SPEED READ J
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OFF ROAD ROARS INTO THE NT
The second round of the BFGoodrich CAMS AORC is finally here - the 28th running of the iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race.
A T I M E TO SAY T HANKS
CAMS would like to thank its 10,000 officials for their dedication during the many events over the past year.
J UNE UP COMING STATE E VENTS
Check out the June upcoming club and state events for 2019 from all around Australia.
CONFEDERATION OF AUSTRALIAN MOTOR SPORT
HOOP ER TA K ES OUT TIME ATTACK
Liam Hooper has enjoyed a successful outing in May’s Motors Hobart Tasmanian Time Attack at Baskerville Raceway.
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CONTENTS 4
June upcoming events
8
A time to say thanks
10
Humble Lamb enjoying life behind the spotlight
12
Porsches go back-to-back
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Shannons Nationals opener a hit in Sydney
18
Shannons island shootout
22
Ricciardo’s Racers shine in sydney
24
Off Road roars into the NT
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Evans enjoys perfect start to SXS defence
28
McLaughlin’s May magic
30
Stokell and Catford live the Tassie dream
32
Piastri’s plan paying off
34
Wood holding her own
36
Bates salutes in Canberra
38
ARC ready for Tassie forest battle
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Hooper takes out Time Attack glory
42
FHR changes for club rally events in 2020 and beyond
44
Presenters needed for F1 in Schools
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COVER PHOTO
Eager to claim the title of King of the Desert, the Tatts Finke Desert Race brings together the who’s who of off road to Alice Springs. This year Toby Price (pictured) is ditching the bike, solely focusing on tackling the dust in his truck. This arial snap was awarded the 2018 CAMS Motor Sport Photo of the Year. Photo: Brett Hemmings - Red Bull Content Pool
851 Dandenong Road, Malvern East VIC 3145 PO Box 147, Caulfield East Vic 3145 Member Hotline. 1800 883 959 (9am - 7pm AEST) Telephone. 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Office hours. 8.45am - 5.15pm Monday to Friday Website. cams.com.au E-mail. info@cams.com.au
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SPE E D READ
JUNE UPCOMING EVENTS NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT 1 June: Porsche Club NSW 2019 Supersprint Club Championship R4 2 June: CAMS NSW Rallysprint Series R5 2 June: Bathurst Light Car Club Motorkhana 2 June: BMW Drivers Club of NSW Supersprint R4 2 June: CAMS NSW Motorkhana Championship R5 2 June: GFB Junior Khanacross Series R4 2 June: MG Car Club Newcastle's Come and Try Hillclimb 2 June: (ACT) Southern District Motorsports Association Hillclimb (Top page 5) 8-9 June: CAMS NSW Mantic Clutch Hillclimb Championship R5 15 June: Christian Autosports Club of Australia's Motorkhana 15 June: Des West Touring Assembly 15 June: Ross Giddins Memorial Rallysprint 15 June: Sydney Off Road Racing Association's Short Course Event 16 June: Fiat Car Club NSW's Motorkhana 16 June: Mazda MX-5 Club of NSW Hillclimb 16 June: Tamworth Sporting Car Club Championship R4 16 June: Winterfun Khanacross 22 June: MG Car Club Newcastle's Junior Driver Development Course 22 June: Myall Lakes Rally 22-23 June: CAMS NSW Motor Race Championship R4 23 June: Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia (NSW)'s Tour d'Course 23 June: Bathurst Light Car Club Supersprint 23 June: CAMS NSW Motorkhana Championship R6 23 June: Coffs Coast Motorkhana Series 23 June: Kempsey Macleay Off Road Club's Navigator Passenger Ride Day 23 June: MG Car Club Newcastle's Dirt Motorkhana
QUEENSLAND 1 June: CAMS Queensland Hillclimb Championship 1 June: Tonker Park iDrive 2 June: IWMAC Open Sprint 8-9 June: Noosa Hillclimb Winter 15 June: SR Automotive Manumbar Rally 15-16 June: Whitsunday Gravel Khanacross 16 June: Millmerran Dirt Sprint 16 June: HSCCQ Khanacross 22-23 June: MGCCQ Hillclimb Series 23 June: IWMAC Autocross 29-30 June: CAMS Queensland Circuit Racing State Championship 29 June: CAMS Queensland Off Road Racing Championship R2
Photo: SR Automotive Manumbar Rally Photo: Wjp005 Racing
The 2019 CAMS NSW Mantic Clutch Hillclimb Championship takes place over the June long weekend at the Mountain View Motorsport Complex on the newly resurfaced track, hosted by the Grafton Sporting Car Club. 4
CAMS SPEED READ
R2 of the CAMS Queensland Rally Championship hits the forests of Nanango for a challenging day of rally action. Competitors will be taking on 150 compatitive kilometres across five stages on some of the nicest roads in the area, four of which will be run twice.
