.

AUSTRALIA

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ROUND TWO OPEN FOR CLUB DEVELOPMENT FUND

The second round of the 2023 Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund is now accepting applications.

STRONG FIELD LOCKED IN FOR AORC KALGOORLIE FINALE

The entry list for the highly anticipated Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race has been confirmed with 84 crews to take part in the season finale

SHINES

FIRST ASIA PACIFIC MOTORSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP

Team Australia has done its country proud after an inspiring performance at the inaugural Asia Pacific Motorsport Championships.

NSW 2259. The winner will be notified by phone and email by 19/1/24 and published in The Australian newspaper on 22/1/24 and on the competition website. ACT Permit TP 23/01097.1, SA Licence T23/854 & NSW Authority TP/00259. Images for illustrative purposes only. 1 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 AUD spending money (i.e. total spending money of $10,000 AUD). 2 Actual period may be less than 365 days depending on the winner’s location and delivery/pick up date, however, won’t be less than 11 months residual benefit. The issue of Shannons Insurance is subject to Shannons normal acceptance criteria. The inclusion of this component of the prize does not constitute financial product advice or a recommendation to acquire any Shannons Insurance product. Shannons Roadside Assist (Roadside) is an optional cover only available in conjunction with Shannons Comprehensive Motor Insurance. The issue of optional Roadside is subject to the winner being issued the comprehensive motorcycle

DICK JOHNSON CELEBRATES HALF CENTURY AT BATHURST 1000

The 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 will mark a significant milestone in the illustrious career of Dick Johnson, one of the sport's most formidable competitors, team owners, and charismatic figures. This year, he commemorates half a century since his inaugural appearance in ‘The Great Race’.

The journey started with his first appearance in 1973, where he featured alongside Bob Forbes in a Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1.

In an era where the race was all about surviving, Johnson and Forbes did just that to cross the line in fifth place – an impressive feat in a race that takes such a big toll on drivers of all experience levels.

Spectators witnessing the performance of the then 28-yearold may not have realised it would be the first of his 26 appearances across his racing career, which included three race wins in 1981, 1989 and 1994.

His first victory came in his first year competing under the Dick Johnson Racing / Palmer Tube Mills banner, featuring alongside fellow Queenslander, John French for the first time since 1974.

The duo was declared the winner after a six-car pileup on lap 121 ended the race prematurely, their Ford falcon being the leading car at the time and taking the victory.

“The first one we won, in ’81, was really, really special,” Johnson said in a Shell V-Power Racing Team video.

“Even though it was a shortened race, at the end of the day, we had the goods to do it.”

Some difficult years alongside Larry Perkins and Gregg Hansford made his next two victories all

Dick Johnson on the Bathurst podium in 1981

Bathurst 1980

Johnson and Bowe on the Bathurst podium in 1989

Photo: The Coventry Collection

“The first one we won, in ’81, was really, really special”

the more sweeter, with his first alongside the well renowned John Bowe coming in the 1989 rendition of the race - where the duo essentially led from start to finish.

Johnson and Bowe would then repeat their efforts five years later, fighting off the threat of a rookie Craig Lowndes in the dying stages to take their second as a team, and third for Johnson overall.

While the three wins were arguably the greatest moments of Johnson’s time racing in the Bathurst 1000, he was also around to witness a number of other memorable moments – including Peter Brock’s record-breaking ninth win and Greg Murphy’s Lap of the Gods.

But with great memories, come some we would much rather forget.

Johnson was involved in one of the more miraculous escapes The Great Race has ever seen, after his Greens’-Tuf XE Falcon was sent flying after the right rear tyre clipped the barrier in Qualifying at Forrest Elbow in 1983.

Just three years earlier, Johnson was involved in another well-known Bathurst incident when he collided with an errant rock while leading the 1980 enduro.

It was that year that Dick Johnson Racing was formed and is today known as the longest running team in the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship.

The team has since won four Bathurst 1000s in its time, with its first coming in 1981 and its most recent coming in 2019 with Scott McLaughlin and Frenchman, Alexandre Prémat.

Dick‘s final Bathurst 1000 appearance came in 1999, where he narrowly missed out on a farewell podium finish alongside his son, Steven.

Steven would go on to tackle the mountain 21 times of his own, with his best result a third place finish alongside Will Davison in 2007.

“There were some tough times, and we did it from home, no factory involvement etc. But things are a lot different today,” Johnson said.

“It’s changed over the years dramatically, from the early days of Bathurst, it’s so much different. Not only the cars, but the race track itself, the television coverage.

"They have these little cameras in the car now which look like a tube of lipstick. I had a full-sized camera inside the car. Things are quite a bit different to what they used to be.

The 2023 edition of Repco Bathurst 1000 race will take place on Sunday, 8 October.

Photo: Edge Photographics

“It’s so much different. Not only the cars, but the race track itself; the television coverage”

2023 STATE AND NATIONAL AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN

Motorsport Australia is now accepting awards for its State and National Awards for 2023.

Celebrating the success of those in our motorsport community at all levels, nominations are open across a range of categories, including our outstanding officials, impressive performances by competitors or for those who have served the sport for many years.

Applications close on Tuesday, 31 October 2023 and must be submitted through the online form - the nomination process is easy to complete online through a computer, tablet or mobile phone.

Anybody may nominate, with the Honours and Awards Committee to consider the nominations following the closing date.

For any queries, please email awards@motorsport.org.au

Nominate someone from the motorsport community at motorsport.org.au

Photo: Flash Studio

AUSTRALIA SHINES AT FIRST ASIA PACIFIC MOTORSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP

Team Australia has done its country proud after an inspiring performance at the inaugural Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship in Malaysia.

More than 150 competitors from 18 countries competed for gold across five disciplines, including Esports, Gymkhana, Rally, Karting and Karting Slalom.

But in the end, it was the 12 talented Australian representatives selected by Motorsport Australia and Karting Australia that combined for a competition-high nine medals, with the three golds enough to finish in an impressive second place behind host nation, Malaysia.

The team was led by captain multiMotorsport Australia Motorkhana Champion, Aaron Wuillemin, who took part in the Gymkhana aspect alongside Corinne EastJohnson, an accomplished motorkhana competitor with her own impressive credentials as well at Matthew Caldwell.

Unfortunately, the trio were unable to secure any medals across the weekend but played a pivotal role in leading a great mix of Senior and Junior competitors throughout.

Leading the weekend charge was former Bosch Motorsport

Australia Rally Championship (ARC) competitors Molly Spalding and Matthew Dillon – securing two competition golds after an incredible showing in both the controlled and regularity phases of the rally.

While a second place finish in the Controlled Speed Stage was an impressive feat in itself, the duo went one better on Sunday by taking top honours in Rally Regularity.

