KEEPING UP WITH THE
GRICES FACE OFF
Almond v Muscat
Saloon Cars It’s Time!
PLUS!
All the Round 4 Shannons Nationals information
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4
Latest News
5
In Brief...
7
Craillsy’s Sapbox
8 Feature FACE OFF; Michael Almond & Richard Muscat 11
Feature The Grices; The Gun & The Sun
14
Feature It’s TIME - Saloon Cars
16
4 HOUR WINNERS POSTER (Lift out)
18
Feature V8 SLEUTH
21
Round 4 - Welcome
22
Round 4 - Categories & Entries
30
Television Coverage Lap Records
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Australian Motor Racing Pty Ltd
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Richard Craill
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Sarah Anesbury 121 Creative Hilton
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Richard Craill, Rob Curkpatrick
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thenationals.com.au | 3
The Latest News...
PRO DUCT POWERS TO FOUR HOUR WIN Words: Richard Craill IMAGE: Nathan Wong
IT WAS A BATTLE against the elements and against bitter rivals BMW,
Jake Camilleri and Scott Nicholas were a stunning third outright in their
but Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X pilots Glenn Seton and Bob Pearson
class C Mazda 3 MPS, the front-drive car stunning in the wet weather
confidently won the Great Southern Four Hour at Phillip Island last
that featured at the start and finish of the race.
month. In a race that was closer than the final results show, the Pro Duct Motorsport team edged out the Sherrin Rentals BMW of Iain and Grant Sherrin by little more than one lap after a bruising four-hour race that claimed some big names and fancied runners. The race was only decided in the last 45 minutes when a rain shower
The pair started from pit lane after a late strategy change, but stormed through in the early rain to get into a strong position – climbing the order and into podium contention as others faltered. Only one Safety Car featured during the race, led at the start by Garry Holt and Ryan McLeod.
tipped the favour in the balance of the four-wheel-drive Mitsubishi’s,
McLeod and fellow Mitsubishi driver Dylan Thomas diced for the lead
whilst the Class B Sherrin BMW led through to the final pit stops
in the opening hour, with Thomas’ slipping past in the second half of
and used superior fuel economy and one less pit stop to remain in
the first hour – but both cars would be struck down with mechanical
contention.
issues.
Rain at the end helped the Pro Duct Mitsubishi edge out their onelap
Holt and McLeod blew an engine in the race’s second half, whilst
margin, handing the inaugural Great Southern Four Hour to the
electrical issues slowed the Thomas / Simpson EVO and ruled them
experienced Production Car racing veteran and his two-time Touring
out of outright contention.
Car Champion co-driver. “It was a tense race the whole way and we didn’t know what the BMW was going to do with strategy right up to where they made their last stop,” Seton explained. “I got in the car for my final stint and pushed as hard as I could to make sure that we would have a margin but it was closer than it looked. It was
The Beric Lynton / Tim Leahey BMW 1M showed race winning pace but turbo issues mid race dropped them down the order to eventually finish fourth, one position ahead of the older BMW 335i driven superbly by Peter O’Donnell and John Bowe – despite starting from the rear of the grid.
a good battle the whole way and a lot of fun – thanks to Bob for giving
Mark Eddy and François Jouy finished sixth in their Honda Integra type
me the chance to come down and drive with him.
R, and won the Class D battle.
“The car was faultless the whole day which is a testament to the team
Just 11 cars finished the demanding race, the winners ultimately
and their effort.”
covering 119 laps (530km) of the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
www.hankooktyre.com.au 4 | the Racing Magazine
The Latest News...
In BRIEF Jack LeBrock dominated in his Australian GT debut at Phillip Island in May, and now says he is likely to continue with the team for more rounds of the championship this year. After taking pole position, the reigning Australian Formula Ford Champion dominated both races and also set a new lap record at the 4.46km Phillip Island circuit in an impressive display – made even more startling by the fact that he only had 30 laps of experience in the car prior to the weekend.
New Names For
Kumho Series FORMULA Ford graduate Ryan Simpson
“It’s a good chance to get in a V8 in the
is the latest driver to confirm plans to join
Kumho Series without having to spend
the Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car
the sort of dollars you need to in the
Series in 2013 – set to make his debut at
Development Series.”
Winton this June.
Simpson’s car will carry a plain livery for
The 25-year-old Sydneysider will drive
its first hit-out at Winton with his family’s
an ex-Craig Lowndes, Triple Eight-built
Parramatta
Falcon BF purchased from Sonic Motor
providing support for the Kumho Series
Racing for his first foray into the category
program.
run for ex-V8 Supercars.
Meanwhile, Development Series driver
It will be the first Triple Eight-built car to
Sam Walter will join the field for the next
compete in the series since it was created
round. The Tasmanian, who drives an
in 2008.
ex-Fujitsu Racing GRM Commodore for
Lowndes drove the car – 888-012A – for the majority of 2008 in Vodafone colours before being used to finish second in both the 2009 and 2010 Fujitsu Series by James Moffat and Tim Blanchard respectively for Sonic Motor Racing. It has sat idle since the end of 2010 but will return to the track at Winton in the hands of Simpson, who finished fifth in that year’s Australian Formula Ford Championship.
Smash
Repairs
company
Minda Motorsport in the Development Series, is keen to increase his track time after a multi-year lay-off from the sport. He will drive an ex-Tasman Motorsport Commodore
recently
purchased
by
existing Kumho Series and DVS driver Jim Pollicina. The car is well-known in V8 Supercar history – it’s the same Commodore the late Jason Richards barrel-rolled at Queensland Raceway in 2005 and then drove alongside
Simpson has been keeping busy racing
Jamie Whincup to finish third in that year’s
production car Mitsubishi Lancers in the
Sandown 500 and runner-up at Bathurst.
Australian Manufacturers Championship and NSW Production Touring Car Series in recent years.
Richards used the car to win his first – and only – V8 Supercars Championship race
LeBrocq – currently also in the top three in the Australian F3 Championship race – beat home a flying Tony Quinn (Aston Martin Vantage GT3) and the Ferrari 458 GT3 of John Bowe and Peter Edwards in the two Phillip Island tests. The GT series returns at Phillip Island, in May.
Having finished second in the opening round at the Mallala Shannons Nationals event in April, Victorian Richard Muscat now leads the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge series having dominated round two of the series at Sydney Motorsport Park, in May. Muscat led home round one rival Michael Almond across the weekend – turn the pages to find out more about these two young Porsche chargers!
Phillip Island’s third round of the Shannons Nationals was something of a record breaker. A resurfaced track and hot competition saw lap records decimated across the weekend, including a particularly impressive lap in the 1m25s barrier set by James Winslow, in the Radical Australia Cup. Winslow’s lap was officially the second fastest lap ever recorded at Phillip Island in a race – the lap record a 1m24.2s lap set in 2001 by Formula Holden / Gold Star champion Simon Wills. Formula 3 competitors will have a crack at bettering the mark when they return during the next round of the Shannons Nationals at the circuit, this September.
at Winton in 2006 before it was run in the
“We came to the Triple Eight Falcon and it
Development Series by Dale Wood with
was too good a car not to secure,” he says.
