thenationals.com.au
GET YOUR VOTE ON By Richard Craill NO WHIMSICAL editorial this time, just the facts – it’s time to get voting on the 2014 Racing Magazine Racer of the year awards. The ROTY (Racer of the Year) awards were inaugurated last year by the Shannons Nationals in conjunction with The Racing Magazine in an effort to showcase some of the outstanding achievements made by national-level competitors, teams and events throughout the season. The awards are back this year and we’ve ramped up the categories and the contenders in an effort to do a better job of really rewarding the best of the best. As well as selecting the best overall driver of the year, we’ll also pick the racing car of the year, award the best overall team performance and (try to) decide the best race of the season. You can head to www.thenationals.com.au to find out more about the awards and how you can join our panel of expert judges and cast a vote that will influence the end result. Like everything else about the Shannons Nationals, we want to include the fans in the process as much as possible. So, while you consider your options, here are few suggestions about who we suspect might be contenders in their respective categories. Porsche GT3 Cup challenge winner Fraser Ross will obviously be a contender in the Racer of the Year category. The Victorian driver was fast when he needed to be, consistent for the rest of it and all but had a highly competitive series wrapped up before the final round. We suspect he’ll be a contender. Regardless of what happens in their respective final rounds, we suspect that Ryan Simpson (V8 Touring cars) and Tony Ricciardello (Kerrick Sports Sedans) will most probably enter the voting process as favourites as well. Favourite cars? It’s a pretty subjective topic, this, and if I had things my way the Audi A4-Chev raced by Darren Hossack would win every time, but I don’t, so it’s a wider
playing field than that. In this competitive field, Fraser’s Porsche (reliable, fast, well presented) and Formula 3 points leader Simon Hodge’s Team BRM Mygale – for its massive step up in performance this year compared to last – would be towards the front of the list. Teams? Eggleston Motorsport’s complete performance this year has been impressive, especially with a rookie driver entering his first serious year of car racing. Their success in the V8 Development series go towards establishing their cred; as do our cover heroes Sonic Motor Racing thanks to their three-series efforts this year. Team BRM, Ricciardello Racing and McElrea Racing – who run about a dozen Porsches at a high level – will also enter consideration. Picking the race of the year will be the hardest part because there have been some pearlers this year. One of my personal favourites would be the race three battle between Fraser Ross and John Goodacre at Winton this July – it was highly compelling stuff. But then again, just about any of the battles waged between Adam Proctor and Roger I’Anson this year will easily qualify. So, as you can see, it’s not easy to pick a winner – which is why we need people’s help. Get to Thenationals.com.au and cast your vote. God only knows we’ll need the input. We’ll have a special digital issue of The Racing Magazine coming in November announcing the winners. ON THAT NOTE, we wrap up year two of this publication, which of course requires a brief mention of thanks to the team that helps put it together. To our designers Susan and Sarah at 121 Creative, editorial contributors Amanda Jackson and Garry O’Brien and our ace photographer Nathan Wong, we say thanks. It’s a continued blast telling the stories of people whose tales would not otherwise get told. We’ll be back to do it all again next year.
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Speed Shots
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Pitlane Whiteboard
10 Feature SUPER SONIC 14 Feature NEW CHAMPIONS 16 Feature TAKING ON THE KING 18 Feature RISING ROBINSON 21 Round 9 - Categories & Entries 28 Meeting News 30 Television Coverage Lap Records
Publisher
Australian Motor Racing Pty Ltd
Editor
Richard Craill
Art Director
Sarah Anesbury - 121 Creative Hilton
Writers
Richard Craill, Amanda Jackson & Garry O’Brien
Chief Photographer: Nathan Wong Production
Kwik Kopy Printing Hilton
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While reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information provided, Australian Motor Racing Pty Ltd make no representation, express or implied, as to the accuracy, currency, reliability or suitability. Australian Motor Racing Pty Ltd expressly disclaim responsibility for any damages that may be caused by or in connection with the information provided.
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FLAME THROWER Photo by Nathan Wong, Canon 1DX, 1/80s, 400mm @ f/13, ISO50 Brendan Strong brought back memories of V8 Supercars of old with his Kumho V8 Touring Car belching flames on the way into Turn 2.
