SPEED READ S E P T E M B E R
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TASSIE CHAMPIONSHIPS BACK IN ACTION The Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Circuit Race Championships held its first round since February with 88 competitors across seven different categories.
FUNDING AVAILABLE TO VICTORIAN CLUBS
PAPADOPOULOS RETIRES
Victorian based Motorsport Australia affiliated car clubs and organisations now have an opportunity to apply for financial assistance with the Victorian Government.
Motorsport Australia President Andrew Papadopoulos has announced his retirement from the Board.
M O T O R S P O R T . O R G . A U
NOMINATIONS TO OPEN FOR 2020 AWARDS SEASON The 2020 Motorsport Australia Awards season will officially begin later this month with nominations for the awards to open on 14 September.
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CONTENTS 4
Funding available to Victorian clubs
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Improved membership rewards program now online
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Papadopoulos retires, Fraser named next President
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Nominations to open for 2020 Awards season
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Tassie Circuit Championships back at Symmons Plains
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SicLids to create slick helmets for members
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Read quickest but Hay enjoys championship topping run
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Mallala hosts double regularity
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All things motorsport with Dane and Taylor
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TECCWA back in action with exciting motorkhana
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New look Motorsport Australia to make members' life easier
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SXS announced new 2020 calendar
28
Targa calling for Great Barrier Reef
30
Popular podcasts
32
Three Super weeks down, one to go
34
Bartlett aligns himself with HRCC
35
Khanacross Championship update
COVER PHOTO
Taking place at Symmons Plains, the Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Circuit Race Championships hit the track after an almost six month break. Photo: Angryman Photography
275 Canterbury Road, Canterbury VIC 3126 PO Box 172, Canterbury LPO Vic 3126 Member Hotline 1800 883 959 (9am - 5pm AEST) Telephone 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Website motorsport.org.au E-mail info@motorsport.org.au
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“Considering the hardship many Victorian clubs have faced over the past five months, these grants come at a great time.” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
Photo: Chantel Collins
FUNDING AVAILABLE TO VICTORIAN CLUBS Victorian based Motorsport Australia affiliated car clubs and organisations now have an opportunity to apply for financial assistance with the Victorian Government opening applications for the 2020-21 Sporting Club Grants Program. The program aims to provide financial aid to grassroots clubs around the state as a way to continue improving local sports and helping clubs grow. There are three funding categories part of the 2020-21 Sporting Club Grants Program with clubs able to apply for assistance in uniforms and equipment, skill development and organisation operational capacity. Up to $5000 is available to clubs organisations who deliver sporting or recreational programs to their community and many Victorian car clubs are eligible for funding due to being not-for-profit organisations.
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Photo: Chantel Collins
Outside of being a not-for-profit organisation, applicants must meet a number of different criteria to be eligible, including possessing an Australian Business Number, adhering to and enforcing the Fair Play Code and mustn’t have received any sporting club grants in the previous financial year.
“Whether it’s the need to purchase new equipment to improve the club facilities, upskilling different members in the organisation to improve running events or even business plans to help the club after such a long hiatus of events, it makes good sense to apply for the grant.”
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca encouraged all Victorian based car clubs and organisations to apply for a grant.
Applications for the 2020-21 Sporting Club Grants Program close on 29 September with the funding to be distributed to successful organisations in December.
“Considering the hardship many Victorian car clubs have faced over the past five months, these grants come at a great time and could definitely give some much needed assistance,” Arocca said. “I encourage our Victorians clubs to fill out an application, as it’s a great opportunity to improve particular areas within their organisation and access much needed funds during a challenging year.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Click here for more information on the 2020-21 Sporting Club Grants Program and to apply.
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IMPROVED MEMBERSHIP REWARDS PROGRAM NOW ONLINE Motorsport Australia members will now have the opportunity to take advantage of some special retail offers, thanks to a new and improved membership rewards program.
“We’re really pleased to have a program like this available to all members as it gives them a chance to take advantage of some great deals via our loyal partners,” Arocca said.
Available through the Motorsport Australia Member Portal on motorsport. org.au, the Motorsport Australia Member Rewards program will allow members access to exclusive deals through Motorsport Australia’s partners.
“The rewards program can be accessed through the existing member portal on our website, so I encourage members to see what benefits and discounts they can take advantage of.”