Greg Murphy Racing in 2007 and 2008.
Follow us at www.facebook.com /TheNationals thenationals.com.au | 5
CRAILLSY’S SOAPBOX Words: RICHARD CRAILL
HYPOTHETICAL question. Twenty or thirty years from now you are sitting in the stands at turn one at a circuit in whatever city can afford to pay Bernie Eccelstone (who, despite being well over 100 years old continues to rule the sport with an iron fist) cash to host the Australian Grand Prix. 24 cars from the best teams in the world erupt from the line and rush towards you, dicing for position and for the early lead in the Australian Grand Prix. And, aside from some gearbox whine, tyres scrubbing on the road and a strange buzzing noise, they do it in what amounts to almost complete silence. Would you go back?
right up there at the top of the ‘things I love’ list. Standing on the fence at Albert Park as a Formula 1 car screams past at full noise is unforgettable... it’s so loud, so savage, it hurts. It’s as much a feeling as it is a noise. The same can be said for a V8 Supercar race start. On their own (Erebus AMGs aside), I don’t think the V8’s sound that crash hot, but when 28 of them are sitting on their limiters ready to start the Bathurst 1000 there are few better sounds – and like the F1 cars, it permeates your chest. It’s wonderful. And then there was the 2.65l Turbocharged V8’s that CART / Champ Car ran.. oh, what a glorious sound. And then there’s Darren Hossack’s Audi Sports Sedan, my love for which has been professed on these
If indeed the FIA is serious about its Electric Vehicle series it is currently
pages before. That thing sounds like a cross between a NASCAR and
producing, this could be the way of the future for our sport. Electric
a bad-ass ship of the Empire from Star Wars.
cars silently racing around the circuits of the world.
Take the first few rounds of this year’s Shannons Nationals – a glorious
Now, I understand some of the benefits behind electricity powering
cacophony of exotic Ferrari V8’s, 10,000RPM Radical SR8, the popping
cars. The near-instant torque on demand would make for startling
waste gates of turbo Mitsubishi’s and the buzz of a fleet of Suzuki Swifts
accelerative capacity for an EV-specced F1 car. No turbo lag, no
running around in a pack, drafting for position. All have their all unique
18,000 RPM peak to product all the power – just full grunt from zero to
sound and all add to the rich orchestra that is motorsport. It’s one of the
whatever the top speed turns out to be. And I get the green push, I really do. I’m no ecomentalist but I know we need to take care of the planet better than we probably are.
main reasons I love the sport. I just can’t imagine a silent race meeting, to the point where I’m considering a campaign to ensure that the noise remains no matter
But would I watch silent motor racing? Probably not.
what the engines of the future deliver.
I love a lot of things about our sport but the noise and the feeling is
If you want quiet sport, go and play Golf. thenationals.com.au | 7
FACE OFF
MICHAEL ALMOND | RICHARD MUSCAT
8 | the Racing Magazine
MICHAEL ALMOND
RICHARD MUSCAT
WHO ARE THEY?
WHY ARE THEY WORTH WATCHING?
RICHARD MUSCAT erupted onto the National racing scene this year in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia, scoring pole position on his debut in the series and winning his opening race as well. He’s the reigning Porsche 944 series champion in Victoria, having dominated the well-regarded series there last year.
This pair is not only fast, committed and dedicated, but they’ve both trodden different paths to get to this point. Neither came through the ‘traditional’ route to get to the level they are at, but it hasn’t seemed to hurt their respective performances.
For the record, Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge champion Kane Rose is a former winner in the 944s – proving their ability to develop prime talent. This year, Richard is racing the Muscrete Concreting Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car. MICHAEL ALMOND is a second-generation driver from Adelaide who is following closely in the footsteps of his racing dad, Ross. A relatively late entrant into the world of circuit racing, like Muscat this year, Almond made his presence felt in the opening round of the 2012 GT3 Cup season, at Mallala, where he also achieved pole position One year later he returned to win the round and with a year under his belt can now be considered a title contender. He’s also racing a classic Porsche in the Touring Car Masters series. Michael runs the Toshiba / Copyworld Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Car in the GT3 Cup Challenge, and the 1973 RS in the TCM series.
NOTABLE RESULTS? Almond won the opening round of the GT3 Cup Challenge at Mallala this year, taking two of the three races to win his maiden round overall in the same weekend he won his first race. A few weeks later he was in Perth and won two of the three races in round two of the Touring Car Masters series driving his older Porsche – only to be robbed of the round victory when a drive shaft broke in the third race. He then finished second in the next round of the GT3 Cup Challenge, in Sydney, and sits second in the championship as we went to press. Muscat won the opening race of the GT3 Cup Challenge season, a brilliant one-hour affair under lights at Mallala, where he edged out almond by less than two seconds in an intense display of pressure cooker motor racing. He then went on to race Carrera Cup in Sydney, and qualified his car less than 1 second slower than ‘pro’ pace setter, Alex Davison. He also swept the GT3 Cup Challenge weekend and rocketed to the lead of that series’ standings in the process.
Both are throwing themselves into a world of Porsche competition in an effort to gain experience in these tricky-to-drive, commitmentrequired race cars. Almond’s double duties in GT3 Cup and TCM are paying dividends, the old-school racers in the Masters giving him double the opportunity to gain experience at a high level and against names like John Bowe, Jim Richards and Andrew Miedecke. Muscat, meanwhile, dovetailed his early GT3CC form with a one-off start in Carrera Cup in Sydney recently, there, against the best Porsche races in the land (and in some cases, the world) he acquitted himself superbly. Almond did the same in Sydney last year, though on the notoriously car-breaking streets of Sydney Olympic Park – but enough promise was shown that, with more experience, he too will fire. The best bit about both? Both guys are approachable, friendly and up for a chat when they’re outside the cockpit. A massive plus.
GOOD RIVALRY? In several ways. Not only are this pair expected to be the main protagonists in the battle for the GT3 Cup Challenge this year, but they also form as the next generation of young guns that can be expected to move into Carrera Cup within the next few years – taking on the likes of Craig Baird in the nation’s toughest one-make series. So not only is this a battle that we will be able to enjoy this year, but it’s also one that there is every chance we’ll be able to enjoy for several years to come. And then there’s the fact that one is a Victorian and one hails from South Australia.. and that’s always a good basis on which to stir up some trash talk!
thenationals.com.au | 9
the gun the son. THE G R ICES
&
Motor racing to the Grices has been a huge part of their lives but if Allan had not been won over on one chance attendance, Benjamin might not have ever be been stimulated to race at all.
10 | the Racing Magazine
Words: Garry O’Brien IMAGES: Nathan Wong
Through much the last 50 years, Allan Grice has been big name in
So if that wasn’t enough, the second day of racing presented itself with
Australian motor racing, carved a niche overseas and his name was
wet conditions and a reverse grid start. It was a up and down 12-lap
recognisable outside the sport – before becoming a politician.
episode for Grice, ninth at the end of the opening lap before working
The pastry cook from Cessnock in New South Wales had no interest what so in motor sport. “Yep that’s right, and then I went to Warwick
his way to sixth and drifting away to eighth in the treacherous going. Conditions improved somewhat for the final race. Grice maturely to finish second and was runner up to Fraser for the round.