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GOT KERB? Photo by Nathan Wong, Canon 1DX, 1/400s, 400mm @ f7.1, ISO100 Ben Grice leapt over kerbs as well as several competitors in his charge from the rear of grid in the Dial Before You Dig Super Six Touring Cars in a highly entertaining race for both spectators and commentators alike.
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PITLANE WHITEBOARD The anonymous Twitter account has probably timed this column perfectly to clash with the final issue of season 2014. Because, let’s be honest: if we sack him now, we can always blame it on a ‘change of direction’ for 2015 anyway... Well it’s that time of year again. Christmas is coming. Unless you’re Paul Morris, of course, in which case you’ve had all the Christmases you’re entitled to for a very, very long time. It would be remiss of me to not talk about “the greatest race of all time.” Where a young bloke became the first man since 1988 with a ‘z’ in his name to win Bathurst (Aaron Noonan eat your heart out). Coming up through the field like the track at Turn 2, the FPR boys came from last to first, after Jamie Whincup’s car “coughed like a bastard” with a half a lap to go. The Red Bull team was sponsored by the Air Force for the weekend, which was fortunate. If the Navy sponsored Red Bull Racing, every time they turned the car around in the pits they would have been forced to send Whincup back into the race in a large orange blow up dinghy. Paul Morris finally got a Bathurst trophy for keeps, after having an off on the rocky road at Turn 2. The off was surprising, as he looks well experienced in handling many Rocky Roads in the past. And you can’t feel anything but sorry for Shane van Gisbergen, his chance to win curtailed by a
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starter motor, which obviously watched too many episodes of The Bachelor. One minute it had no problems becoming engaged, and the next minute it wouldn’t engage no matter what you did. You’ll see the exclusive interview with the starter motor in New Idea next week.
That brings us to the end of this column for the year. If you’ve been reading the print version of our column, thanks for allowing me to supply you with some extra dunny roll this year. And if you’re reading this on your mobile tablet, no, you probably shouldn’t do that.
While Bathurst was on CAMS had an integral role in training officials for the Russian Grand Prix. As a result CAMS’ slogan of “we are motor sport,” has been shortened from its original “we are motor sport, and if you don’t like it you can go to Russia,” because even if you go to Russia, it appears you still can’t get away from them!
But never fear, we’ll still be on twitter at @PitlaneWB in the off-season, keeping you up to date with absolutely nothing while news breaks, while we work on a name for the Car of the Next Future after the future we’re currently having.
Even Vladimir Putin was at the Grand Prix. For Putin, there’s few people accredited to verify your certifications to keep them up to date. So it was a relief to him to get his annual refresher from Bernie on how to be an international dictator, and get his qualifications stamped for a further 12 months. Bernie awarded top marks for the “riding on the bear shirtless while firing at random wildlife with a rocket launcher,” while taking notes in case Formula 1 ever comes to Bathurst, as the method might be good for both kangaroos and crowd control.
Catch you round like Tony Longhurst’s fist in the side of your helmet.
Follow the Pit lane Whiteboard on Twitter: @pitlaneWB * It goes without saying (but I’ve had an eraser held at my throat until I finish writing this bit, so I’ll say it anyway) that the views expressed in this column are most certainly, totally, absolutely and wholly 100% those of the whiteboard and NOT this publication or it’s associated entities.