ACT
The fifth local round of the Fairburn Hillclimb takes place at the start of June as Brett Jorgensen looks to go back-to-back. So far only Kent Donally has won two, with the other rounds featuring different winners. Entry to the two-lap hill climb is free for spectators. Photo: MayneRidge Photography
SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY 1-2 June: AGL Rally SA - Rally of the Heartland 1-2 June: Multi Club 2 7-9 June: Australian Hay Mini Nationals 8 June: Motorkhana / TRE Autocross 7-10 June: (NT) Tatts Finke Desert Race 14-16 June: (NT) BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown (Top page 6) 15 June: SDCC Junior Development Program Day 3 16 June: PCSA Motorkhana 16 June: Marque Sports Car Assn Supersprint 16 June: SDCC Khanacross R3 22 June: 2019 LCORC Rally Sprint 22 June: CAMS Club Challenge 23 June: (NT) Central Australian Rally Sports Club Autocross 23 June: Superkart Races and Regularity 23 June: SCCSA Winter Cup 3 29-30 June: Sporting Car Club State Championship 39-30 June: 2019 Copyworld Walky 100 30 June: SEAC Khanacross
Photo: Chantel Collins
The SA CAMS Club Challenge will be on 22Â June at Collingrove and although the Excel team are confident of a three-peat, ther will be many teams in contention for the title. Entries are open and can be joined via cams.com.au.
TASMANIA 1 June: HSCC Drift Practice 1 June: MGCCT Private Practice 15 June: State Motorkhana Championship R2 16 June: Club Day with Mini Car Club 21-23 June: CAMS Australian Rally Championship R3 30 June: State Motorkhana Championship R3
Photo: Craig Large
The CAMS Tasmanian State Motorkhana takes place for the third time this year at Bendigo Bank Arena as competitors complete four to six challenges testing acceleration, braking, judgement skills. CAMS.COM.AU 5
NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship returns to Hidden Valley Raceway to wrap up a huge fortnight of motor sport for the Northern Territory. David Reynolds and Scott McLaughlin each claimed a victory last year in what was a thrilling race. Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
VICTORIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
1 June: VCAS R4 2 June: 2019 Group 5 Motorkhana and Junior Driver Awareness Day 8 June: MG Club Challenge 2019 9 June: All Toyota Winterfest 2019 15 June: Nissan Nightmoves Trial 16 June: DSCC Autocross R5 & Khanacross 16 June: Autocross/Khanacross Series R2 22 June: Maserati Club Winter Track Day 22 June: Maffra & District Car Club Multi-Club Hillclimb 30 June: BCC VCAS Autocross and Motorkhana 30 June: BMW Driver's Club Melbourne Come and Try/Driver Training Day
1 June: State Speed Event Series Albany Windfarm Hillclimb 1 June: WA Motorkhana State Championship 1 June: Mt Clarence Hillclimb 1-2 June: Bencubbin 360 1-2 June: Boddington Rally 2 June: Albany Classic 3 June: State Speed Event Series Pendeen Sprint 9 June: SWTCC Autocross 15 June: BORMSA Motorkhana 15 June: Barbagallo Tuning Day 16 June: BORMSA Khanacross 16 June: State Speed Event Series Barbagallo Sprint 21 June: Barbagallo Tuning Day 22-23 June: GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint 23 June: LCC Khanacross 23 June: Barbagallo Race Day 29 June: Infinite Time Attack - Barbagallo 30 June: SWTCC Autocross
Photo: Rhys Yeomans
The MG Car Club Victoria will be hosting the MG Club Challenge 2019 which will be a Multi-Club Hillclimb and Sprint on the 8th and 9th of June at Bryant Park. 6 CAMS SPEED READ
Photo: GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint
Tarmac rally cars will race against the clock over 8 runs in Bunbury's Hallifax industrial area in the GT Fabrication Targa Bunbury Sprint.
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A TIME TO SAY THANKS
During the last weekend of May, CAMS and the FIA held their annual weekend celebrating every official involved with motor sport.
“Our CAMS officials always go above and beyond when volunteering in motor sport,” CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca said.
The FIA Volunteers Weekend saw ASNs all around the world take a moment to thank the thousands of passionate motor sport fans who volunteer their time to help put on events.
“They are essential to the sport and we wouldn’t be able to have racing without them.
With a number of major events taking place in Australia over the course of the weekend, including a host of state events and the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship’s visit to Winton, the celebrations for officials were well received. CAMS would like to thank its 10,000 plus officials for all their hard word and dedication during the many events taking place each year.
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“This weekend gives us the opportunity to reflect and celebrate our officials who continue to do their job in all conditions, be it rain, hail or shine. “We continue to set the example to the rest of the world and CAMS is constantly reminded how professional our officials are at every event, so for that, on behalf of CAMS, thank you to each official.”
“Thanks to all the people who volunteer and allow us to go racing. “My Championship wouldn’t have happened if wasn’t for you guys working behind the scenes to get the show on the road.” - Scott McLaughlin
“Really appreciate of all the work everyone does behind the scenes and on the events. Wouldn’t be possible without you so thank you.” “I want say a big thank you to all the CAMS officials. Really appreciate giving up your time to do the jobs on the weekend that really help us.”
- Molly Taylor To join find out more about what it takes to be a CAMS Official, click here.
- Chaz Mostert
CAMS.COM.AU 9
HUMBLE LAMB ENJOYING LIFE BEHIND THE SPOTLIGHT When Ian Lamb was first offered the prestigious Castrol South Australian Official of the Year award, he first reaction was that he didn’t want it. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe in the award’s merits, but Lamb is someone who has always preferred to stay behind the scenes, away from the spotlight and focused on just getting the job done. For someone like Lamb, who has been involved with the sport since the early 1960s, he hasn’t spent more than half of his life volunteering just to be recognised by his peers, he does it because he lives and breathes the sport. Quite simply, he just loves motor sport.
