SPEED READ D E C E M B E R
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OFFICIALLY THE BEST From Firies to Flaggies, Stewards to Scrutineers, volunteers and officials all around the world were celebrated this November, during the FIA Volunteers Weekend.
BATES TAKES THE CUP
DECEMBER UPCOMING STATE EVENTS
TWO + FOUR = 2021
An almost perfect performance from Harry Bates and John McCarthy has seen the duo victorious in the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Cup.
Check out the upcoming club and state events happening in the final month of this year.
The inaugural ‘Australian All Wheels Race Fest’, a unique event feature both cars and bikes, is set for early 2021 at the iconic Phillip Island circuit.
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CONTENTS 4
What's on in December?
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Motorsport Australia’s confirms Commission appointments
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Coral Taylor joins Board
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Motorsport Australia App available for download
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Officially the Best
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Vale Ian 'Skip' Taylor
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Famous Insurance update
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Thank you, Volunteers
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Media Awards nominations closing soon
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Bates takes the Cup
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Production rally superchargers
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Rally locked and loaded for 2021
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Amos all class in COVID Cup
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NSW State Championship lights up Sydney Motorsport Park
36 Q&A - Central North Coast Sporting Car Club 38
AORC confirms five round season for 2021
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Australia to open 2021 F1 season
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All systems go for Summernats 2021 opening events
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Two + four = 2021
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Shannons Festival to take over Sandown
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Piastri cool during crazy end to F3 season
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Rusty’s Garage continues to entertain
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Papadopoulos named Motorsport Australia President of Honour
COVER PHOTO
Our Fire and Rescue teams are just one of the many critical volunteer crews in our sport, dedicated to keep motorsport running safely and efficiently year in year out. Photo: Revved Photography
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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WHAT'S ON IN DECEMBER? NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT
5 December: Skid Pans 5 December: 2020 National Patios ACT Khanacross Series - Round 4 6 December: Ringwood Team Hillclimb Regularity 6 December: Driver Dynamics High Performance Track Days 10 December: Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series 2020/21 11-13 December: Motorsport Australia NSW State Championship Round 5 12-13 December: Dad’s Army Re Build Autocross 12 December: Skidpan Motorkhana (including Come and Try) 12 December: DSCC Autocross and Khanacross Round 12 13 December: Driver Dynamics High Performance Track Days 13 December: Lucky 13 = Sunday Sliding 13 December: Khanacross 18 December: Chrissy Khana
QUEENSLAND
5 December: Autocross Day-Night 6 December: Round 12, 2020 Club Championship 12 December: CQMSC Christmas Motorkhana
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY
5 December: (NT) Round 3 2020/21 Mud Racing Season 6 December: LCORC 2020 Khanacross and SEAC Round 5 12 December: Track Sports 13 December: Willunga Hill Climb
Photo: Ultimate Motorsport Events SA: Willunga Hill Climb A whopping 130 competitors are entered in the popular event where they will get four attempts up the course. Dan Day headlines the entry list and will be looking to defend his title after an emphatic performance last year.
TASMANIA
5 December: Symmons Plains 150 5 December: Round 3 2020 Legana Tyres and More Khanacross Series 6 December: Coghlans Carnival 6 December: Tasmanian Motorkhana Championship 12 December: BJR Tasmanian Hillclimb Championship 2020 12-13 December: Khanacross Summer Series Round 2 and Junior Training Day
NSW: Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series The Whiteline Tarmac Rallysprint Series 2020/21 season continues in midDecember with the third round taking place at Sydney Dragway. After two rounds already, this month’s event has received more than 75 entries and will certainly cap off a solid start for the series.
Photo: North West Car Club TAS: BJR Tasmanian Hillclimb Championship The BJR Tasmanian Hillclimb Championship returns this month for the final round of the season in Highclere, as well as the NWCC Black Tack series, where competitors will have the rare opportunity to fight it out for state honours in a one-day format.
Photo: Dave King
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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
5 December: GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint 5 December: Targa West 5 December: Vintage Stampede and Hillclimb 9 December: Summer Autocross Series Round 2 17 December: Shannons Targa Rallysprint Round 2 19 December: Collie Motorplex Come and Try Day 20 December: WRX Club Driver Training Day 20 December: WASCC Tarmac Sportz Series #12
VICTORIA
4 December: Driver Dynamics High Performance Track Days 5 December: Marque Sports Car Vic Track Day 5 December: Bagshot Rallysprint 5 December: GCC Club Hill Climb 6 December: AROCA Phillip Island Sprint 6 December: Round 3 Motorsport - Sandown 6 December: MG Car Club Geelong - Motorkhana 6 December: CCRMIT Christmas 2020 Motorkhana 6 December: Group5 HSCCV Motorkhana Round 3 6 December: SDCC Test and Tune 12 December: Come and Try/Sprint Day 12-13 December: "Out of Lockdown" Khanacross 13 December: GCC Club Khanacross 19 December: MSCA/PCV Super Sprint 20 December: Junior Driver Experience
Photo: Tim Allott WA: GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint It’s all happening in WA for Targa West as it runs its final event for the year ahead of what will be a huge 2021. Mark Greenham was the big winner from 2019, finishing less than seven seconds ahead of Paul Brockbank, but who will win in Bunbury this month?
VIC: GCC Club Hill Climb The popular Bryant Park is once again the location of the Gippsland Car Club’s latest hill climb for its members where more than 50 entries will take part in the club’s final event of the year.
Photo: Taku Mode
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MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 5
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA’S CONFIRMS COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS Motorsport Australia’s newlook Commission structure has been revealed, with all appointments across the three bodies now confirmed. A number of existing Commissioners remain in their respective Commissions, while some new faces have also been appointed, adding valuable experience to the organisation. Each Commission is given its responsibilities as delegates of the Motorsport Australia Board and play a significant role in setting the strategy for their respective disciplines, with their relevant expertise used to help shape a sustainable future for motorsport. Ryan Story will be the new Chair of the Australian Motor Racing Commission (AMRC), while Ben Erceg (Australian Off Road Commission - AORCom) and Jon Thomson (Australian Rally Commission - ARCom) will continue to Chair their existing Commissions. Previously, Motorsport Australia had seven Commissions, however to improve efficiency and streamline a number of processes there are now three Commissions focused on circuit racing, rally and off road. The responsibilities of those Commissions no longer in operation from 2021 will be taken up by internal Motorsport Australia committees and the administration, which will also
include external volunteer support, particularly from those who previously served on the Commissions. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said today’s announcement further highlighted the importance of the organisation’s recent restructure as part of significant changes to roll out across the organisation in 2021. “We now have three streamlined Commissions who will be responsible for helping set the strategic direction of the sport, in line with Motorsport Australia’s current Strategic Plan,” Arocca said. “The Motorsport Australia Board has approved these appointments, and there is a strong mix of Commissioners who will do a terrific job in this streamlined structure. “On behalf of everyone involved in the sport, we thank our outgoing Commissioners for their hard work, some over a number of years. “While there is no longer a specific Women’s Commission, it is important to note Motorsport Australia will continue to work hard to increase female participation, which will include the FIA Girls On Track program and a number of new initiatives in 2021.” In the coming months, Motorsport Australia will highlight the roles of these Commissions through its website.