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SUPER SONIC
They are one of Australia’s most successful racing teams and this year have won races in Carrera Cup, Formula Ford and V8 Touring Cars. Team boss Mick Ritter explains how Sonic Motor Racing has put together one of the best outfits in the business. WORDS: Richard Craill IMAGES: Nathan Wong
THE LIST of drivers to come out of the Sonic Motor Racing talent factory and achieve success is remarkable and almost longer than this story. As we take a deep breath, check out this list of names: Will Davison, Jamie Whincup, David Reynolds, Tim Slade, Tim Blanchard, James Moffat, Kristian Lindbom, Nick Percat, Mitch Evans, Cameron Waters, Nick Foster, Ryan Simpson, Matt Brabham, Anton DePasquale, Simon Hodge and so on and on and on. The team has won a record seven Australian Formula Ford Championships, the Porsche GT3 Cup and Carrera Cup titles, has contended at the front of V8 Development Series rounds and currently has the most successful driver in Kumho V8 history, Ryan Simpson, on a long run of good form. But what makes the team tick? Well known as one of the straight-shooters of the Aussie motorsport paddock, Ritter was typically upfront when it comes to the team he and wife Maria have worked so hard to build. What is the key to the continued success of Sonic Motor Racing? It’s a combination of things. At the end of the day and particularly in Formula Ford it comes down to the driver and the talent. You’ve got to nature it and mould it and teach them. I don’t think there’s any one single thing – there’s a lot of hard work from our end as well and a lot of commitment required. Getting the most out of a driver is a big deal. The list of names to come through the team is impressive... is that an assistance to the team in getting new drivers in? I wouldn’t say it’s an advantage. It’s something that we’re obviously proud of. It’s satisfying, to see all of those so many young guys who have come through our team go on and make a successful career out of racing cars. At the end of the day,
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that’s what their objective is and to see them go out and achieve it, particularly the ones you know are talented, the ones you know have the ability to go on and get it done. That’s satisfying. Is there a favourite? A Davison-like figure who stands out? I wouldn’t say there’s a favourite. There’s some that you end up closer, maybe, to than others. You form a really strong friendship and bond that continues over the years and that’s great – but I wouldn’t say there’s a favourite. At the end of the day they all mean just as much as one another to all of us at the team. The current landscape is changing and evolving in Australian open-wheel racing and without getting into all of the politics, the change to Formula Ford this year looks to be a good thing. Agree?
It’s the right direction, absolutely no question. The biggest change has been, and I’m certain of this, is getting the shift in the calendar and the way it’s structured and run has been a benefit. What it’s definitely done and what we’ve been lacking for quite a few years is the ability for father-andson type guys to commit to be able to do it. It’s not just a financial thing. It’s a massive logistical commitment and this is certainly more doable on all of those levels and that’s why we’ve got an increase in field size. If anything, I’d say this year there is more depth right at the front. There’s more competitive drivers at the front than the last few years, for sure. You always have a couple of standouts year on year, no doubt, but this year it’s very mixed. It’s ebbing and flowing all of the time and someone has an advantage at one place and not the next. At the moment staying out of trouble and keeping consistent is key.
Your current drivers are a trio of young-guns still very early in their respective careers (Hamish Hardeman, Nick Rowe and Christian Morina). It’s the first year where the team hasn’t seemed to have had a driver with that vital two or three years’ experience that gives them the miles to be able to win a title. How are the current lads doing? I suppose this year for us for the first time, as far as experience goes right across the board, they’re all very early in their careers. They’re almost what you’d call rookies at this stage. They’re getting better and improving but it’s tough. That’s the way it’s panned out this year and it is what it is. We’re not complaining and we’d obviously like to be winning races and leading the championship but for where they’re at, experience wise, they’re doing a good job.
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Sonic tasted success in Carrera Cup with David Reynolds (and continues to do so with Nick Foster and Nick McBride) and Ryan Simpson has done an awesome job for you the last two years. Expansion is key these days, isn’t it? We made that sort of decision ten years ago that we couldn’t afford to have all our eggs in one basket. The overhead operating cost to run your business these days is that we needed to be able to amortise that over several different categories and that works for us. It’s diverse and they’re all different things and we enjoy it. Ryan? He’s done a ripper job... He’s a fantastic driver. I wouldn’t say he’s underrated, but he flies under the radar. I think everyone probably early in the piece would say that the performance was all down to the car but that’s absolutely not the case, there’s other good cars out there. Ruggier’s car is effectively from the same Era as Ryan’s and it won a championship. Yes, Justin is taking it up to Ryan but that’s good for Justin and good for Ryan and for the series – that’s what you want to see.