“To get a reception like that
Australian events, he was a wellrespected member of former Australian Formula 2 Champion, Ian Richard’s entourage. After spending more than a decade working with the team, fixing the cars and developing new ones, Lamb was asked for a favour.
“When they called my name out at the event, I received a standing ovation... it was a very humbling experience.”
However after some time of contemplation, the 73-yearold decided to accept the award and was grateful for the unexpected reception he received during the State awards earlier this year. “When they called my name out at the event, I received a standing ovation from everyone in the room and it was a very humbling experience,” Lamb said. “It was a very special moment because of the appreciation
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everybody had for what I do. It really made me think how much I really am respected in this sport. Not just by people in circuit, but karting, off road, rally – everyone.
feels so good and to think that everybody thinks so much of me, it’s really hard to describe the feeling. “I have picked up a few awards over the years, but this award in particular is definitely the best I have ever received." Lamb has been a fantastic servant to motor sport over the past 40 years, mainly volunteering in the service and equipment side of things. But before he became known as 'Mr Fix it' at so many South
A favour that changed the direction of his life. “In 1981. Rob Meade asked me to help put a meeting together for him, which I thought would be interesting because it gave me my first taste on the other side of the fence,” Lamb explained.
“And that was it. I just kept doing it and never stopped because I like the organisation of running a race meeting - putting a race together is what inspires me to continue. “I really enjoy it. I wouldn’t do it if I wasn’t having fun. You have to have a bit fun while your doing it. I believe that you have to take it seriously, do your job, but at the same time you have to fun because it would be hard if you didn’t. “I never thought I would be doing this for so long. It started off as just helping out here and there and now after 40 years, I am still doing it.”
Photo: Bob Gloyn
CAMS.COM.AU 11
PORSCHES GO
BACK KCAB TO
A U S T R A L I A
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Photo: Angryman Photography
Photos: Angryman Photography
The Porsche Club of Tasmania has won its second consecutive CAMS Club Challenge – Tasmania after an action packed event at Baskerville Raceway.
HOW IT FINISHED
As 28 drivers across six teams battled it out in the hill climb challenge, it was the defending champions who were too strong for the rest of the competition once again.
1. Dream Team - Porsche Club of Tasmania 2. CMI - Club Motori Italia 3. Team A - North West Car Club 4. LCCT - Light Car Club of Tasmania 5. CMI non Italian - Club Motori Italia 6. CMI Italian - Club Motori Italia
To win a CAMS Club Challenge, drivers must try to beat the track record for their respective class and as a show of dominance, all four drivers from the one-make club smashed their class records – with Peter Haworth crossing the line more than three seconds ahead of the record. Just as impressive was the fact that all four drivers also finished in the top five outright individual positions, with outright third place going to the North West Car Club’s Leigh Ford. Unfortunately the Honda Civic pilot’s effort wasn’t good enough to help his team get past the Porsches, as the team ended up in third place behind eventual runner-ups, CMI. The next CAMS Club Challenge will be in South Australia at the Collingrove Hillclimb on 22 June.
Team Standings
Individual Top 10
1. Peter Haworth - Dream Team 2. Peter Nunn - Dream Team 3. Leigh Ford - Team A 4. Kerry Luck - Dream Team 5. Keith Johnstone - Dream Team 6. Robert Van Der Niet- CMI 7. Scott Wyman - CMI non-Italian 8. Allan Van Dullemen - CMI 9. Gary van der Drift - Team A 10. Ashley Board - LCCT
Click here to register for the next event. CAMS.COM.AU 13
NATIONALS OPENER A HIT IN SYDNEY
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CAMS SPEED READ
Photo: Speed Shots Photography
The Shannons Nationals returned for 2019 with a hugely successful first round at Sydney Motorsport Park. It was the perfect way to start the new year, with a further six rounds to come on an action-packed calendar. More than 100 drivers across six categories were featured throughout the two-day weekend with the all-new carsales TCR Australia Series being showcased for the first time in history. With the new category beginning for the first time, there was lots of anticipation behind the Nationals and it showed with a strong crowd, record live stream audience numbers and free to air coverage on SBS. The live stream hosted across a range of platforms saw 70,000 fans tune in from around the globe, while the SBS free-to-air broadcast of the three TCR races had around
100,000 people watch, meaning up to 170,000 people watched the round live. Just as impressive was the amount of people in attendance as 5000 flocked to the event, making it one of the highest Shannons Nationals crowds in recent history. Shannons Nationals Director Michael Smith was thrilled with the interest in the first round. “We are absolutely delighted with the really strong interest in the opening round of the Shannons Nationals,” Smith said. “Across all the categories involved in the weekend, there was plenty of fans tuning in online and on TV, as well as a record crowd in attendance at Sydney Motorsport Park.”