The combined 47 points was enough to edge out the strong Sri Lankan duo of Sam D Smith and Thrisha Hisham Samsudeen in the APMC Rally Cup, who claimed silver.

Another young driver leaving Sepang International Circuit with gold around their neck was Ky Burke, who won the Junior category in Karting after a thrilling encounter with Singapore’s Isaac Seah, while another Aussie, Bardley Majman claimed bronze in the same race.

Photos: Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship

Majman was one of two Karting Australia representatives to claim a bronze medal, with Declan Matthews taking the same honours as the sole Australian in the Senior division. Meanwhile, the weekend will forever be etched in the memory of young Riley Harrison, who missed out on a gold medal by just two tenths of a second in the Cadet division, settling for what was still a remarkable silver medal worthy performance.

Unfortunately, Blake Purvis was one of three drivers who were disqualified due to a technical infringement, cancelling out what was an impressive race nonetheless. It was an incredibly strong showing in the Esports discipline with two topthree finishes in both the drivers and team championships respectively.

In the Esports battle, RaceSpec Elite Series Champion Zachary Smith finished in a convincing

second place after 30 laps around Silverstone Circuit, with Ryan Hoolihan making it two Aussies in the top five after finishing fifth.

The duo then had their eyes locked on gold in the Team Championship, but would ultimately claim another silver - falling just four tenths of a second short after 60 laps of racing.

AUSTRALIAN MEDAL TALLY GOLD

Ky Burke – Karting Sprint (Junior)

Molly Spalding and Matthew Dillon – Rally Regularity

Molly Spalding and Matthew Dillon – APMC Rally Cup

SILVER

Riley Harrison – Karting Sprint (Cadet)

Molly Spalding and Matthew Dillion

– Controlled Speed Stage Rally

Zachary Smith – Esports (GT3)

Zachary Smith and Ryan

Hoolihan – Esports (Team)

BRONZE

Declan Matthews – Karting Sprint (Senior)

Bradley Majman – Karting Sprint (Junior)

Photos: Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship

OCTOBER'S SUPERCHEAP AUTO SUPERSTAR CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY IN SANDOWN STYLE

This month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar goes to Victorian Paul Meade.

Born and bred in Victoria, Paul has been involved in motorsport as a volunteer for almost 40 years, having celebrated his 37th anniversary with back-toback weekends at Sandown last month.

Paul got his first taste of motorsport in 1986 when a friend introduced him to officiating. He became instantly hooked during his debut event - the Sandown 500 and hasn’t looked back.

Paul then spent his early years in the sport as a track marshal and working in a recovery role. He was also involved in club-level motorsport events throughout the 1990s, eventually joining the Victorian Flag Marshalling Team in 2005.

Throughout his career, Meade has volunteered at multiple Australian Grand Prix events, having held the role of Sector Marshal, while also being hand-picked by Motorsport Australia to officiate at the inaugural Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix in 2010.

His experience and passion have seen him progress up the ranks and now holds the role of Chief Flag Marshal at many events within the state, including last month’s Shannons SpeedSeries and Supercars Championship rounds at Sandown.

Not only does he volunteer at events as often as he can, but Paul also mentors the next generation of volunteers coming through.

“Being able to train and mentor the new members who want to work trackside gives me great satisfaction - these people are the future of the sport, and giving them the knowledge to take over from us in the future is so important,” Paul said.

“I know that what we do is not a given, it's a privilege. If you don't have the budget to go racing and if you're just interested in all categories in motorsport, becoming a volunteer official would be perfect for you.

“As long as you have the enthusiasm and want the best seat in the house, contact Motorsport Australia and find an official group that you can get involved in. There

are so many avenues to go down to get to the discipline you wish to follow. You won't regret it.

“Not only do you get great experiences like I have, but also plenty of memories and friendships made along the way.”

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

Do you know someone like Paul; 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

PAUL MEADE

“Not only do you get great experiences like I have, but also plenty of memories and friendships along the way”

Photo: Revved Photography

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SA MOTOR RACING CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO AN EXCITING CLOSE

The fourth and final round of the Motorsport Australia SA Motor Racing Championship series was run and won last month at The Bend, with some tight competition on the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park throughout the event.

Hosted by the Sporting Car Club of South Australia, a strong list of competitors took to the tarmac in several different categories looking to come away with a win and entertain the healthy crowd in attendance.

The event saw a number of consistent finishers, with many putting in dominant performances across the weekend.

One of which was in the Circuit Excels class, where the round belonged to Joel Johnson who picked up two Saturday victories along with another two on Sunday to complete a near-perfect round ahead of Jacob and Adam Currie and Nick Skaife who each battled hard behind.

Brian Smith enjoyed similar success running in the same series, talented driver the first Masters class driver home in races one, two and three before a DNF in the standalone race, Shawn Jamieson, Jordan Johnston and Kim Anderson were his best competition in one of the biggest fields of the weekend.

One other category with a huge field of runners was the Historics, where Sean Whelan found a dominant groove of his own, winning three

Photo: Bob Taylor

of the four races, Peter Nowlan (Mallock) was his best rival in the Q & R Historics Groups. On the other side of the Historics field, the form was with Laurie Bennett who also won all but one race, surrendering one victory to Mark Goldsmith due to a penalty.

Shawn Jamieson had close to identical fortune on his weekend, finishing first in all but one race, as Mark Rosser took a lone victory in the combined Saloon Cars and HQ Holdens category. In the older Holdens, the four wins were split two apiece between Darren Jenkins and David Smith.

There was also a number of clean sweeps, one of which was in the Improved Production Nationals category, where everyone seemed to be chasing Adam Poole all weekend long, he took out the clean sweep ahead of challengers Andrew Sarandis and Scott Cook in another one of the event’s largest fields.

It was a similar story in the Combined Sports Cars/Sports Sedans, which saw the same race winner four times in a row, that winner - Panayot Boyaci. Those who were able to finish closest to Boyaci were Ian Wilson and Anthony Giustozzi.

There was also a mixed bag of results for the Formula Vee’s, Mark Haig was far too quick for Matt Woodland for most of the weekend, bouncing back from a second-place finish in the first race in the was the winner of Race 1 for the combined open wheelers/ sportscars class. Woodland claimed the win in the opener but couldn’t go on with his form. Again, as spectators saw all weekend, a driver fell one win shy of the sweep as Daniel Westcott fell short behind Matt Blalek in the final race in the battle of the Vees.

Photos: Bob Taylor

OFFICIAL HUMPHREYS TRAILBLAZING AT NATIONAL LEVEL

The most recent round of Shannons SpeedSeries at Sandown Raceway marked a major milestone for Rebecca Humphreys, who became one of the first female Course Car Marshal at the national level.