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“There is a strong mix of Commissioners who will do a terrific job in this streamlined
structure” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
2021 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA COMMISSIONS Australian Motor Racing Commission (AMRC) Ryan Story (Chair) Vince Ciccarello (Deputy Chair) Matt Braid Andrew Jones Craig Fletcher Australian Off Road Commission (AORCom) Ben Erceg (Chair) Jeremy Beck (Deputy Chair) Matthew Martin Don Young Sam Beck Australian Rally Commission (ARCom) Jon Thomson (Chair) Molly Taylor (Deputy Chair) Neal Bates Toni Feaver Hamish Marquis
CORAL TAYLOR JOINS BOARD One of Australian rally’s most accomplished co-drivers, Coral Taylor, has been appointed to the Board of Motorsport Australia. Taylor has more than 40 years’ experience in motorsport, most notably as an Australia Rally Championship co-driver, as well as spending many years in a team manager role for Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia, which competes across rally and circuit racing. She also has significant Board experience, having served as a non-executive Company Director for NRMA and the National Heavy Vehicle Register for the past 12 years. The Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame member said she applied to join the Motorsport Australia Board to help drive the future success and longevity of the sport. “For me, motorsport has been a passion pretty much my whole life and has seen me involved in the sport for the past 40 years,” Taylor said. “I’ve competed at a national level, as well as some international experience, so I want to be able to give back to the sport so we can succeed going forward and make motorsport the best we possibly can. “I think it’s important at the Board table to have the experience of someone who has competed at the highest
“I want to be able to give back to the sport so we can make motorsport the best we possibly can” - Coral Taylor
level, to bring some understanding of how that works, how a team works, what it’s like working with sponsors and manufacturers and trying to keep their involvement in the sport while at the same time looking for new opportunities.”
work with integrity is what is going to make a good board,” Taylor added. Incoming President Andrew Fraser congratulated Taylor on her appointment to the Board. “Coral is a household name in Australian motorsport and a very accomplished and experienced director," Fraser said. “I know Coral brings very valuable experience at both the competitor, team and manufacturer level of motorsport as well as governance experience and business insight. She is an outstanding addition to the Board and we are extremely pleased to welcome her as our newest Director." Taylor will begin in the Appointed Director position from 1 January 2021.
Taylor’s appointment makes her the fourth women to now sit on the Board of Motorsport Australia, highlighting the importance of gender diversity at all levels of the sport. “Australia-wide, company-wide, no matter what sort of Board you are talking about it’s very important to have that gender diversity to strategically drive the business. We all have different viewpoints so to bring all those viewpoints together and
Click here to watch a video interview with Coral Taylor.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA APP AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD All Motorsport Australia members can now access their licence on their mobile device, with the new Motorsport Australia app available on the App Store and Google Play. The app will replace existing licence cards, providing competitors and officials with an up-to-date licence which can be viewed on any device. This is one of many upgrades of Motorsport Australia’s technology solutions, designed to make life easier for everyone taking part in motorsport events across Australia. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the app would reduce delays for members waiting on hard licence cards in the post, as well as ensuring people had the most up to date details to show at Motorsport Australia events.
“We want to see more people, enjoying more motorsport, more often and this app is one of the latest developments to help achieve this,” Arocca said. “Once members have renewed their licence via the Member Portal or with our membership team, the app will update instantly, meaning there’s no waiting for the card to be printed and then sent in the mail. “Of course, anyone who still requires a physical card can be provided one on request, but as technology changes and people are more likely to move around without a wallet full of cards, we know our members will make the most of this app on their phone or tablet when attending events and needing to show their licence.” The app can be found in Apple’s App Store and Google Play by
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searching ‘Motorsport Australia’. You can also click on your chosen store below to download the app now. Members can log in to the app using their existing Motorsport Australia Member Portal login details. If you have not registered for the Member Portal, you will need to do so before using the app.
Click here to learn more about the Motorsport Australia App.
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OFFICIALLY THE BEST Motorsport Australia’s worldclass officials have again been acknowledged at a global level, with the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020 Officials named the FIA’s Best Team of Officials of the Season.
“The efforts of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020 Officials Team was a true show of commitment and dedication in what was a really challenging and unique situation for so many people,” Fraser said.
Each year the FIA acknowledge a small number of the best volunteer officials from across the globe, with the Grand Prix team recognised for their efforts in what was a very unique event.
“It would have been very easy for this group to have simply not turned up for duty in what was a rapidly changing environment, but to their credit the officials turned up in numbers and were ready to go had the track action been able to get underway.
While the 2020 event was cancelled on the Friday morning, more than 900 officials arrived at the track early, ready to work despite some uncertainty and continued to remain at their stations around the track until the difficult decision had been formally announced. Incoming Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser congratulated the team on their deserving accolade.
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“Of course, we are eternally grateful to all 11,000 officials who make this sport so great and I think I can speak on behalf of all competitors and event organisers in saying how proud and thankful the motorsport community is for their ongoing efforts.”
“We are eternally grateful to all 11,000 officials who make this sport so great” - Andrew Fraser, Incoming Motorsport Australia President
Photos: Revved Photography
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 11
Photos: Revved Photography
“Our officials continually inspire us and we know that without them, motorsport would simply not be able to go ahead yearin, year-out” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was also delighted to see the sport’s hard working officials acknowledged once again. “Having been in the muster tent with the officials team on the Friday, it was truly inspiring to see the positive attitude of the officials who were ready to go despite the uncertainty,” Arocca said. “Even when the cancellation was announced, all the officials returned to the muster tent with a positive attitude and were very understanding of why the decision had been made and were prepared to assist however they could. “Our officials continually inspire us and we know that without them, motorsport, including the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, would simply not be able to go ahead year-in, year-out.”