Burson Garage, Morris Finance and S-Trend Sportswear are just some of the partners that are included in the program. Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was confident members would benefit, adding to the value of new and existing memberships.
Members can access the program by clicking through to the tab on the lefthand side of the portal and heading to the member rewards section. The Motorsport Australia Member Rewards program is now live for all Motorsport Australia members via the Member Portal.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA MEMBER REWARDS PARTNERS Burson Garage Morris Finance Motum Simulation Petals Florist Network S-Trend Sportswear SicLids SKOOP Print Thrifty
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“I encourage members to see what benefits and discounts they can take advantage of” - Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7
PAPADOPOULOS RETIRES, FRASER NAMED NEXT PRESIDENT Motorsport Australia President Andrew Papadopoulos has announced his intention to retire from the Board, and as President, effective 31 December, 2020. Having sat on the Board of Motorsport Australia since 2001, Papadopoulos has certainly left an impressive legacy. Upon his retirement, he will become the longest serving Director and join the late John Large as the longest serving President in the organisation’s history. Papadopoulos said while the decision to retire did not come easily, ultimately he felt the timing was appropriate as Motorsport Australia undergoes a significant change in the way it operates from 2021 and beyond. “I am certainly proud of what we have achieved as a Board in the past 20 years, and during my Presidency of this wonderful organisation, which means so much to me,” Papadopoulos said.
“However, after much thought I believe the time is right for me to step aside as Motorsport Australia embarks on the next exciting chapter in its rich history. This follows the recent announcement and implementation of a restructure approved by the Board that will certainly benefit the sport in both the short and long term. “It’s been an enormous honour to have led such a strong and impressive organisation with the input of so many passionate people across Australian motorsport, from the Board and Administration right through to the grassroots competitors and volunteer officials who make this sport so special. “Of course I won’t be lost to motorsport, I will continue working closely with the FIA where Motorsport Australia and its members, officials and competitors are held in high regard, while also continuing to attend grassroots and other events across the country in the months and years ahead.”
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Since being elected in 2001, Andrew Papadopoulos has been responsible for • The successful Motorsport Australia rebrand from CAMS on 1 January this year • The restructure of Motorsport Australia currently being implemented, which will reduce the barriers to participation and simplify the licence and permit structure in Australia • Cementing Motorsport Australia as a world leader in the international training of officials, which includes training key officials for the Vietnam, Singapore, Russian, Bahrain and Korean Grands Prix • A passion for increasing participation at all levels of the sport, including junior development • The management and introduction of various categories, including most recently TCR Australia and S5000, with the latter to welcome the return of the Motorsport Australia Gold Star • Playing a key role for Rally Australia, most recently serving as its Chair
“I will continue working closely with the FIA where Motorsport Australia and its members, officials and competitors are held in high regard”
Replacing Papdopoulos from 1 January 2021 for the remainder of his term, which expires at the next scheduled election is held on October 2021, will be current board member Andrew Fraser. First appointed in 2019, Fraser is a passionate motorsport fan who has extensive experience in Governance, which includes serving as a Commissioner for the Australian Sports Commission, holding the role of Deputy Premier and Treasurer in Queensland. Fraser is currently the Chair of Sunsuper and Orange Sky Australia. Upon being unanimously elected to see out the rest of Papadopoulos’ tenure as President, Fraser was thrilled to be given the opportunity. “I’m honoured to have the unanimous support of Motorsport Australia to serve as President and Chair,” Fraser said. “Firstly, I want to acknowledge Andrew Papadopoulos’ extraordinary contribution to motorsport and I look forward to working with him during the transition period as I complete his term.
“Now is the time to focus on our own backyard to ensure we have the fundamentals in place for the future.” - Andrew Fraser
“I want to thank him for facilitating the succession in the best interests of Motorsport Australia, an organisation I know he loves and will continue to support upon his retirement from the Board. “Like many organisations, and many sporting bodies, Motorsport Australia is facing a range of challenges as we deal with the consequences of the ongoing pandemic. What won’t change however, is our focus on growing our sport and focusing on safety for all our participants, officials and fans. “I am committed to growing our grassroots events. Now is the time to focus on our own backyard to ensure we have the fundamentals in place for the future.” Following Fraser’s election as President, the Board will appoint a replacement Director to fill Fraser’s existing director role in the coming months, when that position becomes vacant on 1 January 2021.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 9
NOMINATIONS TO OPEN FOR 2020 AWARDS SEASON The 2020 Motorsport Australia Awards season will officially begin later this month with nominations for the awards to open on 14 September.
with the 10,000 Motorsport Australia officials all eligible for these awards, which highlight the efforts of those who dedicate significant time and passion to our sport.
