thenationals.com.au | ISSUE 3, 2013 | $5.00
AUSTRALIAN GT
Sensational Supercars Are Back
JAMES MOFFAT
Norton Racer on Enduros
PLUS!
All the Round 3 Shannons Nationals information
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WINNING a production car race on Sunday may not lead to
4
Latest News
bigger retail sales on Monday as it once did – but showroom-
5
In Brief...
7
Guest Columnist James Moffat
based racing is gaining an increasingly important place in the hearts and minds of racing purists around the world. Where one-make series and tighter controls on development and ideas continue to flow through much of the sport, it’s refreshing to have a series that still rewards the best bit of engineering along
8 Feature Awesome Images 11
Feature The Endurance Experts
14
Feature GT: THE STORY SO FAR
16
Feature THE PRICE IS RIGHT
19
Round 3 - Welcome
lead something of a competitor-led resurgence in recent years.
20
Round 3 - Categories & Entries
Back then the GTP series was the place to be with more than 10
29
Speed Shot...
30
Television Coverage Lap Records
with the best driving. Where else can you see a Japanese four-wheel drive, turbocharged, four-door saloon dicing with a rear wheel drive, six-cylinder coupe’ from Germany? Since the collapse of the PROCAR series in 2004, production car racing has at times struggled for viability in Australia but rule stability and a shift to more endurance-style events has helped
brands represented, and sensational racing. Fortunately, things seem to be pointing in the right direction again. The sensational racing never went away, either. The appearance of the BMW 1M has offered the strongest challenge to Mitsubishi since Subaru last had a competitive car – and a revitalised FPV squad should see the Aussie V8’s competitive on an outright level on the faster tracks, too. What is also pleasing is the fact class racing remains strong – with new Toyota 86s being built to tackle the likes of Mazda’s 3 MPS and the baby BMWs, amongst others. While we’re at it, here’s a call out to Opel Australia to enter a new Astra VXR.. they are very cool. It is also heartening to see the beginnings of a relationship between the national competition and the NSW-based Production Touring Cars. A separation of key regulatory details in the past has kept competitors (for the most part) locked into one series or another – but it seems that is slowly changing.
Publisher
Australian Motor Racing Pty Ltd
Editor
Richard Craill
Art Director
Sarah Anesbury 121 Creative Hilton
Writers
Richard Craill, Rob Curkpatrick
Production
Kwik Kopy Printing Hilton
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Production Car racing offers fans a chance to see cars that really do relate to what you see on the road. Let’s hope that the vocal minority taking pot shots behind internet forum usernames about certain other series moving away from their roots actually get out and embrace it. If they do, we’ll be well on the way to bringing back the concept of ‘Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday’. Craillsy.
thenationals.com.au | 3
The Latest News...
BARNES WINS FOR HIS MATES AT MALLALA Words: Richard Craill IMAGE: Nathan Wong
IN A REMARKABLE weekend of unpredictable results, a major Kerrick
Barnes was handed the Clem Smith Cup race lead when seven-time
Sports Sedan series race named in honour of Mallala’s circuit owner
series champion Tony Ricciardello was crashed out of the race after
was won by his good friend.
contact with a lapped vehicle.
Sports Sedan series stalwart Jeff Barnes won April’s Clem Smith Cup
Key contenders Kerry Baily (sent to the rear of the field due to a lap one
feature race – named after his good mate Clem Smith, the Mallala
spin) and Darren Hossack (mechanical issues) were also relegated out
promoter and a long time fan and competitor in Sports Sedan racing –
of the running – leaving the Pontiac Firebird racer in the box seat to win
after a series of remarkable events ruled out the three major contenders
the race named after his mate.
expected to fight for the crown.
Though based in Queensland, Barnes is a regular at Mallala helping
Barnes also won the round overall and dedicated his victory to another
Clem put on several of the circuit’s major events.
mate of his – Sports Sedan champion Des Wall – who passed away late
Darren Hossack won the morning race and Ricciardello rebounded to
last year. Barnes is running Wall’s racing number (#38) this season as a tribute to his mate. “Clem is a good friend of mine so this victory is very special,” Barnes
win the afternoon’s finale’ to make it three winners from three races – though both were overshadowed by the stunning turn of events in the feature race of the day.
said. “I reckon I had a bit of help today... from up above!”
www.hankooktyre.com.au 4 | the Racing Magazine
The Latest News...
WILD WEEKEND AT MALLALA
WHILST Jeff Barnes was the big winner at Mallala, wild and woolly weather on Sunday threw up some unpredictable results across the board in an exciting second round of the Shannons Nationals. Former Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series champion Terry Wyhoon claimed victory in round two of the series for ex-V8 Supercars - the Lubrimaxx Falcon driver winning a wet Race 2 on Sunday before finished second to young gun Shae Davies in the 20-lap Race 3 to seal overall victory. Matt Hansen won Saturday evening’s opening race, his first in his Kumho V8 Career. Michael Almond sealed his inaugural Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge presented by Pirelli round victory with a pair of sprint-race wins, beating home Richard Muscat and Phil Woodbury to the overall round win. Young Victorian Muscat won the 40-lap feature race held under lights on Saturday evening after a tense affair saw he and
Almond never split by more than two seconds for the entire race. Wayne King completed a near-perfect weekend by winning all three races – and the round – in the Dial Before You Dig Australian Saloon Car Series. King headed home championship leader Simon Tabinor in today’s difficult conditions to seal his maiden national Saloon Car win after years of state-level domination. Tabinor finished second yet extended his overall series lead as he chases back-to-back title wins. Series newcomer Luke Fraiser dominated the opening round of the Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series, backing up from his race 1 win on Saturday night to take both heats on Sunday and seal the overall round result. The Adelaide driver used his local experience to the max today, overcoming difficult conditions in each race to win against the Swift series strongestever field.
VALE: MICHAEL RONKE THE SHANNONS Australian Motor Racing Nationals was saddened to hear about the passing of Winton Motor Raceway CEO, Mick Ronke. Mick was a true supporter of the Nationals concept of opening up national-level motorsport to as wide an audience as possible, and was pro-active in supporting and growing the series’ annual Winton round, held each year in late June. Though Winton only joined the calendar in recent years, the round has quickly grown and firmly established itself as a key date on the calendar for our competitors. Through annual rounds held at both Winton and Wakefield Park (also operated by the Ronke family) the Shannons Nationals management has formed a close working relationship with the family over the last several years. It is a relationship that the series’ believes will ongoing for a long time.
In BRIEF TIM MACROW leads the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship following the opening two rounds, after cleansweeping the weekend at Tasmania last month. Macrow rocketed to the top of the standings despite not scoring a single point at the opening round of the championship, at Bathurst, the week earlier. Less than 10 points cover the top six drivers in the championship with Steel Guiliana, Nathan Morcom and John Magro also in the thick of the fight early on. The championship will continue in Darwin this June before rejoining the Shannons Nationals for the final four rounds, commencing at Sydney Motorsport Park in July. At least 12 cars will compete the full championship, with the series reportedly working on attracting more NSW State-level support to the Sydney round to showcase the ‘wings and slicks’ appeal of the circuit. YOUNG Porsche ace Richard Muscat looks to be a strong contender for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia this season after a stunning debut performance at Mallala. The 22-year-old Victorian scored pole position and a race victory in the opening round at Mallala, his win coming in the 40-lap ‘Jim Richards Endurance’ series opener on Saturday night. Muscat won 13 of 20 races in last year’s Victorian Porsche 944 Championship, before stepping up to the GT3 Cup Challenge this year with John Morriss’ ‘GT3 Factory’ team. Like Almond and other GT3 young stars including Phil Woodbury and Fraiser Ross, Muscat has targeted a move to Carrera Cup in his long-term future. The GT3 Cup Challenge continues its Shannons Nationals program at Winton Motor Raceway, in late June.