Farm to a race meeting and in half a day I was bitten by the bug . . . hooked.
The second round for the Suzukis was at the sweeping and fast Phillip Island, the first time the category has been to the Victorian circuit. It
“I went out and brought a MG TC race car, won my first race in it at
was quite a contrast from Mallala but in some ways the same - weather
Warwick Farm, and then wrote it off at the next meeting, at Oran Park,”
wise at least.
he said. “There was a succession of cars that followed.” There were just two races on the Shannons Nationals program for Son Ben on the other hand went to his maiden race meeting in a
this weekend, a sprint on Saturday afternoon when the sun broke
bassinet. “My first memories were of dad at Bathurst, driving the Dick
through and track was dry, and an hour race on the Sunday – in the
Johnson and Glen Seton Falcons,” he said. So the interest was there
wet and amongst the Production Cars of the Australian Manufacturers
right from the beginning.
Championship.
Ben started out sweeping floors at Paul Morris’ working alongside
Grice had a big win in the opening race, 7.4 seconds to the good of
Jack Perkins, another son of a gun before
Fraser but second race stamped the Swifts as the entertainers in the first hour of the Great Southern Four Hour.
taking up an apprenticeship as a sign writer. Ben’s first racing experience was at the
Fraser, Grice and Andrew Price were dicing
Maryborough speedway, in fact, in 2009.
fiercely early, then the former two while
“I had been watching them and thought I
Grice battled Jarvis. Later Grice returned
would like to give this a go,” he related. “I
to second and challenged Fraser all the
drove one of Paul’s speedway cars, figuring
way to the wire, failing by a meagre seven
I can fix it if I bend it.”
hundredths of a second. Ironically the faster production cars that were lapping them,
He started rear of field – as all novices do
interrupted their duel in the closing stages
– and worked his way through a gnarly
and possibly cost Grice a win.
pack to finish third. “I didn’t get any skills
What
as a pastry cook, nor the ears, but the aggression have certainly inherited from my dad,” Ben conceded “the rest comes from my mum’s side.” Ben competed in many a speedway event, and results came but there were there were many ups and downs along the way. “Lots of shunts and rollovers but these cars are really strong things and fortunately, no broken bones,” he said. He had his first circuit races in Aussie Racing Cars in 2012, a brief foray at Townsville right when the category was in the transition of ownership from Phil Ward to Tony Quinn. “I think the car we had was a bit of a
really
stood
out
among
the
combatants was the bump-drafting that went on throughout, particularly later in the race, between Fraser and Grice while there were similar shenanigans going on behind between Price, Jarvis and Callan Sayers, who eventually beat those two for the final podium spot. Fraser and Grice finished on equal points for the round, but because Fraser won the second race, he would get the round win. At the moment Ben Grice is comfortable in the Suzuki Swift Racing Series but it is pretty obvious that will be moving onward and upward. “I have always been interested in motor racing and as long as the category has cars of similar performance, then that’s fine with me.
dud,” he said of his first endeavours. “I not that fussed about where I end up but the United States and This year in the, Suzuki Swift Racing Series, has been far more rewarding.
NASCAR would be great,” he admitted. “I would like to be considered
After two rounds he sits second in the title hunt, trailing Luke Fraser
versatile, like dad who I consider to be a great all-rounder.”
by 27 points and 26 ahead of Allan Jarvis who has won both series’ contested so far.
Ben saw his father’s initial interest in his burgeoning career was one of appearing to not showing too much concern but deep down, knew it
The first round was at Mallala and in the biggest field the fledgling category has mustered, Grice was quickest – a good effort considering he had not raced a front wheel drive car before. More tests were come as the first race was in the dark of Saturday night. He led the early part and was dicing with Fraser until the later slipped by. Ben then lucked out to Mike Gore on the final lap to finish third.
rated far higher than that. “NASCAR is his dream,” Grice Senior attests to that too. As well as being the Drivers’ Standards Officer for the category, he is a passionate supporter of his son’s efforts – it’s his nature to be reserved off the track, unlike his racing days on the track. thenationals.com.au | 11
“
�
My first memories were of dad at Bathurst, driving the Dick Johnson and Glen Seton Falcons.
12 | the Racing Magazine
Allan Grice changed the nature of the way Australian drivers went
1968 and 2002 which made him equal sixth on the most starts.
about their craft, bringing a more aggressive style back from the 1986 European Touring Car Championship to win his first Bathurst 1000
Since his first win he had another four podiums including victory in
that year.
1990. There were four seconds (1978, 1982, 1991 and 1995) and a third
“The deal to do the series took some time to work through. We had actually gone over to Europe in 1984 just to look at the cars racing there, knowing that the Australian rules were changing over to Group A for 1985,” he said.
in 1983, putting him equal fifth in Bathurst podium finishers. His record includes a GT Championship, the only Australian round of the World Endurance Championship, two Le Mans 24-Hour events (firstly in a Porsche then a Nissan) and he became the first driver
At the first round of the ETCC at Monza in Italy, both he and crew chief/
outside the USA to qualify for NASCAR’s 600 mile race at Charlotte
engineer Les Small knew their privateer and basically unsponsored
Motor Speedway. “Graeme Crosby (from New Zealand) and I were the
Holden Commodore co-driven by Graeme Bailey, was as fast as the big budget works Rovers, BMWs and Volvos. But the lap times didn’t
only non-Americans there in 1987, I made the grid but he missed out.
reflect that.
“I think that effort not only helped me but it was good for NASCAR
“Les asked me where we were losing out to them, ‘in the corners
as well. It started to bring the ball rolling on taking American Stock
and chicanes’ I replied, ‘they are smashing their cars over the kerbs
Cars outside of the Deep South to the rest of the world,” he reflected.
and we have to drive around them’,” Grice recalled. “Les said we will
What he learnt there, he brought back here and was prominent in the
do the same, fit sump guards and shields and do what they do . . . and
early NASCAR races held in Australia, particularly at the $54 million
it worked.” Today in most every category racing in this country, drivers use the
Calder Park Thunderdome owned by former racer and businessman Bob Jane.
kerbs as much as they can, or can get away with. The Europeans also tried to muscle him out of contention by deliberately bashing into him,
Son Ben is correct in talking of his father’s all-rounder status. Grice
on the straights. Grice realised that if he relented he would be a soft
Senior’s versatility also included one-make series’ (Alfasuds and Nissan
target from then on, so he similarly hit them back, gave them a taste
Pulsars), Touring Cars, Sports Sedans, GTs, Sports Cars, NASCAR and
of their own medicine and quickly earned the respect that would take
in the final years, V8 Utes. There were all manner of races too, from five
him to further success over the ensuing years, both in Australia and off-shore. Before the European campaign, Grice had an immense career in Australia, not only in touring cars, but also sports sedans, winning
lap sprints at Amaroo Park, to the 24 Hour marathons. Allan also had a successful career as a politician being the Member for Broadwater in the Queensland Parliament for eleven years. Ben
two championships. Only twice before 1986 had he stepped on the
probably isn’t even thinking about politics of the nation, more likely
podium in our biggest race but ultimately he had 26 starts between
the politics of motor sport as he ventures on in his father’s footsteps. thenationals.com.au | 13
It’s TIME Words: Garry O’Brien IMAGES: Nathan Wong
“IT’S TIME” was a successful political campaign used by the Australian
(2009), Tim Rowse (2010) and Simon Tabinor (2012) responding in
Labor Party to gain government after 23 years of the Liberal conservative
Holdens.
rule. Not as many years have we had the current crop of Saloon Cars, but the time has come for change.