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CATEGORY WINNERS CARSALES TCR AUSTRALIA SERIES 1. Will Brown 2. Dylan O'Keeffe 3. Tony D'Alberto
RADICAL AUSTRALIA CUP
1. Chris Perini 2. Max Medland 3. Brad Neilson/Max Neilson
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PORSCHE MICHELIN GT3 CUP CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA 1. Harri Jones 2. Aaron Love 3. Christian Pancione
ALFA ROMEO CHALLENGE
Class A winner: Daniel Gatto Class B winner: Michael Musumeci Class C winner: Darren Harris Class E winner: Enzo Piazza Class S winner: Matt Magraith Class T winner: Bradley Wilson
CAMS PAYCE AUSTRALIAN FORMULA 4 CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Luis Leeds 2. Antonio Astuti 3. Lachie Hughes
AUSTRALIAN PROTOTYPE SERIES
1. Mark Short 2. Mark Laucke 3. David Barram
Photos: Speed Shots Photography
CAMS.COM.AU 17
SHANNONS ISLAND SHOOTOUT After a highly successful season opener at Sydney Motorsport Park, the Shannons Nationals returns for the second round of the year, with the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix set to host. It will be the first of three visits to Victoria for the Nationals, with the event to take place on the island across the long weekend from 7-9 June. While the round will feature less categories than the first round, it is expected to be just as entertaining thanks to the more track time for the four competing categories.
TICKETS Tickets are on sale for the second round of the Shannons Nationals at Phillip Island. Starting from $20 per person, tickets can be purchased either online or at the gate, while children aged 16 and under can enter for free. Gates are open from 8am on Friday through to Sunday.
Click here to secure your tickets.
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CAMS SPEED READ
Photo: Dan Thompson
CAMS AUSTRALIAN ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP The CAMS Australian Endurance Championship begins its first round of three as defending champion Max Twigg looks to go back-to-back in the endurance championship, as well as scoring valuable points in the CAMS Australian GT Championship. Despite Twigg announcing plans to compete in only the Endurance championship rounds, solid results over the next three rounds could see him contest the whole season. The championship has been boosted by the inclusion of 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup, who will join Yassir Shahin in the South Australian’s Mercedes-AMG GT3 Last year’s corresponding round saw Audi R8 LMS pilots Tony Bates and Daniel Gaunt claim victory over Steve Richards and Michael Almond in the BMW M6 GT3. Twigg and co-driver Tony D’Alberto finished the event in third. The category will have two qualifying sessions on Saturday before the three-hour race takes place on Sunday morning.
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CARSALES TCR AUSTRALIA SERIES There was a lot to like about the new series’ first hit out in Sydney, with 17 drivers going head-to-head in some thrilling action. While Wall Racing’s Tony D’Alberto steered his Honda Civic to the first ever pole position and Jason Bright secured the historic victory in the Volkswagen Golf, it was HMO Customer Racing’s Will Brown who ended the weekend with outright bragging rights. The 2016 CAMS PAYCE Formula 4 Champion took out the second and third race of the inaugural weekend, putting him at the top of the standings ahead of the second round. It will be a similar schedule to the first round with Qualifying on Saturday morning setting up race one later in the day, while Sunday will again have a double header with two consecutive races.
PORSCHE MICHELIN GT3 CUP CHALLENGE The one-make series enters its third round for the year after rounds in Tasmania and Sydney with Harri Jones leading Max Vidau heading into the midway point. Both drivers have claimed two round wins each, but Jones sits above Vidau despite the latter claiming four consecutive victories thus far due to a critical DNF in Sydney. Outside of their Formula 4 duties, Suhle and Love will also be competing in the Porsche Challenge, and will be looking for some serious points sitting in third and fourth. The Porsche Michelin GT3 Cup Challenge is scheduled for Saturday morning qualifying and two races later in the day, while Sunday will hold the third and final race.
CAMS PAYCE AUSTRALIAN FORMULA 4 CHAMPIONSHIP It will be the first of two double round weekends for the CAMS PAYCE Australian Formula 4 Championship with the category to undergo six races. Luis Leeds currently leads the Championship after claiming round wins at both Albert Park and Sydney Motorsprot Park, becoming the first driver to cross the 100-point barrier this season. Last year, eventual F4 champion Jayden Ojeda took top honours in the round, winning all three races over Aaron Love, Ryan Suhle and Cameron Shields. With Ojeda not competing this year, Suhle and Love will consider themselves a good chance for a strong result. The first of six races gets underway on Friday afternoon, before competitors undergo a hectic four race Saturday. The final race will take place on Sunday.
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Photo: Ricciardo Benvenuti
RICCIARDO’S RACERS SHINE IN SYDNEY The second edition of the 2019 Ricciardo’s Racers campaign has been a resounding success with two sold out sessions taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park as part of the Shannons Nationals. The young drivers had professional instructors coaching them throughout the activities with Karl Reindler, Andrew Winton and 2018 Toyota 86 Champion Tim Brook all on hand. With the Junior Drive Day taking place in the same location as the first round of the 2019 Shannons Nationals, the participants were treated to a special tour through pit lane.
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During the pit walk, the participants were able to get up close and personal with the TCR drivers and cars, including Ricciardo’s Racers instructor Tony D’Alberto – who picked up a historic pole position in the series’ opening race. The next Ricciardo’s Racers will be at Sandown Raceway in Victoria on 13 July for another level one and two course.
Click here to enter into a Ricciardo’s Racers for 2019.
“Cameron had an awesome day. The day was both informative and fun and it really helped him learn important skills when behind the wheel. “He really enjoyed the interaction with the instructors and the pit walk with Karl Reindler after the program.”
Photos: Ricciardo Benvenuti
Click here to view the full photo album.