With the number of female officials involved in both grassroots and state-level events continuing to grow, Humphreys was mentored by experienced official Anthony Jenkins to be the first to take the responsibility as the course car marshal at the Sandown race meet. The course car marshal role aims to assist the wider officiating team, acting as the ‘eyes’ of the Clerk of Course confirming the circuit is in a safe condition for track activity.

In her role, Humphreys exceeded expectations and thrived in an event that threw rain, oil and various incidents her way – all handled professionally thanks to her extensive work across Australian motorsport.

Over the years, Humphreys has played her part in vehicle recovery, event command, circuit communications and many other similar roles.

Humphreys enjoyed her role at Sandown Raceway and encouraged more women to get involved in such a rewarding sport.

“I think it’s great that women are able to do anything in the sport. Motorsport has come a long way in breaking down the barriers and providing support and guidance to women,” Humphreys said.

“I’ve enjoyed the Course Car Marshal role from the very beginning, and I’ve had a great mentor (Jenkins) that has supported me to achieve my goals.

“There are so many amazing officials out there and I really enjoy working with all the teams that make motorsport happen.

The role really tests your skills, abilities and knowledge of the sport and I think that’s where my experience really comes into play.

“My biggest advice to females looking to get involved is to get as much experience as possible, ask lots of questions and try different roles.

“The more you can learn from the experienced officials the better. And just don’t aim at the high-level motorsport, try all levels - grassroots motorsport is really where you’ll learn your craft.”

As her mentor, Jenkins was full of praise for Humphreys and her ability to step up into such an important role.

“It was timely for the weekend Shannons SpeedSeries at Sandown to have Rebecca as the course car marshal, given I was the emergency coordinator for the event,” Jenkins said.

“It was the first time Rebecca has worked ‘one-up’ in this role and she performed the role very

well. I continued to monitor her communications across the weekend and was able to observe her working to a very high standard.

“I was the Clerk of Course at the Winton Shannons SpeedSeries event and Rebecca was my first choice as the course car marshal. However, she was unable to attend.

“Certainly moving forward, I hope Rebecca will continue in the course car marshal role at select events.”

While the Shannons SpeedSeries round was her first, it most certainly won't be her last.

In addition to her future involvement in national level events, Humphreys is also expected to be part of the course car team at next year’s FIA Formula 1 World Championship round at Albert Park in March – where Jenkins will act as the Course Car Team Manager.

“This year was the first time back at the AGP in many years, it was a big eye opener to F1 and the supporting categories,” Humphreys explained.

“I’m looking forward to working with a passionate team of officials that want to showcase the sport we love. Working directly with Anthony Jenkins is priceless. I learn so much from him every time we get to work together.”

“Motorsport has come a long way in breaking down the barriers and providing support and guidance to women”

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OFFICIATING GREATNESSKEITH NEVILLE CELEBRATES CENTURY MILESTONE

Known as a “true icon” of the sport, long-time official Keith Neville has spent most of his life fully engaged in motorsport as a scrutineer, steward, Chief and enthusiast. The now-retired official celebrates one of the biggest personal milestones – turning 100. His involvement in motorsport dates all the way back to the mid-20th Century when he would become a prominent figure at circuits including but not limited to Oran Park, Warwick Farm, Amaroo and Bathurst.

A boilermaker by trade, Neville also spent a considerable amount of time working as the official welder at the Sydney Showgrounds – where he would continue his involvement in motorsport at Speedway events.

In the subsequent years, numerous impressions and connections were established with those around him and he was later rewarded for his efforts by being named both a Motorsport Australia Service Award and Motorsport Australia Service Star recipient respectively. His true contribution came not only from his own efforts at

motorsport events, but also from those who he has taken under his wing and mentored over the years – where he has become known as a “grandad” to many officials.

Neville now resides in an aged care facility, surrounded by family on the year that he turned a remarkable 100-years-old.

at Oran Park, he took me under his leadership and I would not have become a Senior Official in motorsport without him.”

David Healy

Longtime associate/ friend of Keith Neville.

“I first met Keith Neville at an HSRCA Race Meeting at Amaroo Park in the early 1990s. I had been doing some Scrutineering for the Sprite Car Club at Combined Sports Car Association Supersprints and had been invited to assist at HSRCA events," Healy explained.

But while his days as a motorsport official may be over, he has forever left a long-lasting impression on those lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work with him in the past.

Bob Hockley

Longtime associate/ friend of Keith Neville.

“I have known Mr Keith Neville for the past 50 years - what a great gentleman," Hockley said.

“I worked with him as a Scrutineer and as a Steward in the early days

"Keith was very encouraging and supportive to me in those early days. Indeed, it was he who encouraged me to try my hand at "non-historic" race meetings and opened the door for me to join the Motorsport Australia NSW Scrutiny Advisory Panel and the Motorsport Australia NSW State Officiating Panel.

"I know that I speak for many others as well as myself when I say that Keith remains one of the friendliest, most supportive and respected Officials in motorsport and I regard him as a very good friend."

Photo: Bob Taylor

“He took me under his leadership and I would not have become a Senior Official without him”

STRONG FIELD LOCKED IN FOR AORC KALGOORLIE FINALE

The entry list for the highly anticipated 2023 Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race has been confirmed, with an impressive 84 crews to take part in the season finale.

More than 55 of those entered to take part in Western Australia later this month will compete as part of the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) finale, while the remaining 29 competitors are registered to compete in the highly competitive Western Australia Off Road Championship (WAORC).

Headlining the national stage will be 2023 champions-elect, Travis Robinson and navigator Andrew Pinto who return to their home AORC title, plenty of contenders will still make the trip to the west, with a handful of outright and class placings still to be determined.

With bonus points on offer, Mel and Emily Brandle will take to the dirt roads to try and hold second place outright ahead of the absent Shannon Rentsch, with a promising result also certain to lock up Prolite class honours.

Their closest class rivals, Alan Dixon and Jonathon O’Connor will also be present to try and spoil the party,

most after SXS Pro’s 19, with Extreme 2WD welcoming a competitive six. Another pairing who will be fighting for both outright and class honours are reigning SXS Champions James Cook and Mitch Aucote – who already have one outright round win to their name and will be eager to claim ‘best of the rest’ status behind Robinson and Pinto in the AORC.

Although they will have to get the better of 18 other SXS crews if they want to leave Kalgoorlie with the class win, as the likes of James and Michael

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

Photo: Brett Lehmann

Photo: Dan Thompson

Mogford, Glen Brinkman and Dale Moscatt, and Greg Campbell will all have their eyes on the same prize.

The same competitors will be vying for the 2023 SXS Motorsport Australia Championship, where Campbell currently holds a slim 14 point lead over Brinkman.

The offering of extra points means that even the champion-elect himself isn't certain to leave Kalgoorlie with Pro Buggy honours, with a great result from Paul Tuck Lee potentially knocking Robinson off the top step of the class if the latter was to have an unfortunate outing.

