SPEED READ J U N E
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RETURN TO RACE Motorsport Australia has outlined its strategy to allow motorsport to resume across the country in the coming weeks and months.
Return To Race provides a detailed strategy, based on Government guidelines, on how our sport can restart safely and efficiently.
RALLY READY TO RETURN
SUPERCARS REVISED 2020 CALENDAR
SHANNONS CALENDAR UNVEILED
Motorsport Australia has recently unveiled a revised four round, provisional calendar for the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.
The newly announced modified Supercars schedule will include 11 events between June 2020 and February 2021.
A revised 2020 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships calendar has been confirmed, with Sydney Motorsport Park to host the hotly anticipated opening round in August.
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CONTENTS 4
Unearthing future talent
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Driver Academy full of promise for former Ferrari man
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Return to race
10
Rally ready to return
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Shannons calendar unveiled
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Supercars reveal revised 2020 calendar
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SXS to get underway in July
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Ricciardo, McLaren: 2021
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Club Challenge to restart in 2021
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COVIDSafe will help us get racing
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Rusty’s who’s who of motorsport
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Rally champion shares his insights
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Rusty's Garage
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Thinking about refreshing your club’s merchandise and apparel?
28 Q&A - Holden Sporting Car Club of Queensland 30
Flashback: June 2014
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2020 Rainbow Desert Enduro cancelled
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COVER PHOTO With COVID-19 restrictions easing around the country, Australian motorsport is getting Ready to Race. Grassroot events are hitting the track while national categories are announcing revised calendars. Photo: Motorsport Australia Media
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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UNEARTHING FUTURE TALENT Aspiring Formula 1 drivers in Australia will soon have a unique opportunity to be part of Scuderia Ferrari’s global driver development program.
would give drivers in our region, particularly those in Australia, an exciting opportunity to join the Ferrari Driver Academy development pathway.
Motorsport Australia and Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) have teamed up to unearth future talent in the Australasia region.
“Our up-and-coming open wheel drivers will now have an even better opportunity to be part of the Formula 1 system at an early age,” Papadopoulos said.
The Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) will soon be part of the new Motorsport Australia Centre of Excellence at Sydney Motorsport Park, with plans well underway for its construction to begin in the coming months. The Australian based zone of the FDA will be Academy’s Asia Pacific/ Oceania selection zone, encompassing a significant number of countries. Motorsport Australia President Andrew Papadopoulos said the agreement with the iconic Scuderia Ferrari team
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“Australians have proven throughout history that they can compete with the best in the world – and ultimately we believe this program will help us find the next Daniel Ricciardo or Mark Webber, and hopefully the next Australian FIA Formula 1 World Champion. “Ferrari has a proud and wonderful history in motorsport and are arguably the team most young drivers aspire to be a part of. We are delighted to be partnering with FDA and look forward
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
to developing a strong relationship between our two organisations. “We can also confirm we will be making use of our existing Formula 4 cars here in Australia for this program for development and assessment purposes, given the ultimate prize is a fully funded Formula 4 drive in a European Championship with FDA. “This partnership with Ferrari Driver Academy is a historic moment for Motorsport Australia and certainly a significant boost to the development opportunities that exist here in Australia.” Laurent Mekies, Head of Ferrari Driver Academy said: “The signing with Motorsport Australia, after the partnerships already established with the Italian Motoring Federation ACI and with Karting world powerhouse TonyKart, is a key step forward in
Photo: Ferrari Media
“Australians have proven throughout history that they can compete with the best in the world” - Andrew Papadopoulos, Motorsport Australia President
our Scouting Strategy in order to ensure that we continue to secure the best talent of the future.
Australia and FDA will come together to determine the best two drivers of the year from our region.
“We have a long standing relationship with our friends at Motorsport Australia, and we trust that together we will build a fantastic selection program for the region that will inspire and attract many young drivers.”
Those top two drivers will then be invited to Ferrari’s Fiorano racetrack in Italy, where they will compete against drivers from academies around the world.
Motorsport Australia will be responsible for running the initial stages of the development program in Australia each year, with drivers aged between 14 and 17 eligible to take part. Drivers from countries listed later in this article will be eligible to take part, but will need to travel to Australia at their own cost to take part in any assessments. A select number of the best drivers from the initial group will then be invited to continue in the next stages of the program, where Motorsport
The winning driver from the various academies will then be offered a drive with FDA in a European Formula 4 Championship. Countries that will be part of the Oceania Ferrari Driver Academy based in Australia include: Australia, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and China.