Each year, the Motorsport Australia Awards recognise the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes and go the extra mile in our sport, as well as honour the outstanding achievements of competitors across all disciplines and levels.
The nomination process will remain open until 5pm AEST on Friday 30 October 2020.
From the Motorsport Australia Award of Merit, Service Star and Service Awards, to the State Event of the Year and Club milestone achievements, a variety of award recipients will be recognised and celebrated. From Monday 14 September, people will also be able to nominate their colleagues and fellow volunteers for both the National and State Official of the Year Awards,
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Nomination forms and more details on the 2020 Motorsport Australia Awards season will be released in the coming weeks.
Nomination forms will be available from 14 September. You can also view all past winners by clicking here.
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TASSIE CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIPS BACK AT SYMMONS PLAINS The Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Circuit Race Championships held its first round since February in August with 88 competitors entered across seven different categories.
Taking place at Symmons Plains, all of the Championships' regular categories were in action with drivers keen to dust off the cobwebs and get some much needed track time. It was an entertaining show for fans, with all categories enjoying some close racing.
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Photo: Angryman Photography
Most notably, in the battle for Formula Vee, only one tenth of a second separated the top two drivers in each race as Wade McLean’s two wins were enough to overcome Michael Vaughan’s one. In the Sports GT category, only one position proved to be the difference at the end of the weekend as Liam Hooper was able to claim victory over Roger White after beating him in the final race. White was on track to win the round after placing first and fifth in the
opening two races as opposed to Hooper’s second and fourth, but Hooper’s race win over White was enough to secure the points. It was a similar story in in Historic Touring Cars as very little separated John Talbot and Michael Cross. Both drivers ended the weekend with a race win, but it was Talbot’s two runnersup the got him the outright win. Sharing the grid with Historic Touring Cars were the HQ Holdens, with Andrew Toth the fastest HQ in all three races.
Toth wasn’t the only driver to secure a clean sweep as Improved Production winner Jared House and Josh Webster in the Hyundai Excels both remained undefeated in their categories. In the regularity, Phil Isaac ended up with the highest haul of points after his win in the first session set him up nicely for the rest of the day, despite a challenge from Brett Mansfield. The next round of the Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Circuit Race Championship takes place at Baskerville Raceway in October.
Photo: Ferrari Media
Photos: Angryman Photography
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 13
SICLIDS TO CREATE SLICK HELMETS FOR MEMBERS Motorsport Australia is proud to announce SicLids as its new official helmet designer for 2020. Based in Victoria, the helmet company specialises in custom designed helmets for motorsport competitors. The partnership will see SicLids join the new Motorsport Australia Member Rewards Program, where Motorsport Australia members will have access to special offers for their motorsport ventures. Forming in 2016, SicLids began with extensive research and developing phases before releasing its helmets to public in 2019, becoming popular amongst its customers due to their slick designs at affordable prices. SicLids Director Kris Lacey was proud to join Motorsport Australia as a partner. “SicLids is honoured to be partnering with Motorsport Australia as they are the governing body for Australian motorsport and its passion to develop and manage the sport for motorsport enthusiasts is parallel to that of our own focus,” Lacey said.
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“Watching my father race was like watching a superhero going to out to do battle each and every race” - Kris Lacey, SicLids Director
“Growing up and watching my father race was like watching a superhero going to out to do battle each and every race and once motorsport is in your blood, it never leaves. “Our clients race all forms of motorsport across Australia and we love hearing their stories and adventures. Motorsport is our way of life and customising helmets is our way of contributing to the sport.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
“We hope the relationship with Motorsport Australia will not only promote our brand but more importantly bring an affordable customising option to more racers so they can truly express themselves with their own helmet.” Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was thrilled to have SicLids on board as a Motorsport Australia partner. “We’re excited to welcome SicLids as Motorsport Australia’s new official helmet designer,” Arocca said. “It’s also great for them to feature as part of the improved Motorsport Australia Member Rewards program and we’re looking forward to seeing some of the interesting designs they provide for our members.”