- Scott McKenzie – Parent
CAMS.COM.AU 23
D A O R F F O O T N I S R ROA T N TH E
Goodrich of the BF d n u ro nd The seco ff Road stralian O ally CAMS Au hip (AORC) is fin vents s n te s io e p g m ig Cha the b h one of ver the o e c la here wit p end. lia taking in Austra thday long week ir B ’s Queen the iconic o nning of ru th 8 cted to g 2 With the Desert Race expe has a ad ke Tatts Fin e wire, Speed Re ils ahead th ta to e d n y w e o k d e th f o me look at so ce. ra e th f o
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Photos: Brett Hemmings - Red Bull Content Pool
THE CREWS Just like every year, the who’s who of off road racing will be in Alice Springs as part of the 165 crews set to battle it out for the prestigious King of the Desert title. Six-time Finke Champion Shannon Rentsch heads into the event as the clear favourite after claiming his fourth consecutive AORC round in April with an impressive St George 399 win. However, the calibre of drivers standing in his way for a record seventh title is impressive with 2016 AORC champion Jack Rhodes, five-time Finke champion David Fellows and seven-time AORC champion Mark Burrows also in the mix. There are a number of contenders, both experienced campaigners and young stars also in the running for their first victory in the Northern Territory as both Travis and Beau Robinson look to break their Finke hoodoo after coming close in recent years. Toby Whateley and Josh Howells have shown enough promise over the past 14 months to put them in the same pool as the above contenders, while Toby Price is also one to look out for after recently announcing he will solely compete in the truck after hurting his wrist during his two wheel Dakar Rally triumph.
LAST TIME THEY MET Last year’s race was a dominated by eventual AORC champion Rentsch, the Victorian incredibly led the field from Prologue to Finke and back to Alice Springs. While he didn’t look like giving up the lead throughout the race, Rentsch was challenged on day one by Price, who finished just three minutes behind him, however Price failed to make it to the first checkpoint on the way back to Alice Springs, giving Rentsch a comfortable run home. Finishing 16 minutes behind Rentsch was Fellows, whilst Rhodes secured third after crossing the line two and half minutes behind Fellows.
Photo: Matthew Daniele
THE SCHEDULE While official business doesn’t begin until Friday, 7 May with scrutineering, the festivities will begin the night before with the popular street party taking place in Alice Springs. Saturday morning’s Prologue will set the order for the first half of the race, which begins first thing Sunday morning when the drivers make their way down to Finke. At 7am on Monday morning, the first car will make its way back to Alice Springs as the top five drivers are expected to roll past the finish line by 10am. Photo: Matthew Daniele
CAMS.COM.AU 25
EVANS ENJOYS PERFECT START TO SXS DEFENCE Reigning DEWALT CAMS SXS Australian champion Simon Evans has begun 2019 on a high after claiming the first round of the year in an epic day at the Cessnock Motorcycle Club in New South Wales. In front of one of the Championship’s biggest crowds to date, Evans ended the round on top after winning three races throughout the day, including a dramatic Grand Final against seven other drivers. “It's been the perfect start to my title defence,” Evans said. “The car has gone through the day without needing any work. The Polaris Turbo S is second to none and Cessnock was a really challenging, yet fun track, “Overall it was just a really fantastic day.” The round's final thrilling contest saw a number of different drivers take the lead during the five laps and as Evans managed to take out top spot, his brother Tom ended the day in third, while SXS Sport winner Tim Liston finished in between the two Evans brothers. “It was unreal,” Liston said. “First in class and second outright made it an awesome day.
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CAMS SPEED READ
“The track was unreal and the jumps were just right. Our goal in 2019 is to beat Simon and the rest of the Turbo boys.
Despite not making the SXS Sport podium, Mitch Keyte ended the day with the SXS Sport’s fastest lap.
“It's been the perfect start to my title defence” - Simon Evans “We really want to show these guys up in the Sport so we’re hoping for a big year.” While Tom Evans may not have come away with a well-deserved victory, he came away with the SXS Turbo’s fastest lap.
The next round of the DEWALT SXS Australian Off Road Championship is on 13 July in Canberra at the ACT Motorcycle Club in Majura.
Photo: Dirtcomp Magazine
Photo: Dirtcomp Magazine
CAMS.COM.AU 27
MCLAUGHLIN’S MAY MAGIC
Photo: Supercars Media
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CAMS SPEED READ
The month of May belongs to Scott McLaughlin, the Ford Mustang and DJR Team Penkse. The reigning champion is going from strength-tostrength and he claimed three out of the available four races. His teammate Fabian Coulthard was the only other driver to win a race, while another Mustang pilot in Chaz Mostert ended the month with a pole and two podium finishes. Despite not winning a race, May was kind to the Holdens and Triple Eight Racing as Jamie Whincup got his season back on track finishing three races in the top five, including two podiums.
PIRTEK PERTH SUPERSPRINT Race 11
1. Fabian Coulthard 2. Scott McLaughlin 3. Chaz Mostert 4. Jamie Whincup 5. Shane van Gisbergen
Race 12
1. Scott McLaughlin 2. Jamie Whincup 3. Cameron Waters 4. Fabian Coulthard 5. Shane van Gisbergen
“I’m stoked. First night win, I enjoyed it here in Perth, such an awesome spectacle.” - Scott McLaughlin
SUPERCARS TO HEAT UP Unlike most months in the Supercars calendar, June will have just one stop to the Northern Territory, but if previous experiences are anything to go by, it’s going to be thrilling contest. The Championship heads to Hidden Valley Raceway for the BetEasy Triple Crown and Scott McLaughlin looks favourite after winning two of the last four races there. With a number of current drivers having won at the track, including Jamie Whincup and David Reynolds, the former having won multiple rounds here, as well as Nissan cars having a good record at the track – anything is possible over the weekend.