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NEW CHAMPIONS
THREE new major National Australian champions were crowned at Wakefield Park Raceway recently – and each had their own story to tell as to how they did it. We thought we’d take a pictorial look at the way several key national titles were won and show you the people who won them. WORDS: Richard Craill IMAGES: Nathan Wong
DIAL BEFORE YOU DIG AUSTRALIAN SUPER SIX TOURING CAR SERIES GAVIN ROSS was the man to beat for this year’s Super Six title and lived up to that moniker at the final round. Despite suggesting that he would ‘stay out of the line of fire’ at Wakefield Park, the Victorian and his bright green Commodore were instead in the thick of the action – in particular a race two duel with about eight cars that may well be one of the races of the year. And yet he still won all three races in the final round and did everything he needed to seal his maiden Super Six title in emphatic fashion. Ross is a deserved champion and will need to use the offseason to soak it in – if rumours are anything to go by, the field lining up for next year will make going back-to-back (like outgoing champion Simon Tabinor achieved) very difficult indeed.
AUSTRALIAN SPORTS RACER SERIES Adam Proctor successfully defended his Australian Sports Racer series crown in one of the more dramatic conclusions to a national championship seen at a Shannons Nationals event.
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Entering the day leading by two points following a win in race one, Roger I’Anson looked to be in the box seat to take the championship when Proctor spun off the road from second place mid-way through race two on Sunday morning. With a damaged car, he recovered to the back of the field however I’Anson was in a position to place one hand on the trophy – right up to the point until his car expired with four laps to go. Proctor could only sail past to the championship lead as I’Anson was left stranded on the startfinish straight watching his title hopes slip away. The works West outfit made a massive effort to get the Adelaide driver back on track for the final race, changing an engine in under three-hours – though ultimately it would be in vain. “I am pretty happy with that, it’s what we set out to do and it’s the fourth consecutive title in Sports Racer which is great for our brand Stohr, and I am just really proud of our team,” Proctor said. “Emotions almost got the better of us yesterday but we came back strong today and just did what we had to do. I don’t even know how to explain today after what happened in the race this morning, and I guess it was just meant to be for us because it all sort of fell out in the end.”
AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURERS CHAMPIONSHIP Beric Lynton secured the final round of the Australian Manufacturers Championship (AMChamp) series in style, and locked away the Class A and outright AMChamp titles in the same weekend. The Queensland BMW driver was in top form at Wakefield Park and ended a hugely successful season in style after earlier winning the Australian Endurance Championship in Sydney earlier this year. A tough weekend at the Goulburn circuit for the Sherrin Rentals brothers of Grant and Iain Sherrin saw them cede the outright drivers title – though Grant was able to win the Class B title after a season of consistency. Giant-killer Jake Camilleri was the winner in Class C, Keven Herben did the job in Class D after a year long fight internally – with his teammates Honda – and the Pedders Racing Toyota 86. Gus Robbins – despite only competing in one round – did enough to win the Class E title at Wakefield.
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TAKING ON THE KING
Tim Berryman has taken on the most dominant driver in Radical Australia history this year – and beaten him. He tells us his story of trying to take on Neale Muston in the open-top sports cars this season. WORDS: Richard Craill IMAGES: Nathan Wong
TIM BERRYMAN is a man with experience in Australia’s fastest racing cars – so any new racing experience would need to be pretty special to get a smile on the dial of this driver from just outside Wagga Wagga, in country New South Wales. But it turned out that a 450-hp Radical SR8 RX would be the thing to do it. The former Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship frontrunner switched to the Radical Australia Cup last year after several quiet seasons of limited competition – and immediately adapted to the nimble, open-top LeMans style racers. “I’m enjoying the SR8... It’s a cracker,” Berryman tells The Racing Magazine when we chat after an impressive round victory at Phillip Island, in September.