“We look at model updates at around every five years or so and then start the process from there,” said series supremo Les Morrall. In 2011
The category started in 1999 and became a national series one year
it was on again, this time to sort out the whole creation of the current
later for six-cylinder Ford Falcon EA and Holden Commodore VN
cars’ replacements.
models and ran six years without change. In the first year the series started at the Adelaide Clipsal 500, as a support category, and drew a field of 23 cars. After three rounds Shane Beikoff clinched the maiden series in a Commodore. In the second year, the series expanded to six rounds and Tony Evangelou was the overall victor, in a Falcon. The third year, 2002, had the official stamp of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and Bruce Heinrich claimed the first of his three crowns, in
The Global Financial Recession and general downturn in the economy has not helped the situation, but Falcon BA and Commodore VY were earmarked as the replacements with the timeframe extended because of that. “We had hoped to have the cars ready for next year’s series but that won’t happen,” Morrall continued, “and while there will be cars ready to run by the middle of the year, the reality is we will be looking at
Fords, and only interrupted by Clint Harvey taking a title for Holden
bringing them in from the start of 2015.”
in 2004.
Initially the Saloon Car thinking tank were looking at the Holden as just
Then in 2006 which was the first year of the CAMS National Motor
a panel upgrade but that has been dismissed mainly due to the new
Racing Championship, now known as the Shannons Australian Motor
Pedders coil-over shock suspension package that will be introduced.
Racing Nationals, where the category now resides, new model Falcon
Ford runners will also get the new under-car components plus an
AU and Commodore VTs were introduced.
independent rear end, like the current Commodore.
Heinrich took the first two with his new AU and since then there has
The major difference with the new suspension package will be the
been a fairly even spread of both makes with Steve Kwiatkowski (2008)
adjustability it will give competitors. “You won’t have to be a suspension
and Matt Lovell (2011) notching wins for Ford while Shawn Jamieson
guru to make setup changes,” Morrall forecasted. “Some of the stuff
14 | the Racing Magazine
we have seen in the past to move pivot points and adjust camber has
“They will have the same power, identical gear ratios and be the same
been scary to say the least.”
weight so they should be on equal terms to the older AUs and VTs,”
An Achilles Heel with both makes through two generation of cars
he added.
has been the standard gearboxes and this will be addressed with the
While several teams competing the Dial Before You Dig Australian
competition Trenec gearbox for both the BA and VY, together with
Saloon Car Series have cars in the early stages of being constructed,
identical gear ratios.
two “test mules” are already in the throes of being put together.
Already some cars are testing the new Performance Friction brake
is handling all aspects of the VY build out of his Victorian workshop.
package that will be used – the reasoning for the change is that the usual calipers are no longer in production.
Morrall who has built both Fords and Holdens for the series in the past In the meantime NSW’s Mark Primmer who has a couple of Falcons running under the Dial Before You Dig banner and has built EAs and
But power-wise the new cars will run the same engines as the current
AUs previously, as well as several hillclimb cars, is putting the BA
ones the current AU and VT have. In the case of the Ford, that will be
together.
the in-line four litre overhead cam powerplant while the Holden will
The process will not have ended once the cars have been completed
have the 3.8 litre Ecotec V6 unit.
in their construction. There will be the matter of testing and appraisal
“We missed the mark a little in ’06 where the new cars were faster
of representatives from each of the mainland states.
than what we were running,” Morrall admits. “But this won’t happen
“What we will probably do is nominate one track, say Mallala for
this time. We want the current cars to be as equal as possible to the
instance, and then invite each state to send drivers along to sample
new ones.
both cars,” Morrall added.
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
No Moss, Just Rolling Stones Falcons V8 Sleuth AARON NOONAN takes a look at a pair of ex-Stone Brothers Racing Falcons competing in this year’s Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series … Words: AARON NOONAN IMAGES: NATHAN WONG
IN the issue of ‘The Racing Magazine Australia’ our resident V8 Sleuth
Courtney retained the car for 2008, though he and Lowndes had a
has turned his attentions to two cars that are regular front-runners in
major accident at the Clipsal 500 that caused major damage, so much
the Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series for ex-V8 Supercars.
in fact that it was initially thought the car was a throwaway.
Terry Wyhoon and Chris Smerdon have been involved with the
It wasn’t, and was repaired in time to return for Queensland Raceway,
category throughout its five-plus year lifespan and it’s quite easy to
though moved to the other side of the team’s garage for Shane van
mistake one for the other at Shannons Nationals rounds given they
Gisbergen as the #9 SP Tools entry.
both drive ex-Stone Brothers Racing Falcons in similar blue SBR
The Kiwi drove it for the remainder of the season (his first full-time
liveries – and both have backing from Lubrimaxx!
with SBR) and had Jonathon Webb co-drive for the Phillip Island and
In the case of Wyhoon, his ex-SBR car (SBR BF05) is in fact a recent
Bathurst endurance races.
purchase from late last season and it’s been on form in 2013 given the
The chassis remained as a spare in 2009 as the team moved to FG
Victorian won the last Kumho round at Mallala aboard it.
Falcons before it returned to race duties in 2010 as the #93 Fujitsu
This car started life back in 2007 and was debuted by James Courtney
entry for teenager Scott McLaughlin the Development Series.
at Oran Park as the #4 Jeld-Wen Falcon.
Kiwi John McIntyre drove it in the first round in Adelaide before the
He ran it for the remainder of the season and was joined by David
youngster took over for the remainder of the series. He again was its
Besnard at Sandown and Bathurst, finishing runners-up in the latter in
pilot in the 2011 DVS, scoring his first podium finish in Adelaide and
a wet late-race scrap for victory with Craig Lowndes, Steven Johnson
winning his first race at Queensland Raceway.
and Greg Murphy.
18 | the Racing Magazine
Last year the car moved to Matt Stone Racing (Matt is the son of SBR
He again finished third in the series in 2011 aboard the car and ran
co-founder Jim Stone) and was driven by Ash Walsh for the first five
the first part of 2012 before missing the majority of rounds due to
rounds of the DVS before moving into an FG for the final two rounds.
business and travel commitments.
The car was then sold to Wyhoon in partnership with James Bartsch
Smerdon is again aboard the car (now back as a BF given the model
and made its debut in his hands in the Sports Sedan event at the
is now eligible for the Kumho Series) under the familiar #39, which is
Bathurst 12 Hour before becoming a contender for the Kumho
prepared and run by THR Developments in Adelaide.
Series crown.
The pedigree of these two cars is on show at every round of the
In the case of Chris Smerdon’s similar-liveried Falcon (SBR BF06), it
Kumho Series with their familiar SBR blue liveries instantly giving a ‘tip
doesn’t quite have the same amount of SBR history as its sister chassis
off’ to fans of their histories.
but still has plenty of stories to tell.