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DRIVER ACADEMY FULL OF PROMISE FOR FORMER FERRARI MAN With Motorsport Australia partnering with the Ferrari Driver Academy, the news has certainly piqued the interest of young Australian drivers. The new development program will give young Australians a chance to learn from the best and further develop their own skills, before eventually two successful drivers from the region each year will go up against other
Now, almost 50 years later, Schenken believes the opportunity available for young Australians to race for the ‘prancing horse’ could turn into a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reach the highest level in our sport. “It’s a great opportunity and I think it shows where Motorsport Australia sits in the world of motorsport,” Schenken said.
“I think any involvement with Ferrari is a dream for anyone” - Tim Schenken
teenagers from around the world in a bid to secure a seat with the Ferrari aligned junior team for European Formula 4 the following season. Arguably the most notable and storied Formula 1 team in the sport, as well as a being one of the most recognisable and prestigious sports car manufactures in the world, an opportunity to be part of the Ferrari family would be a dream come true for any aspiring teenager. And while Ferrari hasn’t often been a brand associated with Australian drivers, Motorsport Australia’s own Tim Schenken was skilled enough to be part of its sports car program back in the 1970s. Approached by the F1 Ferrari Team manager, Peter Schetty, at an Italian Grand Prix in the early 1970s, Schenken got to meet Mr Enzo Ferrari who was waiting at a nearby hotel to discuss his opportunity in 1972, where he was a part of a dominant season that saw Ferrari cars win a number of world championships.
“I think any involvement with Ferrari is a dream for anyone, not just a race driver. People aspire to be involved with Ferrari, so the academy opening up right here in Australia is incredible. “The new driver academy gives these young aspiring drivers something to look forward to and a clear purpose to work towards. “It’s interesting because like many other teams, Ferrari is now looking everywhere to find their next world champion, even as far as the most junior level of motorsport racing and karting. It shows they’re really keen. “To be honest, I didn’t really appreciate driving for them when I was there, and it wasn’t until I retired when I realised what a great experience it was to race at Ferrari. I hope some young Australians are able to get that similar opportunity through this program.”
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As someone with experience in the world’s biggest team, Schenken was confident endless opportunities would arise from any form of involvement with Ferrari. “There are many benefits to getting involved – especially if a young talented driver can make it into their official program,” Schenken added. “The opportunity to move through the FIA’s world championship tiers would be the main attraction. If a young driver does well in Formula 4, they are likely to be picked up by any team for Formula 3 or continue with Ferrari’s support. “It would be a wonderful experience for someone to get involved with Ferrari in that sort of capacity, even if a driver doesn’t get to continue the development path with the team after their initial season. “It would still be a massive learning curve and anyone involved in the team at a junior level would be able to branch out and do other things using the knowledge and experience. “Should someone be able to put their involvement as a driver with Ferrari on their resume, it would look good regardless of the end result.”
Click here for more information on the Ferrari Driver Academy
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RETURN TO RACE Motorsport Australia has outlined its strategy to allow motorsport to resume across the country in the coming weeks and months.
The Return To Race document, available to read at Motorsport Australia’s detailed COVID-19 Resource Centre, provides a detailed strategy based on the Federal Government’s National Principles for the Resumption of Sport and Recreation Activities. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the document had been submitted to the Federal Government, as well as all state and territory governments around the country to outline the strategies that will be put in place to allow motorsport to resume safely in each jurisdiction. “Motorsport is unlike any other sport. We certainly believe it’s
a low risk sport when it comes to any potential transmission of COVID-19 given that motorsport is conducted outdoors, usually on a large site area,” Arocca explained. “However, that doesn’t mean we can just go back to running events as we previously did. Return To Race clearly outlines all steps our event organisers, officials and competitors should take to make our events as safe as possible based on the framework put forward by the Federal Government.” Arocca also said a dedicated COVID-19 checker must also be used at each event, who will be solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the Motorsport Australia regulations as part of Return To Race. “This strategy outlines the importance of avoiding gatherings or meetings,
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instead using technology such as Zoom to host drivers’ briefings for example. We’re also providing other key steps that event organisers, officials and competitors need to take to ensure everyone’s health and safety, depending on their role. “While drivers may be ‘cocooned’ in their vehicles when on track or on a stage, there are obviously many other things that need to be considered before an event can go ahead. This includes understanding how to manage a busy pit lane, scrutineering and of course our managing officials scattered across an event site who often need to work in small groups. The Return To Race document addresses those concerns to ensure event organisers are aware of their responsibilities.
