SPEED READ A P R I L
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TAKING IT ONLINE With world sport coming to a halt during the ongoing COVID-19 situation, there is one form of motorsport that has stepped up due its accessible nature.
CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
WONDERFUL WOMEN OF MOTORSPORT
SARANDIS STRONG IN SUPERSPRINT
Motorsport Australia's President and CEO give key updates on the current unprecedented situation.
Speed Read shines the spotlight on some women who are doing a fantastic job in representing motorsport.
Evo 8 pilot Andy Sarandis blitzed the field at Mallala Raceway earlier in March
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CONTENTS 4
A letter from the President
5
A letter from the CEO
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Taking it online
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Supercars Eseries gears up
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Full stream ahead for ARG Esports Cup
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Festival shines as Classics heat up island
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Wonderful Women of Motorsport
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When there’s a Will, there’s a way
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Get the health cover you need
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Sarandis too strong in Mallala Supersprint
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Motorsport Australia estore now open
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East and west hit the dirt
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COVER PHOTO Its time to kick off your shoes, put your feet up and go racing. Check out what's happening online, as a number of players are hitting the 'track' in a different setting during world's current situation. Photo: Codemasters
275 Canterbury Road, Canterbury VIC 3126 PO Box 172, Canterbury LPO Vic 3126 Member Hotline 1800 883 959 (9am - 5pm AEST) Telephone 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Website motorsport.org.au E-mail info@motorsport.org.au
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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you in what is an unprecedented situation. Our everyday lives are changing and so too, is the way our sport is being run. First and foremost, I hope that you, your family and your friends are all well. I encourage you to keep up to date with the latest government advice regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. We have made it our focus to ensure you are kept up to date through various communication channels as the situation changes. Our staff remain at your disposal to assist however they can.
“We have made it our focus to ensure you are kept up to date through various communication channels as the situation changes”
Motorsport Australia has set up an internal working group to tackle the COVID-19 situation, and this group includes members of our senior staff and also our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Brent May. They will continue to meet regularly. I encourage you to check your emails and also to visit our website often for the latest information. As you would be aware, this ongoing situation is having a significant impact on our daily lives, jobs and the economy. Motorsport Australia is not immune to these challenges and we know there will be tough decisions to make both in the short and medium term, but I am confident that our loyal staff and my fellow Board members will work very hard to ensure we get through this situation and the sport will come out stronger than ever. The Board of Motorsport Australia is fully committed to looking after the health and wellbeing of our staff and our senior executive, led by CEO Eugene Arocca. Eugene and his team are working extremely hard to ensure the organisation does everything it can in the best interests of motorsport. We do not expect that everything will return to normal for a few months and we are hopeful that in the latter part of the year, events can begin to run again, with healthy entry lists and excited crowds in attendance. When that may be, we simply cannot say, but we will do our best to make sure we are ready when restrictions are lifted in due course. Please look after yourselves and ensure you keep up to date through both our website and by paying attention to the government’s regular COVID-19 updates. Yours in motorsport,
Andrew Papadopoulos
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A LETTER FROM THE CEO I write to provide you with a further update as we deal with the continued fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. As you might have seen in recent weeks, sporting bodies across Australia, and around the world, have been forced to make extreme changes to the way they operate during this period of uncertainty. Motorsport Australia is no different and we have had to look at every single facet of our operations during this time. With the various restrictions placed on everyone’s movements, both federal and state governments have rightly put the brakes on our sport for the time being. Understandably, this has had an impact on our ability to operate as the peak body for motorsport in Australia. In light of these extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances, our employees have agreed to a reduction in their pay and working hours across the board. This was certainly a tough request to deliver to our staff, however they all understood the situation we now find ourselves in. Their passion and loyalty has never been in doubt and it has been heart-warming to see the way in which we have all come together as an organisation to fight for our sport’s long-term future, despite the tough decisions that have been forced upon us. In recent days you would have seen the Federal Government’s $130 billion Job Keeper initiative come into effect. This wage subsidy has essentially ensured that we did not have to stand down any staff in the short term, which prior to this announcement was certainly a real prospect that our senior management team had been considering. We are very thankful for the Federal Government’s support of all employers across Australia. In our case, it will ensure that we can look after our people in the tough months that lie ahead. Our workforce is loyal, passionate and committed to growing motorsport at all levels and this decision to reduce pay for all staff was not made lightly. We know we have a responsibility to our sport to ensure Motorsport Australia can continue to operate and thrive for many decades to come.