Click here to find out more about Motorsport Australia's newest partner.
Photo: Xavier Miller
READ QUICKEST BUT HAY ENJOYS CHAMPIONSHIP TOPPING RUN The MG Car Club of Newcastle hosted some of New South Wales’ best hill climbers at Ringwood Park in August for the Motorsport Australia Mantic Clutch NSW Hillclimb Championship’s third round. With 43 competing drivers from around the state getting six runs at the track, it was a national star in Darren Read who eventually took out the victory as the only driver to break the 50 second barrier. Read’s lightning quick third run of 49.41 seconds not only secured him the event win, it also saw the Euroka based driver etch himself into
the history books with a new track record for the set configuration.
honour after breaking the class record in the 2C Supersports.
While Read took out the win, it was the second placed Ron Hay who ultimately claimed maximum points in the outright standings due to the winner not being championship registered, and after an intense battle with Prosport Mulsanne pilot Peter Brown throughout the event, Hay’s final time of 52.11 seconds was one second faster than Brown’s best, making him a worthy event runner-up.
The records were tumbling at Ringwood Park during the event as the fourth placed and best performing tin top driver in Tim Blake managed to steer his Subaru WRX to an impressive 56.12 second run and claim a class record too.
Despite not finishing as runnerup for the event, Brown did still manage to walk away with an extra
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As a result of Read not being championship registered and Dean Tighe not being able to attend from the north due to border restrictions, Hay managed to replace the Queenslander at the top of the standings thanks to his efforts.
“Darren Read put on a blistering time but credit must also go out to Ron Hay who now leads the Championship because of that final run” - John Garroway MG Car Club of Newcastle
Photos: MG Car Club of Newcastle
Following the hill climb’s success, John Garroway from the MG Car Club of Newcastle was pleased with how the event panned out despite the circumstances. “With the restrictions in New South Wales still having an impact on motorsport events, we had a few withdrawals in the lead up, but it was still a great event,” Garroway said. “There were no real issues, and everyone was very respectful of all the measures that the club had put in place to make sure that we were compliant will all the necessary regulations regarding coronavirus.
“At the end of the day, Darren Read put on a blistering time so a big congratulations to him, but credit must also go out to the everconsistent Ron Hay who now leads the Championship after winning that great battle with Peter Brown. “It was great to see all our competitors having fun and the club is looking forward to our next event later this month.” The MG Car Club of Newcastle’s next hill climb at Ringwood Park will be on 20 September.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 17
MALLALA HOSTS DOUBLE REGULARITY During August, the Austin 7 Club Of South Australia held a double regularity event with around 30 drivers taking part at Mallala Raceway.
three groups and ran five and six laps over four sessions to get to their nominated time.
endurance regularity as all competitors were split into teams of three with the aim of completing 78 laps as a group.
With a standard regularity squeezed into the morning and a team based Mallala 200 Regularity Relay in the afternoon, it was non-stop action for competitors as they completed a number of laps over both events.
Taking out victory in the morning heats was Colin Tucker after three highly consistent sessions left him eight points ahead of the second placed Steve Conroy. Rounding out the top podium just three points behind Conroy was Anthony Verner.
Conroy was the highest placed during the 78 lap event after securing fourth place outright alongside Katrina Nelson and James Arneric, while Verner finished sixth, with Kristen Bailey and John Tiller.
Starting off in the morning, the 30 competitors were split into
Neither one of the top three drivers enjoyed any success in the afternoon’s
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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
Taking out top honours in the Mallala 200 Regularity Relay were Andrew Baohm, Philip Scadding and Noel
Photo: Austin 7 Club of SA
Photos: Austin 7 Club of SA
“It’s safe to say they were all pretty tired at the end of the day due to the amounts of laps they did” - Tony Morgan, Event Organiser
Harris after finishing just 10 points better than the second placed team made up of Caroline Kadziela, Daniel Boorman and Gary Owen. More than 100 points behind the two top teams was the third placing grouping of Brett Watters, Darryl Brigg and Sandy Watters. Following on from the club’s second event in as many months, organiser Tony Morgan believed the double regularity was a major hit. “The event itself was really good and I am confident everyone had a ball - although it’s safe to say they were all pretty tired at the end of the day due to the amounts of laps they did,” Morgan said.