“Return To Race clearly outlines all steps event organisers, officials and competitors should take to make our events as safe as possible” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
“Importantly, we’re also encouraging our members to download the COVIDSafe App to ensure the safety of everyone at any future events. This will allow everyone to have some peace of mind that in the unlikely event of a positive case at an event, the authorities can notify everyone accordingly.” Motorsport Australia President Andrew Papadopoulos said the document had also been sent to the FIA and would likely be used as a blueprint for countries around the world. "Australian motorsport is a world leader and this document once again highlights Motorsport Australia's leadership and ability to set a precedent for other countries to follow," Papadopoulos said.
short term and we are excited about the prospect of its return in a safe, healthy and responsible manner." As highlighted in Return To Race, events will be run without spectators based on current advice, with social distancing and extra hygiene products to be made available throughout an event.
To read Motorsport Australia's Return To Race document and to visit our dedicated COVID-19 Resource Centre at motorsport.org.au/covid19
"Motorsport Australia is determined to see motorsport up and running in the
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RALLY READY TO RETURN Motorsport Australia has recently unveiled a revised four round, provisional calendar for the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.
competitors a chance to compete in a number of events and will mean the Championship will not be overly compromised, despite the delayed start to the year.
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing organisers to postpone various events in the opening months of the year, the release of a provisional calendar will set out a return to national level rallying, while also allowing states to further plan their own championships around Australia.
“We are also mindful of the logistics around travel and the closeness of events compared to what we see in a ‘normal’ year. Given this, rallies may be shorter in time and distance than in previous years to enable competitors, teams, officials, suppliers and organisers to attend. Most importantly for those volunteering their time as officials to make these events happen, we want to make sure they can get back to work as soon as possible.
The first round of the ARC is now scheduled to take place on 26-27 September, with the Netier National Capital Rally to open the season. The AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally will follow on 17-18 October. Competitors will then head south to the Apple Isle for Rally Tasmania on 7-8 November, before a final round in NSW at a location to be determined on 28-29 November. Motorsport Australia staff and event organisers have worked closely together to formulate this new, provisional calendar, according to Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca. “While there is still some uncertainty about the lifting of restrictions in Australia, we know there are further changes coming and things are looking positive for the second half of the year,” Arocca said. “This four round calendar will give
“I’d like to thank the ARC’s sponsors - our naming rights partner RSEA Safety and Hire, as well as our official tyre supplier, Hoosier Tire Australia. Their ongoing support through what has been a very challenging and unusual time for motorsport has been very reassuring. “We know a September start date is realistic at the current time, however if for whatever reason the COVID-19 situation changes or restrictions do not allow us to compete, we are obviously prepared to make further changes should they be needed to ensure everyone’s safety.” Arocca also said it was too early to say if spectators would be allowed to attend these events, with Motorsport Australia to work closely with local,
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state and federal governments, utilising the guidelines in Motorsport Australia's Return To Race strategy. While there will be no Victorian and Western Australian rounds in 2020 due to the tight nature of the revised calendar, organisers are planning ahead for their respective returns to the national calendar in 2021. Make Smoking History Forest Rally's Ross Tapper said: “We understand these are difficult times and we are concerned about the border restrictions, but we will watch from afar and see you all in 2021". Eureka Rally's Andrew Roseman said: "We are disappointed that we can't run in the revised calendar in 2020, but we look forward to building a new event and rejoining the Championship in 2021".
2020 RSEA SAFETY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Round 1: Netier National Capital Rally 26-27 September Round 2: AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally 7-18 October Round 3: Rally Tasmania 7-8 November Round 4: NSW event TBA 28-29 November
SHANNONS CALENDAR UNVEILED
Photo: Speed Shots Photography
A revised 2020 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships calendar has been confirmed, with Sydney Motorsport Park to host the hotly anticipated opening round in August. At least four rounds will make up the 2020 calendar, with further rounds potentially taking place in November and December, depending on category interest. The exact make up of categories racing at each round is still to be determined for the most part, however Australian Racing Group has confirmed the carsales TCR Australia Series and VHT S5000 Australian Drivers' Championship will compete in three of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships rounds – at Sydney
in August, Sandown in September and Phillip Island in October. As previously announced, the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers' Championship will compete for the coveted Motorsport Australia Gold Star in 2020 and beyond. The calendar also includes a visit to The Bend in October, which will coincide with the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship round in South Australia – with a Super Special Stage also featuring at The Bend on the Saturday night. Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships Director Michael Smith said planning for the new line up of events had involved
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“We can’t wait to get back on track with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships this year” - Michael Smith, Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships Director
lots of consultation with various category managers and venues. “We are really pleased to be able to announce the initial four rounds of the 2020 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships,” Smith said. “It’s understandably been a very difficult year for everyone, but with plenty of light at the end of the tunnel we feel now is the right time to announce our calendar, with four rounds and possibly more to take place in the second half of 2020. “Together with our various categories, we’ll make sure that all local government restrictions are met and events run according to our detailed Return To Race strategy and follow any advice regarding social distancing and so on. “We’d like to thank all the categories and circuit managers for their cooperation and hard work to ensure we could get these events up and running and we can’t wait to get back on track with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships this year.”