As mentioned above, our people will be supported through these changes and we have also allowed staff to take any annual leave or longservice leave during this period. Whilst events drive our sport, it is the loyal and unconditional support and passion of our member Clubs, officials, competitors and staff that collectively drives Motorsport Australia. You may have seen a number of events scheduled for the coming months being postponed, rather than cancelled – this is a positive sign that the latter half of 2020 could end up being one of the busiest few months in recent years. We will of course be ready for this influx of events, permit applications and many other queries that will no doubt result from the ‘restart’ of our great sport, once we are through the worst of this global pandemic. In closing, I’d like to thank all our members for their ongoing support and understanding during this time. We know many of you are struggling with your own businesses or employment situations, but the attitudes, comments and support of those who have been in contact with us recently has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the sport’s ability to get through any crisis together. More importantly, it illustrates just how fortunate we are to have members who truly care about our sport.
“It is the loyal and unconditional support and passion of our member Clubs, officials, competitors and staff that collectively drives Motorsport Australia”
If you do need to reach out to us at this time, please note that while the Motorsport Australia offices remain closed, our membership hotline is open for any queries, and we can be reached on 1300 883 959. You can also email us, or head to our website – motorsport.org.au – to find the latest information about the ongoing situation and its impact on our sport. We will endeavour to provide you with regular updates as the situation unfolds. Regards,
Eugene Arocca
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T I G N I K A T
Photo: Edge Photographics
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With world sport coming to a halt during the ongoing COVID-19 situation, there is one form of motorsport that has stepped up due its online nature. In these testing times, the motorsport community has had to find ways to adapt and continue running to keep the positivity up and its millions of fans entertained in their own homes. The answer? Esports.
Photo: Supercars
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Photo: carsales TCR Australia Series
While playing computer games was once a leisurely hobby people would do to relax, in recent years, the advancement of gaming technology has seen Esports skyrocket into a popular and professional form of competition. And now, as motorsport events around the globe have postponed their 2020 seasons, drivers have instead been readying their gaming consoles, simulators and driving wheels to do some virtual racing of their own.
“Starting out in sim racing takes a lot of experience and practice to get good” - Nikola Latkovski
From the highest profile competitors in the FIA Formula 1 Championship to Australia's own Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, a number of categories will be holding a special make-shift series over the next few months, where drivers will compete from the comfort of their own home, still adhering to the current isolation regulations in place.
Another discipline available for interested sim racers to be a part of is the Motorsport Australia Rally Championship’s four event virtual season, which is played on the rally game Dirt Racer 2.0 and open for anyone to compete. With drivers around the country getting involved in different capacities, one of Australia’s best Esports competitors in Cody Nikola Latkovski revealed what it takes to be a good sim racer. “A good setup needs to be simple and would include one screen and a high end wheel,” Latovski said. “Using gloves is not mandatory, but they help with immersing yourself into the game.
The Formula 1 Championship was meant to hold its Bahrain Grand Prix last month, but instead of holding the real race, it held the first Virtual Grand Prix, with a variety of drivers taking part in the event, including Formula 1 star Lando Norris.
“One thing people need to understand when starting out in sim racing is that it takes a lot of experience and practice to get good. Some people might be great in the real world but when it comes to jumping on the simulator, there are a few different tricks people have for different games.”
Closer to home, Supercars begins its All Stars Eseries early this month with every full-time driver expected to be part of the 10-week series, while Australian Racing Group will also run the ARG Esports Cup.
There are many options for motorsport fans to do racing of their own with simulators, driving wheels and a range of consoles available for purchasing from stores.
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SUPERCARS ESERIES GEARS UP The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship’s new All Stars Eseries will keep motorsport fans entertained, with the events broadcast on multiple online and television platforms. Starting from 8 April, Australian motorsport fans will be able to watch the 10-round series live on Fox Sports (Channel 506), Kayo and Ten Plus, with the latter two to also have the races available on demand after each event, while New Zealand based fans can tune in via Sky Sports. Online users can also view the events through the Supercars’ Twitch channel and Facebook page, with every team in the championship to stream each race. With all 25 drivers confirmed to compete, General Manager Television and Content
Supercars Media Nathan Prendergast was excited about what was to come. “This series is about giving fans an opportunity to cheer for their favourite drivers from anywhere in the world,” Prendergast said. “Drivers have really embraced the opportunity to continue racing via this All Star Series and we expect tough and exciting competition across the board. “To bring fans more insights, we will have drivers chatting mid race and interacting with the broadcast, like the Supercars Championship. We’ll also be using webcams throughout the series, so fans watching at home can see the drivers mid-race.” The full schedule will be released prior to the first round which takes place at the virtual Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 8 April.