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Australian Grand Prix Corporation General Manager for Motorsport, Entertainment and Industry, Craig Fletcher, said the volunteers are the backbone of Melbourne’s Formula 1 event and this award highlights the extraordinary effort of the events volunteer team. “Our incredibly talented volunteers play a vital role in helping us to deliver a world-class Formula 1 event year after year,” Fletcher said. “The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix volunteers are recognised as world leaders in the sport and this award is a wonderful and appropriate acknowledgement of their talents, resilience and tireless dedication.” One of the event’s chief marshals, George Chrobak, paid tribute to every official that was part of the team.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA FIA AWARD WINNERS 2020 FIA Best Team of Officials of the Season: Australian Grand Prix Officials Team 2019 FIA Best Track or Road Marshal of the Season: Robert Thiry 2018 Best Chief Medical Officer Official of the Season: Dr Matthew Croxford 2018 FIA Best Chief Scrutineer Official of the Season: Barry Habgood 2017 Outstanding Official of the Season: Roger Chirnside 2016 Best Doctor of the Season: Dr Brent May 2015 Best Marshal of the Season: Belinda Taylor 2014 Best Senior Official of the Season: Adrian Stafford 2013 Best Scrutineer of the Season: Ewan Cole 2013 Best Doctor of the Season: Dr Rik Hagen Photos: Revved Photography
2012 Best Senior Official of the Season: Steve Chopping 2011 Outstanding Senior Official of the Season: Dr Michelle Gatton
“For our terrific team to be recognised by the FIA is truly an honour and every official that weekend should take great satisfaction of what we achieved under the circumstances – especially all of those who put in additional time and effort in the lead up to the event,” Chrobak said. “What we saw in 2020 was almost 1000 passionate members of the same team rise to the occasion when the going got tough and it’s that pride that we use to make every Australian Grand Prix a success.” The award is timely, with FIA and Motorsport Australia celebrating FIA Volunteers’ Weekend on 28-29 November.
In recent years, Motorsport Australia officials have regularly been acknowledged in the FIA’s annual prizegiving ceremony, the only ASN to consistently receive these prestigious awards.
Click here to view the full story
Click here to apply to be an official at the 2021 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 13
Photo: Revved Photography
VALE IAN 'SKIP' TAYLOR Motorsport Australia was saddened to hear of Victorian official, Ian 'Skip' Taylor passing away last month. A popular figure within the Victorian motor racing community, Taylor made a name for himself as the main course car driver at events of all levels. Born in 1944, Skip’s first involvement within motorsport came in the mid 1960s when he attended a race meeting at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as a guest. Skip was so captivated by the nature of the event, he signed up as a Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC) member on the spot and began as a Flag Marshal at the club’s very next meeting. It didn’t take long for Skip to impress those around him due to his work ethic and soon enough, he had added to Sandown Raceway his regular visits, where he really blossomed as an official. In the 1970s, his hard work was awarded when was delegated as one of the circuit’s first ever Sector Marshals, before going on to become what he would later be known for, the circuit’s course car driver. From that point on, Skip made that role his. He was highly touted as the course car driver and did it at almost
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every race meeting at Sandown and Phillip Island for more than 30 years. From local club events to Virgin Australia Supercars Championship rounds, Taylor’s reliability behind the wheel and his diligence in scanning the track set a whole new standard of the role. In 1985, Skip was then part of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix as one of two course marshals and unsurprisingly, was chosen to be the main course car driver for every Australian Grand Prix up until 2019. Also acting as an assistant Clerk of Course on many occasions, Taylor was extremely organised in managing meetings and was a well-respected mentor for many officials at both Sandown and Phillip Island. A fun and caring individual, Taylor had a serious side when work needed to be done and he was so respected for his abilities, his workings would provide the backbone of both the Course Car and incident controller manuals at Phillip Island. A dedicated club member of both PIARC and the Light Car Club of Victoria, Skip was recognised for his dedication to the sport with a Motorsport Australia Service Award in 2018.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
“Skip represented the very best of what it meant to be a Motorsport Australia official” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
Losing a long battle with oronasal cancer, Skip is survived by his wife Margaret, his two sons James and David and two grandchildren, Jenson and Charlotte. Motorsport Australia would like to extend its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Ian 'Skip' Taylor. “We will all miss Skip dearly. His passion, dedication and love for motorsport, the Australian Grand Prix and Motorsport Australia were exemplary," Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said. "I always enjoyed sharing a course car or a chat with Skip because he represented the very best of what it meant to be a Motorsport Australia official.”
FAMOUS INSURANCE UPDATE Motorsport Australia has been informed that its insurance partner, Famous Insurance, will no longer renew existing insurance policies. Existing policy holders will remain covered by Famous until their current expiration date, however they will not be able to renew with Famous from 1 December 2020 onwards. RACQ Insurance is no longer underwriting Famous’ policies and as such the company is unable to renew the insurance for those who have held policies with the insurer. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca thanked the insurer for its many years of support.
“Famous has been a terrific partner of Motorsport Australia for many years and has provided thousands of our members with discounted insurance,” Arocca explained. “Unfortunately, given this news, their partnership with us will come to a close. Importantly, those members with existing policies can be assured they will continue to be covered until their policy expires. So, for example if you renewed with Famous in recent weeks, you will still be covered until your policy is up for renewal again in 2021. “We are now looking to find a new insurance partner and will advise our members in due course once there is any news in this space.”
“Famous has been a terrific partner and has provided thousands of our members with discounted insurance” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 15
THANK YOU, VOLUNTEERS The final weekend of November saw all volunteers and officials around the world celebrated through the international FIA Volunteers Weekend. From the marshals trackside all the way up to those that sit in Race Control, the 10,000 Motorsport Australia officials we have are the lifeblood of our sport and without them, we could not go ahead. It’s been an extremely difficult year, but our officials have continued to
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play their role and volunteering at events so everyone can enjoy the sport they love - whether it be at club, state or national level. So to every single volunteer official, thank you for your efforts, your time, your dedication and your passion to our sport. Over the weekend, hundreds of officials across the country were at it again and we managed to catch some of them in action.