Challenge (previously known as the GT3 Cup), the Motorsport Australia GT Championship, Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters and Trans Am 2. While initially the events are being planned to be run without spectators, a decision on each event will be made based on government restrictions that apply to the venue and location as soon as is practical.
2020 SHANNONS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS Round 1: Sydney Motorsport Park – 15-16 August Round 2: Sandown International Raceway – 12-13 September Round 3: The Bend Motorsport Park – 17-18 October Round 4: Phillip Island Circuit – October TBA *Further rounds may be announced for November/ December, depending on category interest
Other categories which will feature at these events include, but are not limited to, the Porsche Michelin Sprint
Photos: Speed Shots Photography
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SUPERCARS REVEAL REVISED 2020 CALENDAR
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Photo: Edge Photographics
The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship has announced a revised 2020 season calendar with the season running until February next year. The modified Supercars schedule will include 11 events between June 2020 and February 2021. Supercars worked on the sport’s return with Motorsport Australia, state governments, commercial stakeholders and competing teams to create the new schedule.
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Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca praised Supercars for their efforts in getting back to racing. “This is a significant milestone for motorsport in Australia and we’re thrilled Supercars have come up with a solid plan to get back on track as soon as possible,” Arocca said. “It’s a fantastic effort and we’re very excited to see their season return and to be holding 11 rounds in both Australia and New Zealand.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
“With COVID-19 restrictions starting to ease across Australia, it’s important to note there are still a number of restrictions that need to be managed. Supercars’ strategy has met all the right criteria and we fully support their season going ahead.” The championship will restart later this month with Sydney Motorsport Park hosting the 2020 season’s second round on 27-28 June – adding to February’s opening round, the Superloop Adelaide 500 which was completed before the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“This is a significant milestone... Supercars have come up with a solid plan to get back on track” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
Photo: Edge Photographics
2020 VIRGIN AUSTRALIA SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP Outside of the OTR The Bend 500 in September and October’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, all events will be staged on a new date with the traditional street circuit races on the Gold Coast and Newcastle excluded from the new calendar. Following January’s penultimate round in New Zealand, a second event at Bathurst will host the season finale in February, which will replace the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, which
would have struggled to go ahead with international travel restrictions expected to last for some time yet. The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship’s 2020 season resumes on 27-28 June at Sydney Motorsport Park.
27-28 June: Sydney Motorsport Park 18-19 July: Truck Assist Winton 8-9 August: BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown 29-30 August: Townsville 19-20 September: OTR The Bend 8-11 October: Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 31 October - 1 November: PIRTEK Perth 21-22 November: Tyrepower Tasmania 12-13 December: Penrite Oil Sandown 9-10 January: ITM Auckland 5-7 February: Bathurst
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Photo: Dirtcomp Magazine
SXS TO GET UNDERWAY IN JULY “There is light The DEWALT SXS Motorsport Australia Championship has announced it will return in 2020, with a shortened season to start on 25 July. The exciting off road competition will be one of the first national motorsport categories to get underway, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across the country in the next few months. With Motorsport Australia’s Return to Race strategy also being released, providing an in-depth set of guidelines to how motorsport can be run safely under the new
restrictions, the championship’s founder Sam Beck was thrilled to be able to get back to business. “It’s been a difficult time for many Australians over the past few months due to this pandemic, however it’s great news knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel and we can begin our season soon,” Beck said. “I didn’t think we would race in 2020, but because of Australia’s fantastic attitude in combating the virus, we have been able to return earlier than anticipated.