BetEasy Triple Crown 14-16 June Hidden Valley Raceway
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TRUCK ASSIST WINTON SUPERSPRINT
Improved Production and Commodore Cup HQ Holden’s Porsche Carrera Cup Australia Aussie Racing Cars
Race 13
1. Scott McLaughlin 2. Chaz Mostert 3. David Reynolds 4. James Courtney 5. Shane van Gisbergen
Race 14
1. Scott McLaughlin 2. Fabian Coulthard 3. Jamie Whincup 4. David Reynolds 5. Lee Holdsworth
“Our cars were just ridiculously good and I’m excited for the future and the rest of the year.” - Scott McLaughlin
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS After Race 14
1. Scott McLaughlin 1646 points 2. Fabian Coulthard 1402 3. Shane van Gisbergen 1231 4. David Reynolds 1220 5. Jamie Whincup 1168 6. Chaz Mostert 1160 7. Nick Percat 1057 8. Cameron Waters 985 9. Will Davison 983 10. Tim Slade 972
Photos: Supercars Media
CAMS.COM.AU 29
Stokell and Catford live the
Tassie dream Photo: Angryman Photography
Photo: Angryman Photography
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Angus Kennard and Ian Wheeler, GT4 class winners Targa Tasmania victors Paul Stokell and Kate Catford (centre)
“I’ve always called Targa Tasmania the hardest event I’ve ever done. “From icy roads that were so slippery to high grip, high-speed stuff. You’ve got to adapt pretty quickly.”
Dutton Garage Early Modern winners Guy and John Lilleyman
- Paul Stokell
Shannons Classic GT winners Michael and Daniel Bray Photos: Angryman Photography
Reigning CAMS Australian Targa Championship champion Paul Stokell has had a dream come true after claiming a sensational victory in the 2019 Targa Tasmania alongside CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC) co-driver Kate Catford. After a sluggish start to the event, the 51-year-old was a handed a set of lifelines when Jason and John White were demoted to the middle of the field and outright leaders Steve Glenney and Dennis Sims were involved in a serious crash on day three. Following the premature exits of both crews, Stokell and Catford had their sights set on new leaders Matt Close and Cameron Reeves, eventually getting past the duo by the end of the fourth day.
For the remaining two days, Stokell and Catford never surrendered the lead, while Close and Reeves dropped down to third outright at the expense of GT4 class winners Angus Kennard and Ian Wheeler. In the Classic GTs, Michael and Daniel Bray picked up a fortunate victory to continue their domination of the class in 2019. Like Stokell, the Brays took some time to settle in but eventually took the class’ top spot when Mick Downey and Nicholas Browne were handed a 15-minute penalty sending them to third. The third round of the CAMS Australian Targa Championship moves to the North of Queensland for the second Targa Great Barrier Reef on 30 August - 1 September.
2019 TARGA TASMANIA CLASS WINNERS Outright: Paul Stokell and Kate Catford Dutton Garage GT2: Paul Stokell and Kate Catford GT4: Angus Kennard and Ian Wheeler Shannons Classic GT: Michael and Daniel Bray Shannons Classic: Nik Prieston and Dylan Braithwaite Dutton Garage Early Modern: Guy and John Lilleyman Country Club GT Sports Trophy: Steven Sher and Fergal Murphy Shannons Thoroughbred Trophy: Tyson and Celise Cowie. Budget TSD Trophy: Darryl and Peter Marshall Spirit of Tasmania Rookie Rallye: Kristain Downing and Richard Woodman
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PIASTRI’S PLAN PAYING OFF In just his third year of competing in cars on the European circuit, Oscar Piastri is ticking a lot of boxes when it comes to becoming Australia’s next Formula 1 driver. After starting out in karting in Oakleigh nine years ago, the Victorian progressed nicely over the next few years, having a breakout year in 2014, which included outright podiums in state, national and international events. Despite having such a successful season, it wasn’t until 2016 that he made the big journey overseas to Europe, completing a full season on the European karting scene. Following on from his positive first year abroad, Piastri’s next move saw him target a British Formula 4 season where he flourished and ended the year second outright As he continued to claim solid results, the teenager then secured a twoyear contract in the Formula Renault Eurocup. His first year in 2018 saw him place eighth outright, one place ahead of fellow Australian Alex Peroni. In 2019, Piastri is currently comfortably coming third in the category and is enjoying just his third year of racing in the big leagues. “It’s been reasonably big steps in the past few years. I wouldn’t say any bigger than how the Europeans would do it but it seems we’ve had quite a smooth pathway,” Piastri said. “I am not too surprised that we are in the running this year. Last year our sights were set around a top-five finish, which was being slightly optimistic, but not impossible. “This year with the new car, we didn’t fully know how well it was going to go, but the aim was to definitely go for the Championship so I am where I expected to be. “The start of the season has been pretty good. While Monza wasn’t amazing
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and the pace was there in Monaco but a yellow flag in qualifying made life difficult, the Silverstone double win certainly kicked start the season.” It was a horrid start to the season for Piastri, as he picked up an 18th in the first race. However a second race turnaround saw him place fourth and back in the top half. The 18-year-old’s big moment then came in the second round, when he continued that form and dominated the UK round to claim a clean sweep
with pole and two victories, sending him to the top of the standings. “The whole weekend in general was brilliant, in the six practice and test sessions before the round, I was quickest in four of them and second quickest in the other two. “As for the races, I faced some adversity in the first one and had to reclaim my lead, whereas the second one I led from start to finish and I was really happy.