Photo: Revved Photography
LIGHT CAR CLUB OF TASMANIA MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA TASMANIAN SUPERSPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP Photos: Light Car Club of Tasmania
PHILLIP ISLAND AUTO RACING CLUB ISLAND MAGIC Photos: Revved Photography
Guard of Honour for Ian 'Skip' Taylor
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HISTORIC SPORTS AND RACING CARS ASSOCIATION 2020 HSRCA SUMMER FESTIVAL Photos: Priceless Images
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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
MINI CAR CLUB OF WA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA MOTORKHANA CHAMPIONSHIP Photos: Priceless Images
MG CAR CLUB VIC ROB ROY HILLCLIMB Photos: MG Car Club Vic
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 19
BATHURST LIGHT CAR CLUB NOVEMBER KHANACROSS Photos: Bathurst Light Car Club
MG CAR CLUB QLD MOUNT COTTON GOODBYE 2020 HILLCLIMB Photos: MG Car Club QLD
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MEDIA AWARDS NOMINATIONS CLOSING SOON The tireless work of the motorsport media will again be recognised this year, with nominations for the Motorsport Australia Media Awards closing very soon. With applications opens until 11 December, all media are encouraged to apply or nominate a colleague for an award. The categories for this year have changed slightly to better reflect the work being carried out in 2020, given the changing landscape of media publications. The following awards will be presented for 2020: • Motorsport Australia Journalist of the Year
• Motorsport Australia Photographer of the Year • Motorsport Australia Photograph of the Year • Motorsport Australia News Story of the Year (all publications, including digital) • Motorsport Australia Best Use of Digital Media (podcasts, websites, social media)
"The COVID-19 pandemic saw many media outlets having to adapt and change the way they operate and these awards will look to recognise what was a very unique year for the entire sport. "We've also updated the categories to make the nomination process easier and appropriate for the way news is delivered to the audience."
Motorsport Australia General Manager of Media and Communications Paul Riordan expected a number of high-quality nominations. "In a year where on track action was limited, there was certainly plenty of news happening behind the scenes," Riordan said.
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Click here to download an application form.
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Photo: Sportz Fotos
BATES TAKES THE CUP An almost perfect performance from Harry Bates and John McCarthy has seen the duo victorious in the 2020 Netier National Capital Rally and RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Cup.
The Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia stars dominated the field all weekend, winning all but one of the event’s 16 stages to go on and take out a commanding three minute victory over Molly Taylor and Dale Moscatt, who were the only other crew to win a stage. "It was an incredible weekend for us, it was not quite perfect, we didn't get everything our own way," Bates said.
"All in all, everything was pretty good and we were stoked with our performance."
Chris Higgs and Steve Fisher finished the event fifth outright and second in the Hoosier Challenge.
Four and half minutes behind the second placed Orange Motorsport Engineering Subaru WRX Sti and rounding out the top three after an epic battle was Clayton Hoy and Erin Kelly, who finished the weekend with a podium, Hoosier Challenge victory and MTA Motorsport Australia NSW Rally Championship win.
A solid weekend from JJ Hatton and Nathan Long in their J Sport Hyundai i20 saw them grab sixth ahead of Andrew Penny and Aleshia Penney in the Kosciuszko Automotive Subaru WRX.
In fourth place, just one second behind Hoy and Kelly were AGI Sports’ Luke Anear and Andy Sarandis, while High Country Motorsport’s
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Like the battle for third, the ARC 2WD Cup went right down to the wire as Trevor Stilling and Nigel Walters ended up pipping junior young guns Ryan Williams and Brad Jones in the final two stages of the rally to win the class.
“It was an incredible weekend for us” - Harry Bates
Photos: Sportz Fotos
Rounding out the outright top 10 and the ARC 2WD Cup top three was Rob Bishop and Jacci Sharkey in the Kosciuszko Automotive prepared Mitsubishi Mirage. In what proved to be a difficult event, a number of high-profile crews fell victim to the demanding roads, including Lewis Bates/Anthony McLoughlin, Tom Clarke/Ryan Preston and Tony Quinn/ Damian Roach all of whom crashed out at different points of the event.
The Netier National Capital Rally will return early next year as the opening round for the 2021 RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship on 26-28 March.
2020 RSEA SAFETY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CUP TOP 10 1. Harry Bates/John McCarthy 2:04:54.9 2. Molly Taylor/Dale Moscatt +02:54.4 3. Clayton Hoy/Erin Kelly +07:25.4 4. Luke Anear/Andy Sarandis +07:26.7 5. Chris Higgs/Steve Fisher +08:32.9 6. JJ Hatton/Nathan Long +10:15.5
Click here to watch the Sunday wrap.
7. Andrew Penny/Rhys Llewellyn +11.38.8 8. Trevor Stilling/Nigel Walters +24:33.1 9. Ryan Williams/Brad Jones +24:39.2 10. Rob Bishop/Jacci Sharkey +25:07.4
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 25
Photo: Tim Allott
PRODUCTION RALLY SUPERCHARGERS Under the Motorsport Australia Rally Commission, the Rally Working Group (RWG) have initiated a Production Rally Car (PRC) regulation change which will permit freedom to superchargers (including turbochargers) in this class. Given the increasing costs of maintaining Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) superchargers, the primary objective of the RWG was to reduce cost and complexity of the sport, marking a significant benefit to the rally community competing under the PRC regulations. As per previous PRC regulations, 4-wheel drive PRC vehicles will
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retain existing inlet restrictor sizes, however the restrictor size will now be determined only by the fuel type used. The exhaust manifold regulations have also changed in order to assist with the fitment of a non-OEM supercharger. For 2-wheel drive PRC vehicles, the use of an inlet restrictor will only be applied when the size of the inlet to the replacement supercharger exceeds the OEM supercharger by more than 10%, as a measure to limit the supercharger size to one that is similar to the OEM. The restrictor size to be fitted will be based on the OEM supercharger inlet size plus the additional 10%.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Additional changes to all regulations are being undertaken to align with the changes made to the Motorsport Australia National Competition Rules (NCR) for 2021. These changes will not directly affect the application of the regulations and are to ensure that the requirements of the NCR are met.
Details on the new freedoms for supercharging in 2021 will be published in the Motorsport Australia; Group 3C - Production Rally Car (PRC) regulations which can be viewed here.
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RALLY LOCKED AND LOADED FOR 2021 From the confirmation of the six-round 2021 calendar to a number of companies joining the ranks in support of the championship, November has proved to be a productive month for the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.