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at the end of the tunnel and we can begin our season soon”
- Sam Beck, DEWALT SXS Motorsport Australia Championship's founder
“Credit must also go out to all those who worked really hard in putting the Return to Race strategy together, which will ultimately get us all racing again. “It gives us a solid action plan to work off and will beneficial to not just the SXS Championship, but to all levels and competitions across the country. “We will be implementing many of these actions at our remaining three events for the year, which at this point are staying as the same date to what they were originally scheduled.” Part of the DEWALT Motorsport Australia SXS Championship’s action plan at each event will include the exclusion of any spectators, enforced social distancing, hand sanitisers available for all attendees and each entry limited to one driver and three crew members.
2020 DEWALT MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SXS CHAMPIONSHIP Round 1: TBA - 25 July Round 2: Monza Park, VIC 12 September Round 3: Mafeking Rover Park, VIC 10 October
Photo: Dirtcomp Magazine
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RICCIARDO, MCLAREN: 2021 Motorsport Australia ambassador Daniel Ricciardo will shift teams next year, signing with Formula 1 outfit McLaren on a multi-year deal. The news came after four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel confirmed this year would be his last with Ferrari, leaving a coveted seat open at the famous Italian team in 2021 and beyond. With Ricciardo and McLaren’s current star Carlos Sainz touted as the front runners to claim the vacant seat, Ferrari ultimately signed the 25-year-old Spaniard to play a supporting role for young gun Charles Leclerc. Sainz’s departure opened the door for Ricciardo to make the switch from Renault after a disappointing debut season for the French team in 2019, which resulted in just 54 points from the 21 races and ending the Drivers’ Championship in ninth. Ricciardo will continue to race with Renault for the remainder of 2020. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca congratulated Daniel Ricciardo on the news. “On behalf of everyone at Motorsport Australia, I’d like to congratulate Daniel on his new contract with McLaren,” Arocca said. “The McLaren Formula 1 Team has a very long and successful history in motorsport at the highest level and we are very much looking forward to seeing an Australian racing for such an iconic racing team. “As a Motorsport Australia ambassador, Daniel continues to be a superb role model for the next generation and we look forward to working with him further over the coming years. “Daniel also lends his name to our successful Ricciardo’s Racers junior development program, and I’m sure the many graduates and future participants of Ricciardo’s Racers will be equally excited by this news.” The new deal sees Ricciardo join another young Formula 1 star at McLaren in Lando Norris, with the British driver already impressing in his rookie year with 49 points overall. The switch means Ricciardo will have raced for four Formula 1 teams. The 30-year-old started his career with the junior Red Bull team Toro Rosso in 2010, before joining Red Bull in 2014. He then left Red Bull at the end of 2018 after five years, where he claimed six wins and 19 podiums with the British team before linking up with Renault. The 2020 Formula 1 season is currently on hold due the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with racing scheduled to resume in Austria on 5 July.
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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
“The future participants of Ricciardo’s Racers will be equally excited by this news” Photo: Renault Sport Media
Photo: Chantel Collins
CLUB CHALLENGE TO RESTART IN 2021 The 2020 Motorsport Australia Club Challenge events will not go ahead, with the program due to resume in 2021.
The Motorsport Australia Club Challenge was scheduled to take place in six states this year, however with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting social motorsport, with differing restrictions in each state, the decision was made to postpone the program until next year.
The Motorsport Australia Club Challenge is a series of state-based events where Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs enter teams made up of three to five members and battle it out for cash prizes.
Click here for more information on the Club Challenge.
Any club wishing to find out more about the Motorsport Australia Club Challenge can contact their local Motorsport Australia state office.
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COVIDSAFE WILL HELP US GET RACING Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca has encouraged members of the motorsport community to download the Federal Government’s COVIDSafe app. The free app is now available on both Android and Apple devices and has been released to manage the risk of any further COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreaks as various governments consider a relaxation of current restrictions on Australians, including restrictions on motorsport activities. The Federal Government says the app helps find close contacts of COVID-19 cases and assists state and territory health officials to quickly contact people who may have been exposed to COVID-19, with the app working via Bluetooth.
comfort and peace of mind for event participants knowing there is a large community uptake of the app. “If a significant number of Australians download the app, it will be a powerful element to our submissions to all governments to get motorsport back on track, as they will know a majority of those attending an event are likely to have the app installed. “We are working hard to ensure that when we can go racing again in 2020, we will do so with a best practise approach to COVID-19, which is likely to be around in some form for some time.”