Shannons Nationals management, on behalf of our extended competitor, supporter and sponsorship base, sends its throughs and condolences to Matthew and Adam Ronke, the close and extended Ronke family and the staff at both venues during this difficult time. The Shannons Nationals will race at Winton this June with the goal of putting on the best possible show for all involved – just the way Mick would’ve liked it.
Follow us at www.facebook.com /TheNationals thenationals.com.au | 5
Guest Columnist...
James
Moffat There’s more to the ‘Moff than just being a factory driver for Norton 360 Racing’s Nissan Altima team in V8 Supercars.. Here, our resident expert tells us about his experiences in the world of production car endurance racing... Words: James Moffat IMAGES: Norton 360 Racing
endurance
the finish, but unfortunately before I got my
production car racing is a whole heap of fun.
chance, the car suffered an off at the Chase,
Away from the stresses of the V8 Supercar
and we lost a couple of laps.
FOR
WHAT
IT’S
WORTH,
championship, the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a car that isn’t necessarily engineered as an out and out racer, offers up a world of challenges.
When I did get back in, I was of the mindset to drive it as hard as possible… and the car really stood up to the test incredibly well. The brakes on the F6 were strong the whole way
One weekend that I have particularly fond
through the race, and the run home was one
memories of is the 2010 Bathurst 12 Hour.
of the more enjoyable stints I’ve ever had
For the event I was paired with the very
at Bathurst.
capable Ken Douglas and Ray Hislop aboard an FPV F6 Typhoon. From the outset it was always going to be a tough challenge– in our class we were up against the eventual race winning BMW 335i driven by Garry Holt, Paul Morris and John Bowe, as well as the very
With attrition taking care of a lot of other competitors, at the finish we wound up in P5, which was still a fair result considering the 4WD drive opposition and the weather we encountered.
well-engineered Clubsport Wagon driven
Having a four hour race around Phillip Island
by Nathan Pretty, Cam McConville and
this weekend is pretty special. PI is right up
Andrew Jones.
there with the very best venues we have in
Another factor that turned the race on its head was the weather, which always seems to have an influence over long distance racing.
the country, and is ideal for long distance racing- there’s plenty of room to move on the track, and it has decent pit lane facilities.
In the dry the F6 was pretty decent- you could
I’m looking forward to heading back to the
roll the car through the corners in a gear too
Island later in the year in my Norton 360 Racing
high, let the turbo spool up, and then step on
Nissan Altima. We will have a shortened two
it when it was pointing in the right direction.
day program and three 120km races, which
In the wet, with the R-spec tyres fitted, it was a proper handful! As it started to bucket down, things got reasonably hairy… After a double stint, I was waiting around in the pits for my next drive when that tree fell on Conrod Straight. My line of thinking: game over… but the hard working volunteers, who had to sit through some horrendous conditions all weekend long, got the race going again. I was scheduled to do a fairly long stint to
will include a 60/60 format on Saturday. I’m going to put it out there- 28 V8 Supercars having a rolling start for the second leg of the 60/60 down Gardner Straight is going to be incredible to watch trackside. The round will be the second last on the calendar, so by that stage we should be well and truly on top of the development of our new Nissans. We had a really solid run at Albert Park earlier in the year, which is another fast and flowing circuit. Hopefully that bodes well for another strong result. thenationals.com.au | 7
AWESOME images Matt Hansen at Speed Image: Nathan Wong Captured here at Sydney Motorsport Park, Matt Hansen’s ex-HRT Commodore has shown plenty of pace in this year’s Kumho V8 Series. Plenty of pace indeed – so much so that at Mallala a few weeks later, he’d be a winner..
Burn It Down Image: Mark Walker Sports Sedans can be temperamental things, and sometimes things just go wrong. A year ago at Mallala it was Tony Ricciardello experiencing the warmer side of life – this year, it was Dameon Jameson’s turn. Fortunately, both driver and car were fine and racing later in the weekend.
TWO WHEEL TANGO Image: Nathan Wong Mallala is known for being a superb track for toplevel motor cycle racing. Mark Primmer is showing some of that two-wheeled form in the Saloon Cars.
MIGHTY MUSCAT Image: Nathan Wong Young driver, first GT3 Cup Challenge race. And it’s dark. And it’s a new track. And you’re under pressure all the way from your equally determined rival. Richard Muscat dealt with it, and still got the flag first on Saturday night at Mallala. 8 | the Racing Magazine
MALLALA PEAK HOUR Image: Nathan Wong It looks a bit like Hindley Street in Adelaide on a Saturday night; wall to wall taillights in close proximity. Except it’s the Swift Series at Mallala, under lights and putting on a show.
WONG BY WONG Image: Nathan Wong They’re not related, but this superb capture of Keith Wong’s GT3 RS Porsche by Nathan Wong was never going to be left out.
OVERSTEER AND UNDERSTEER DEMONSTRATED Images: Mark Walker Those Kumho V8 Touring Car guys are caring souls, and wanted to showcase a visual demonstration of the two chief afflictions when it comes to car set up. On the left is Iain Yeng, aptly demonstrating Understeer – when a car ploughs straight ahead at a corner. On the right is Terry Whyoon, showing what happens when the rear end breaks away from control and tries to flick you at the undergrowth, an available wall or another vehicle. This is called ‘Oversteer’ and is well demonstrated by the Kumho series champion. Thanks, gentlemen, for the lesson. thenationals.com.au | 9
THE
ENDURANCE
experts
With a rebuilt car and a record of success, GARRY HOLT has a big shot at this year’s Australian Manufacturers Championship. But, as he tells RICHARD CRAILL, getting success in Production Car Racing’s exciting new era isn’t exactly going to be easy. Words: Richard Craill IMAGES: Nathan Wong
“WHAT are TMR doing this year mate, I’ve heard all sorts of things?”
But, as Holt says, that doesn’t mean there will be no competition in this
This question, posed mid answer to a relatively unrelated question half
year’s series, to which his Eastern Creek Karts Mitsubishi will return for
way through his chat with The Racing Magazine, is perfectly indicative
a full-on title tilt.
of Garry Holt.
In fact, he says, it’s likely to be even more competitive than ever.
He may be a two-time Bathurst 12 Hour winner and a former GTP and
Holt, a former downhill skiing champion and (along with son, James)
Production Car Champion, but this competitive Sydneysider is always
a recognised force in the world of ‘competitive’ fishing, is one of
thinking about what the potential competition are doing.
Australian Production Car Racing’s true believers. Few are more
The answer is, of course, ‘not much’. TMR’s fleet of EVO Lancers are
enthusiastic about the all-round challenge that the series offers.
all sold and lead driver Stuart Kostera is taking a sabbatical back in
Holt became notable for his competitive stint in the V8 Supercars
his native Perth, enduring the team that has dominated the Australian
development series and as one of the start-up partners in New South
Manufacturers Championship will spend this year on the sidelines,
Wales circuit Wakefield Park when it was founded in the late 1990s.
potentially plotting a return.
But a move into GT performance racing driving a Mitsubishi Lancer
10 | the Racing Magazine
Evolution would be what lead him to the success and championship
as sprints. We’re racing as hard all the way and I guess that’s the
victories that his competitive nature chased.
other thing.”