“We were meant to be running the 12 Hour regularity this weekend but obviously couldn’t due to the pandemic, so this double event was a good replacement. Our drivers would have cut a lot of laps. “While the numbers were a bit lower than usual, we had a few new faces there and I think it’s because there wasn’t too much of a break between rounds. “It’s nice to be slowly getting back to normal. There are few challenges that we encountered from an organiser point of view but hopefully we will be on top of that at the meeting in September.” The Austin 7 Club Of SA will be holding another regularity relay on 13 September.
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ALL THINGS MOTORSPORT WITH DANE AND TAYLOR Former RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Champion Molly Taylor and Triple Eight Racing’s Jessica Dane are excited about the opportunities the new-look FIA Girls On Track program will provide in the near future. Answering fans’ questions live via Motorsport Australia’s Instagram channel early last month, the duo touched on a broad range of topics including the new and improved FIA Girls on Track initiative, their careers in the sport and the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, where the duo will feature as part of the Seven Network’s broadcast later this year. Both Dane and Taylor will continue on as FIA Girls On Track Ambassadors, with the program to showcase all aspects of motorsport to young schoolgirls through a number of different activity days, excursions and school programs. Previously known as Dare To Be Different, Dane says the new FIA Girls on Track brand is an exciting opportunity for young Australian girls. “Dare to be Different has been an exciting program to part of and now it’s rebranded to Girls on Track, which is great,” Dane said. “They are similar programs and now with Dare to be Different being absorbed by the FIA, we are part of this big global initiative now.
“Girls on Track goes around the world activating a number of events, including Formula E, as well as running school workshops. It’s fantastic knowing that Australia can now be part of that initiative.” As one of Dare to Be Different’s original ambassadors in Australia, Taylor revealed how proud she was to be part of it and believed initiatives like that can have positive impacts on women in the sport. “I remember one of my first events which was at the Australian Grand Prix and we were in the Triple Eight’s garage for one of the tours run by Jess,” Taylor said. “It was amazing seeing the girls’ faces light up when seeing the inside of a sport they didn’t know much about and recognise how cool it is. “And that’s why we do it. That’s why we do it the crazy life style and long hours. It’s because we love it so much so to be able to see the spark light for young people and inspire them is so cool to witness. “You remember yourself what it was like when you were young and had those moments, so to see it someone else have those experiences is just so cool.”
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“It was amazing seeing the girls’ faces light up when seeing the inside of a sport they didn’t know much about and recognise how cool it is.” - Molly Taylor
Click here to watch the full video.
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TECCWA BACK IN ACTION WITH EXCITING MOTORKHANA The Toyota Enthusiast Car Club of WA (TECCWA) held a successful motorkhana with around 20 drivers taking part in the club’s Redmist event. Taking place at the Tiger Kart Club, the third Redmist of the year saw each driver get three attempts at three different course layouts in an attempt to the post the fastest times. Competitors were also battling it out for top honours on the event’s popular Top Gear track – a prize where lots of WA based drivers from different codes have previously entered the event to win.
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Throughout the August’s round, there was very little separating to the top drivers in each layout, with hundredths of a second often the difference between winning and second place. Come the end of the event, the two major classes saw Paul Kluck steer his Hyundai i30 N to a small Class B victory over Dale Nicol, while Flickit Toyota GT86 driver Jeffrey Thomas fought off challenges from Peter Szalatnay in a Mazda MX5 to win Class C. Kluck again was fastest when it came to the Top Gear prize, his time of 58.22 seconds enough to beat Nicol by three tenths of a second.
Photo: Redmist
“We saw some of the best racing we’ve seen in a long time at Redmist” - David Juett, Event Secretary
Photos: Redmist
Whilst the competition itself was entertaining for those in attendance, the variety of competing cars involved were just as impressive as a solid mix of Renault Meganes, Porsche GT3s and a Toyota Calinda all formed part of the field. Event Secretary David Juett was thrilled post-event and lauded the competitors for their showstopping performances. “During August’s event, we saw some of the best racing we’ve seen in a
long time at Redmist with a great mix of awesome cars,” Juett said. “The weather was perfect for racing and the only incident for the day was when John Barrett demonstrated why early model MR2 SW20s have a reputation to snap over steer. “Even the racing was perfect. It was always so close and it was heart stopping because there were many times beaten by just hundreds of a second.