It’s these cars – plus many more – that are helping to rapidly turn the
This was the last BF model Falcon built by SBR prior to the introduction
Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series into effectively a V8
of the FG model and was debuted by James Courtney at Barbagallo
Supercar history lesson on wheels - and at high speed!
in 2008.
In the next issue of The Racing Magazine Australia we’ll take a look
It’s a special car in Courtney’s V8 Supercar career given he drove it to
at a pair of Ford Performance Racing Falcons that have become race-
his first race win in the category at Queensland Raceway later in the
winning machines in V8 Touring Car racing.
year and then again paired up with Besnard to finish on the podium
For more on the Kumho Series: www.v8touringcars.com.au
at Bathurst – third behind Craig Lowndes/Jamie Whincup and Greg Murphy/Jason Richards. The chassis remained in the SBR workshop for 2009 but became Jason Bright’s lime green Fujitsu Falcon run by SBR for the first part of the season before an FG was available for the Britek pilot. It was leased to McElrea Racing and driven by Karl Reindler in two DVS rounds that year and was later that year was the first V8 Supercar tested by a very young Scott McLaughlin after reverting to spare car and ride car duties for SBR. Smerdon purchased the car in 2010 and converted it back to BA spec (from BF) in order to be eligible for the Kumho Series, in which he finished third that season.
thenationals.com.au | 19
20 | the Racing Magazine
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway
Welcome To Round 4 Words: Rob CurkPatrick, Series Director IMAGES: Nathan Wong
Welcome to Winton Motor Raceway and Round 4 of the 2013 Shannons
Championship. Following on from the successful Great Southern Four
Australian Motor Racing Nationals.
Hour at Phillip Island, the championship returns to Sydney for a 3 hour
Our visit to northern Victoria in June each year might be on
race on Sunday afternoon.
the chilly side, but it is always an enjoyable weekend and we
Our Queensland Raceway round in August will be ‘blockbuster’ event
are guaranteed some great motor racing on the challenging
with eight categories and night racing for the Porsche GT3 Cup
Winton circuit.
Challenge and Australian Manufacturers Championship. It will be a big
A feature of the Shannons Nationals in recent years has been the
weekend, but rather than add an extra day, we will be running ‘official’
introduction of ‘hallmark’ events for each category, usually with a
activities on the Friday (for some categories) which will mean limited
different race format to challenge drivers and the crew. This weekend,
‘private practice’ time.
the Australian Saloon Car Series will be running the Dial Before You Dig Challenge, marking a major change from the traditional race format with the introduction of two 30 races. Each race, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, includes a 30 second compulsory pit stop. With only 4 categories running at Winton it is a fairly relaxed program, but the next few months will be very busy for the Shannons Nationals. There is only a 3 week gap between Round 4 at Winton and Round 5
Our media exposure continues to increase and we have been especially pleased with our television (which continues to rate extremely well), and other electronic media, including Internet, social media and live streaming via The Nationals TV on our website, but there is more…… Shannons Nationals content now features on a brand new iPhone application called Motorsports TV - available from the App Store.
at Sydney Motorsport Park, and then 3 weeks later we have Round 6 at
(Android users don’t fret – there will be a version for your phones in
Queensland Raceway.
due course!)
The Sydney schedule will be very busy, with 6 categories including
Motorsports TV is your very own motorsport channel on the iPhone,
the return of the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship to the
featuring Live Streaming of Australian events, Catch Up TV and the
Shannons Nationals for the first time in 2013. The combination of
latest racing News, so you can watch Shannons Nationals content
endurance formats has created an interesting and challenging program
when you want and where you want!
for the organizers. Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge will be running a round of their Jim Richards Endurance Trophy, incorporating a 30 lap race and the Australian GT Championship will be running two 1 hour races. On the Sunday morning at Sydney Motorsport Park, the Radical
Any Shannons Nationals category that gets airtime will feature on the application – meaning your races will be on demand for everyone with the app whenever and wherever they are.
Australia Cup will be running their first ever major endurance
We’re excited to be involved with this new app and making the great
event with the inaugural First Neon 250, with a unique format of 2
categories from the Nationals more accessible to more people.. on the
x 50 minute races and a compulsory 20 minute pit stop between
go!
the races.
The best thing - the app is FREE to download, so there’s no excuse not
Also on the program is the second round of the Australian Manufacturers
to get it now and start watching! thenationals.com.au | 21
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway
2013 SHANNONS AUSTRALIAN MOTOR RACING NATIONALS WINTON MOTOR RACEWAY 25-26 May 2013 PROMOTERS Winton Motor Raceway Pty. Ltd. P O Box 249, Benalla VIC 3672 Ph: (03) 57 66 4235, Fax: (03) 57 66 4249
spectator areas are plainly defined and spectators are requested to keep behind the safety fence at all times. In the event of an accident on the circuit, the public MUST remain behind the safety fence as their entry to the track may cause further accidents and hinder officials.
AUTHORITY
ANTI LITTER
The meeting is conducted under the International Sporting Code of the FIA, the National Competition Rules of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport and the Standing and General Supplementary Regulations issued by the Winton Motor Raceway Pty. Ltd. and authorised under CAMS Permit No. [ TBA ]
MOTOR RACING IS DANGEROUS You are present at this meeting entirely at your own risk and it is a condition of admission that all persons having any connection with the promotion and organisation and/or conduct of the meeting, including owners of the vehicles and passengers in the vehicles, are absolved from all liability in respect of personal injury (whether fatal or otherwise) to you or damage to your property however caused.
ENTRIES The organisers accept entries and drivers’ nominations in good faith. Every effort is made to adhere to the printed programme of competitors, but the promoters cannot accept responsibility for the failure of any driver to appear. Although every endeavour is made to avoid inaccuracies in the description of competing cars, 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.
PROHIBITED AREAS
Please help keep Winton Raceway tidy.
SAFETY The fencing erected around the circuit is there for your protection. It is forbidden to sit, stand or climb on it.
DOGS In the interests of safety, dogs are NOT permitted at the raceway.
MESSAGES The organisers regret that announcements to assist spectators cannot be made over the public address system except in cases of genuine emergency.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We urge you to support our Advertisers. The firms and individuals who advertise on the track and in this programme have been of considerable assistance to us. Help them to help us. Mention their Winton Motor Raceway Pty. Ltd. advertisement when you give them your business.
COPYRIGHT All material in this magazine/prgrm is copyright and must not be used without permission of the publishers. The opinions of the contributors are not necessarily those held by the publishers or race organisers.
The Organising Committee of today’s races has 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
Come and join the team who can get you closer to the action!