Heading the Extreme 2WD class will be current leader, Nick Commins,

who will have the always-entertaining Beau Robinson guided by Shane Hutt to fend off for one final run in 2023.

Troy Higgins will look to carry his winning momentum into the final round of the season alongside John Simmons, following his resounding triumph at the WAORC Total Asphalt Three Springs 300 last month.

Higgins’s WAORC rival Adam Trewhella will also make an appearance alongside navigator Koby

Those taking part will tackle approximately 363 competitive kilometres across the three days of action.

The event will run in the same format as it did on its national debut last year, which will see Prologue take place on the Friday afternoon before crews tackle one lap of the 121-kilometre course on Saturday.

AORC crews will then contest the remaining two laps on Sunday, with a presentation night to wrap up the weekend on Sunday evening.

The final round of the 2023 Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship will take place at the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race on 19-22 October.

Grant, with the two crews expected to be neck and neck throughout the entirety of the weekend.

Other notable entries for the final round include a trio of class leaders including Adam and Mitchell Jiear (Production 4WD),

Discover more about the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship at aorc.com.au

Sean Beck and Rebeka Waite (Performance 2WD), and John White and Jack Briggs (SXS Sport).

Photo: DJH Creative

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

CICONTE THROUGH TO RISING STAR FINAL FOUR

After three days of gruelling testing at the Porsche Experience Center in Franciacorta, Italy last month, 14-year-old Joanne Ciconte has progressed through to the final stage of the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars Program.

Ciconte was one of 16 girls entered in the unique program, where participants underwent a series of tests both in and out of the car.

From physical and strength training, mental and personality assessments, and education on areas such as tyre maintenance, as well as timed laps around the circuit in a Formula 4 carthe girls were tested in the elements that make a complete racing driver.

All the assessments were completed under the watchful eye of an expert jury made up of members of the FIA, the Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA), Iron Dames, Scuola Federale ACI Sport, Pirelli, OMP, Tony Kart and 3,2,1 Perform.

Following on from the three days of testing, Citoni was selected alongside Alba Hurup Larsen (Denmark), Domenika Arellano (Ecuador) and Mathilda Paatz (Germany) to progress to the last stage of the program.

“It is such an amazing feeling to have made it to the final four – it is such a privilege to have had this experience,” Ciconte said.

“Making it through to the next stage is certainly confidence building and I feel it gets me closer to my goal of being a driver - I am just so pleased that I made it to the next effort.

“They were three really challenging days – especially since it was my first time in a Formula 4 car, but I had so much fun across the whole event.

“The amount of hard work and effort I have put in to get here - I am so proud of not just myself, but my family and the team for all their support - I am really looking forward to the next stage.

“The whole event was super professional, and the FIA went to the extreme to put on a good program – they were really serious about it and we all felt like we were at the top level.”

In being selected, Ciconte becomes the second Australian to progress to the final four of the program’s history, with Alice Buckley making the selection in 2022.

Ciconte also wasn’t the only Australian at this year’s event either with Jure Portelli also part of the eight.

While Portelli fell just short of being selected, Ciconte was lucky enough to make it through. The 14-year-old was hopeful of making it to the FDA.

“I felt really proud to be an Aussie there and was happy to represent the country in a competition like this,” Ciconte added.

“I am more motivated now to make it through and win that spot in the FDA, and I feel like I have developed a strong mindset for it.

“I am going to spend the next couple of months working on my fitness and getting mentally prepared for the stage as the pressure will be bigger, while also getting practice in the car.

“A big thanks to Motorsport Australia and Karting Australia for their support in this part of my journey, as well as the FIA for running an amazing event.”

The final stage of the Girls on Track Rising Star Program will see Ciconte return to Italy in November at the iconic Fiorano circuit in Maranello.

“It's such an amazing feeling to have made it to the final four”

Photos: Massimo Bettiol PH

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA FEES AND CHARGES UPDATE

Dear Motorsport Australia Licence Holder, Inflation pressures which most Australians are observing in general cost-of-living increases continue to impact individuals, businesses and all organisations, including sporting organisations.

Motorsport Australia is certainly not immune to these challenges and cost pressures. Added to this is the reality of ongoing and significant increases in our insurance costs over recent years. To meet the challenge of these rising costs, Motorsport Australia’s Board has brought forward a 15 per cent increase to our 2024 fees for licence holders and event organisers as of 1 October 2023.

This increase will apply to all products, with limited exceptions, most notably to our Junior licence which we will hold at its current price.

We know this won’t be news you want to hear, and it was not a decision we wanted to make. However, when you consider the significant increases in insurance, as well as our general operating costs, we are left with little choice but to pass these costs on, in part, across the sport.

Put simply, the cost of our insurance has risen almost 60 per cent since 2019. During this time Motorsport

Australia has been working to absorb these significant increases, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic where we held our fees steady and offered free licence extensions to the majority of our licence holders in what was a very difficult time for everyone. Our operations have remained lean since this time and all staff worked throughout 2020 and 2021 on reduced salaries to avoid having to pass on significant increases in our fees.

As a memberbased, not for profit organisation, the revenue we generate is utilised to invest back into the sport. A key priority as we look ahead is to invest in training, recruiting and retaining Motorsport Australia Officials to

allow us all to continue to enjoy the sport we all know and love. We remain committed to serving you, our members, and remain on hand to answer any queries or concerns you may have. You can contact our membership team during business hours via our hotline (1300 883 959) or via online chat through our dedicated Member Portal at motorsport.org.au.

Regards,

Andrew Fraser President, Motorsport Australia

“As a memberbased, not for profit organisation, the revenue we generate is utilised to invest back into the sport”

A letter from Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser

New Officials’ Range

2023’s Motorsport Australia Officials uniform has dropped. New gear available at:

motorsport.org.au/estore

WHAT'S ON IN OCTOBER

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

3-8 October: Repco Bathurst 1000

7 October: 2023 National Patios

ACT Khanacross Series Round 5

8 October: SORRA Driver Training / KHANACROSS Round 3

8 October: BMW Drivers Club of NSW 2023 Motorkhana Round 5

12 October: Whiteline Tarmac

Rallysprint Series 2023/24 - Round 1

14-15 October: 2023 Alpine Classic

14 October: Classic Cruise

15 October: October Breakfast Run

15 October: Round 5, 2023

Motorsport Australia NSW Supersprint Championship

15 October: MGCCN KC6

Dirt & Tar Khanacross

15 October: Rocktober Khanacross

15 October: Jammach Earthmoving

Exavation State Rallysprint

15 October: HDCC Silverdale Khanacross

19 October: SMSP Night Sprints

20-22 October: Nabiac

Airport Challenge

21-22 October: GSCC Track Attack

22 October: Picnic & Display Day

22 October: MG Car Club

Sydney Ltd Concours

22 October: Lithgow District Car Club October Motorkhana

22 October: CSCA Round 6

CSCA Super Sprint Series

22 October: DE.3 – BMW Drivers Club NSW Driver Experience

22 October: Evan Green

28 October: Speed Weekend Supersprint

28-29 October: 2023 Motorsport Australia NSW Motor Race Championship Round 6

28-29 October: Bega Valley Rally

29 October: Speed Weekend Mountain Straight Hill Climb

29 October: 2023 Coffs Mechanical

Repairs - Khanacross Round 6

29 October: New England Sporting Car Club Motorkhana #5

QUEENSLAND

6-9 October: Zooms Cup 2023

7 October: Pato's 7 Hour Enduro

7 October: CCCC Dirt Khanacross Series Round 4

8 October: Marque Sports Car Register

- North Queensland Test and Tune

13-15 October: Tour de Cassowary

14 October: KCF Rallysport Spring Stages

14-15 October: 2023 Motorsport

Australia Super Sprint Championship

15 October: Round 3 CQMSC Khanacross

15 October: MR2 Queensland navigational challenge

21 October: Ingham Forest Rallysprint

22 October: Junior Development Motorkhana

22 October: Jim's Social Fun Run

22 October: Round 9 2023

Club Championship

27-29 October: Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500

27-29 October: Shannons

Historic Motorsport Festival

28-29 October: Rd 4 2023 Qld -

NSW Sprint Challenge & Rd 4 2023

Short Course Touring Car Series

29 October: HBMSA October Test & Tune

QLD: 7 OctoberPato's 7 Hour Enduro

The latest intallment of this growing event will see teams of two cars tackle the special 18km course at Millchester Motorsport Facility for seven consecutive hours.

NSW: 28-29 October – Bega Valley Rally

The 50th anniversary of this popular event is on track to be one of the best ever with more 230 competitive kilometres of flowing and technical forest roads spread over day and night stages making up the event.

Photo: Nicole Van Den Berg

Photo: North Queensland Offroad Racing Association

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

12-15 October: 2023

Shannons Trophy Series

12-15 October: PowerPlay

Adelaide Hills Rally 2023

13-15 October: Motorsport Australia

SCCSA 2023 South Australian

Hillclimb Championship

15 October: Motorsport Australia SA

Motorkhana Championship Round 5

21 October: First Gear

28-29 October: The Bend Classic

28 October: SCCSA 2023 Come & Try 2

28 October: EPAC State Khanacross

29 October: SCCSA 2023

Collingrove Challenge Trophy 4

TASMANIA

6-8 October: Longford Highway Star

7 October: Precision Exhaust

– 31 Bends of Barrington

14 October: LCCT\MSCT Club Day

VICTORIA

7-8 October: Westmere Motor

Sport Father’s Day Motorkhana

7 October: Motorkhana Round

3 (Victorian 86/BRZ Club)

7 October: PCCV METEC Khanacross

14-15 October: Innes Motors Mt

Tarrengower Historic Hill Climb

14-15 October: Alfa Club

Victoria 10 Hour Relay

14 October: MADCC Round 7

14 October: 2023 VCAS Round 10 - Parwan

15 October: 2023 Dandenongs Tour

15 October: Sandown Spring Sprint

20-22 October: Brocktober 2023

21 October: 2023 WRX Club Round 6

22 October: MG Car Club

Geelong Annual Car Display

22 October: All Nissan Day

22 October: MSCA Super Sprint

22 October: Gippsland Car Club Khanacross

26-29 October: Motorsport Australia

Hillclimb Championship

27-29 October: Fiat Nationals

27-29 October: Grampians Gallivant

27-29 October: 2023 Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships Round 6

28 October: 2023 Bagshot Rallysprint

28 October: Ararat Car Club

Motorkhana-Go-Whoa

29 October: PAC Group 5

Motorkhana Round 10

29 October: Gippsland Car Club Hillclimb

29 October: Maffra and District Car Club Motorkhana

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

7 October: SWTCC Round 6

14 October: Tarmac Sportz Hill Climb

14-15 October: RallyVent 2023

14-15 October: Bormsa Twilight Khanacross and Driver Development Day

17 October: Ferrari Track Day

19-22 October: 2023 Black Diamond

Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race

22 October: PCWA SSR7

22 October: State Motorkhana Round 5

WA: 19-22 October2023 Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race

Photo: Colin Rosewarne Photography

VIC: 14-15 October - Innes Motors Mt Tarrengower Historic Hill Climb

Full fields of both cars and bikes are entered in the popular event on the historic 400m hillclimb course, with a busy two days of action in store for all who attend.

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

TAILEM BEND TO HOST CROSS-DISCIPLINE DOUBLE HEADER

A thrilling Shannons Trophy Series season filled will draw to a close with its largest meeting of the year at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (The Bend) this month.

The round will welcome seven categories, including Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, Australian Formula Ford Series and the Australian Prototype Series – all to feature under the Shannons Trophy Series banner for the first time in 2023.

A number of returning categories will also feature at Tailem Bend for three jam-packed days of action, with MARC Cars Australia, Workhorse Radical Cup Australia, Circuit Excel

SA and the combined Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars (APC) and Monochrome GT4 Australia all re-joining the Trophy Series following previous appearances earlier this year.

Additionally, spectators will be treated to action from the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally round,

John Paul Drake will be eager to make it consecutive Australia Prototype Series titles after also claiming the title in South Australia last year, while Matt Hillyer will look to go out on a high after wrapping up the Australian Formula Ford title race at Phillip Island in September.

which will run simultaneously to the Trophy Series event and also be based out of The Bend.

As each category approaches the conclusion of their individual seasons, anticipation is building for plenty of action ahead, as several title races remain undecided.

It will also be an important round for Alex Gardner in Workhorse Radical Cup Australia and Marco Giltrap in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge – with both looking to extend their respective series leads in their penultimate round. View the full schedule at motorsport.org.au/trophyseries

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

The combined APC and GT4 category will see the most track time across the weekend with four, one-hour races scheduled to take place across Saturday and Sunday. While Circuit Excel SA will take on four races of their own.

Both Australian Formula Ford Series and Australian Prototype Series will continue with their traditional format of three, 20–25-minute races across the weekend, while Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia, MARC Cars Australia and Workhorse Radical Cup Australia will see similar formats with extended session times throughout.

Friday will also be the busiest day of on-track action, with a mammoth 20 sessions made up of practice and qualifying starting with Circuit Excel SA practice and concluding with the ARC special stages.

The racing will then officially get underway Saturday morning and will run all the way through to the conclusion on Sunday’s action.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations, Michael Smith was looking forward to another doubleheader in South Australia and encouraged fans to get involved.