Click here to view the full Supercars Eseries calendar.
Photos: Supercars
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FULL STREAM AHEAD FOR ARG ESPORTS CUP
Australian Racing Group (ARG) will run a special online motor racing league over the next 10 weeks, with drivers from a number of its categories to make up the ARG Esport Cup field. With the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships unable to get underway as scheduled due to the ongoing COVID-19, many categories are turning to Esports to get their racing fix. The 10-round series will feature drivers that feature regularly as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, with competitors from the carsales TCR Australia Series, VHT Australian S5000 Championship, National Trans Am Series, Kumho Tyres
“There will be some really exciting entries keen to show their skills online” - Matt Braid V8 Touring Cars and the Gulf Western Oils Touring Car Masters, as well as a host of other special guests. Beginning on 2 April, each event will see competitors take part in 90 minute sessions made up of qualifying and races with prize money to be awarded to race winners. Fans will be able to watch the events live and free through the TCR Australia and S5000 Facebook and YouTube pages and ARG CEO Matt Braid was thrilled with the enthusiasm shown competitors in the lead up. “The initial response from drivers and teams has been very encouraging. I would not be surprised if we end up with a grid of around 40 cars, with dedicated drivers from the ARG stable of categories,” Braid said. “The eSport Cup is open to all drivers and teams from the ARG categories, and there will be some really exciting entries keen to show their skills in the online format. “We trust that all race fans will see this as a great way to fill the gaps before we get back to our real world racing.” The ARG Esport Cup series gets underway on the evening of 2 April and the first event will take place at the iconic Mount Panorama in Bathurst.
Watch the ARG Esport Cup on the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships Facebook page here.
Photos: carsales TCR Australia Series
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FESTIVAL SHINES AS CLASSICS HEAT UP ISLAND The Victorian Historic Racing Register has held another successful edition of the hugely popular Phillip Island Classic ‘Festival of Motorsport’ with a healthy field of entries taking part in the 31st edition of the event.
There was also a number of big motorsport figures in action with former Australian Touring Car stars John Bowe, Greg Murphy and Thomas Tweedie all competing throughout the weekend.
Across three-days of non-stop action at the start of March, nine categories did battle on the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, with a large turnout of spectators also enjoying the show.
Virgin Australia Supercars Championship driver David Reynolds was also in attendance, with the Erebus Motorsport driver running passenger rides for lucky fans.
From Historic Touring Cars, 5 Litre Touring Cars and a host of other group touring cars to F5000, Formula Ford and Indy Cars, there were classic cars from all eras on display both on and off the track.
The Victorian Historic Racing Register’s next major event is the Winton Festival of Speed, scheduled to run in August.
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Photos: Revved Photography
Click here to view results from the Phillip Island Classic ‘Festival of Motorsport’
Click here to view some highlights from the day.
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WONDERFUL OF WOMEN MOTORSPORT At the start of March, Motorsport Australia celebrated International Women’s Day, highlighting the individual efforts of some women in the sport. From tarmac rallying to off road to circuit racing, there plenty of women from all walks of life shared their stories about the impact they have on the sport.