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said all members should consider downloading the voluntary app, which could help the sport return sooner rather than later. “I downloaded the app immediately as I can see the real benefits of such an app, particularly in the context of sporting bodies working towards a return to events,” Arocca said. “When we are able to get our events back up and running again, this app can potentially provide some
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Click here to download COVIDSafe
“This app can potentially provide some comfort and peace of mind for event participants” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
WHO’S WHO RUSTY’S
OF MOTORSPORT Motorsport media personality Greg Rust has caught up with some of the biggest and brightest personalities in motorsport in recent weeks, with plenty of valuable insights being shared. From off road international superstar Toby Price to Formula One Race Director and FIA Safety Delegate Michael Masi, Rust has taken a look at what all these personalities have been up to during recent weeks and months, where competing or officiating hasn’t been possible. Price’s chat is available to view online, along with Porsche young gun Harri Jones, while further chats will be released shortly - including Walkinshaw Andretti United’s Virgin Australia Supercars Championship driver Bryce Fullwood and Formula 1’s Masi among the star studded list of interviewees.
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TOBY PRICE MULTIPLE DAKAR RALLY CHAMPION “About three to four months ago I was at the end of my wick and I was at a point where you get used to feeling really tired all the time. I was thinking that's just my body and that's just how I am going to feel for the rest of my life. “But now that I have had these two or three months of relaxing and being in lockdown, I am actually starting to feel more energised. I realised I was maybe doing too much but I am one of those people who can't say no to anything that comes up because you never know when the opportunity will come again. “The real deal Bathurst is 100 per cent on the bucket list for me. I have been stirring up Chad Reed about getting competing at Bathurst 1000 one year as a wildcard entry.”
Click here to view Price’s interview.
Photo: Brett Hemmings - Red Bull Content Pool
BRYCE FULLWOOD VIRGIN AUSTRALIA SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER “Had the last minute deal with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU) not happened, I don’t know what I would have been doing after winning the 2019 Dunlop Super2 Series. “Chaz Mostert has been absolutely awesome since I joined WAU. When the deal was looking like it was going to happen. I started to hang out with him more often, and behind closed doors, he could not be any more helpful. He wants to nurture me and he really helped me in Adelaide this year and even at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix before it was cancelled.”
Fullwood's full interview will be available in the coming weeks.
Photo: MW Motorsport
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MICHAEL MASI FORMULA ONE RACE DIRECTOR “Motorsport Australia should be immensely proud of all their volunteer officials and each of those officials should be proud of what they do for motorsport in Australia. In the early 2000s, I was fortunate enough to have been a part of it in both a paid and voluntary capacity. This includes working for Motorsport Australia in helping put together the Singapore, Korea and Russian Grand Prix. The expertise and knowledge that Motorsport Australia and their officials have is recognised globally and something everyone should be proud of. “I would like to say thank you to all our officials and everyone involved in Australian motorsport. The sport cannot go ahead without them and their dedication, support and everything they do - not in just Australia but around the world. Our officials are a critical part of improving our image around the world.”
Masi's full interview will be available in the coming weeks.
HARRI JONES PORSCHE PAYCE CARRERA CUP “We ended up winning Michelin Sprint Challenge Championship last year which was awesome and the guys at McElrea Racing helped a lot. Coming out of Formula 3, it was a completely different style so I had to change a lot of things about how I drove. It was difficult at the beginning, but the guys at McElrea helped me a lot and having little bits of input from Matt Campbell and Jackson Evans was also special. “Now I am in the Carrera Cup with the big boys. There is no holding back and the start of this year was pretty full on. Obviously with Adelaide and then one race at the Australian Grand Prix, it’s been pretty good fun and hopefully we can get on track soon.”
Click here to view Jones’ interview.
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Photos: Wishart Media
RALLY CHAMPION SHARES HIS INSIGHTS
For fans of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Championship, there aren’t many more outgoing drivers in the rally scene than Coffs Harbour’s own Nathan Quinn.
Other interviewees that have been part of the web series include former WRC start Chris Atkinson, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team Principal Rich Millener and 2019 Champions Harry Bates and John McCarthy.
The 2017 Champion recently took some time out to chat to rally.com. au’s Adrian Coppin about his 2020 plans, how he’s been keeping busy during the COVID-19 pandemic and plenty of amusing anecdotes from his time in the drivers’ seat.
Click here to watch the ARC Service Park interviews.
The interview is one of several available on rally.com.au, in a one-off series called ‘The ARC Service Park’.
BORED DURING ISO? Why not check out Rusty's Garage on PodcastOne? Hear from a range of motorsport's stars both on and off the track.