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“They’re not quite doing Formula 3 times but they have that sort of feel. They’re great to drive and the extra power compared to the (Fourcylinder) SR3 makes a difference.” Berryman has topped the charts in the V8powered Radical class this year and finds himself in an outright fight for the overall Radical Australia Cup with SR3 runner, Michael Shaw. He says that the focus has been on points as much as it has pace this season. “We’ve had a good year and we have put a lot into the championship rather than trying to go hell for leather or doing silly things. We have put a lot of effort into developing car and making sure I can win the championship “I’m pretty happy, to be honest, with how it’s gone. There’s been good results, quick times and
I feel like I have been driving as good if not better than have in past.” A strong team-structure at RAW Racing – the ‘works’ team run out of the Radical Australia HQ at Sydney Motorsport Park – has helped Berryman’s campaign this year. The addition of new Team manager Chris Papadopoulos from the Lotus Formula 1 team, plus a gun driver coach and a guru engineer have combined to give Tim the whole package from an operations standpoint – allowing the driver to just... drive. “Working with guys like James Winslow and our engineer, Matt Harvey, has been great,” he says. Matt does a fair bit in Asia with LMP2 cars and Formula Master stuff and that’s how James got to know him. He’s been a big boost and having James working with us is obviously a big advantage because he’s so good at what he does. “Chris’ input into the running of the team and the development of the car has been very good, too. He’s got a huge amount of experience at the highest level and that helps.”
Another competitive RAC season has seen Berryman engage series benchmark Neale Muston in battle on more than one occasion, some that he says – when coupled with the differing race formats on offer – has made the year hugely enjoyable. “Neale is a pretty tough cookie,” Tim says. “He’s obviously quick and he’s tough. It’s never going to be easy and any round you’re racing him, it’s good. We wanted the challenge and the competition is good. “This is the first time I’ve got into the enduro stuff and I’m really enjoying it, especially coming from a sprint racing background – I enjoy the challenge and the variety. “I really love the round where we get a few sprints and an enduro as well. It tests your fitness and keeping it all together over a distance. “You need to drive these cars to the tyres because they can fry them pretty quickly.”
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RISING ROBINSON Michael Robinson has been the quiet achiever of the Kerrick Sports Sedan series this year and recently scored his first round win. Our Amanda Jackson chatted to the Victorian champion about his Sports Sedan life... WORDS: Amanda Jackson IMAGES: Nathan Wong Michael Robinson might have had a shaky start to the year, but courtesy of an unlikely round win at Phillip Island last month, the 48 year old Managing Director of Bell’s Real Estate from Yarra Valley in Victoria finds himself in a position to challenge for a title podium at the final round of 2014. The Racing Magazine caught up with the 20 year Sports Sedan veteran ahead of the final title tilt, to see how he was feeling about challenging for third place in the championship and what was, by his own admission, a surprising victory at Phillip Island. The last two rounds have gone pretty well for you, but you didn’t have that great of a start to the year did you? I didn’t have a good round at Mallala or at Winton, we were the only one in the field on 16 inch rear tyres, and the car set-up just wasn’t there. And at Winton we got caught up in
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someone else’s incident which saw us taken out in race two and starting race three from the rear, so that wasn’t great. But from round three in Queensland, things started to change? For Queensland we changed to 18 inch rear tyres and it made a big difference, the car went a lot better, and I was probably driving better. For me, it was probably one of the best race meetings I have had, in the sense that we had good, close racing without anyone touching, and moving up the field from tenth to fifth in one of the races was pretty satisfying! While not finding yourself in the top three, your hard work at QR was still recognised with a podium appearance, how did you feel about that? It was a surprise to be awarded the Kerrick award and I am really thankful to Malcolm (of Kerrick) for that – it is a very well-recognised award and
it is a real achievement to claim, so I was and am very happy with that and thankful for their support, not only of me but of the Series – we couldn’t do what we do without them. From Queensland, we headed to Phillip Island, where you found yourself not only on the podium, but taking the round win – what was that like? To take the round win at Phillip Island was great, it was very unexpected, but it was certainly a pleasant surprise. I am able to push fairly hard at the Island as obviously I know the track fairly well, but it is still a quite a technical track to get correct all the way around. It was lucky for me also – but unlucky for them – that the top three cars (Tony Ricciardello, Darren Hossack and Steven Tamasi) unfortunately had an incident in race two. A few people have told me that what I did was a bit of a ‘Steven Bradbury’, but I will still take it!