MA
EA
A
G
RSHALLI NG
TO R I A N
A
MA
EA
FL
G
T
M
V IC
www.vicflag.org.au
22 | the Racing Magazine
TO R I A N
M
V IC
FL
For more information simply email info@vicflag.org.au or call 03 8796 5321
RSHALLI NG
T
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway OFFICIALS OF THE MEETING MEETING SECRETARY
Heather Wallace
PRE GRID
Samantha Buis
PADDOCK OFFICE
Kaylene Johnston
Merilea Manning
CREDENTIALS
Samantha Nunan
GATES Russell Kelly & John Binion COMMENTARY
Darren Smith,
Terry Nightingale
Cameron O’Brien
Annie Van Prooyen
Tim O’Brien RECOVERY
Ken Burrows
Ron Rayner
CATERING
BAC Ladies Auxiliary
Barry Stilo
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Andrew Terry
Greg Baker
John Smart
Don Hunt
SERIES DIRECTOR Rob Curkpatrick SERIES STEWARD
Steven Lisk
STEWARDS OF MEETING
Michael Holloway
Greg Every
CLERK OF COURSE
Daryl McHugh
DEPUTY CLERK OF COURSE ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURSE
SAFETY Noel McMahon
Pat O’Neill
Scott (Patrick) Atkins
Colin Hoffmann SCRUTINEERS
Peter Abbey
Geoff Abley
Bruce Robertson
Milton Aldous
Peter Avard
Michael Beeching
Mick Blakeman
Alan Brown
Bernie Campton
Greg Chapple
Peter Cole
ASSISTANT CLERK OF COURSE COMMUNICATIONS Richard Weston RACE COMMUNICATIONS
Deanne Millett
CHIEF FLAG MARSHALL
Kevin Watson
CHIEF GRID MARSHALL Rohan O’Brien CHIEF PRE-GRID MARSHALL Ron Grealy
Ray Dunster Robert & Karen French
Laurie Griffin
David Hecker
CHIEF TIMEKEEPER Ian Leech
Peter Huckstepp
COMMUNICATION - EMERGENCY
Jodie King
Hayley Kingston
CHIEF SCRUTINEER
John Mahncke
Simon McMahon
COMPETITOR LIAISON - RACE CONTROL Sandra Beckerleg EMERGENCY CONTROL
Simon Maas
Tony Lugg Ian McDonald
FLAG COMMUNICATION Eric Rigg
GRID MARSHALL
Mark Dolphin
Russell Renfrey
Ken Farrell
Brian Holmes
Russell Smith
Keith Menere
Neil Sutherland
Fran Stuart
STARTER
Michael Neilsen
Brendan Van Prooyen
STARTER ASSISTANT
Andrew O’Brien
Neale Wellman FIRST AID
Graham Green
FLAG MARSHALLS
Victorian Flag Marshall Team
MEDIA CENTRE SUPERVISOR
Maggi Kirk
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Dr. John Moran
PIT EXIT
Frank Wellman
PIT EXIT ASSISTANT
Wayne Playford
PIT LANE MARSHALL
Warrick Gilmour
Malcolm Moore Myles Ryan
TIMEKEEPER ASSISTANT Tiffany Leech TRACK MARSHALL
Paul Van Den Akker
thenationals.com.au | 23
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway
24 | the Racing Magazine
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway
SCHEDULE
Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:
FRIDAY 21st June
n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discounts Time Description Duration n Limited Use Category & 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 OpenInsurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by20 the month 930 Practice Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series mins premiums at no extra cost 955 Practice Dial Before You Dig Aust Saloon Car Series 20 mins Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or 1020 Practice Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series 20 mins your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast. 1045 Practice Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series 20 mins
1110
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1135
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1200
Dial Before You Dig Aust Saloon Car Series
20 mins
Shannons Limited ABN 91 099 962 636Break an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to Lunch 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.
1230
Practice
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
30 mins
1305
Practice Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series
20 mins
1330
Practice
Dial Before You Dig Aust Saloon Car Series
25 mins
1400
Practice
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
25 mins
1430
Practice
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
30 mins
1505
Sponsor Rides
Aust Suzuki Swift Series
20 mins
1525
Sponsor Rides
Aust Saloon Cars Series
25 mins
1550
Sponsor Rides
V8 Touring Cars/Porsche GT3
30 mins
SATURDAY 22nd June 700
Gates Open
1000
Practice 1
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
20 mins
1025
Practice 1
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
20 mins
1050
Practice 1 Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series
20 mins
1115
Qualifying 1
Dial Before You Dig Aust Saloon Car Series
20 mins
1140
Qualifying 1
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
20 mins
1205
Qualifying 1
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
20 mins
1230
Qualifying 1 Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series
20 mins
1250
Lunch Break
1310
Top 10 S/Out
Dial Before You Dig Aust Saloon Car Series
20 mins
1335
Race 1
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
9 laps
1405
Race 1
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
30 laps
1505
Race 1
Dial Before You Dig Saloon Car Challenge
30 laps
SUNDAY 23rd June 700
Gates Open
1030
Race 1 Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series
9 laps
1100
Race 2
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
9 laps
1130
Race 2
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
10 laps
1200
Race 2 Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series
9 laps
1230
Warm-up
Dial Before You Dig Aust Saloon Car Series
15 mins
1255
Race 3
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
15 laps
1340
Race 3 Hi-Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series
9 lapss
1410
Race 3
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
10 laps
1440
Race 2
Dial Before You Dig Saloon Car Challenge
30 laps
thenationals.com.au | 25
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series ON THE WEB: www.v8touringcars.com.au
A record 24 car entry has been received for the third round of the
Walter is a former race winner in the Kumho Series but will need to beat
Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Car Series, the series continuing
a strong field if he wants to win again next weekend.
to grow in popularity thanks to an influx of new cars and new drivers.
Two different round winners have featured in the two rounds so far,
Should the full field start the opening race at Winton next weekend
whilst the series leader, Shea Davies, is yet to stand on the top step of
the series will easily eclipse the previous record field (21) set at Sydney
a round result.
Motorsport Park in March this year.
Davies (Ford Falcon) leads the Kumho series by just one point over
Newcomers to the series include Sydney driver Ryan Simpson, driving
Mallala winner, Terry Wyhoon.
the first ex-Triple Eight Race Engineering car to race in the series.
West Australian ace Matthew Hansen broke through for his first race
The Falcon was raced by Craig Lowndes during the 2008 V8 Supercars
win at Mallala and sits third in the standings, whilst series veterans Chris
championship before twice finishing second in the V8s Development
Smerdon and Tony Evangelou round out the top five in the standings.
Series, driven by James Moffat and Tim Blanchard, respectively.
All feature on the strong Winton entry list that includes a host of drivers
Simpson, who is also racing a Mitsubishi Lancer with Dylan Thomas
to have featured at the pointy end of the field in recent years.
in this years Australian Manufacturers Championship at Shannons Nationals rounds, will race the car for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, Development series regular Sam Walter will make his Kumho series return in a VZ Commodore recently purchased by series frontrunner, Jim Pollicina. Walter’s VZ Holden was the ex-Jason Richards Commodore famously rolled at Queensland Raceway in 2005, before finishing third at the Sandown 500 the same year. It also went on to finish second at the Bathurst 1000 the same year, with future champion Jamie Whincup codriving.