THE CALENDAR
While next year’s Gippsland Rally, AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally and season finale will all remain on the same dates, the ARC’s opening three rounds were all adjusted after the FIA Formula 1 World Championship announced its calendar.
The 2021 season will continue to begin with the Netier National Capital Rally, but the Canberra based rally has now moved back a week to 2628 March avoiding a clash with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. As a result of the shift and to give crews enough time to prepare, the championship’s second round, the Make Smoking History Forest Rally, will run two weeks later on 21-23 May. Given the turnaround times, this has also resulted in Rally Tasmania also moving one week later to 2-4 July.
Photo: Wishart Media
2021 RSEA SAFETY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR Pre-season test and launch day: Ballarat, Vic, 16 February 2021 Round 1: Netier National Capital Rally, Canberra, ACT 26-28 March 2021 Round 2: Make Smoking History Forest Rally, WA, 21-23 May 2021 Round 3: Rally Tasmania, Launceston, Tas, 2-4 July 2021 Round 4: Gippsland Rally, Vict, 7-8 August 2021 Round 5: AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally, SA 16-17 October Round 6: Location TBC – FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship Finale, 20-21 November
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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Photo: Sportz Fotos
Photo: Roy Meuronen
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY
White Wolf Constructions and Shamrock Haulage are the latest companies to throw their support behind the ARC with each taking on the naming rights for a class as part of the ARC in 2021, while Panta Fuel was appointed as the Official Fuel Partner in 2021. With cash prizes available to the White Wolf Constructions 2021 Motorsport Australia Rally Production Cup’s top three, the winner will receive $1500, second place $1000 and the final spot on the podium will be awarded with $500.
White Wolf Construction’s Tom Clarke was thrilled to be able to sponsor the Cup. “We are delighted to be the naming rights partner for the White Wolf Constructions Production Cup and are also really pleased to see prize money on offer for what will be an extremely competitive class,” Clarke said. “The contest among those competing in PRC has always been a mini battle of its own and the addition of the Cup and prizemoney will certainly add even more interest and intrigue to next year’s RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.” As the other new sponsor, Shamrock Haulage will partner up the ARC 2WD
Cup in 2021, with the crews driving 2WD vehicles, both front and rear wheel drive, all eligible to compete in the Shamrock Haulage ARC 2WD Cup. A big advocate for the ARC, Richie Dalton was proud to join the growing list of supporters behind the championship. “I’ve really enjoyed competing in the ARC over the years and I am excited to give back to the sport in some capacity by sponsoring the ARC 2WD Cup,” Dalton said. “There has always been a great amount of competition amongst the 2WD entries at both state and national level, so we’re proud to be able to back these crews for 2021.” MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 29
As for Panta Distribution Australia, representative Cary Murphy was proud the company could come on board for the season. “We’re really excited to be working with Motorsport Australia and the ARC in this capacity. Rally is close to our hearts and the 2021 Championship will provide some first class racing,” Murphy explained. “Panta has partnered with some leading racing categories here in Australia, including the carsales TCR Australia Series. Our Italian based owners also have multiple partnerships providing Panta fuel to multiple world wide championships.” Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
THE MORE THE MERRIER
Young aspiring rally drivers will have more opportunities to compete in the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) next year after further amendments to the 2021 Sporting & Technical Regulations. Previously, the ARC Junior Cup was limited to 2WD cars, however, with minimal differences between 2WD cars and non-turbo 4WD vehicles , drivers aged 26 and under who own non-turbo 4WD vehicles can now enter the ARC Junior Cup next year. The change will make the sport even more accessible to more young rally drivers around the country who are looking to make their mark on the national stage and begin a career in the sport. The changes will come into effect from 1 January 2021, with the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship's first round, the Netier National Capital Rally, to take place in Canberra on 26-28 March.
Click here to view the 2021 Sporting and Technical guidelines
Photo: Sportz Fotos
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AMOS ALL CLASS IN COVID CUP Dean Amos has produced a masterclass during last month's two-day COVID Cup, taking out a commanding victory at the Mount Cotton Hillclimb.
competitors from posting good times, however the bad weather held off and competitors were able to produce some great shootout times.
With 63 competitors getting up to 13 attempts to post their fastest time on the Queensland based hill climb, all eyes were on Amos as he attempted to break the record he set in December last year.
As the only driver entered in the Formula Libre class, Amos only needed four runs to produce an event winning time of 37.63 seconds, comfortably claiming overall honours ahead of his nearest rival Greg Tebble, who posted a time of 42.06 seconds.
Overcast conditions on the Sunday afternoon threatened to derail all
Rounding out the overall top three for the weekend was Mitchell
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Photos: CH Images/Jack Marning
Allwood was another open wheel driver with with his fastest time of 42.24 seconds just two tenths slower than Tebble. The Production Sports Cars (1601 to 2000cc) class boasted the event's highest number of entries as six competitors hit the track, and it was Peter Andrews who was victorious behind the wheel of the MG MGTF, his time of 52.74 seconds enough to claim class honours. Another highlight of the weekend was Phillip Dalton setting a new record in the Modified Production Sedan Cars (2001cc and over) class, beating the time of 45.64 seconds, which was set only a few months ago.
Photos: CH Images/Jack Marning
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 33
Photos: Priceless Images Photography
NSW STATE CHAMPIONSHIP LIGHTS UP SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK The fourth and final round of the Motorsport Australia NSW State Circuit Championships has been completed with more than 100 competitors enjoying great racing in the historic event. Taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park, nine categories were on show throughout the weekend, some of whom featured as part of Saturday night’s spectacular display under the circuit’s brand new permanent lighting. Outside of the novelty of racing under lights, there was plenty of highlights as Saturday’s six categories either saw one individual dominate the field or tight battles ensue throughout the round. In the popular HQ Holden class, Glenn Deering took overall round honours with a clean sweep of wins over by David Proglio and Luke Harrison, while Grant Doulman was another to dominate his respective 34
category, winning every race in the 20-car Sports Sedan field over Stuart Inwood and Hugh McAlister. Ryan Gorton came so close to the perfect weekend with victory in the first three RX8 Cup races but finished the final race in seventh place as Steven Devjak capped off his three podiums with a win. It was a similar story in the Improved Production O2L as Jordan Cox won the first two of three races but didn’t feature in the final race where Justin McClintock was victorious. Behind the wheel of a Honda Civic, McClintock was also entered in the Improved Production U2L category where he won two races. The final Formula Vee class had different winners across all three races with Aaron Lee, Jason Cutts and Aaron Pace all shared the honours.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
The action continued on Sunday and just like Doulman and Deering, Nick Kelly won all three races in the Supersport Championship with Radical Australia Cup regulars Mitchell Nielson and Stephen Champion placing behind him. Rodney Brincat was another driver to dominate after grabbing three wins in the Formula Race Cars where only Robert Rowe threatened to challenge Brincat, finishing nearly two seconds behind in the final race. A retirement in race one did not bother Lee Vella as he conquered three of the four races in the Superkart Championship, while Thomas Sargent claimed round honours in the Formula Ford class, winning two of three races after Corey Burcher was successful in the first race.