Click here to listen to Rusty's Garage.
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THINKING ABOUT REFRESHING YOUR CLUB’S MERCHANDISE AND APPAREL? Motorsport Australia and S-Trend Sportswear (STR) are working on an exciting new apparel program that will soon be ready to hit the track for affiliated car clubs. The program that will launch in a month’s time will offer a range of merchandise and e-commerce solutions that will assist clubs from event apparel to dedicated online stores. If you’re interested in hearing more about this program before it launches, contact STR to have an early look.
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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Contact James McKensie to finds out more jamesmckensie@s-trend.com.au 03 9077 2638
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Q&A Based in the sunshine state of Australia, the Holden Sporting Car Club of Queensland has spent the last 50 years dedicating itself to novice drivers and giving them chance to experience motorsport in a fun and friendly environment. Focused on grassroots motorsport, the club has gone through a few different identities but has always kept its vision the same.
Speed Read caught up with the club’s Keith Butcher.
Speed Read: When and why was the club established?
Holden Sporting Car Club of Queensland
Keith Butcher: Holden Sporting Car Club of Queensland inc. or as it’s commonly known HSCCQ was formed in 1967 as the Brisbane Viva Car Club. It became the Holden Torana Car Club of Queensland in 1972 before transforming into the Holden Sporting Car Club of Qld in 1992.
which are designed to highlight car control, while maintaining high levels of safety and only moderate speed. HSCCQ strive to achieve a low pressure and welcoming environment for all members. The club offers the opportunity for competitors to get started in grassroots motorsport without the pressure or judgment that can discourage new competitors from getting started.
SR: Where is the club at now with member base?
SR: What has been a major highlight for the club over the past 12 months?
KB: HSCCQ operates with around 100 members with a variety of different genders, nationalities, age and interests. The club has a significant number of family memberships too and has great competition class for all the junior, women and men drivers.
KB: Every year our members step out of their comfort zone to participate in a wide range of motorsport disciplines and events. We take pride in seeing our members performing well in various track, street, state and national events. Last year, some of our members represented the club at the Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship and performed quite well.
SR: What is the club’s biggest focus? KB: The club’s main focuses are motorkhanas and khanacrosses,
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Photo: CH Images
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
SR: What is the club's biggest event every year and tell us about it? KB: HSCCQ hosts rounds of the Queensland interclub challenge. The rounds are generally a motorkhana and a khanacross round. These events attract a number of competitors and vehicles from different clubs around the area. It’s a great opportunity for our members to test their cars and skills against a broader set of competitors. SR: What makes the club unique? KB: There are no other clubs with the longevity of HSCCQ that focus on grassroots motorsport like motorkhanas and khanacrosses. SR: What does it mean for the club to be affiliated with Motorsport Australia? KB: Affiliation with Motorsport Australia provides the governance necessary to operate motorsport events.
It also enables HSCCQ members the ability to compete in other events run under the Motorsport Australia governance. The affiliation provides an avenue to maintain contact between like-minded clubs to coordinate the local motorsport event calendar. SR: Are there any particular memories about the club that stick out to you? KB: With the longevity of HSCCQ comes a colourful history and there are too many stories to choose from. We have members that have been active with the club for more than 40 years, we have hosted and won multiple motorkhana championships and we have had the pleasure to host an incredible range of competitors and vehicles over the years, so it’s too hard to pick just one.
SR: Is there anything else you would like to add or highlight about the club? KB: Motorkhanas in particular provides an opportunity for budding engineers/designers to try their hand at building a competition vehicle. These homebuilt vehicles are unlike any vehicle you might have seen before. HSCCQ has run the last four Australian Motorkhana Championship events in Queensland and is scheduled to run it again this year, COVID-19 permitting.
Want to get the spotlight on your club? Contact communications@motorsport. org.au to find out how you can get your local car club profiled on motorsport.org.au.
Photos: CH Images
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JUNE 2014 FLASHBACK:
When Daniel Ricciardo first joined the Formula 1 ranks, he was touted as a driver more than capable of replicating Mark Webber’s feats as an Australian at motorsport’s highest level.
Part of Red Bull’s development program, Ricciardo got his first taste of the highest level as a test driver for Toro Rosso in 2011 before making his official debut later that year for Hispania Racing at Silverstone in July. Showing signs of promise at Toro Rosso during the two seasons that followed, Ricciardo was then promoted to Red Bull Racing to replace his outgoing countryman, partnering with Sebastian Vettel for the 2014 season. Come June 2014, Ricciardo highlighted his race-winning abilities. Six years later, Speed Read takes a look back at that milestone moment for the Motorsport Australia ambassador.