Car # Class
SPONSOR
COMPETITOR
DRIVER
State
VEHICLE
CC
COLOUR
00 H
Falcon Spares & Repairs
Matt Chahda
Matt Chahda
NSW
Ford Falcon AU
5000
Black/Silver
2
Parramatta Smash Repairs
Ryan Simpson
Ryan Simpson
NSW
Ford Falcon BF
5000
Wh/Blue/Red
3 H
Fernandez Motorsport
Jose Fernandez
Shae Davies
Qld
Ford Falcon BF
5000
Green/White
4
S
ROH Wheels
Sean Day
Dan Day
SA
Ford Falcon BF
5000
White
5
S
S
ACM/Vanglobe/Bossen
Matthew Hansen
Matthew Hansen
WA
Commodore VZ 5000
Red/White
6 H
501 Performance
Les Morrall
Tony Evangelou
Vic
Ford Falcon BA
Black/Yellow
7
Poll Performance/McDonalds
Jim Pollicina
Jim Pollicina
NSW
Commodore VZ 5000
Orange/Black
8 H
Ozzy Tyres/Holden Motorsport
Steve Briffa
Steve Briffa
NSW
Commodore VY 5000
Silver/Green
12
Green/Blk
S
5000
S
JCV Automotive
John Vergotis
John Vergotis
NSW
Ford Falcon BA
15 H
Bowden Homes
Shawn Jamieson
Shawn Jamieson
SA
Commodore VZ 5000
5000
20 H
Essendon Tyrepower
Russell Pilven
Russell Pilven
Vic
Ford Falcon BA
5000
Black
21 H
Century 21 Hazelbrook
Chris Delfsma
Chris Delfsma
NSW
Ford Falcon BA
5000
White
Red
22 H
Westco Equip/SA Tractors
Isidoro Ambrosio
Isidoro Ambrosio
WA
Commodore VZ 5000
Black
28
MiraFlores Estate/Haber Excavations
MW Motorsport
Morgan Haber
Qld
Ford Falcon BF
5000
Black
S
39 H
Vectra Corp/Lubrimaxx
Chris Smerdon
Chris Smerdon
SA
Ford Falcon BA
5000
Blue/Yellow
45 H
THR Motorsport/Wemake Horsepower
THR Motorsport
Josh Kean
SA
Commodore VZ 5000
Blk/Red/Wh
46 H
The Edge Glass
Paul Pennisi
Paul Pennisi
Vic
Commodore VY 5000
Black
48
STR Truck Bodies
Matthew Palmer
Matthew Palmer
Vic
Ford Falcon BF
5000
White
5000
S
49 H
Lubrimax/Vectra
Terry Wyhoon
Terry Wyhoon
Vic
Ford Falcon BF
51 H
IR Yeing Transport/THR Developments
THR Motorsport
Ian Yeing
SA
Commodore VZ 5000
Red/Black
Blue
62 H
Performance West
MW Motorsport
Peter Rullo
WA
Ford Falcon BF
5000
Grey/White
72 H USQ Engineering
Nathan Assaillit
Nathan Assaillit
Qld
Ford Falcon BF
5000
Yellow
77
Black Chrome Sportswear
Jim Pollicina
Sam Walter
Tas
Commodore VZ 5000
Black
MacArthur Truckserve
Waltec Motorsport Aaron Tebb
NSW
Commodore VZ 5000
White
S
98 H
26 | the Racing Magazine
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway HI-TEC OILS AUSTRALIAN SUZUKI SWIFT RACING SERIES ON THE WEB: www.swiftracing.com.au
A STRONG double-digit field is bound to entertain in this weekend’s
than defending champion, Allan Jarvis – whose start to the year hasn’t
third round of the 2013 Hi-Tec Oils Australian Suzuki Swift Racing Series.
shown a great deal of his title-winning form from the past two years.
Round two at Phillip Island produced a dramatic weekend of racing,
Jarvis will be keen to get wins on the board at Winton to get his title
running within the inaugural Great Southern Four Hour endurance race
defense back on track in the Achillies Radial-sponsored car he calls
– the Swifts put on a show.
‘Taylor’. Think about it.
At the high speed Victorian circuit there was bump-drafting, side by
Racing 4 Kids-supporter Andrew Price, speedy Queenslander Keishi
side racing and a thrilling finish to the race that saw Ben Grice fall just
Ayukai and Shannons Nationals sponsored driver Callan Sayers will
short at the final hurdle from taking his maiden win.
also be looking to get themselves towards the top of the charts after
South Australian Luke Fraiser has been the man to beat so far this year
showing plenty of potential recently.
and will look to continue his strong form at the all-too-different Winton
‘Captain’ Rob Jarvis and the always quick Jamie MacMaster return to
layout, but it doesn’t look like being easy for him.
the field, joined by James Spicer and Carey McCormack in this strong,
There are a host of young drivers keen to challenge, none more so Car #
SPONSOR
COMPETITOR
racy field.
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
CLS Finance
Trans Tasman M/sp
Luke Fraser
SA
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Black
9
Macline Group
Trans Tasman M/sp
Jamie MacMaster
QLD
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Black
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
gofundme.com/keishiayukai
Trans Tasman M/sp
Keishi Ayukai
QLD
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
White
59
James Spicer Racing
Trans Tasman M/sp
James Spicer
NSW
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Blue
62
Southern Cross Choppers
Trans Tasman M/sp
Carey McCormack
NSW
Suzuki Swift Sport
1600
Grey
thenationals.com.au | 27
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway Dial Before You Dig Australian Saloon Car Series ON THE WEB: www.salooncars.net.au
THERE’S SOMETHING a bit different about this weekend’s third round
Which makes life interesting for defending series champion, Simon
of the Dial Before You Dig Australian Saloon Car Series. A lot different,
Tabinor, who is on a quest to win back-to-back titles in his VT Holden
in fact.
Commodore. Things have been going well so far, but endurance
Yep, the Holdens and Fords are breaking from their sprint racing
racing throws a range of new variables into the equation and, with the
tradition and following in the form of their V8-powered brethren by
additional points weighting on offer, one slip up could see his nearest
going longer-distance racing. Celebrating their 13th year as a national
rivals pounce as the series approaches it’s half way point.
category, the Saloon Car organisers have elected to mix it up this
It’s a good field, too. 24 are entered with regular front runners Tabinor,
weekend and do something a bit different.
Ford ace Andrew Nowland, Harley Phelan, Kevin Stoopman, Gavin
Two, 30-lap ‘endurance’ races will make the inaugural Dial Before
Ross and Lindsay Kearns amongst a large list of hopefuls hoping to
You Dig Saloon Car challenge a completely different weekend for
break through for a win in this championship-critical weekend.
competitors in this traditionally doorhandle-to-doorhandle category –
The field includes 10 Holdens and 14 Fords.
and it could spice things up. The field will tackle the two longer distance races, plus a unique qualifying format that includes, for the first time in series history, a top10 shootout to decide the first five rows of the grid in qualifying. The races will also include a compulsory (30 second timed) pit stop, another first for the category that is taking a step into the unknown this weekend. To make things even more interesting, double points will be on offer.