He won the GTP title in 2006 and the Production Car crown a year later,
The ‘endurance factor’ would prove to be Holt’s strength last year; in
this time driving his newly-developed BMW 335i.
the midst of a part-time campaign that started late in the season yet
A return win in the same championship – by now running under its
still delivered proper success.
current guise as the Australian Manufacturers Championship - in 2009
He and co-driver Ryan McLeod won a thriller at Queensland Raceway
completed the job. The pair of Bathurst 12 Hour wins dovetailed the
under lights by eking every last millilitre of fuel from his EVO’s tank
championship successes; his 2007 win a classic and his 2010 effort a
whilst being hunted by a flying Dylan Thomas’ similar Lancer.
surprise given the strength of the EVO brigade at the time.
A slightly more comprehensive victory at Phillip Island last year
And now, he’s back. But what drives this commitment to production-
confirmed the performance, despite what Holt says was a car that
spec racing when, surely, higher profile categories would be on offer?
wasn’t quite up to the kind of specifications required.
“It’s because of that endurance racing factor,” he says.
In fact, he says the car was actually less than perfect.
“The strategy that comes into it and also there’s some damn good
“The car should be good. We’ve got a proper race engine and we’re
racing. There’s difference. When you come into a long race, you’re
going to have a lot more grunt and the other interesting thing was that
catching up to slower cars and you have to make sure you can catch
we found the car was bent when we bought it,” he explains.
them without crashing into them. There’s something always there and
“It wouldn’t turn into a left hand corner so we’ve lined it up and it was
something going on. It’s never, by any means, a ‘boring’ endurance
out to buggery!
type race. “And it’s a sprint race. It’s an endurance race, yes, but we treat them
“So we’ll have a straight car and a new engine but we’ve done no practice with our stops or anything. Dylan’s stops last year – he would thenationals.com.au | 11
gain 15-seonds on an average stop on us. So we’d come in, in-front and then next minute he’s back in front.
“We’re behind the eight ball. It’s not excuses, but it is what it is. “I think there’s going to be some really close racing and it’s all going to
“He’s got his act together and a bloody good co-driver in (Open-wheel
come down to strategy. It’s all going to come down to fuel economy
ace, Ryan) Simpson, a super driver, I think they’re the ones to beat.”
and tyre management. It’s going to come down to a lot of things. The
Ahh yes, the competition. Like all long-distance racing, it’s about more
smartest team with good strategy will benefit.”
than just banging in a hot lap on demand – though raw pace helps. It’s the combination of strategy, pit work, making the right calls and raw speed that make the AMChamps races a bigger test than usual. Holt agrees and has already identified his teams deficiencies from last year; though it may take more than one round to sort them. “I think our weak point, is where we lost a lot of time was in our pit stops,” Holt says, honest in his appraisal of last season. “We don’t know where our (new) engine is at. We’re going to be going into the race with no testing and I honestly don’t think we’re that well prepared whereas I know Dylan (Thomas) is and I know the Pro Duct guys are. I’m pretty sure Beric is, too. I don’t think we’re looking that good for the first race because we haven’t been able to test the car yet. 12 | the Racing Magazine
As he says, this honesty doesn’t come from a need to make excuses. Years – successful ones at that – have enforced that preparation is key to performance in this kind of racing, perhaps even more so than others. However, there is the fact that starting on the back foot last season led to a strong series of results, something Holt says stands out amongst his Production Car career. “Last year was pretty good for us. For us to get a car and go out there without any testing and win at Phillip Island and also QR was quite amazing, when we didn’t expect that to happen. Last year was pretty good. Hopefully we can make this better.”
Kings THEY WOULD BE
Picking a favourite in this years’ AMChamps is a toughie, because the competitors are stacking up to challenge for the prestigious title. DESPITE being the dominant force for much of the second half of last
Pearson’s EVO team is a force in the NSW Production Touring Car series
season, the Eastern Creek Karting Raceway-sponsored team of Garry
with a fleet of identical cars, but will return to the national competition
Holt and Ryan McLeod probably aren’t the early favourites for the 2013
this season with the support of a gun co-driver in the form of two-time
AMChamps season.
Australian Touring Car Champion, Glenn Seton.
And the decision to step away from running their own, frontline team,
Seton is a long-term associate of Pearson and has not only raced
also rules TMR Australia out of the running as well. As the champions for the last three years with Stuart Kostera, they were, are and will remain the class benchmarks in the outright AMChamps battle. Enter, stage left, the CXC Global Racing outfit headed up by Dylan Thomas. These stalwarts of Open Wheel racing (Formula Vee, in particular), have made a near semless transition to the series in the last two years and, on purchasing their Evo X RS from TMR mid season, rocketed into
the car at state level, but in the Bathurst 12 Hour where he went very quickly indeed. And then there’s Beric Lynton’s still-new BMW 1M. The only car of it’s kind racing in Australia, Lynton made a staggering debut last season and shook the establishment with a series of strong results in the second half of 2012 – including an ‘at the line’ win over TMR at the Sandown season finale’.
the front pack.
Then there’s the Sherrins always speedy BMW Coupe, the Robinson
With father David stepping out of the seat this year, Dylan Thomas has
Racing Fords, the GWS (ex-Holt) 335i which remains competitive on its
enlisted the gun support of Sydneysider Ryan Simpson to help steer
day, and more.
his ship this year. They will be a force.
This year’s AMChamps field looks pretty tasty – and that’s before we
And then there’s PRO DUCT Motorsport, led by the venerable
get to the class racing, which we will cover off in a later issue of The
Bob Pearson.
Racing Magazine. thenationals.com.au | 13
GT: the story so far. The prestigious Australian GT Championship has already ticked several rounds off its calendar this year – and things are just starting to fire up. We take a look at the story so far.. Words: Australian GT & The Racing Magazine IMAGES: Australian GT
TWO ROUNDS of the Australian GT Championship presented by Pirelli are complete and a championship picture is beginning to take shape.
That makes the forthcoming rounds even more open. So how to pick a contender? Well, it’s probably appropriate to look
The trip to Phillip Island for the third round, however, is just as likely to
towards defending champion, Klark Quinn. Despite his busy business
reverse the running order and send things in a completely different way
interests outside of racing, Klark seems to be driving better than
– it’s just the way things work in the GT Championship.
ever and his form this year has been strong. Look too, to Ferrari, with
As was the case in 2012, the championship has become a battle
Peter Edwards and John Bowe returning in their recently rebuilt and
between the German brands, with reigning title-holder Klark Quinn currently leading the points in his Porsche GT3-R, against the versatile Craig Baird in the mighty Erebus Motorsport Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. After a tumultuous opening round as part of the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-Hour with Quinn and co-drivers Shane Van Gisbergen and Mat Kingsley taking maximum points, the bulk of the field backed up at Clipsal in Adelaide three weeks later for round two. Baird had stepped from the second-placed Ferrari in the 12-Hour, into the prime Erebus seat alongside another new Mercedes recruit, former F1-regular Christian Klien. Klien out-gunned his team-mate in the dying stages of qualifying, before Baird returned the favour during the two one hour races for back-to-back wins, in the process moving to within striking distance of points leader Klark Quinn. However at this stage Baird’s ride was a one-off and it’s unlikely he’ll remain a title contender if his appearances are only sporadic. 14 | the Racing Magazine
upgraded Ferrari 458 Italia GT3. The screaming 458s have received the 2103 FIA specification upgrade, which should significantly improve its mid-corner speed, something which will come in handy on Phillip Islands fast flowing sweepers.
There is a possible dark-horse too this year, in the form of two-time Victorian state champion Justin McMillan. McMillan is a local and calls Phillip Island his home circuit and as such may well provide an unexpected challenge at the front of the field in his Lamborghini Gallardo LP600+. He is another to receive recent 2013 upgrades on his Italian Supercar.
revised (2013-spec ‘Ultra’) form. Throw in names like Roger Lago (Lamborghini LP560), Tony Quinn (Aston Martin Vantage GT3) and team-mates Dean Koutsoumidis and Andrew McInnes (Audi R8 LMS), and you have a recipe for some serious outright action.