“I would like to say thanks to everyone who stepped up and made the day such a success. We’re really looking forward to the next event later this month.” The Toyota Enthusiast Car Club of WA’s next Redmist event takes place at the Tiger Kart Club on 27 September.
MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 23
NEW LOOK MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA TO MAKE MEMBERS' LIFE EASIER Motorsport Australia has made a number of changes to its organisational structure during the month of August in order to further improve our services to members throughout the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the recommendation from the special Motorsport Australia Recovery Taskforce, which was created to navigate the organisation through the pandemic, the decision was made the to centralise all Motorsport Australia administration operations to its Melbourne head office and reduce unnecessary costs.
“The taskforce made a number of recommendations aimed at reducing the barriers to participation and making things easier for everyone to be involved in the sport”
As a result of the new structure, all non-Victorian offices will now be permanently closed to the public and all motorsport matters will be streamlined through the Melbourne office. Another Taskforce recommendation also to be adopted and implemented will see the seven existing Commissions reduced to three from 2021, with a maximum of five people to sit on each Commission. The change comes in order to reduce the barriers to participation and administrative burdens whilst continuing to represent all disciplines of our sport in a more efficient manner. In an open letter to all Motorsport Australia members during August, Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene
“Together with Motorsport Australia staff, this dedicated Motorsport Australia Recovery Taskforce made a number of recommendations aimed at reducing the barriers to participation and making things easier for everyone to be involved in the sport,” Arocca wrote in the letter. “These recommendations, aimed at simplifying our processes for members and growing our sport, were recently endorsed by the Motorsport Australia Board. “Motorsport Australia will continue to have a presence in each state and territory, with highly skilled staff dedicated to growing the sport and
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working with government and our affiliated clubs to increase participation at all levels. “The streamlined, more effective structure (Commissions) will reduce the number of Commissions but will continue to promote ongoing consultation with the experts in their respective fields.” Motorsport Australia is now accepting nominations for its newly created Commissions to run next year and beyond. The new Commissions are: • Motorsport Australia Motor Racing Commission
- Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO
Arocca addressed both changes and was confident it would have positive effect on the organisation.
Photo: Revved Photography
• Motorsport Australia Off Road Commission •
Motorsport Australia Rally Commission
Nominations are now open for all positions on these Commissions, including Chairs. All nominations must be submitted to Trent Price at tprice@motorsport.org.au by 5pm AEST, Wednesday 30 September 2020.
To view Eugene Arocca’s open letter to Motorsport Australia members, click here.
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Photo: Dirtcomp Magazine
SXS ANNOUNCES NEW 2020 CALENDAR The DEWALT SXS Motorsport Australia Championship has announced its revised 2020 calendar with three rounds to form part of this year’s championship. Originally scheduled to begin in July, the ongoing COVID-19 situation forced a postponement to those plans. However with restrictions expected to ease by the end of September, the Championship will now look to start the season in October.
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All three rounds of the Championship will take place in Victoria with October’s first round at Mafeking Rover Park in Caveat before the Championship heads to Traralgon Motor Cycle Club in early November. The season will then wrap up at the start of December with the Monza Park in Mt Helen. DEWALT SXS Motorsport Australia Championship founder Sam Beck was pleased a calendar could be confirmed amongst all the uncertainty currently taking place in the country.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
“It’s been a long wait, but we’re pretty excited to be able to finally announce the new dates.” - Sam Beck, DEWALT SXS Motorsport Australia Championship founder
Photos: Dirtcomp Magazine
“It’s been a long wait, but we’re pretty excited to be able to finally announce the new dates and hopefully we’ll be racing soon,” Beck said. “While it is a shame we can’t get around to multiple states this year, if we can squeeze three rounds in this year, then that is an achievement in itself, even if it’s just in Victoria. “We will of course be keeping a close eye on the ongoing restrictions and border closures, as well as working with Motorsport Australia
and implementing details outlined in its Return To Race strategy. “A big thanks to all the people who worked on getting this together, as well as the venues for getting behind the Championship.” The 2020 DEWALT SXS Motorsport Australia Championship season opener takes place at Mafeking Rover Park in Caveat on 10 October, 2020.