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“Being a female in this sport is pretty good. I have always been around cars since I was younger. "A lot of the people I am racing against, I have known for years and they are like family to me now. I first started through Track Day Club before getting enough confidence to began racing. Since then, I haven’t looked back.” Corrine Virag Circuit Driver
“I love the Mini because it represents both sides of my personality which is one, I am a female and two, it’s an underdog, it's aggressive and it can be really quick. “I think I get the satisfaction knowing I can do the same thing as men can on the race track. As women and as drivers, we have a lot to offer and a important point is that we are out there having a go.” Casey Price Targa and Hill Climb Driver
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“I discovered rally in 2000 when I volunteered as an official for the International Rally of Queensland. I was hooked straight away. I started officiating or spectating at every rally I could get to. “In 2017, my partner and I built our own race car and named it George. Two years later, I ended up winning the Queensland Novice Series outright with George. “I am passionate about growing the sport and promoting the family aspect.” Michelle Van Der Wilk Rally Driver
“It’s good to see other females having a go, especially the husband and wife teams. A lot of partners are getting in now and being a part of the crew instead of just being in the background. “My advice to other females would be if you had a chance to get invovled, give it a go. If you don’t like it, no worries, but if you do – then continue with it.” Karin Ann Barker Off Road Co-Driver
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“Last year's St George 399 was the first time I had been in a car competitively, so to go from my first race to class champion in the same season is surreal. “It was an exhilarating year. In off road racing, you don’t know what to expect and what’s going to happen, which is what makes it so fun to be part of off road racing. “I remember before getting involved, I went on a trial lap to see if I liked it. I loved it so much, I didn’t want to get out of the car!” Penny Pankurst Off Road Co-Driver
“I feel there was a big stigma about girls being able to only navigate and not drive, but here I was beating around 60 competitors at just 17-years-old, so I proved that women can do well. I find it a huge achievement I am not just making up the numbers. “Gender shouldn’t be holding us back, so my advice to other girls my age would be to get out and try because it’s lots of fun.” Perri Guidolin Off Road Driver (Right in picture)
“There are so many females who are involved in rallying around this country, especially in Adelaide. “A lot of ladies are starting to come up through khanacrosses, motorkhanas and other grassroot eventsm, which is great. There are even a few of us that dabble in tarmac rallying which is great to see. “I’ve also been mentoring a young female driver in grassroots motorsport to help her achieve her goal of one day driving in rallies.” Lisi Phillips Rally Co-Driver
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WHEN THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY “I didn’t start the Targa Albany Sprint expecting to win so I’m absolutely ecstatic” - Will White 18
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Photo: David Turk/Pixel Culture
Photos: David Turk/Pixel Culture
Will White has claimed top honours at the annual Targa Albany Sprint on 2 March, posting the fastest time out of more than 85 classic and modern entries. In front of thousands of spectators, White steered his 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 to the event winning time on just his second run, with none of the other competitors able to beat his 1:37.43 during their five attempts of the 2.8km hill climb. White’s nearest rival, Denver Parker was more than three seconds slower, while the battle for third ended up in a tie between two Mitsubishi Evo drivers, Dennis Heller and Mark Greenham - their fastest times for the event being 1:41.46. Following his well-deserved victory, White revealed he was thrilled with the performance after heading into the event with no expectations. “We modified the turbo and manifold and changed the doors to make the car lighter and faster. On the second run, I got a good line and that’s when I clocked my fastest time, which was lucky because in the third run, the clutch fried,” White said. “I didn’t start the Targa Albany Sprint expecting to win so I’m absolutely ecstatic with the result.
was awesome, ten out of ten.” One of the day’s most impressive performances went to Jurgen Lunsmann, who drove the event’s only electric car, the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance+, to seventh place. Lunsmann was highly impressive all day, even clocking the outright second fastest time on his first run. “It’s nice to see all our years of building coming to fruition,” Lunsmann added. “In the right type of events, the Tesla EV is outright competitive - this is the first time we modified our EV, and by modify, I mean we put R-spec tyres on it and that’s it. I drove home with air conditioning, a stereo and cruise control.” Other notable results saw Simon Gunson post the fastest pre-1986 classic time in his 1970 Ford Capri, while the fastest Albany local was Glenn Badger, who finished 17th in his classic 1980 Ford Escort MK2.
Click here for full results and more information on the Targa Albany Sprint.
“There were families, kids and massive crowds everywhere, it was great. The event was well run, and I’d like to thank event organisers and the City of Albany for their support. The event
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Photo: Dan Thompson
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Take out hospital and extras cover with Australian Unity by 30 April and receive either a $100 gift card (singles cover) or a $200 gift card (couples and family covers).1 Even better, Australian Unity will waive all two month and optical waiting periods on Extras.2 When you call, don’t forget to tell the Australian Unity consultant you’re a Motorsport Australia member and you’ll get an ongoing 7.5% discount too.3 Gift card offer ends 30 April, so call Australian Unity to get the cover you need.
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Health insurance that’s got your back And knees, hips, teeth, eyes, and‌ 8% discount on health cover1 for Motorsport Australia members. Call Australian Unity today Call 1800 224 244 Visit australianunity.com.au/motorsportaustralia 1 8% discount includes all retail discounts and is available only when paying by direct debit. The discount is not available through brokers or comparators, and excludes Overseas Visitor Cover. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discounts.