Former Bathurst 12-Hour champion Rod Salmon will be back at Phillip
In the classes, Jan Jinadasa has made the switch from Porsche to
Island after suffering an off at the treacherous Adelaide turn-8, the New
Lamborghini, whilst Ben Foessel will look to continue his winning force
South Welshman campaigning the Audi R8 LMS that Craig Lowndes
in his German thoroughbred. Four of the British-built Ginetta G50s add
took to victory at Phillip island last September, but in a very much
depth, too.
PRODUCTION TOURING CAR ENDURANCE RACING Phillip Island Great Southern 4 Hour Sydney MS 3 Hours + Australian 6 Hour Option Queensland Raceway 2 x 200km Wakefield Park 2 x 200km Sandown 3 Hours
CARS FOR LEASE SPRINT & ENDURANCE OPTIONS
swiftracing.com.au
amchamp.com.au thenationals.com.au | 15
THE
right
PRICE is
What do you do when your scheduled drive doesn’t arrive in time? You head to the circuit and hope something comes your way. It worked well for Swift series racer, Andrew Price. Words: Richard Craill IMAGES: www.andrewprice.net.au & NATHAN WONG
A DRIVE THAT almost didn’t happen ended up working wonders for
“Thankfully, when Tom Monkhouse was unable to drive at the last
Queensland driver Andrew Price in the opening round of the Hi-Tec
minute I was able to take over his spot on the entry list – with this
Oils Australian Swift Racing Series, at Mallala.
happening at the very last minute, I was certainly thrown in the deep
With his original ride not arriving in time, the 24-year-old headed to
end mentally and had to wrap myself around a set-up and a car that I
the event anyway and was able to secure a seat after all when another
hadn’t worked with until minutes before hitting the track.”
driver was unable to compete.
Despite the pressure, Price was sure to wring the most out of the
“I was absolutely shattered when just days before my scheduled
opportunity and ran as high as second across the weekend.
debut, I was told my entry in the Suzuki Swift Racing Series wasn’t
“The weekend started off pretty hairy as I got used to the car and the
going to be at the track in time,” he told The Racing Magazine.
set-up, and that first race on Saturday night was definitely out there –
“The Australian Swift Series team and Trans Tasman Motorsport
the nerves were in full flight and I had some big moments, including
did their best to come up with a drive for me, however due to
one where I nearly put the car on its roof coming out of the final turn!”
circumstances outside of their control my car did not arrive in time.
said Price.
“Having already scheduled the time away, I decided to head to
“Thankfully I got it together from there, and the second and third
Adelaide from my home in Queensland anyway, to soak up as much
races (held on Sunday) saw me able to work my way up through the
as I could and to see if something might come up - you never know
field.
after all!
“In the second race I was fighting for a podium finish on the final lap,
16 | the Racing Magazine
but just missed out with fourth. In the final race a gamble on track
forward to the next round at Phillip Island.”
conditions didn’t pay off for us when it continued to rain, but even so I
Like many drivers, Price is continually seeking funds for his racing –
ran as high as second during the race and enjoyed some great battles with the leading pack.
mixing his driving ambitions with skills in another area. Price is a qualified Justice of the Peace and also a principal of his own
“Overall, it was a great weekend. I learnt a lot and considering aside
business – South East Legal Services – but explains he also uses some
from one other driver I had the least amount of experience in the field
writing skills to push his racing news.
I think I definitely made an impact and showed I have the pace to compete with the front-runners.” Despite the last-minute chance to jump in the hot seat, Price is now planning ahead for the full season in the increasingly competitive onemake series. “I just now need to develop my race craft further and the lessons from the weekend will definitely go into that,” he says.
“I can offer media exposure through my own personal journalistic endeavours through leading Australian motorsport blog downshiftaus. com,” he explained. “Motorsport just fuels my competitive fire – it is the modern day version of the old chariot races, once that helmet lid goes down there is nothing left to do but drive your hardest,” said Price. “At the end of the day there is absolutely nothing like racing two or
“I have made some big steps with both my ability to set up the car
three cars wide at more than 200 kilometres per hour around a corner,
and in making on-track decisions under pressure, so overall I am really
battling for a piece of tarmac or that spot on the race podium – I just
excited about having that first round under my belt and I am looking
love it.”
thenationals.com.au | 17
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria
WELCOME TO ROUND 3
Dear Enthusiast, Last year the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club celebrated its sixtieth birthday and we now at the start of another decade of great motor racing at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Welcome to this event promoted and organised by the PIARC, and welcome to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Under the current owners, Linfox, the circuit has been developed to a point where it matches the other world-class circuits in the world and we are continually thrilled to have the opportunity to present our motorsport here. In December the circuit was given a totally new racing surface, and track records have been dropping ever since. Not all competitors are happy yet, because the tyre grip is so good that many are having to relearn just how to get the most benefit from the new surface. The kerbing has been altered as well are many drivers and riders are finding new and faster ways around the corners. This Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals has been developing as a series for a number of years now and has progressed into a very compact and enjoyable event, and one which we eagerly look forward to each time it returns to Phillip Island. This series allows us to show off many national categories at the same Meeting and features a blend of most types of cars seen on our race tracks. The series is set up so that we can plan on the categories to be allocated to our round of the series from a list of about twelve, and whatever happens, it is an interesting blend of cars to be enjoyed by all. This May Round 3 of the Series features a number of endurance races. A four hour race for Production Cars leads the program, with shorter endurance races for Australian GT Championship cars, and Radical Sportscars. We also have sprint races for PRB Clubman cars and the Suzuki Swift category. All of the marshals here today are volunteers who are trained by the sport for their various roles, and the majority of marshals here today are PIARC members. The remainder come from other dedicated groups who lend their specialities to what we are doing. These extend to services such as Medical, Fire, Flags, Timing and Scrutiny. We work in close cooperation with the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) and in conjunction with CAMS, we have a licensing and training program for marshals at all the circuits in Australia. This provides for a consistently high level of skills and application of the rules at the CAMS events; a standard that is widely recognised around the world. If you are interested in taking your involvement further than watching from outside the track fencing, have a look at the PIARC website at www.piarc.com.au . Follow this through as an official, and you can also get involved with the International Motorcycle races held here at Phillip Island each year. You will find further detail in the website, and also a membership form. Regards from the Club, and we look forward to seeing you again at our clubrooms at the Moorabbin Airport, or perhaps at other race meetings here, later in the year.
Peter Nelson Secretary – PIARC. If today is of interest to you, make sure you do not miss our next car race meeting of the year. Round 7 of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals on September 20-22. And with motorcycle racing, we have the 2013 Moto GP on October 26 to 28.
thenationals.com.au | 19
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria
2013 SHANNONS AUSTRALIAN MOTOR RACING NATIONALS PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT 25-26 May 2013 This Meeting is conducted under the International Sporting Code of the FIA, the National Competition Rules of the CAMS Ltd, the Race Meeting Standing Regulations of CAMS, Phillip Island Standing Regulations 03/2012,and Supplementary Regulations issued for this Meeting. CAMS Permit : 813/2605/01 EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK MOTOR SPORT IS DANGEROUS In exchange for being able to attend or participate in the event, you agree: • to release Confederation of Australian Motor Sport Ltd (“CAMS”) and Australian Motor Sport Commission Ltd, promoters, sponsor organisations, land owners and lessees, organisers of the event, their respective servants, officials, representatives and agents (collectively, the “Associated Entities”) from all liability for your death, personal injury (including burns), psychological trauma, loss or damage (including property damage) (“harm”) howsoever arising from your participation in or attendance at the event, except to the extent prohibited by law; • that CAMS and the Associated Entities do not make any warranty, implied or express, that the event services will be provided with due care and skill or that any materials provided in connection with the services will be fit for the purpose for which they are supplied; and • to attend or participate in the event at your own risk. You acknowledge that: • the risks associated with attending or participating in the event include the risk that you may suffer harm as a result of: • motor vehicles (or parts of them) colliding with other motor vehicles, persons or property; • acts of violence and other harmful acts (whether intentional or inadvertent) committed by persons attending or participating in the event; and • the failure or unsuitability of facilities (including grand-stands, fences and guard rails) to ensure the safety of persons or property at the event. • motor sport is dangerous and that accidents causing harm can and do happen and may happen to you. You accept the conditions of, and acknowledge the risks arising from, attending or participating in the event and being provided with the event services by CAMS and the Associated Entities.