DEWALT SXS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIP Round 1: Mafeking Rover Park 10 October 2020 Round 2: Traralgon Motor Cycle Club 7 November 2020 Round 3: Monza Park 5 December 2020
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TARGA CALLING FOR GREAT BARRIER REEF
Photo: Angryman Photography
The 2020 Motorsport Australia Targa Championship finally gets underway this month with the picturesque Targa Great Barrier Reef to take place on 4-6 September. With just under 100 entries taking part in the far north Queensland based event, competitors will be completing around 230 competitive kilometres across 18 stages over three days.
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Starting from Green Hill on Friday 6 August, competitors will drive through many beautiful parts of the region over the course of the three days before concluding in Barron on the Sunday afternoon.
As for the entry list, it is predominantly made up of Queensland based drivers, however there are a few crews from outside the state who have managed to confirm their place in the three-day tarmac rally.
Passing through areas such as Lake Eacham, Lake Morris, Gillies Range and Mena Creek, Targa has also included a range of scenic new stages, which increases the overall mileage competitors will complete.
One of the most notable entries is New South Welshman Luke Anear who is a regular in the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship. Anear will be partnered up with usual co-driver, Andy Sarandis as the duo
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look to defend Anear’s GT4 title in his new Mercedes AMG GTR. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions and state border closures, a number of the Motorsport Australia Targa Championship’s big guns will be absent from the event, including reigning Targa champions Paul Stokell and Kate Catford, as well as a previous Targa Great Barrier Reef winners Jason and John White.
Photos: Angryman Photography
Their absence opens the door for other drivers to claim their maiden title at the iconic tourist destination, with a number of local crews hoping to take advantage of the opportunity.
Click here for more information on the event.
The Targa Great Barrier Reef takes place in far north Queensland on 4-6 September.
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POPULAR PODCASTS RUSTY’S GARAGE Popular motorsport presenter Greg Rust has reached another major milestone in his impressive career with his current podcast, Rusty’s Garage. reaching its impressive 50th episode last month. Having started the podcast back in March 2018, Rust has interviewed some of the biggest names in Australian and New Zealand motorsport throughout the 50 episodes, as well as featuring a few international guests on the show too. From former Formula 1 stars Mark Webber, Brendon Hartley and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello to Off Road ace Tony Price, 2016 RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally
FAMOUS LAST WORDS Former Sale of the Century TV host Glenn Ridge has teamed up with Famous Insurance to produce a podcast discussing motorsport topics of all sorts. A passionate car enthusiast himself, Ridge’s extensive knowledge of motorsport and relationships with famous individuals both in Australia and abroad gives listeners a fantastic insight into the wonderful world of cars. Since the podcast began in 2019, Ridge has spoken to a fantastic array of guests such as former RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Champion Bob Watson, Targa Tasmania veteran Geoff Taylor and current Australian FIA Formula 3 Championship driver, Alex Peroni.
The podcast also delves into the many fascinating stories within motorsport, ranging from the life of Sir Sterling Moss to the history of iconic car brands and also gives an insight into technological advancements around the world. In the latest edition of Famous Last Words, Ridge chats to Steve Hoinville from Motum Simulation, previews the new Ford Bronco and Porsche Taycan, and compares 63 years of pit stops.
Click here to listen to Famous Last Words.
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Champion Molly Taylor and Moto GP legend Mick Doohan, the list of interesting guests goes on and on. And in typical Rust fashion, the 50th episode of his popular podcast featured another bona fide star with Hollywood actor Eric Bana discussing his passion for motorsport and his latest projects both on set and in the garage.
To listen to Rusty’s Garage, click here.
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THREE SUPER WEEKS DOWN ONE TO GO
The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship has completed three of its four round frenzy with just the Robson Civil Projects Townsville SuperSprint remaining. It’s been a whirlwind three weeks for the championship, which is in unfamiliar territory as its held three rounds over three weeks in two different states. However, while it may be proving to be quite the challenge for teams, drivers and Supercars personnel, fans have loved Supercars being run over four straight weekends.