Photo: John Lemm
SARANDIS TOO STRONG IN MALLALA SUPERSPRINT “It’s a sprint, it’s more about pushing yourself than beating others” - Andy Sarandis
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The Marque Sports Car Association of South Australia held the first round of its 2020 Supersprint series last month with Andy Sarandis blitzing the field at Mallala Raceway. With competitors getting four sessions during the event, Sarandis steered his Mitsubishi Evo 8 to the fastest time in each session, with his best time of 1:13.1199 coming on the third stint. While Sarandis was hoping to break into the 12 second mark, he was still satisfied with his overall performance, as his best lap from each session was in the one minute and 13 second mark. “I was hoping to go a touch quicker. I went out last year and did a mid-12 lap time and was trying to get back near there this year, but while I didn't make it, I was certainly happy to be doing those sorts of times,” Sarandis said. “It was nice to go out and drive a car. It was fantastic the club put the event on. There was a lot of good vibes and it was better to do something rather than sitting at home and reading news stories.
“I was planning to do the state round but after that got cancelled, I was excited to do anything because I just wanted to drive. There may not have a been a huge challenge from other drivers but as it’s a sprint, it’s more about pushing yourself than beating others.” Sarandis’ closest challengers came through Andrew Campbell, Rob Atkins and Martin Quinn with Campbell getting the closest after coming in less than a second within the leader during the day's first session. That was as close as Campbell got though, with Atkins the next best driver across sessions two and three, steering his Holden Commodore to within two and half seconds of Sarandis on both occasions. In the final session, Quinn took out second place, posting a best lap time three seconds slower than Sarandis. Despite being unable to challenge Sarandis in either of the four sessions, Carl Ward was one of the most consistent drivers all day and the only driver, apart from Sarandis, to finish every session in the top six. Photos: John Lemm
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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA ESTORE NOW OPEN Click here to visit the new estore.
Motorsport Australia members looking to purchase new motorsport apparel and merchandise can do so with the brand-new estore officially open for business. With Motorsport Australia recently signing a new merchandise and apparel partner in S-Trend Sportswear, the new estore features a new line of Motorsport Australia branded casual and officials merchandise. Motorsport Australia’s partnership with Revolution Racegear continues in the estore with race wear and equipment such as fireproof race suits, helmets and boots also available.
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The popular speed shirt makes a return to the new estore, accompanied with a range of casual t-shirts highlighting different disciplines of motorsport. The website also features a special portal for Motorsport Australia officials, where officials who require uniform can order their apparel for events they plan to attend. All Motorsport Australia branded merchandise will see 15% of the sales go towards Bushfire Relief Fundraisers, with a special Bushfire Appeal Apparel range also on offer to purchase.
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EAST AND WEST HIT THE DIRT
Photo: Andrew Kilburn
The 2020 state off road year began last month with Western Australia and Victoria both hosting the opening rounds of their respective seasons. The Motorsport Australia West Australia Off Road Championship opened up their season with the 2020 G Turbo Rod Hatter Memorial Perenjori 360 and it was Colin Doney who took out the season opener in style. Driving alongside Peter Doney, the Extreme 2WD class winner was the
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fastest out of the 23 remaining crews in across the event’s three sections, with Jarrod Percival and Darryn Beckett crossing the line in second place just three minutes behind the winners. Finishing a gallant third behind Percival and Beckett, as well as in the Pro-lite Class, was Jake Clucas, while SXS Turbo winners Sean Fitzpatrick and Brett Funneman comfortable ended up fourth, four and half minutes ahead of Harleigh Uren, who rounded out the top five.
Click here to view the results from the WA round.
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WA
Click here to view the results from the VIC round.
Photo: Show N Go Photography
One week after Perenjori, Victoria was the next state to hold its first round of the year and it was Joseph and Jourdain Patterson who claimed the Rainbow Rises 240. Twenty drivers formed part of the Motorsport Australia Victorian Off Road Championship’s opening round - a dress rehearsal for August’s Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro, which acts as a round for the 2020 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) season.
The duo grabbed their maiden victory thanks to a two and half minute buffer over second placed Tim Bower and Ben Lugg, while Glen Pike and Darryn Conn rounded out the podium. South Australians Ben Erceg and David Mussell finished the event in fourth place and as Sportslite class winners, while just two more crews finished the event, as Dean Williams and Jon Huber nabbed sixth place over Lawrie Penpraze and Matt Johnson.
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 or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au
l Hit up Motorsport Australia on social media for photos from events, news, videos and other great motorsport content.
SEND US YOUR STORIES! If you have a motorsport story which you think should be told, get in touch with us and it could appear in Speed Read. If you have pictures or videos of motorsport you would like to share with us, we encourage you to do so. They could appear on our website, social media platforms or in Speed Read. Please email communications@motorsport.org.au We look forward to hearing from you!
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