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool / Getty Images
THE LEAD UP Ricciardo’s life at Red Bull hadn’t gone exactly to plan in the opening few months of 2014. A heartbreaking disqualification at the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix robbed him of a home podium and it only got worse when he retired in Malaysia two weeks later with just seven laps to go. The West Australian turned a corner in the next two months though, recording two fourth places in Bahrain and China, before claiming his first podium in May’s Spanish Grand Prix and backing it up again with another podium in Monaco. Ricciardo’s results improved dramatically during April and May, giving him all the confidence he needed for the next race in North America. Photos: Red Bull Content Pool / Getty Images
THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX 8 JUNE 2014 Qualifying on the third row next to Williams’ Felipe Massa, Ricciardo had found himself in a good position in Montreal. It was a tough start for the Australian as he was stuck behind Massa and his Williams’ teammate Valtteri Bottas for much of the start due to being unable to pass on the straights. It was a race dominated by the Mercedes drivers with Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton comfortably leading the way, however soon the duo would face brake issues of their own, forcing Hamilton to retire as a result. A combination of good strategy and great driving from Ricciardo saw him edge up the field as he piled pressure on Vettel, as well as enjoying entertaining battles with Massa and Bottas throughout the race. After eventually overtaking the two Williams cars and Vettel, Ricciardo’s big moment came with just two laps to go when he successfully chased down Rosberg, who had also been struggling with his car’s brakes, and took the lead on lap 67. Ricciardo held on to top spot for the final two laps and powered past the chequered flag ahead of Rosberg and Vettel to secure his maiden Formula 1 win, less than one month after securing his first career podium.
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Photos: Red Bull Content Pool / Getty Images
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? The year 2014 would prove to be one of Ricciardo’s best seasons in Formula 1 and the only one to date where he won three races in a single season – claiming victories in Hungary and Belgium later in that same year. Ricciardo would comfortably finish the season in third place behind Hamilton and Rosberg thanks to another three podiums on top of his two victories, as well as number of strong finishes in the points.
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Photos: Red Bull Content Pool / Getty Images
2020 RAINBOW DESERT ENDURO CANCELLED The Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro 560 will not go ahead in 2020 after the Victorian Off Road Racing Association (VORRA) made the call to cancel the national event last month. The BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship’s (AORC) penultimate round was scheduled to take place on the final weekend of August, with more than 70 competitors and crews from around the country expected to attend the Victorian event.
“We're looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2021”
In addition to crews and officials, crowds from neighbouring communities were also likely to attend and VORRA President Tony Carabott believed the safety of the town itself was the most important factor behind the cancellation.
“This decision was not made lightly, but we feel it was the right one, especially since there were a number of factors that went into it,” Carabott said.
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“Our members, volunteers, officials, competitors and the Rainbow township are our number one priority when it comes to health and safety.
“It’s a little upsetting but we are not the only ones who have had to make a decision like this, so we are looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2021 when everything has settled down.”
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
While Rainbow now joins the Tatts Finke Desert Race as omissions from the 2020 calendar, Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith was hopeful a three-round Championship could still go ahead. “It’s disappointing the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro 560 was cancelled, but we fully respect and support VORRA’s decision,” Smith said. “Even though we have had some bad luck with two events no longer happening this year, we are confident of putting together a revised threeround championship once the government restrictions are lifted. “It’s important for us to make sure any events, including AORC events, are abiding by our detailed Return to Race strategy. “As this is a fluid situation, we will continue working with governments and event organisers to get a revised schedule released as soon as we can, so crews can begin their preparation as soon as possible.”
Photo: Show 'N' Go Photography
CONTACT US The Motorsport Australia member hotline is open from 9am to 5pm AEST So for all your motorsport needs call the Motorsport Australia Hotline or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au
l Hit up Motorsport Australia on social media for photos from events, news, videos and other great motorsport content.
SEND US YOUR STORIES! If you have a motorsport story which you think should be told, get in touch with us and it could appear in Speed Read. If you have pictures or videos of motorsport you would like to share with us, we encourage you to do so. They could appear on our website, social media platforms or in Speed Read. Please email communications@motorsport.org.au We look forward to hearing from you!
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THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN SPORT COMMISSION RECOGNISES MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA TO DEVELOP MOTORSPORT IN AUSTRALIA