Q&A The Central North Coast Sporting Car Club (CNCSCC) has a great history within the New South Wales motorsport scene, with a gradual build up of members allowing the club to host great events across the calendar year.
Speed Read caught up with Club Captain Billy O’Grady to discuss all things about the club.
Photo: Kay Sowter/Billy O’Grady
Central North Coast Sporting Car Club
Speed Read: How was the club established?
up to life members and retirees who are approaching the age of 70.
Billy O’Grady: 20 interested personnel attended the first meeting on 20 October 1954 in the Methodist Church Hall, Taree. After a great discussion, the ‘Central North Coast Sporting Car Club’ name was decided upon and the club was formed.
SR: What does the club focus on?
SR: How is the club tracking now with regard to membership numbers? BO: The club has over 100 members ranging from Kempsey out to Singleton with Sydney being the most southern point. The age bracket of our members varies greatly from juniors all the way
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BO: Our club focuses on grassroots motorsport such as motorkhanas, khannacrosses, autocrosses, rally sprints and off-road events. We also offer some state events to provide our members with the chance to test their skills to a wider group. SR: What has been a major highlight for the club over the past 12 months? BO: 2020 has been a rough year for everyone. There hasn't been a lot of motorsport occurring due to the
“Motorsport Australia has been an outstanding organisation to partner with as they have been there from the start.” - Billy O’Grady, Central North Coast Sporting Car Club President
Photos: Kay Sowter/Billy O’Grady
coronavirus pandemic. However, we took this opportunity to complete some major track repairs after the devastating fire that almost wiped out the club during our off-road event last year. The auto cross track has had over 100 tonnes of gravel placed on it and there has also been some much needed care on the off road tracks main jump. SR: What is the club's biggest event every year and tell us about it? BO: The Off Road Nabiac Airport Challenge is our biggest event of the year which forms part of the Motorsport Australia NSW State Off Road Championship. With more than 50 competitors and over 500 spectators and crew, this is an annual event not to be missed. The track committee work tirelessly to make the course better for both spectators and competitors. With large sections of sand and gravel, it makes for a
great track to test the skills of a driver without being harsh on their race cars. SR: What makes the club unique? BO: The biggest part of CNCSCC is we cater to all levels and forms of motorsport. These categories range from state off road and rally event to club motorkhana and khanacross, as well as hosting motorbike events with side-by-side UTV's. If it has wheels and a motor, there's a good chance we can race it. SR: What does it mean for the club to be affiliated with Motorsport Australia? BO: Motorsport Australia has been an outstanding organisation to partner with as they have been there from the start. It’s great to keep it simple for all our members to gain their license and compete knowing they are safe within Motorsport Australia’s insurance.
This gives the club great relief with having our tracks licensed to reduce the effort in hosting our events. SR: Are there any particular standout club individuals? BO: One of our founding members was Des West who served as Vice President for a while. Des played a pivotal role in providing Peter Brock with his Bathurst debut in the 1969 Hardie-Ferodo 500. He drove a Holden HT Monaro GTS 350. The pair were partnered for the race, finishing third behind their winning Holden Dealer Team teammates Colin Bond and Tony Roberts.
Click here for more information on the club.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37
Photo: Terry Hill Photography
Photo: Terry Hill Photography
AORC CONFIRMS FIVE ROUND SEASON FOR 2021 The 2021 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) calendar has been confirmed with five events to form part of next year’s season. Motorsport Australia has indicated all five rounds originally scheduled for the 2020 season will return in 2021. The Championship will begin with the Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 in March, before off road crews finally get another chance to fight it out for
the prestigious King of the Desert title with the Tatts Finke Desert Race to run in its traditional Queens’ Birthday long weekend time slot.
the end of August before heading out west to Western Australia at the end of October for the season finale, the Kalgoorlie Desert Race
Following on from the iconic race in June, competitors will enjoy a six week break before making their way to South Australia for one of the AORC’s newest events, the Can-Am Loveday 400.
Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith was excited about the prospect of a full 2021 calendar of events for the Australian off road community.
The AORC then returns to Victoria for the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro, which will run at
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“Motorsport Australia is really excited to confirm next year’s
Photo: Bob Taylor
Photo: Show N Go Photography
“We're just as keen as everybody to get the AORC back in action next year” - Michael Smith, Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations
BFGoodrich Australian Off Road Championship calendar and even more pleased that all five events have committed to another year in the championship,” Smith said.
to the lack of events and opportunity to compete, but with motorsport starting to ramp up around the country, we are just as keen as everybody to get the AORC back in action next year.
“I would like to thank BFGoodrich for their support and dedication to the championship as we look to move past this difficult period and come out stronger on the other side.
“We’re really looking forward to a big year of off road racing in 2021 and can’t wait to see all five of these fantastic events up and running.”
“It’s no secret how tough this year has been for all competitors and clubs due
Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia
2021 BFGOODRICH MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR Round 1: Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 - 19-21 March Round 2: Tatts Finke Desert Race - 12-14 June Round 3: Can-Am Loveday 400 - 23-25 July Round 4: Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro - 27-29 August Round 5: Kalgoorlie Desert Race - 21-24 October
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 39
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
AUSTRALIA TO OPEN 2021 F1 SEASON
2021 F1 PROVISIONAL CALENDAR
Melbourne has retained its traditional position of hosting the opening round for the FIA Formula 1 World Championship after the FIA confirmed the news as part of its 2021 provisional calendar release last month.