You are now fourth in the title standings behind Tony Ricciardello (first), Colin Smith (second) and Bruce Banks (third) do you have aspirations for a title podium? I have done a few quick calculations to see what the possibilities are, and I definitely have an objective to do well at Sydney and contest for at least the third spot. Obviously we can’t win the title because Tony is a long way in front, but I certainly have a strong desire to shoot for third. Both Colin and Bruce are great to race with and I am certainly going to have a crack at both of them, now that I have the chance I am not going to give it up without a fight! Phillip Island certainly gave me a boost and I really want to carry that through, I am really fired up to do well. How important is it to you that you are in this fight for the top results? I think it is really important – it shows that you don’t have to be the quickest, fastest car out there – you need to be consistent, finish, and place well. At the same time though there is obviously a lot to be said in continually improving and getting better in both car performance and driving, and for their help in those areas I have to thank Neil Burns for a very strong engine and John Gourlay for his fantastic support, as well my fellow racer Darren Hossack for his driver coaching which has really been helping me take things to the next level. This Series really is made up of a great bunch of competitors and I can’t wait to get in amongst it again at the final round for the year.
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ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
SHANNONS AUSTRALIAN MOTOR RACING NATIONALS ROUND 9, SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK • OCTOBER 31- NOVEMBER 2, 2014 AUTHORITY 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, and Supplementary Regulations issued for this Meeting. CAMS Permit : 814/0211/02
PROMOTERS The Australian Racing Drivers Club Limited Tel: 02 9672 1000 Fax: 02 9672 0208 E: brian@ardc.com.au
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 grandstands, 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 Clerk of Course: Michael Hancock Deputy Clerk of Course: Vince Morgan Clerk of Course Assistants: David Ellem, Evan Jones, Gary Peterson, Ronda Turner, Terry Thompson Series Steward: Steve Lisk Stewards: T. Davidson, J Buckley Secretary of the Meeting: Brian Goulding Secretary of the Meeting Assistants: Doreen Butchers, Laura Campbell, Jean Cook, Andrew Johnstone
Race Control: Karen Beldzinski, Sandra Hopkinson, Rodney Schwalbach, Allen See, Wayne Millward Emergency Co-Ordinator: David Martin Safety Car Driver: John Cotter, Sandra Brand assisting Course Car Driver: Andrew Brand Circuit Co-Ordinator: Steve Hogan Circuit Co-Ordinator Assistants: Paul Soster, Gordon Manhood, Grant Calnan Noise Meter: TBA Starter: Derek Taylor, Kerry Tunks C.R.O.: Neil Turner Commentary: David Conole, Darren Smith Chief Scrutineer: David Healy Scrutineers: Greig Black, Dennis Castellarin, Michael Chin, Norm Crompton, Virginia Crompton, Steven Dimmock, Oliver Harling, Ronald Henson, Bill Jones, Peter Kemp, John Lewis, Tony Martin, Ern Mitchell, Ian Mitchell, Keith Neville, Nicholas Nikiforoff, Sandy O’Sullivan, Robert Panetta, Allan Parsons, Glenn Pincott, Katia Pincott, John Read, Lance Smith, Zayn Smith, Raymond Tabet, Mike Walsh, Jeffrey Williamson, Kim Woodward, John Wootton, Lester Gough, Tony Martin, Patricia Jones, Nev Smiles, Adolfo Seanz, Jan Stubbs, Bob Hockley, Martyn O’Connell, Michael O’Connor, Cody Pepper Chief Fire and Rescue: Tony Limn Fire & Rescue: Simon Bailey, Greg Bretherton, Trevor Butterworth, John Ferguson, Dave Fitchett, Brian Johnson, Martin Kappeler, Moniqui McAuley, Robert Murphy, Andrew Palmer, Rex Ryeland, Murray Shorten, Reed Southerton, Simon Swyer, Russell Turner, Calhan Williams, Brett Wright Chief Recovery: William Stacey Recovery: Russell Avery, Loren