OFFICIALS OF THE MEETING SERIES DIRECTOR
Rob Curkpatrick
CHIEF OF RECOVERY
Ken Johnston
MEETING DIRECTOR
Peter Nelson
COURSE MARSHAL
Skip Taylor
CHIEF MARSHAL
Roger Chirnside
CHIEF FIRE MARSHAL
Neil Wilson
CHIEF MARSHALLING AREA
Barry Parker
STEWARDS of the MEETING Steve Lisk, Bob Fraser, David Bellenger CLERK of the COURSE
Colin Smith
DEPUTY CLERK of the COURSE
Matt Balcombe
ASSISTANT CLERKS of the COURSE
Ken Smith
CHIEF FLAG MARSHAL
Terry O’Callaghan
SECRETARY of the MEETING
Jean Bellenger.
COMPLIANCE CHECKER
Danny Jonas
JUDGES OF START & FINISH
C.Smith, M.Balcombe, I.Leech, & B.Taylor
ORGANISING COMMITTEE
Colin Smith, Matt Balcombe,
Jean Bellenger, Geoff Bull,
CHIEF PADDOCK MARSHAL
Danny Jonas
Peter Nelson.
20 | the Racing Magazine
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria GENERAL NOTICES
PROHIBITED AREAS
Apart from when permitted by law, dogs and other pets are not permitted on the race circuit property at any time while the Meeting is in progress.
The organisers of the event have made every effort to ensure the safety of spectators at this meeting. In the interest of public safety, all areas other than the official spectator areas are prohibited. The spectator areas are plainly defined and spectators are requested to keep behind the safety fence at all times. Do not walk on the circuit at any time, or move into prohibited areas. In the event of an accident on the circuit, the public must remain behind the safety fence as their entry to the race track may cause further accidents and hinder officials.
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the Paddock area until after the last practice session or race has finished on any day. PLEASE USE THE RUBBISH BINS PROVIDED
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The thanks of the motorsport fraternity in general must go to the following groups for their assistance with this Meeting.
SAFETY
•
Phillip Island Auto Racing Club officials for their manning and management of the meeting.
The fencing erected around this circuit is there for your protection. It is forbidden to stand, sit or climb on it.
•
Phillip Island Operations P/L for their work in presenting the circuit and facilities as they are.
PARKING
•
Victorian Fire & Rescue Service for the fire fighting equipment, the driver rescue facilities, and their expertise.
•
Victorian Flag Marshalling team for flags and marshals.
•
Rob Curkpatrick as the series director for his untiring efforts to make the series a success.
Vehicles are permitted to enter and park on condition that the promoters and circuit owners are not under any liability whether in contract or in tort and whether for negligence as an occupier, or on any other basis or for any cause for action, for loss or damage to the vehicle or its contents no matter how or whether such may be caused.
• competitors and the competitor groups for their participation & cooperation. •
Team Medical Australia for medical services
•
“RSEA” for their support of the recovery team
•
PIARC Recovery Team with the help through the year from Concours Towing (Sean Finn), Warragul Towing (Phil Golding), Magic Towing (Mick Kidd), Cowes Total Car Centre (Brad Rodwell), SAS Towing (Aaron Stokes), Bunyip Crane Trucks (Syd Smith), Powerful Enterprises (Daryl Poynton)
•
Dazzle Signs for assistance with event signage.
•
Bass Coast Shire for assistance with promotion
PETS Pets are not allowed at Mallala Motor Sport Park during race meetings, unless approved by State Legislation.
COPYRIGHT All material in this program is copyright and may not be used without permission of the publishers. The opinions of the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers or the event organisers.
ENTRIES The organisers accept entries and driver nominations in good faith. Every effort is made to adhere to the printed program of competitors but the promoter cannot accept responsibility for the failure of any driver or competing vehicle to appear. Although every endeavour is made to avoid inaccuracies in the description of competing vehicles, the organisers accept no responsibility for any that may occur. The organisers reserve the right to postpone, abandon or cancel the meeting or any part thereof.
Come and join the team who can get you closer to the action! TO R I A N
M
V IC
MA
RSHALLI NG
V IC
FL
A
G
TO R I A N
M
www.vicflag.org.au
T
M
EA
A
G
EA
FL
For more information simply email info@vicflag.org.au or call 03 8796 5321
T
AR thenationals.com.au | 21 SHALLI NG
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria
22 | the Racing Magazine
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria
SCHEDULE
Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:
FRIDAY 24th May
n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discounts Time Description n Limited Use Category Duration & Club Plate cover n Laid up cover n One excess free windscreen claim per year n Total Loss Salvage options n Home Contents 0700 Gates Open Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools 905 Engines may be started n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by the month 930 Practice 1 PRB Motorsport Series 20 mins premiums at no extra cost 955 Practice 1 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or 1020 Practice 1 Australian GT Championship 20 mins your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast. 1045 Practice 1 Radical Australia Cup 20 mins 1110 Practice 1 Hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 20 mins 1135 Practice 2 PRB Motorsport Series 20 mins 1200 Practice 2 INSURANCE Australian Manuf. Championship 2046 mins FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU 1225 Practice 2 Shannons Radical Australia Cup 20 mins Limited ABN 91 099 962 636 an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to vehicle cover.Australian Shannons has not takenChampionship account of your objectives, to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at shannons.com.au or by calling 13 46 46. 1250 Practice 2 comprehensive GT financial situation or needs. First refer20 mins 1315 Practice 2 Hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 20 mins 1340 Practice 3 PRB Motorsport Series 20 mins 1405 Practice 3 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins 1430 Practice 3 Radical Australia Cup 20 mins 1455 Practice 3 Australian GT Championship 20 mins 1520 Practice 4 Aust Manuf. Champ combined 20 mins 1520 Practice 3 Hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 20 mins 1545 Sponsor Rides PRB Motorsport/Radical Aust 20 mins 1610 Sponsor Rides Australian GT Champ 20 mins 1630 Sponsor Rides Aust Manufacturers Champ/Swift 20 mins
SATURDAY 25th May 700 Gates Open 900 Engines may be started 905 Practice 1 Hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 925 Qualifying 1 PRB Motorsport Series 950 Qualifying 1 Radical Australia Cup 1020 Practice 1 Australian Manuf. Championship 1050 Qualifying 1 Hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 1120 Qualifying 2 PRB Motorsport Series 1145 Qualifying 2 Radical Australia Cup 1215 Qualifying 1 Australian Manuf. Championship 1245 Qualifying 1 Australian GT Championship 1325 Qualifying 2 Australian Manuf. Championship 1355 Race 1 Radical Australia Cup 1425 Race 1 PRB Motorsport Series 1455 Race 1 Hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 1525 Race 2 Radical Australia Cup 1555 Race 1 Australian GT Championship
15 mins 15 mins 20 mins 20 mins 20 mins 15 mins 20 mins 20 mins 30 mins 20 mins 8 laps 8 laps 8 laps 8 laps 1 Hour
SUNDAY 26th May 700 Gates Open 900 Engines may be started 905 Warm up 920 Race 2 945 Warm up 1000 Warm up 1020 Race 3 1120 Race 3 1145 Race 2
Radical Australia Cup PRB Motorsport Series Australian GT Championship Aust Manuf. Champ/Swift Combined Radical Australia Cup PRB Motorsport Series Australian GT Championship
10 mins 8 laps 10 mins 10 mins 50 mins 8 laps 1 Hour
GREAT SOUTHERN 4 HOUR 1255 1255
Race 2 Hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series Race 1 Australian Manuf. Championship
1 Hour 4 Hours thenationals.com.au | 23
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria GREAT SOUTHERN FOUR HOUR Round 1 of the 2013 Australian Manufacturers Championship
IT’S APPROPRIATE that the opening round of the AMChamps will be held at the sweeping, majestic and sensational Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
Bob Pearson / Glenn Seton Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions must be considered the three most favoured cars ahead of the round, their endurance and driving credentials already well established.