Taking place at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, the 2021 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is scheduled to run on 18-21 March, with official confirmation to come at a later date. The 2021 provisional calendar sees the championship hold 21 different rounds starting with Australia in March and ending with Abu Dhabi in December. With the calendar still to be formally ratified by the FIA, Formula 1 Chairman and CEO Chase Carey was thrilled to announce the calendar. “We are excited to announce our 2021 provisional calendar and
Photo: Formula 1 Media
delighted we will be starting our season with our long-term partners in Melbourne,” Carey said. “The Australian Grand Prix Corporation do an incredible job and we know the season opener at Albert Park will be one that fans can safely enjoy after an unprecedented 2020.” The 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship begins at Albert Park in Melbourne on 18-21 March, 2021.
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21 March – Australia 28 March – Bahrain 11 April – China 25 April – TBC 9 May – Spain 23 May – Monaco 6 June – Azerbaijan 13 June – Canada 27 June – France 4 July – Austria 18 July – United Kingdom 1 August – Hungary 29 August – Belgium 5 September – Netherlands 12 September – Italy 26 September – Russia 3 October – Singapore 10 October – Japan 24 October – USA 31 October – Mexico 14 November – Brazil
ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR SUMMERNATS 2021 OPENING EVENTS Summernats fans can now rejoice after the company confirmed the Meguiar’s MotorEx will go ahead as planned in 2021 and the Rare Spares Rev Rock N Roll will move to its traditional timeslot. Scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Showgrounds on 6-7 February, event organisers for the Meguiar’s MotorEx were able to confirm the time and place for the event following the Victorian Governments’ latest announcements about the reduction of restrictions. All ticket and trade/exhibition enquiries surrounding February’s Meguiar’s MotorEx will open later this month with interested fans encouraged to regularly check into Summernats’ social media for updates. As for one of Australia’s biggest horsepower parties, Rare Spares Rev Rock N Roll will now run on the Canberra Day long weekend in March with a City Cruise, Skid Row, Cruising, Burnouts and Burnout Masters, Elite Cars, Show N Shine and a high-quality trade and exhibition show making up the event. Summernats co-owner Andy Lopez was excited to confirm key aspects to
the 2021 calendar and was looking forward to holding the first major event of its size in Canberra. “The Summernats Rev Rock ‘n’ Roll festival will be the first major event designed to fit the current COVID-19 guidelines in Canberra,” Lopez said. “The encouragement we’ve received from Venues ACT, Visit Canberra and Events ACT to make the show happen has been terrific. We’re an important test case to show that private enterprise, with Government support, can deliver a COVID-safe event outside of major football codes. “It shows that genuine innovation and a proactive partnership will help get events back in business.” Kel Watt, spokesperson for Braddon’s United Retailers & Traders (BURT), was confident local businesses would benefit from the new event. “BURT fully supports the plan to develop an event in March that will deliver a boost for local business and add to Braddon's reputation as a great place to live and recreate,” Watt said. “BURT will work with Summernats, residents and the Government
to make it a success in 2021 so it becomes a ‘must attend’ each year.” Less than one month after March’s Rare Spares Rev Rock N Roll event will be the Rare Spares Rockynats in April with entries for the Rockhampton based event now officially open. A similar format to March’s event, the Rockynats will see participants take part in a Dream Cruise CBD, Show N Shine, Burnout Masters qualifying event, drifting, cruising and a trade and exhibition display – all within the city centre. With entries certain to fill up quickly, interested participants are recommended to enter as soon as possible.
Click here for more information on Summernats
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 41
TWO + FOUR = 2021
The 2021 motorsport year will explode into action with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit to host the inaugural ‘Australian All Wheels Race Fest’ in February 2021, with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships and mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) joining forces at the iconic Victorian circuit.
More event details will be confirmed this month, and Motorcycling Australia and Motorsport Australia will work closely to create a unique experience for competitors and spectators in bringing the two national championships together. Closer to the event working with government authorities with the aim to welcome race fans to the Australian All Wheels Race Fest at Phillip Island next year.
Motorsport Australia and Motorcycling Australia will conduct the 19-21 February 2021 event, which will feature motorcycles and cars in what will be the ultimate 2+4 motorsport event for all race fans.
mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK) will feature the Kawasaki Superbikes, MotorsportTV Supersport, YMI Supersport 300 and the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
The event will showcase the fastest two and four wheeled machines in what is sure to be an adrenaline filled weekend packed with racing for ASBK and car racing fans alike.
While the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships categories to be at the event include the carsales TCR Australia Series,
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“This event will provide some really exciting on track action” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
Photo: Russell Colvin
Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship and the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia. This will be the first time ASBK & SMAC have raced together, with both sanctioning bodies eager to continue this event in the years ahead at various circuits around the country. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was excited about this unique event. “The Australian All Wheels Race Fest is a great opportunity for both Motorsport Australia and Motorcycling Australia to further build upon our already strong relationship,” Arocca said “There will of course be subtle changes required to the track and officials to meet the differing safety requirements, but all this will be factored into the schedule which will provide some really
“This is an idea that motorsport fans have wanted for some time” - Peter Doyle, Motorcycling Australia CEO
exciting on track action across the weekend at a terrific Victorian venue.” Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle mirrored Arocca's excitement. “This is a fantastic opportunity to be working with Motorsport Australia to deliver a spectacular event at a venue that has so much history for both two-wheel and fourwheel motorsport,” Doyle said. “This is an idea that motorsport fans have wanted for some time, and
together with Motorsport Australia there is a real passion from us to deliver a cross discipline world-class event. Not only will it be a great fan experience, but also a great learning experience for our respective organisations which will improve our own championships in the future.” The Australian All Wheels Race Fest will be held at Phillip Island on 19-21 February, 2021.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 43
Photo: Speed Shots Photography
SHANNONS FESTIVAL TO TAKE OVER SANDOWN The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships will take over Sandown International Raceway later this month when it runs the Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival in conjunction with the MG Car Club of Victoria. While the event will feature a number of Victorian regular circuit categories such as the Hyundai Excel series, Porsche 944 Challenge and BMW E30 series, the main headline act will be Porsche’s mix of motorsport categories. Across the weekend, Porsche competitors will battle it out in the Porsche PAYCE and Michelin Cup races. The combined event will see two generations of Porsche 991 Cup Cars, being the Gen I and Gen II, going head-to-head for the first time in a dedicated Porsche event. A total of four classes will be in action for Porsche, in which competitors will compete for Mobil Pro and ProAm trophies, for each generation of Cup Car, with two 25 minute races be conducted on the Saturday as well as a longer 40 minute endurance race on the Sunday. Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith was pleased this event would give Victorians another chance to compete in what has been a tough year for the state.