“Those sort of weekends don’t come around very often... those results certainly boosted my confidence for the rest of the year”
“I am going to try and live out the F1 dream for as long as I can but definitely aware it's unlikely even at the best of times, I pretty much have to get up the single seater tree as far as I can and see what happens then. “I think I’m heading in the right direction, fighting for Championships and all and with budget permitting, I might as well try and get to F1.
“Those sort of weekends don’t come around very often and I hadn’t had a win in quite a while, in fact my last had been in 2017 at the same track. “The round victory was quite a relief and getting those results under my belt certainly boosted my confidence for the rest of the year.” Unfortunately Piastri was unable to repeat his Silverstone efforts in Monaco the following round and despite falling just five points behind the current series leader, the down-to-earth driver
still remains on track in his plan to race in Formula 1. “Next year, the most logical step is the FIA Formula 3 series, but at the moment we really have to take it on a year by year basis and see how the results are going,” Piastri added.
“I just have to continue sticking to the plan, keep the wins coming through the door and everything should sort itself out.”
Follow Piastri's progress here.
“Because obviously as soon as the results drop off, the chances of getting to F1 start to wane - they are slim anyway as it is.
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“It was great fun battling it out on track in my first F3 race... I can't wait for more!�
WOOD HOLDING HER OWN
Australian Caitlin Wood has secured a well-deserved point during the first two races in the inaugural season of the W-Series. In the all-female series’ historic first ever race taking place in Germany, Wood started in 12th position before crossing the finish line in 10th, while in the second race, Wood started in 11th and finished there. In both races, the 22-year-old had managed to work her way comfortably into the top 10 before mistakes cost Wood her positions and she ended up where she finished. British driver Jamie Chadwick currently leads the series after picking up a win in Germany, before finishing second in race two behind Dutch driver Beitske Visser. The next race of the W-series takes place at Missano in Italy on 7-8 June.
Gear up for a great deal on health insurance Australian Unity is proud to partner with CAMS and offer all CAMS members a great 8% discount1 on health insurance. So what are you waiting for? Call 1800 224 244 Visit australianunity.com.au/CAMS 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. 1
BATES SALUTES IN CANBERRA
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Photo: Jack Martin
Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia’s Harry Bates and John McCarthy’s perfect start to 2019 has continued with victory in the Netier National Capital Rally. While Bates and McCarthy claimed an impressive seven out of eight stage wins across the two heats, they were challenged by Subaru do Motorsport’s Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read, who claimed a stage of their own, adding another chapter to the Subaru/Toyota rivalry of Australian rally.
“This event threw a lot at us. We managed to get through and come out on top.”
“It was great having some close battles, that’s what makes it fun. “It’s nice to keep the pressure on Harry, I think we still have got more to come.” - Molly Taylor
Photo: Wishart Media
- Harry Bates
Repco Rally Team’s Mick Patton and Bernie Webb finished the event in third after a strong performance across both heats, finishing third in heat one and fourth in heat two. White Wolf Racing’s Tom Clarke and Ryan Preston rebounded from early technical woes, claiming third spot in the event’s second heat. After a strong opening to 2019, it was a less happy day for the second of the Toyota Yaris AP4 cars, with Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin rolling in the first heat, the crew unable to repair the car in time to start the second heat. In the CAMS ARC 2WD Championship, Ethan Pickstock and Lisi Phillips took out the round win in a car with plenty of history, their Mitsubishi Mirage being formerly driven by Molly Taylor.
Photo: Wishart Media
Bates and McCarthy now hold the advantage on the CAMS Australian Rally Championship (ARC) leader board, with crews to face off again at the Subaru Rally Tasmania.
THE TOP FIVE 1. Harry Bates/John McCarthy 2. Molly Taylor/Malcolm Read 3.
Mick Patton/Bernie Webb
4.
Tom Clarke/Ryan Preston
“I was hoping for top five, but to get back onto the podium again… really chuffed.” - Mick Patton
5. Luke Anear/ Steve Glenney
Photo: Jack Martin
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ARC READY FOR TASSIE FOREST BATTLE
The CAMS Australian Rally Championship reaches its midway point this month with the Subaru Rally Tasmania back after a successful return to the calendar in 2018. The event will take place around the forests of Launceston on 21-23 June.
“I am looking forward to driving some of these stages in the Yaris. It should suit the car pretty well because they are fast stages, I expect it will be a big battle throughout the day.� - Lewis Bates
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THE SEASON SO FAR Harry Bates and John McCarthy look like the crew to beat this year after two brilliant performances in Western Australia and Canberra. Heading into the third round of the six round season, Bates and McCarthy currently hold a comfortable 44 point lead over Molly Taylor and Malcolm Read after an epic finish in Canberra. Luke Anear and Steve Glenney have yet to place on the podium this year, but consistency has played a role in their current position, their two finishes putting them third outright. While Lewis Bates came away from WA with his maiden podium, his home rally proved to be a issue again with the youngster crashing out in the first heat.