"It is really exciting to be able to return to Tailem Bend for a double header with Shannons Trophy Series and PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally," Smith said.

"We were lucky enough to run a similar format in 2022 which was well received by both competitors and spectators alike, and we anticipate that this year will be

Hills Rally, is free of charge. Fans will be able to enjoy Sunday’s action live and free via 7plus.

The Sunday broadcast will begin just in time for Race Two of the Australian Prototype Series at 9am ACDT and will run through to the conclusion of Race Three of MARC Cars Australia at 5pm ACDT.

just as exciting, with some tweaks made to the rally route to make the event even more intriguing.

"There is no better way to round out what has been a fantastic year for the Shannons Trophy Series. South Australian fans should get to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park to immerse themselves in a motorsport feast, witnessing some of Australia's top circuit and rally competitors in action."

Spectating for the Shannons Trophy Series, and PowerPlay Adelaide

Fans can also watch the action unfold via Motorsport Australia’s YouTube channel, Blend Line TV and the Shannons Trophy Series Facebook. The third and final round of Shannons Trophy Series will take place at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park on 13-15 October.

“We were lucky enough to run a similar format in 2022 which was well received by both competitors and spectators alike”

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

ROUND TWO OPEN FOR CLUB DEVELOPMENT FUND

The second round of the 2023 Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund is now accepting applications. The Club Development Fund is available to Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs and aimed at supporting clubs in their growth and development.

The funding areas available cover safety and operational equipment, volunteer upskilling and club capacity, women and girls’ participation initiatives, as well as events and activities designed to introduce new participants to motorsport.

Round one of the 2023 fund saw 10 Motorsport Australia clubs benefit from the Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund.

One of those clubs included the HSV Owners Club of Victoria who received funding to support their Come & Try Day to be held at Sandown Raceway on November 25. While being open to all, the event also brings a focus to

providing an entry point for women wanting to get behind the wheel.

Clubs are encouraged to discuss any projects with their Regional Development Executive before submitting an application.

Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith encouraged all clubs to apply.

“The Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund is a great initiative that is making a positive difference to Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs,” Smith said.

“We’d encourage all our clubs to consider applying and making the most of this great opportunity to invest into events and programs that will help see more people enjoying more motorsport more often.

“Thanks must also go to Supercheap Auto for their ongoing support and commitment to our clubs across the country.”

Applications for the second round of the Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund will be open until Tuesday 31 October.

Find out more about the Supercheap Auto Club Development Fund and apply now at motorsport.org.au/cdf

ROUND ONE RECIPIENTS

• NSW: Raleigh Motorsports Association

• QLD: Central Coast Car Club (Gladstone)

• QLD: Historic Leyburn Sprints

• SA: Tarmac Junior Development Program Assoc of South Australia

• TAS: Hobart Sporting Car Club

• TAS: Light Car Club of Tasmania

• VIC: Austin Healey

Sprite Drivers' Club

• VIC: HSV Owners Club Victoria (Incorporating HDT) Inc

• WA: Ashendons First intervention Inc

• WA: WA Sporting Car Club

“We’d encourage all our clubs to consider applying and making the most of this great opportunity”

WUILLEMIN WINS NATIONAL MOTORKHANA TITLE

The 2023 Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship has come and gone, and with it a plethora of class wins and brilliant motorsport performances.

Hosted by Hills District Car Club and Thornleigh Car Club, the event saw the nation’s best motorkhana drivers take to Nirimba Education Precinct to fight for the coveted motorkhana title.

While it was a familiar surname on the trophy, this year saw a different member of the Wuillemin clan secure bragging rights, with Daniel Wuillemin winning the outright trophy thanks to a consistent performance throughout.

While Daniel was the deserved winner on the day, he joked that the absence of the 2022 title winner and brother, Aaron Wuillemin –who was competing at the Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship in Malaysia – made the task somewhat easier.

“If you send my two main competitors over to Malysia to compete, that helps,” Wuillemin added.

“But Dave Beames and Andrew Collier are always good to compete against.

“My brother, Aaron, also got the car ready for me, so a big thanks to him for leaving me with a winning car to compete in.”

The Victorian’s win put him in front of other motorkhana regulars, such as runner-up David Beames who also delivered a steady performance as winner of the F Class, replicating his runner up finish at last month’s Victorian Motorkhana Championship.

Roger Tite rounded out the outright podium, followed closely by Philip East and Andrew Collier, who finished behind Wuillemin as runner up in Class G. Outside of the outright battle, the event saw a number of

other drivers claim wins of their own, including Kelvin Goldfinch for Class A, Brett Davison for B and Brian Shanahan for C.

Class D was won by Dean Batt, and H by Martin Gallard, while the E Class victory went to Reece McIntosh who narrowly missed out on a top five finish in the outright championship. The day also recognised motorkhana’s finest female and junior competitors, with drivers awarded for topping the outright and production categories for both groups.

Cobey East-Johnson topped the Ladies Outright division after a stellar performance, matched by Emma Goldfinch who was best in Ladies Production.

And for the Juniors, it was Hamish East-Wuillemin who won the Outright trophy, while James Ware Jnr secured the win for Production.

“If you send my two main competitors over to Malysia to compete, that helps”

Photos: Bruce Moxon

POWERFUL ENTRY LIST FOR POWERPLAY ADELAIDE HILLS RALLY

A highly competitive entry list has been confirmed for this month’s PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally.

The penultimate round of the Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC), the South Australian round will see 28 ARC entries line up alongside a further nine state-only competitors, along with four crews in the South Australian Regularity Series bringing the total entry list to 41.

Reigning Champions and current Championship leaders Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin are the first names on the list, their 2022 victory allowing them to keep the number one on their car throughout 2023. The pair will be eager to back up last year’s round victory at the South Australian event.

Just 15 points behind in the outright standings and hot on their heels are Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia teammates Harry Bates and Coral Taylor who will be the first car on the road with number two on the side of their Toyota GR Yaris AP4. Another Champion confirmed to

take part is 2017 winner Nathan Quinn, alongside co-driver Ray Winwood-Smith – the pair eager to claw back valuable points on the current ARC leaders. A host of impressive modern rally machinery will again feature, including Luke Anear and Malcolm Read, along with Troy Dowel and Bernie Webb piloting Ford Fiesta Rally2s. Alex Rullo and Steve Glenney, as well as Peter Rullo and James Marquet will steer a pair of Hyundai i20 Rally2 machines. The Luff Brothers will again feature in their Toyota GR Yaris AP4, while Eddie Maguire and Zak Brakey, as well as Daniel Gonzalez and John Allen will drive their Skoda Fabia R5s.

2016 ARC Champion Molly Taylor returns to the field for the first time in 2023, this year with a new co-driver in Andy Sarandis. The Subaru WRX STI pilots aiming to be a contender in the outright and White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup.