“The focus will be on celebrating the best of Victorian motorsport” - Michael Smith, Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations
“With restrictions starting to ease in Victoria, we’re seeing a number of events planned for November and December including this brand new concept, “The Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival will be very similar to a typical Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships round, however the focus will be on celebrating the best of Victorian motorsport,” Smith said. “Of course it won’t just be limited to Victorians should border restrictions be relaxed in the lead up to this event. “We’re really excited to be working with the MG Car Club of Victoria, as well as Troy Bundy and the team at Porsche Cars Australia to put on a sensational event. “On behalf of everyone at Motorsport Australia, we’d also like to thank our
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event partners, Shannons Insurance, Morris Finance, Burson Auto Parts and Michelin for their continued support throughout 2020. “This event will be a fantastic way for us all to end the year on a high, ahead of our six round Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships season in 2021.” Porsche Cars Australia Director of Marketing and Motorsport Toni Andreevski said it was an exciting opportunity for their competitor base to get back on track. “As we approach the 70 year anniversary of Porsche Cars in Australia, we felt this was a great way to kick-off our celebrations of this milestone with both Porsche enthusiasts and our motorsport customers," Andreevski said. Any ticketing or spectator information will be made available at the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships website in the coming weeks. The Shannons Motorsport Australia Festival will take place at Sandown International Raceway on 12-13 December, 2020.
Click here to visit the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships website.
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PIASTRI COOL DURING CRAZY END TO F3 SEASON While 2020 has proved to be quiet on the Australian motorsport scene due to many events being postponed or cancelled, it’s been very busy for Greg Rust who has interviewed an array of motorsport personalities from the comfort of his own home. Having spoken to a number of Australian motorsport personalities via Motorsport Australia Zoom such as Toby Price and Daniel Ricciardo, his latest guest in November was 2020 FIA Formula 3 Champion Oscar Piastri, who staked a claim as Australia’s next Formula 1 driver. In what was a thrilling end to a dramatic F3 season, Piastri eventually claimed the title over Frenchman Theo Pourchaire and American teammate Logan Sargeant with just four points separating the trio at the conclusion of the final round.
ahead of the finale. I was mainly focusing on Logan as he was starting six positions ahead of me in the final race while Pourchaire was still an outside chance at that point.” Following on from the title victory, the Renault Driving Academy representative was then invited to take part in a special Formula 1 testing session alongside fellow academy drivers Christian Lundgaard and Guanyu Zhou, completing just short of 500 kilometres. Piastri will compete in next year’s eight round FIA Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing with the season to begin at the Bahrain International Circuit in March.
Photo: Dutch Photo Agency
“I had a rough idea of what I needed to do to win the Championship” - Oscar Piastri
During his chat with Rust, Piastri revealed his headspace leading into that final race, despite the title hanging in the balance. “It was a cool year. Having that F3 championship next to my name is pretty cool and I am very thankful for people’s support,” Piastri said. “It was a great season with nine rounds over 11 weekends, so it was very fast and compact and went down to the wire which got my heart racing. “I had a rough idea of what I needed to do to win the Championship
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Watch the full chat between Rust and Piastri here.
RUSTY’S GARAGE CONTINUES TO ENTERTAIN Greg Rust is a man who certainly has a way of getting some of the biggest stars in the Australia and New Zealand associated with motorsport and if it’s not through Motorsport Australia Zoom Chats, it’s through his regular podcast Rusty’s Garage.
2021 SHANNONS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS CALENDAR Having spoken to the likes Hollywood star Eric Bana, former Formula Round 1 One drivers Rubens Barrichello, Phillip Island, Victoria, Mark Webber and Brendon Hartley February 2021 TBC* and national champions like Craig Lowndes, Round 2Jamie Whincup and Mick Doohan, the of New names goes on. Bathurst 6 list Hour, South Wales, 2-4 April His most recent interview features Round 3 former Supercars Champion Russell Sydney Motorsport Park, New Ingall, with November’s three hour South Mayepisodes, chat splitWales, across1-2 three all of which are available via the Round 4 Podcast One Australia website. Morgan Park, Queensland, 25-27 June Round 5 Sandown International Raceway, Victoria, 10-12 Click here to September view Rusty’s
vast array Round 6 of episodes. The Bend Motorsport Park, South Australia, 15-17 October Photos: Speed Shots Photography
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PAPADOPOULOS NAMED MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA PRESIDENT OF HONOUR Outgoing Motorsport Australia President Andrew Papadopoulos has been awarded a significant title to pay tribute for his ongoing contribution to the sport.
“John Large is someone who I knew well and to join him as the only two Presidents of Honour in Motorsport Australia’s 67-year history is very special to me.
Papadopoulos has been awarded the position of Motorsport Australia’s ‘President of Honour’, only previously conferred to John Large OAM.
“The past 12 years as President have provided me with so many great memories, and certainly a number of new friends and colleagues that I will remain in close contact with for years to come.
Fittingly, both Large and Papadopoulos will have served as President for 12 consecutive years. A Director since 2001, Papadopoulos was elected President in 2009 and has overseen many significant achievements that have reshaped motorsport in Australia, including the significant rebrand of CAMS to Motorsport Australia. He has also helped Australian motorsport shine on the world stage, with the organisation held in the highest regard for its international training and expertise. Incoming President Andrew Fraser congratulated Papadopoulos. “Andrew has been such a large part of our sport as a key administrator for many years and it is only fitting his contribution is rightly acknowledged,” Fraser explained. “Andrew gave so much to a sport he is extremely passionate about, seeing growth at all levels, from grassroots through to our international events, officials and competitors. “On behalf of everyone at Motorsport Australia I congratulate Andrew on receiving the President of Honour title.” Papadopoulos was understandably proud to be recognised in this way. “I am truly humbled by this honour,” Papadopoulos said.
“Motorsport is in good hands with the current Board and Administration, who will be ready to assist the sport as it bounces back strongly in 2021 and allow motorsport to thrive in the years ahead.”
“John Large is someone who I knew well and to join him as the only two Presidents of Honour in history is very special to me” - Andrew Papadopoulos, Motorsport Australia President
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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!
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 49
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