Photo: Angryman Photography
THE RALLY After the successful oneday format in Canberra, the championship is back to its regular two-day schedule with competitors expecting to cover 236 competitive kilometres across 17 stages. Starting on Friday night, the Inveresk Super Special stage will once again kick things off with drivers to compete on a bitumen surface and crowds in excess of 5000 expected to in attendence. Saturday will consist of 10 stages, while Sunday will host just six stages, two of which are more than 20km long.
“I didn’t have the best rounds last year, so I hope we can improve on that a lot. If we can get three on the trot, that’d be awesome.” - Harry Bates
“Really excited to head to effectively my home round. It would be nice to have everyone supporting us.” - Molly Taylor
! D E P P A N S Luke Anear has confirmed his impressive Ford Fiesta R5 will debut at the Subaru Rally Tasmania after recently testing the world-class car in the forests of Tasmania this week Getting his first taste of the AGI Sport sponsored and Peter Nunn Motorsport prepared machine, Anear was impressed with the car after putting it through its paces. “It is a purpose built rally car, built from the ground up by M-Sport in the UK and the team has put years of development work in the World Rally Championship which has benefited the R5 car, so it’s fair to say that it’s a very different beast to my 2009 Subaru STI,” Anear said. “There is a lot for me to adjust to being left hand drive and there’s buttons all over the place that I’m still learning, but overall I felt very comfortable. “The brakes are incredible and I’m braking too early compared to where I would brake in the Subaru, but that will come with time. “The car arrived with an encyclopaedia of manuals and technical books, so the team at Pete Nunn Motorsport are studying them each night in order to learn the car.” CAMS.COM.AU 39
HOOPER TAKES OUT TIME ATTACK GLORY Liam Hooper has enjoyed a successful outing in May’s Motors Hobart Tasmanian Time Attack at Baskerville Raceway as the 2006 Subaru WRX pilot claimed the fastest time of the day. With more than 30 drivers competing in the popular time trial format event, Hooper had to wait until his final session of the day to post the fastest time and take out the victory. With each driver getting an average of four sessions on the track, Hooper picked up the fastest time of 57 seconds in the first session, before Matthew Stringer crossed the line in second session more than one second faster than Hooper, breaking into the 55 seconds barrier in the process. In the third session, neither driver was able to beat the Mazda RX7 pilot’s time and Stringer was on track for victory until Hooper’s final session heroics saw him claim the victory by just one tenth of a second.
Photo: Optical Note Photography
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Photo: Optical Note Photography
A further one-second behind the two front runners, the battle for the final spot on the podium went down to two drivers as Stephen Noble and his Nissan 350 edged out Nissan Skyline driver Roger White by one tenth. Rounding out the top five almost three seconds behind was Brad Shea and his Mitsubishi Evo. Shea’s performance was also enough to seal the Club class.
In seventh place outright, Mazda RX8 driver Nathan Oliver took out the 16-car Street class with a fastest lap time of almost one minute dead on. Both Oliver and Shea joined Hooper in the class victories as the outright winner also went home with the Modified class title. Stringer’s battle with Roger White saw the former take out the Unlimited class.
Click here to view the full outright results.
FHR CHANGES FOR CLUB RALLY EVENTS IN 2020 AND BEYOND As previously announced, the compulsory introduction of frontal head restraints (FHR) for competitors in club level rally events will be in place from 1 January 2020. Frontal head restraints are designed to reduce injury by limiting forward head movement during periods of rapid deceleration. Common examples of these restraints include the HANS device and the Simpson ‘Hybrid’ harness style device. At the start of 2019, FHRs were made mandatory at multi-club level rally events. They are already compulsory at the state and national level.
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CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca said the changes were about improving safety for competitors at every level. “The benefits of frontal head restraints have been proven in research undertaken throughout the world,” Arocca said. “We have seen in Australia that these devices have unquestionably saved lives and reduced the seriousness of any injuries. “There will be a small cost to competitors to fit this equipment in their vehicle, but ultimately there is no price you can put on your life or that of your co-driver.”
FHR devices became have been compulsory in National and State level rally events since 2015 and became mandatory for multi club level events earlier this year. CAMS licence holders can get more information on the introduction of frontal head restraints in club level rally events through the FAQs available in the link below.
Find out more about the changes.
PRESENTERS NEEDED FOR F1 IN SCHOOLS CAMS is on the lookout for members with a vast knowledge for Formula 1 and a desire to share their passion of motor sport through the F1 in Schools program. The program is currently looking for presenters for every state, with South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania the more important ones. F1 in Schools offers participating schools a free-one hour workshop giving students an insight into the initial phases of an F1 program within science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as an emphasis on Aerodynamics. With both basic and advanced levels available to students, each school team has the opportunity to compete against other schools with their designs, eventually earning a spot in the National Finals. Success on the national scale will then allow the winning team a spot in the World Finals at Abu Dhabi where Australia holds the current title.
For a chance to be part of inspiring the future generation of motor sport, interested presenters can contact f1inschools@cams.com.au.
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The third round of the CAMS NSW Motor Race Championship has concluded after a weekend of celebration for Wakefield Park’s 25th anniversary. Photo: Riccardo Benvenuti
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