Car #
SPONSOR
COMPETITOR
DRIVER
State
VEHICLE
CC
COLOUR
1
Eurostar Diesels
Simon Tabinor
Simon Tabinor
VIC
VT Comm
3800
White/Yellow
4
Auddino First National
Antonio Auddino
Antonio Auddino
WA
AU Falcon
4000
White
5
Coffey Ford
Andrew Nowland
Andrew Nowland
VIC
AU Falcon
4000
Blue/White
6
Morphett Vale Garage
Wayne King
Wayne King
SA
VT Comm
3800
Red
8
PJT Accountants
Wayne Patten
Wayne Patten
Qld
VT Comm
3800
Whi/Grn/Gry
9
Silkgate Group
Ian Chivas
Ian Chivas
NSW
AU Falcon
4000
Blue/Yellow
10
Eurostar Diesels
Tony McKenzie
Tony McKenzie
SA
VN Comm
3800
White
11
Trik Trailers
Keven Stoopman
Keven Stoopman
VIC
AU Falcon
4000
Black
16
Kleenduct Australia P/L
Peter Phelan
Harley Phelan
VIC
VT Comm
3800
Purple
23
Tyre Pro Motorsport
Travis Sharpe
Travis Sharpe
WA
AU Falcon
4000
Whi/Blk/Org
27
Transley Solutions
Luke Westall
Luke Westall
NSW
AU Falcon
4000
White/Blue
29
Glider City Motel Benalla
Raymond Moss
Bradley Moss
NSW
AU Falcon
4000
Green/Pink
33
Forklift Clearance Centre
Greg Murcott
Greg Murcott
VIC
AU Falcon
4000
Black
38
Blackwell Race Engines
Gavin Ross
Gavin Ross
VIC
VT Comm
3800
Green
39
LK Diesel Service
Ryan Millier
Ryan Millier
VIC
AU Falcon
4000
Whi/Blk/Grn
41
Dial Before You Dig
Mark Primmer
Mark Primmer
NSW
AU Falcon
4000
Blue/Red
42
Dial Before You Dig
Mark Primmer
Cameron Moss
NSW
AU Falcon
4100
Blue/Red
46
Sopranos Pizza Bar
Shaun Woodhouse
Shaun Woodhouse
VIC
VT Comm
3800
Black
55
Millenium Screens
Deni Razmovski
Deni Razmovski
WA
VP Comm
3800
Black/Silver
56
Baxter Electrical
Kane Baxter-Smith
Kane Baxter-Smith
QLD
AU Falcon
4000
Blue/Black
57
Campbells Motorsport
Craig Campbell
Craig Campbell
QLD
VT Comm
3800
Red
62
Bridge Model Cars
Mark Bryan
Mark Bryan
SA
AU Falcon
4000
Green/Black
67
Scotts Rods Exhausts
Lindsay Kearns
Lindsay Kearns
QLD
AU Falcon
4000
White
70
salooncars.net.au
Kelli Stephens
Kelli Stephens
VIC
AU Falcon
4000
Blue
71
Betta Calibrations
Brett Campbell
Brett Campbell
VIC
AU Falcon
4000
Blk/Purp/Silv
76
Hills Haulage/Adlam Trans
Garry Hills
Garry Hills
WA
VT Comm
3800
Black/Silver
28 | the Racing Magazine
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Presented by Pirelli ON THE WEB: www.gt3cupchallenge.com.au
AFTER TWO ROUNDS of the all-Porsche series, it’s one-all at the top of the standings between young guns Michael Almond and Richard Muscat.
under his belt can also be considered a strong opportunity for a
Adelaidian Almond won at Mallala in the series opening round but Muscat, the speedy Victorian making his debut this season, returned serve in Sydney recently to square the ledger and rocket to the lead in the championship – and at round three, he returns to a track he knows very well.
Goodacre and John Morriss, who both should go well in their
result. Amongst the more experienced brigade never look past John respective 997 GT3 Cup Cars. After making his debut in the series at the last round, Aaron Zerefos returns for a second GT3 Cup Challenge run in Indiran Padayachee’s 997, whilst speedway racer John McCorkindale is set
As the Victorian Porsche 944 champion, Muscat will be familiar with Winton’s twists and turns and enters the round favourite to build his championship lead. Two others must also be considered at least a realistic shot at scoring race victories this weekend. Local hope Fraiser Ross was impressive in the opening two rounds and, with experience, continues to close on a maiden Porsche victory in his Porsche Centre Brighton 997. Meanwhile, the always speedy Phil Woodbury finished on the podium at Winton last year and with a years worth of experience Car # Class
SPONSOR
COMPETITOR
to make his Porsche debut driving a Dial Before You Dig sponsored entry. McCorkindale ran strongly in his circuit racing debut twelve months ago at Phillip Island – though the Saloon Car he drove then will be vastly different to the 3.6-litre Porsche he will race this weekend! The Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge will tackle three races across the weekend, including a 30-lapper on Saturday afternoon prior to two shorter sprints on Sunday.
DRIVER
State
VEHICLE
CC
COLOUR
4
E
Grove Group
Stephen Grove
Stephen Grove
VIC
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
Red/Black
9
E
Fleet Plus
McElrea Racing
Scott Taylor
NSW
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
White
16
E
Kinpath
John Karytinos
John Karytinos
SA
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
White
17
P
Wallerawang Engineering
Philip Woodbury
Philip Woodbury
NSW
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
White
18
P
Copyworld/Toshiba
Michael Almond
Michael Almond
SA
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
White
22
P
Muscrete Constructions/ Richard Muscat
PEG Genis Steel/Genisis (Aust)
Richard Muscat
VIC
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
Black/Red
23
E
Rentcorp Forklifts
Indiran Padayachee Aaron Zerefos
NSW
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
Wh/Blue/Red
34
E
GT3 Factory/Copyworld
John Morriss
John Morriss
VIC
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
Blue/Wh/Silver
65
P
Porsche Centre Brighton/
The Ross Partnership
Fraser Ross
Fraser Ross
VIC
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
Blue/White
66
E
GAP Solutions/Sektor
John Goodacre
John Goodacre
SA
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
Green/White
69
P
Dial Before You Dig
Jon McCorkindale
Jon McCorkindale
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
87
E
Ronald Racing
Jack Falla
Jack Falla
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
91
P
Alex Franes
Peter Fitzgerald
Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 3600
Eva Racing/ AF Engineering Services
VIC
White
thenationals.com.au | 29
ROUND 4 Winton Motor Raceway 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 4 (Winton Motor Raceway) 30th June
Dial Before You Dig Aust Saloon Car Series
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
Aust Suzuki Swift Racing Series
‘Shannons Nationals’ on Fox SPEED dates & times TBA Live Internet TV from 10.00am on Sunday via www.thenationals.com.au
Winton Club Circuit : CIRCUIT LENGTH 3.0Km
LAP RECORDS CATEGORY Outright
DRIVER
VEHICLE
EVENT DATE
Christian Murchison
Reynard
July 2000
1m14.5697s
V8 Supercars
Marcus Marshall
Ford Falcon BF
May 2009
1m22.9831s
V8 Touring Cars
Tony Evangelou
Ford Falcon BA
June 2010
1m26.3601s
Porsche Cup/GT3
Wayne Hennig
Porsche
August 2002
1m28.3335s
Saloon Cars
Shawn Jamieson
VT Commodore
June 2011
1m37.2162s
Suzuki Swift
Jesse Dixon
Swift Sport
June 2011
1m44.8323s
30 | the Racing Magazine
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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.