After all, the 4.46km circuit was basically the birthplace of Australia’s most famous endurance race – a 500km race that started on the Island in 1960 moving to Bathurst a few years later to become the October classic that we all know and love to this day.
Beric Lynton has never raced his still-new BMW 1M at the Island, but it’s pace at another Horsepower circuit – Sandown – late last year, should see it well if they can get the chassis balance sorted on the long, flowing corners.
This weekend marks the formation of a new major endurance race, the Great Southern Four Hour set to introduce a new distance race into the AMChamps calendar.
Another variable is the first-time introduction of a control tyre to the series. Hankook’s new rubber will introduce another variable into the equation with most of the field lacking any meaningful experience on the new rubber.
A four hour race offers more strategic elements into the proceedings, making fuel strategy and pit stops the priority, even over outright race pace. As our extensive preview earlier in this issue covers off, the field assembled is a feisty one. The Garry Holt / Ryan McLeod, Dylan Thomas / Ryan Simpson and
The recently resurfaced track surface will add in another unknown element, making this truly a race into the unknown. Watch for the class battles between the baby BMWs and Mazda 3 MPSs, plus the exciting debut of the Pedders Racing Toyota 86, making it’s first-up start at a national level.
Car # Class SPONSOR
COMPETITOR DRIVER
State
11 B Lovton Coal
Michael Benton co-driver
Michael Benton Geoff Russell
Qld Falcon FG FPV GT 5000 Red NSW
13 C Osborne Motorsport
Colin Osborne co-driver
Colin Osborne Hadrian Morrall
NSW Mazda 3 MPS 2300 White NSW
19 B Sherrin Rentals
Sherrin Racing co-driver
Grant Sherrin Iain Sherrin
Qld BMW 135i 5064 Orange Qld
20 B Eastern Creek Karts
Garry Holt co-driver
Garry Holt Ryan McLeod
NSW Mitsubishi Evo 10 2000 Wh/R/Y/Blue Qld
21 D Disc Brakes Australia
Terry Conroy co-driver
TBA Honda Integra R 1998 Black/White TBA
23 A
Beric Lynton co-driver
Beric Lynton Tim Leahey
Qld BMW 1M 2979 White NSW
26 C GWS Personnel
Peter O’Donnell co-driver
Scott Gore Michael Gore
Qld BMW 130i 2998 Black/Yellow Qld
28 B GWS Personnel
Peter O’Donnell co-driver
Peter O’Donnell John Bowe
NSW BMW 335i 2997 White Vic
30 A
Bob Pearson co-driver
Bob Pearson Glenn Seton
NSW Mitsubishi Evo 10 2000 Silver Qld
31 C Osborne Motorsport
Colin Osborne co-driver
TBA Mazda 3 MPS 2300 White TBA
33 A
Bob Pearson co-driver
TBA Mitsubishi Evo 10 2000 Silver TBA
36 C Grand Prix Mazda
Jake Camilleri co-driver
Jake Camilleri Scott Nicholas
Qld Mazda 3 MPS 2300 Blue Qld
51 D Network Clothing/Dentbuster
Mark Eddy co-driver
Mark Eddy Francois Jouy
Vic Honda Integra 1998 Black NSW
54 A Donut King
Tony Alford co-driver
Tony Alford Peter Leemhuis
Qld BMW 1M 2979 Pink ACT
68 A CXC Global
David Thomas co-driver
Dylan Thomas David Thomas
NSW Mitsub Evo 10 1998 White/Blue NSW
Adam Dodd Mark Bell
NSW Mazda 6 MPS Qld
69 C
Alphera Financial Services/ Bruce Lynton
West End Mazda/Bell Heavy Haulage Adam Dodd /Valvoline Aust co-driver
VEHICLE
CC
COLOUR
Chrome/Red/Blue
72 I Sherrin Rentals
Michael Sherrin co-driver
Michael Sherrin David Ayers
Qld Mini Cooper S 1598 Orange Qld
86 E Pedders/Valvoline Racing
Grant Phillips co-driver
Grant Phillips Andrew Turpie
Vic Toyota 86 GTS Vic
97 D Safe T Stop
Richard Gartner co-driver
Richard Gartner Franck Donniaux
NSW NSW
24 | the Racing Magazine
Renault Clio
Red
1997 Yellow/Black
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria AUSTRALIAN GT CHAMPIONSHIP PRESENTED BY PIRELLI ON THE WEB: www.australiangt.com.au
The Australian GT Championship presented by Pirelli will make its return to the Shannons Nationals for the first time this year at Phillip Island, providing teams with an opportunity to be back on what is widely regarded as the best drivers’ circuit in the country. Coming to Phillip Island, it is still at best a 50/50 chance that the Erebus team will return to a venue that saw them record two victories in 2012, one for former lead driver Peter Hackett, and one for the team’s 2013 V8 Supercar recruit Maro Engel. The other two races in the series two visits to Phillip Island last year, were won by Greg Crick (Dodge Viper), and Craig Lowndes (Audi R8), neither of whom will be entered this year. There is a possible dark-horse too this year, in the form of two-time Victorian state champion Justin McMillan. McMillan stepped up to the GT Championship this year, and has so far shown impressive speed at both Bathurst and Clipsal, two venues he’d never raced on previously. At Phillip Island though, the series regulars are competing in his backyard on a circuit he knows intimately, and if his recent testing pace is
any indication (turnings laps in the sub-1:30s), he may well provide an unexpected challenge at the front of the field in his Lamborghini Gallardo LP600+. And guess what.. he too has just recently upgraded his car to 2013-specification, with the V10 powered Lamborghini also receiving a significantly updated aero package. Last year’s GT races at the island were thrillers and this year is likely to be no exception, with a competitive field across a multitude of classes entered. They should go pretty quickly, too and it will be worth keeping an eye on the pace of the leading championship class cars, especially. Last year the leaders were below the pace set by the V8 Supercars just weeks prior to the May round, and Engel was faster again in September. With the circuit having been resealed at the end of the 2012 season, and the renowned pace of Pirelli’s DH slick tyre, you will see the lap record shattered for the GT category, and in all likelihood, a benchmark set that will not be broken this year by a V8 Supercar!