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Photo: EDGE Photographics
“Three podiums for the weekend and we couldn’t be happier.” - Jamie Whincup
Drivers and teams should be commended, not just because of their devotion going back-to-back twice, but the exciting show they continue to deliver to fans especially at the top of the standings. It’s essentially down to a two-horse race with Scott McLaughlin leading the way over Jamie Whincup. Nine races have been run during this period and McLaughlin has the edge with five wins to Whincup’s three. Not much separates the duo, but while the last round of the four week frenzy runs this weekend, fans won’t have to wait long until the next round, with Supercars confirming two consecutive rounds will take place at The Bend Motorsport Park last this month.
CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10 1. Scott McLaughlin (1556 pts) 2. Jamie Whincup (1433) 3. Chaz Mostert (1172) 4. Shane van Gisbergen (1157) 5. Cameron Waters (1157) 6. Nick Percat (1069) 7. David Reynolds (1046) 8. Mark Winterbottom (1024) 9. Fabian Coulthard (1018) 10. Lee Holdsworth (993.)
SUPERCARS REVEAL REMAINING ROUNDS Supercars has announced the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will see off what has been an whirlwind 2020 season.
More details of the remaining rounds will be released in the coming weeks.
While the great race was highly likely to be the season finale, it will now run one week later than originally anticipated.
The Bend Supersprint week 1: 19-20 September
With Supercars also announcing back-to-back rounds at The Bend Motorsport Park at the end of September, the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will now conclude the season on 18 October.
Remaining rounds
The Bend Supersprint week 2: 26-27 September Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000: 15-18 October* *Four day event still TBC.
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BARTLETT ALIGNS HIMSELF WITH HRCC The Historic Racing Car Club (HRCC) has named Australian Hall of Famer Kevin Bartlett as its new patron with the New South Welshman to take on a number of roles within the club. A stalwart of the sport, Bartlett will now act as the official Driving Standards Officer at all of the club’s race meetings as well as attending social activities as part of the role. Having excelled as a driver on both the national and international stage, Bartlett made a name for himself in open wheel vehicles during the 1950s and 1960s where he claimed
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a number of impressive records before plying his trade as part of the Tasman Series in the 1970s. Before he was racing against some of the best Formula 1 drivers in the Tasman Series, he was winning even more silverware with the 1968 and 1969 Australian Drivers Championships, as well as victory in 1969 Macau Grand Prix. His list of achievements extended well into the 1970s and 1980s including one of the biggest highlights of his career, victory in the 1974 Bathurst 1000.
MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ
With Bartlett becoming a driver for hire across a wide range of cars towards the end of his driving career, he always took the time to inspire drivers coming through the ranks and assisted in the development on many young talents. Bartlett was also an original inductee for the inaugural Australian Hall of Fame back in 2017 and begun his role with the HRCC in August.
KHANACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE The 2020 Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship has been cancelled with organising club, the Motor Sports Club of Tasmania, confirming the news on Monday. The announcement comes off the back of the Tasmanian Government’s intention to keep its borders closed until at least December, while other Australian states battle with border closures and strict lockdown laws of their own. Scheduled to take place on 31 October – 1 November, the Khanacross Championship was the first of the four Motorsport Australia National Speed and Auto Test Championships to run in November, however the Motor Sports Club of Tasmania will now hold the event next year. In an open letter written to all competitors and officials, club Vice President Matt von Bertouch admitted the club had no choice but to postpone the event until 2021.
the current global pandemic,” von Bertouch wrote in the letter. “We would like to announce that after much deliberation with Motorsport Australia and the Auto Test Working Group, this year’s Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship will be postponed by one year. “With the news that Tasmania will keep its borders closed until December and possibly beyond, it is not going to be possible to run this year’s round of the Australian Khanacross Championship in 2020. “We hope you all remain safe for the foreseeable future during this pandemic, maintain your social distancing and support your local khanacross competitions where you can.”
“We hope you all remain safe, maintain social distancing and support your local khanacross competitions where you can - Matt von Bertouch, Motor Sports Club of Tasmania Vice President
The next Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship will now take place at Symmons Plains Raceway on 30 - 31 October, 2021.
“Unfortunately, 2020 has not been a great year for anyone, with a vast number of events being cancelled or postponed due to MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 35
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.
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