Among the other Production Cup competitors are current leaders Bodie Reading and Mark Young, with Steve Maguire and Ben Searcy also

returning to ensure the Cup battle goes down to the wire. A host of local and interstate competitors will also battle it out for the Production Cup, with a total of 13 entries in the highly competitive class.

2022 Shamrock Haulage ARC

Junior Cup winners Molly Spalding and Matthew Dillon also return to the ARC on their home turf, and likely to be one of the key contenders for the Production Cup.

Three ARC 2WD Classic Cup entries will battle it out, with 2022 Cup winners David Thompson and Matthew Sanders lining up alongside

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

Ivan Thompson and co-driver Craig Sheahen, as well as the confirmed entry of Tom Clarke and Ryan Preston who have swapped their Ford Fiesta R5 for the fan-favourite Datsun Stanza. And in the ARC 2WD Cup, Championselect Ben Hayes and Cathy Hayes will go up against fellow Victorians

Jason Lennane and Jasmine Lockley.

PowerPlay Adelaide

Hills Rally Clerk of Course Michael Clements said the event promised to deliver some exciting rally action.

“The roads are in perfect condition with three very different days of competition planned,” Clements said.

“Friday will see crews compete on the iconic Shell V-Power Motorsport Park GT Track. Saturday will see them compete on the hard packed tight and twisty roads of the Adelaide

Hills, while Sunday we head north to the Mid Murray region where the crews will compete on the more open loose gravel roads along the eastern edge of the Mt Lofty Ranges.

“Mix all those ingredients together along with the Super Special Stage and EROAD Power Stage based at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, and we hope to deliver a terrific opportunity for Australia’s best rally drivers to battle it out in what we think is one of the most unique and best rallies in the country.”

The event will run alongside the Shannons Trophy Series, which is being held at The Bend on the same weekend - providing a motorsport feast for South Australian fans.

The 2023 PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally will be held on 1315 October 2023.

Spectator information and more details on the event can be found at rally.com.au/adelaidehills

Watch the 2023 The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally highlights, and the extensive ARC archive, free and on-demand on 7plus.

Photo: Wishart Media

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

“Mix all those ingredients together... and we hope to deliver a terrific opportunity for Australia’s best rally drivers to battle it out”

KING AND TIERNEY CLAIM STELLAR WA RALLY WIN

Dylan King and Lee Tierney have taken home an emphatic win at the fifth round of this year’s Dunlop Tyres Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship.

Serving as the penultimate round of the 2023 series, the day saw 33 drivers take to Chidlow and Mundaring to compete for a chance at WA Rally Champion, with the series finale drawing near.

But, winning four of the day’s six stages, the win was effortlessly captured by powerful duo King and Tierney, who started the day off with a one second lead in stage one.

Whilst the day seemed to be off to a rocky start for the duo, who

lost their grasp on lead after the first stage when Daniel Gonzalez and Daymon Nicoli led by up to six seconds in stages two and three, the pair reclaimed their lead in the day’s second half, and did so in stellar fashion.

Stages four to six saw King and Tierney outpace the runners-up by gaps of 17, 40 and 50 seconds, resulting in an overall lead of just under a minute and a half come the end of the day, also beating Craig Rando and Scott Beckwith, Alex Rullo and Ben Searcy, and

Peter Rullo and James Marquet rounded out the top five.

Starting the round in third overall after the Karri Rally, this puts the pair in good form to fight for the championship at the final round at the end of the month, against Gonzalez and Rando, who also hold coveted spots in the top three. The sixth and final round of the 2023 Dunlop Tyres Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship takes place in Collie and the surrounding area on 28 October.

Photos: Jarrod Sierociak

Your car – your choice.

If your mechanic doesn’t use Mobil™ oil, buy it at Supercheap Auto and bring your own.

DID YOU KNOW, YOU CAN BYO? byo M

SANDOWN DELIVERS CLASSIC SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES

The ‘Home of Horsepower’ set the scene for a thrilling round of Shannons SpeedSeries in September, with six exciting national categories taking to the track.

A healthy crowd were treated to a brilliant display of racing from regular Shannons SpeedSeries’ categories including Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, National Trans Am Series and Kumho V8 Touring Car Series.

Additionally, MARC Cars Australia, Australian Formula Open and the combined Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia joined the bill to make up a jam-packed schedule.

In its usual fashion, TCR Australia put on three close races across the

three days, with HMO Customer Racing’s Bailey Sweeny taking top honours ahead of Aaron Cameron and Tony D’Alberto.

In doing so, Sweeny reclaimed the series lead over Hyundai teammate Josh Buchan, while Cameron put forward his name into the title conversation with consistent podium finishes.

In Trans Am, it was another series leader in James Moffat who dominated proceedings, claiming both races one and two before being demoted to fourth place in race three after contact with Pioneer Dj’s Elliot Barbour at turn one.

While the result was unfortunate for Barbour, the Victorian still found himself on the outright podium

in his home round, but had to settle for third behind Moffat’s teammate, Lochie Dalton.

Jim Pollicina celebrated a milestone weekend in style, taking V8 Touring Car honours ahead of Ray Hislop and Tony Evangelou.

The round winner now equals the record for most category round starts, but while it was a celebration for some, series leader Jude Bargwanna

Photos: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

had a troubled weekend and is now under threat from Notlaw Racing’s Jamie Tilley approaching the final round of the season in November.

The combined APC and GT4 category are no strangers to the Shannons SpeedSeries this year, just like Shane Smollen (GT4) and Grant Sherrin (APC) are no strangers to the top step of the outright podium in 2023, once again taking home the chocolates in dominant fashion at Sandown.

Smollen headed both Steve Jukes and Mark Griffith in an intriguing

round of action, while Sherrin was in a class of his own finishing ahead of Cameron Crick in second while Iain Sherrin rounded out the top three.

Australian Formula Open was one of two categories to feature under the SpeedSeries banner for the first time in 2023, and it was the two title rivals Ryan How and Trent Grubel who put on a show throughout.

In the end, it was How who closed the gap to teammate Grubel, while young-gun Brodie Norris was the driver to beat in the AF04 class.

And last but not least, rounding out the weekend’s action were MARC Cars Australia.

Spectators were treated to a fantastic display of MARC I, II and GT spec cars, but by Sunday afternoon it was Cameron McLeod who walked away as the outright victor.

Shannons SpeedSeries will next feature at Race Sydney on 3-4

November, and it will be the first of back-to-back rounds with Supercheap Auto Bathurst International taking place the following week on 10-12 November.

Tickets for both events can be purchased at motorsporttickets.com.au

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

BUMPER 10 ROUNDS FOR '24 SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES

Motorsport Australia outlined its plans for the 2024 Shannons SpeedSeries last month with the release of next year’s draft calendar.