Car # Class SPONSOR COMPETITOR DRIVER State 1 Champ VIP Petfoods VIP Holdings (Aust) Klark Quinn Qld 3 Chall Motor School George Fossel George Fossel Qld 4 Chall Motor School George Fossel Ben Fossel Qld 6 Champ One World Bar Rod Salmon Rod Salmon NSW 7 Champ Darrell Lea VIP Holdings (Aust) Tony Quinn Qld 9 Sport TM Motorsports Tony Martin Tony Martin Qld Lee Castle Qld 19 Sport Vawdrey Semi Trailers Mark Griffith Mark Griffith Qld Jack Perkins Vic 23 Champ JBS Roger Lago Roger Lago Qld 25 Chall Walz Group/ Surelift Crane Hire McElrea Racing Brendan Cook Qld 29 Champ Trefeo Motorsport/Pirelli Trefeo Motorsport Jim Manoloios Vic 36 Champ Erebus Motorsport ErebusMotorsport 48 Champ M Motorsport Justin McMillan Justin McMillan Vic 71 Champ Equity-One Mortgage Fund Dean Koutsoumidis Dean Koutsoumidis Vic 73 Sport HHH Racing Michael Hovey 75 Troph JAMEC PEM RACING Steven McLaughlan 77 Troph JJA Consulting Group Jan Jinadasa 88 Champ IL Bello Rosso Maranello Motorsport
Andrew McInnes Michael Hovey Steven McLaughlan Jan Jinadasa Peter Edwards John Bowe
VEHICLE Porsche GT3-R Porsche 911 Carrera Porsche 996 GT3 Cup Audi R8 LMS Ultra Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Ginetta G50 GT4
CC 4000 3600 3600 5200 5955 3500
COLOUR Black White Blk/Wh/Red Orange Multi-stripe White
Ginetta G50 GT4
3500
Silver
Lamborghini LP560
5200
White
Porsche 997 Cup Corvette Merc SLS AMG GT3 Lamborghini LP600 GT3
3598 7000 6200 5224
Blue/Black Black/Yellow White
Audi R8 LMS 5200 Vic Qld Ginetta G50 GT4 3500 Vic Dodge Viper 8300 Vic Lamborghini LP520 5000 Vic Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 4500 Vic
Burgundy/Wh Black Black White Red
thenationals.com.au | 25
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria RADICAL AUSTRALIA CUP – ROUND 3 ON THE WEB: www.radicalsportscars.com.au
ROUND 3 of the Radical Australia Cup at Phillip Island marks the first
Muston and Samadi continued their stranglehold on the front during
trip ‘South of the Border’ for the series this season – and the first visit to
Sunday’s second 50 minute race of the weekend, whilst SR3 pilot Ben
the circuit by the SR8 entries amongst the field.
Porter battled hard in the early stages with the SR8’s of Chris Medland
The newly resurfaced 4.46km circuit has offered stunning lap times in
and Richard Kimber, with Liam Talbot again holding onto their tail.
qualifying and should see the 400hp-plus V8 powered SR8’s go way under lap record territory, and close on the outright lap record to boot.
Overall Muston’s winning streak continued and put him on the top spot in the overall weekend results, with Ash Samadi hot on his heels and
Rounds one and two were held at Sydney Motorsport Park and both
works SR8 driver Chris Medland filling the remaining spot on the SR8
were won by Neale Muston – though Ash Samadi continues to be a
class podium.
thorn in the defending champions’ side. At round two, Saturday’s 50 minute race proved to be the most eventful right from the off, Neale Muston dropping back to 3rd after getting swamped at the start by Samadi & Nick Kelly. However it only took 8 laps to claw back the lead from Ash Samadi – the 2 enjoying a close
In the SR3 class Queenslander Liam Talbot’s 1st and 2nd places resulted in a deserved win, with father and son combination Greg and Oliver Smith enjoying a proud family moment to share 2nd and 3rd places on the podium.
race long battle, Samadi unable to put an end to Muston’s winning
Teams and drivers now have some time to regroup before the Shannons
streak on his home track.
Nationals visit Phillip Island for Round 3 late on 25 - 26 May – no doubt
In his effort to regain the Race 1 lead early on, Muston went about
the Islands unpredictable Autumn weather will spice up the action as
setting a new lap record for the SR8’s on their first official run on SMP’s
it did during both of last year races, on the famous Motorcycle Grand
3.9km GP circuit - at 1.28.222.
Prix circuit.
Car # CLASS
SPONSOR
COMPETITOR DRIVER
State
VEHICLE
CC
COLOUR
1
SR8 Excalibur Racing
Neale Muston
Neale Muston
NSW
Radical
2700
Red
5
SR3 Haggarty Racing Team
Simon Haggarty
Simon Haggarty
NSW
Radical
1500
White
6
SR3 Haggarty Racing Team
Tony Haggarty
Tony Haggarty
NSW
Radical
1500
White
7
SR8
Apartment Hotel
Ash Samadi
Ash Samadi
NSW
Radical
2700
Black
9
SR8
Radical Australia
Chris Medland
Chris Medland
NSW
Radical
2700
16
SR3
WT Partnership
Greg Smith
Oliver Smith
NSW
Radical
1500
Black
17
SR3
PJS Air
Peter Johnston
Peter Johnston
NSW
Radical
1500
Black
22
SR3
Radical Race Experience
Liam Talbot
Liam Talbot
NSW
Radical
1500
26
SR3
Team Tilton Interiors
Kostinken Pohorukov
Kostinken Pohorukov
NSW
Radical
1500
Blue
27
SR8
First Neon
Peter White
Peter White
NSW
Radical
2700
Yellow
29
SR3
Tachac Pty Ltd
Andy Plummer
Andy Plummer
NSW
Radical
1500
Black
32
SR3 Hughes Motorsport
Sue Hughes
Sue Hughes
NSW
Radical
1500
Green
48
SR3
Radical Team Melbourne
Gary Walker
Robert Baird
VIC
Radical
1500
51
SR3
IMAK-KWIKMIT
Andrew Macpherson
Andrew Macpherson
NSW
Radical
1500
White
58
SR8
RAW Racing
Richard Kimber
Richard Kimber
NSW
Radical
2700
White
63
SR8
Koala Furniture
Ross Lilly
Ross Lilly
Radical
2700
Green/Wh
66
SR8 Django Racing
John Corbett
John Corbett
NSW
Radical
2700
68
SR3
RAW Racing
Kim Burke
Kim Burke
NSW
Radical
1500
Multi
88
SR3
Radical Australia
Rowan Ross
Rowan Ross
NSW
Radical
1500
White
89
SR3
Sales Net Group Dane Stokes
Simon Baxter
Radical
1500
Yellow
99
SR3
Industrie
Nick Kelly
Radical
1500
Red
26 | the Racing Magazine
Nick Kelly
NSW
ROUND 3 Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Victoria HI-TEC OILS AUSTRALIAN SUZUKI SWIFT RACING SERIES ON THE WEB: www.swiftracing.com.au
Series newcomer Luke Fraser dominated the opening round of the Hi-
on for the minors behind.
Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series, backing up from his race 1 win
Mike Gore, Allan Jarvis Callan Sayers and Keishi Ayukai, in particular,
on Saturday night to take both heats and seal the overall round result. The Adelaide driver used his local experience to the max today, overcoming difficult conditions in each race to win against the Swift series strongest-ever field.
were all in the thick of the action. Meanwhile, series newcomer Ben Grice impressed in his first nationallevel racing competition by qualifying his Finance Ezi-sponsored Swift on pole position, and dominating practice as well. The son of two-time
The racing was close and particularly furious at the South Australian
Bathurst champion, Allan, raced competitively all weekend and gained
circuit, with a host of drivers having a share of the lead. Fraser didn’t
experience that will see him in a good place for the remainder of the
have it easy, however, on one occasion having to work his way through
year.
from the back of the field, but that didn’t stop his charge.
There was a countback for second overall in the round, Allan Jarvis
In six laps he went from the back to the race lead and ended up
edging out Mike Gore for the remaining spots on the podium by virtue
winning by a comfortable margin – although there was an all-out war
of finishing higher in the deciding final race of the weekend.
Car #
SPONSOR
COMPETITOR DRIVER
State
VEHICLE
CC
COLOUR
1
Achilles Radials
Trans Tasman M/sp
Allan Jarvis
QLD
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Black
6
Finance Ezi
Trans Tasman M/sp
Ben Grice
QLD
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Yell/Black
7 Hi-Tec Oils
Trans Tasman M/sp
Luke Fraser
SA
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Blue
13 Downshift Australia
Trans Tasman M/sp
Andrew Price
QLD
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Red
17
BVC Racing
Trans Tasman M/sp
Rob Jarvis
NSW
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
White
33
Shannons Nationals
Trans Tasman M/sp
Callan Sayers
QLD
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
White
57
Speedweek
Trans Tasman M/sp
Keishi Ayukai
QLD
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
White
thenationals.com.au | 27
ROUND 2 Mallala, South Australia PRB Motorsport Series ON THE WEB: www.prbaustralia.com.au
THE PRB Racing series returns to the Shannons Nationals this weekend
Division A was won by Stef Versluis, who scored two race wins to Chris
for round three of their expanding, nearly-national series.
Barry’s one (44 points against 38); in Div B Jos Kroon won 2 races to
Closely following Round 1 at Sydney Motorsport Park, the second
Tony Blanche’s one, to take Div B with 42 points from Tony with 38.
round this year was held at Wakefield Park on April 14th, following a
Overall after 2 rounds it is Tony Blanche leading the Series with 84
practice day on the Saturday. As usual, the racing at the front was very
points from Stuart Shirvington and Chris Barry equal on 78 points.
close and no one person dominated all the races.
Car # Class SPONSOR
COMPETITOR DRIVER
State
VEHICLE
CC
COLOUR
1
A
Trans-West Insurance Brokers
Stefan Versluis
Stefan Versluis
NSW
Composite
1900
Black/Gold
6
A
Speed Racer Sportscars
Chris Barry
Chris Barry
NSW
Composite
2000
Yellow
7
A
John Moyes
John Moyes
NSW
S2
2000
BRG
9
B
Chris Barry
Tony Blanche
NSW
Composite
1587
Green
25
A
Stuart Shirvington
Stuart Shirvington
NSW
S3
1900
Orange/Alum
37
B
Jos Kroon
Jos Kroon
NSW
S2
1587
Red
45
A
Ivan Srjeber
Ivan Srjeber
NSW
S3
1970
Blue/Alum
48
A Emu Car Care
James Dick
James Dick
NSW
Widebody
1995
Blue
50
A
Malcolm Lee
Malcolm Lee
TAS
S3
1900
Blue
52
B
Stefan Versluis
Stefan Versluis
NSW
S3
1587
Black/Alum
98
B
Mike Cole
Mike Cole
NSW
Composite
1587
Green/Yellow
Zeppelin Pty Ltd
Trans-West Insurance Brokers
28 | the Racing Magazine
SPEED SHOTS...
“NO ONE KNOW PA S S S YO ION UR LIKE SHAN NON S.”
Shannons insurance is for mot n Choice oring enthu of repaire siasts jus r n Agre t like you, n Limite ed value with featur d Use & n Multi-V es like: Cl ub Plate windscre ehicle & cover n en claim Multi-Po Laid up per year licy disc co Insuranc ver n On ounts n Total Lo e includi e ex ss ce ng $10,00 ss free Salvage n Towing options 0 enthus & storage n Home iast cove costs as Contents r for your premium a result co s at no ex lle ctables & of loss or tra cost tools damage Call Shan n Pay by nons on the mon 13 46 46 your hom th for a quot e, and sp e on yo eak with ur special a genuine car, daily enthusia drive, bi st. ke or
THENA TIONA
LS.COM
.AU | ISSUE
GREAT 1, 2013 | $5.00
THE
RIVALRY
AUSTRALIA’ ‘TIN TOPS’ S FASTEST ITS BIGGESAND T RIVALRY .
INSURA NCE FO R MO
TORING Shannons Lim ENTHUS comprehens ited ABN 91 099 962 IASTS | ive vehicle 636 an auth cover. Sha orised repr CALL 13 nnons has not taken acc esentative of Australi 46 46 FO an ount of you R A QUO r objectives Alliance Insurance Com , financial TE | SH pany Lim situation or ANNONS needs. Firs ited ABN 11 006 471 t refer to the 709 (AFSL .COM.A relevant Pro 235011), the U duct Disclos ure Statem product issuer. Som ent at shanno e benefits only ns.com.au or by calling apply to 13 46 46.
V8 TOURIN
OLD CARS, G CARS AND A BIG NEW FACES FUTURE!
RADICAL’
V8 POWER S NEW ERA NEW SPO FOR STUNNING RTS RACER.
PLUS!
43749_N
ationalsMagazin
e_COVE
R_ART.indd
1-2
ALL THE INF OF THE 201 O FOR ROUND 1 AUSTRALIAN3 SHANNONS NATIONALS MOTOR RACING !
thenatio
nals.com.
au
8/03/13
IT WAS very wet on Sunday at Mallala’s Shannons Nationals round. Very wet indeed. Whilst the Kerrick Sports Sedans dealt with the conditions with wet-weather tyres and an ‘easy on the throttle’ approach to acceleration, the fans on the hill had it a little tougher. This gentleman, for example, found the nearest available pice of cardboard to shield him from the worst of the wind and driving rain.
4:10 PM
Interested in Advertising in the next issue of ‘The Racing Magazine’? We are now taking bookings for full page, half page and quarter page advertisments for the next issue. If you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Racing Magazine or to find out more information please contact 0414 294 153 or email admin@thenationals.com.au
How’s the dedication of the Shannons Nationals fans! thenationals.com.au | 29
ROUND 2 Mallala, South Australia Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like: n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discounts n Limited Use & Club Plate cover n Laid up cover n One excess free windscreen claim per year n Total Loss Salvage options n Home Contents Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by the month premiums at no extra cost Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast.
INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU Shannons Limited ABN 91 099 962 636 an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. First refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at shannons.com.au or by calling 13 46 46.
TELEVISION
COVERAGE Shannons Nationals TV Speedweek on Sunday at 2pm on SBS1 ROUND 3 (Phillip Island) 2nd June
Amchamp-Great Southern 4 Hour
9th June
Aust GT Champ
Suzuki Swift
Radical Aust Cup
‘Shannons Nationals’ on Fox SPEED dates & times TBA Live Internet TV from 10.00am on Sunday via www.thenationals.com.au
PHILLIP ISLAND GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT CIRCUIT LENGTH 4.45kms
LAP RECORDS CATEGORY DRIVER V8 SUPERCARS CRAIG LOWNDES
VEHICLE EVENT DATE
FASTEST LAP
COMMODORE VE11
19/05/2012
1.33.4389
GT
ALLAN SIMONSEN
FERRARI 458 GT3
23/09/2012
1.31.2837
PRODUCTION TOURING
RYAN SIMPSON
MITSUBISHI EVO 10
29/04/2012
1.46.1658
RADICAL
BEN PORTER
RADICAL SR3RS CUP
29/04/2012
1.33.5948
30 | the Racing Magazine
At a brand new time of 2pm EST every Sunday!
For almost 20 years, Speedweek has been beamed into every loungeroom in Australian Capital Cities and Regional; Nothing’s changed...
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OR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU
6 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to nt Product Disclosure Statement at shannons.com.au or by calling 13 46 46.