Featuring a mammoth 10 rounds across eight different venues, the season will begin in Victoria at the iconic Sandown International Raceway on 9-11 February, before a trip south for Australian Racing Group’s Race Tasmania event on 15-17 March.

Phillip Island will then welcome the Shannons SpeedSeries in Phillip Island on 12-14 April, before the series makes its return to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (The Bend) in May.

That will be followed by an exciting July double header at Queensland Raceway – a venue that has proven to be both a fan and category favourite, facilitating the need for an extra weekend of track time at the renewed circuit.

The seventh round will be at a venue yet to be confirmed, before Sydney Motorsport Park hosts the first of two Shannons SpeedSeries events in 2024. The final two events of the year will feature the Australian Racing Group promoted events, which include the NSW double header at Sydney Motorsport Park and the season finale as part of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.

In 2024, the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour will return to being a standalone event.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith was pleased to get the provisional calendar out early.

“We’re excited to be releasing our draft 2024 calendar ahead of time to give all our categories and motorsport fans the opportunity to plan their year and look forward to another busy year,” Smith said.

“While this calendar is provisional, we are hopeful that there will be very limited changes, if any, however the release of other category calendars, namely Supercars, may force us to shift some dates to avoid any clashes.

“With eight events held in 2023, we are pleased to be running an expanded 10 round bumper calendar in 2024, providing more opportunities for categories to be part of our exciting events.

“This year has seen the best crowds in the Shannons SpeedSeries/Shannons Nationals history and our digital footprint is the largest it’s ever been, reaching millions of people so far in 2023, along with strong TV ratings across a high quality broadcast on Stan Sport and the Nine Network."

Australia Racing Group Chief Operating Officer, Liam Curkpatrick echoed Smith's comments.

“It’s pleasing to see the 2024 calendar take shape and we can’t wait to be part of the Shannons SpeedSeries again next year,” Curkpatrick said.

“We will shortly be able to release our category-specific calendars as well, providing certainty and a clear path forward for 2024.

“This year has been a breakout year for the Shannons SpeedSeries with record crowds, TV audiences and across our digital platforms. 2024 promises to be another strong year and we look forward to getting underway at Sandown in February.”

SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES

2024 CALENDAR

Round 1: Sandown International

Raceway - 9-11 February

Round 2: Race Tasmania - 15-17 March

Round 3: Phillip Island - 12-14 April

Round 4: Shell V-Power Motorsport Park (The Bend) - 24-26 May

Round 5: Queensland

Raceway 1 - 12-14 July

Round 6: Queensland

Raceway 2 - 19-21 July

Round 7: Venue TBC - 30

August - 1 September

Round 8: Sydney Motorsport

Park 1 - 18-20 October

Round 9: Race Sydney (Sydney Motorsport Park 2) - 1-3 November

Round 10: Supercheap Auto Bathurst

International - 8-10 November

Provisional calendar, subject to limited changes

“This year has been a breakout year for the Shannons SpeedSeries with record crowds, TV audiences and across our digital platforms”

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

FANTASTIC FEENEY NOTCHES UP MILESTONE WIN IN SANDOWN

The Repco Supercars Championship returned to the iconic Sandown International Raceway last month, with Triple Eight Racing’s Broc Feeney and Jamie Whincup taking out a memorable victory.

In front of a massive Victorian crowd, Feeney and Whincup claimed the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 win in what was an epic race that concluded with a grandstand finish under the setting sun. While the Safety Car was barely sighted for the majority of the race, a late intervention following a mechanical failure for Cameron Hill at turn nine turned the race on its head, with Red Bull Ampol Racing’s Feeney leading a bunched-up field for the final stage of the race.

Feeney would eventually get the jump over current Championship leader Brodie Kostecki and his teammate Will Brown on the Safety Car restart, and while Kostecki did his best to hunt Feeney down in the final 30 minutes of the race, he was unable to edge the talented youngster in what was an impressive battle to the line.

Feeney ultimately reached the chequered flag in first place to claim his first victory since the Darwin Triple Crown at Hidden Valley Raceway in June, as well as a maiden endurance race victory.

“That was pressure, that was hard work to the end, but I’m so stoked to come away with the win,” Feeney said post-race.

“The pressure was on, but we turned this thing into a bit of a rocket and I can’t thank the team enough and this guy (Whincup).

“I knew Brodie was really fast, I knew if I could just hang on for those first few laps (after the Safety Car restart), hopefully he (Kostecki) would burn his tyres up.”

The victory also saw Triple Eight Race Engineering notch up its 250th race victory, leaving Team Principle Whincup over the moon with the weekend and Feeney’s performance.

“You treat every race like it’s the last,” Whincup said.

“Don’t underestimate the job (Feeney) did, he’s 20-years-old and there was a lot of pressure at the end. Clearly, both cars are very, very good and 250 wins for Triple Eight, we couldn’t be happier.”

Rounding out the podium was the winners’ Red Bull Ampol Racing Team teammates Shane van Gisbergen and co-driver Richie Stanaway in what was one of the standout drives of the day.

Having had a disappointing qualifying run that threatened to derail the reigning champion’s title defence, van Gisbergen and Stanaway enjoyed a strong charge through the field throughout the 161-lap race, making up 16 positions to finish just Kostecki.

The podium puts van Gisbergen just 155 points behind Kostecki on the points table with just three rounds remaining.

Brown and co-driver Jack Perkins were the next team to cross the line with the P4 keeping the former in the title race and less than 300 points off his teammate, while also consolidating fourth on the outright standings.

An impressive performance during the endurance race from Andre Heimgartner and Dale Wood saw the Brad Jones Racing stars finish in fifth place, which helped Heimgartner leapfrog Chaz Mostert and Cam Waters to fifth on the standings – Mostert and Waters finishing a lowly 20th and 22nd. All attention for the next crews will now take stock and prepare for the iconic Repco Bathurst 1000 on 5-8 October at Mount Panorama.

REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10

1. Brodie Kostecki – 2171 points

2. Shane van Gisbergen - 2016

3. Broc Feeney - 1967

4. Will Brown - 1877

5. Andre Heimgartner - 1680

6. Chaz Mostert - 1660

7. Cam Waters - 1550

8. Jack Le Brocq - 1385

9. Will Davison - 1375

10. Anton De Pasquale – 1314

“I knew if I could just hang on for those first few laps, hopefully Kostecki would burn his tyres up”

JUNIOR DRIVE DAYS FIRST GEAR

and you’ll buddy up with a race driver instructor to coach you.

Introducing: First Gear Challenge

Put your First Gear training into practice. Compete in a friendly atmosphere in a motorkhana-style challenge.

Cost: $149 | AM and PM sessions available

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

lHit up Motorsport Australia on social media for photos from events, news, videos and other great motorsport content.

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We look forward to hearing from you.