Bennett, David Berger, Nathan Clark, Neil Condon, John Dwyer, Adam Gard, Rodney Gard, Andrew Grosse, Dennis Grosse, Joanne Hodge, Ken Hodge, Sara Martin, Aleks Novakovic, Nicholas Parkes, Bob Priest, Stephanie Priest, Amanda RidleyElliott, Jacqueline Stacey, Joanne Stacey, William GH Stacey, Kevin Williams, Robert Wall Chief Flag Marshal: Mark Black. Flag Marshals: Alan Bishop, David Brooks, John Buchanan, Chris Cabrera, Peter Carpenter, Geoffrey Chisholm, Elinor Cottrell, Barry Cox, Graeme Crowden, Stewart Curtis, Anthony Davis, Emily Duygan, Allan Firth, Derek Fleming, Adrian Forbes, John Garaty, David Garland, Danny Gordon, Steven Gurton, Heather Helvie, Sid Herold, Alex Hopkinson, Trevor Inglis, David Kay, Michele Klimenko, Abhijeet Krishna, Kylie Levingston, Sue Levingston, Adam Luczak, Nik Masters, Samba McHolme, Bob Millard, Stephen Navaratnam, Graeme Palmer, Nick Price, Graham Pulley, Utkarsh Rai, Roger Romano, David Rome, Michael Rovere, Phillip Sadler, Corey Slade, Samantha Stratford, Phil Swan, Renee Annovazzi, Denis Avery, Jason Bae, Kelvin Carne, Joe Connolly, Ralph Dick, Colin Flew, Melanie Goh, Stephen Mahoney, Chris McGrath, Julie Murphy, Craig Price, Nathaniel Samuels, Richard Talbot, Graham Wells, David Westling, Paul Woodcroft, James Cook
Sector Marshals: John Burgess, Steven Burgess, Rod Edwards, John Gleeson, Alan Grix, John McGarry, Raymond Morris, Bryn Price, Phillip Revill, Jason Szarometa, Bruce Taylor, Tony Thorne, Colin Toone, Peter Durkin Chief Grid Marshal: John Spies Grid Marshals: Geoffrey Baker, Mark Baxter, Margaret Beecham, Melissa Beecham, Ross Beecham, Martin Bishop, Robert Campbell, Trent Dunk, Stephen Foster, Thomas Gosewincel, Elizabeth Nagy, Keith Nicholls, Dwayne Palmer, Ryan Palmer, Keisha Rignold, Ron Roberts, Clay Small, Brett Smith Chief Pitlane Marshal: Gordon White Pit Lane: Phil Holt, Natalie Martin, Gerry Frohreich Chief Timekeeper: Lisa Drayton Timing: Kim Brooks, Michael O’Connor, David Douglas, Aaron Splitt, Brian White Chaplain: Richard Cormick, Esther Yeo, Steve Yeo Chief Medical Officer: Dr Asher Livingston Podiumology: Andrew Johnstone, Liam Curkpatrick Acknowledgment is also made to the many officials who will be assisting at the meeting but whose names were not available when this programme was printed.
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 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 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.
SAFETY The fencing erected around the circuit is there for your protection. It is forbidden to sit, stand or climb on it.
MESSAGES The organisers regret that announcements to assist spectators cannot be made over the public address system except in cases of genuine emergency.
COPYRIGHT All material in this magazine/program 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.
THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 21
ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
SCHEDULE FRIDAY 31ST OCTOBER
22 | THE RACING MAGAZINE
630
Gates Open
900
Practice
Aust Formula Ford Series
15 min
920
Practice
PRB Motorsport Series
15 min
940
Practice
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
15 min
1000
Practice
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
15 min
1020
Practice
Radical Australia Cup
15 min
1040
Practice
Aust Formula 3 Championship
30 min
1115
Practice
Aust Formula Ford Series
20 min
1140
Practice
PRB Motorsport Series
20 min
1205
Practice
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
20 min
1225
Lunch Break
30 min
1255
Practice
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
20 min
1320
Practice
Radical Australia Cup
20 min
1345
Practice
Aust Formula 3 Championship
30 min
1420
Practice
Aust Formula Ford Series
20 min
1445
Practice
PRB Motorsport Series
20 min
1510
Practice
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
20 min
1535
Practice
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
20 min
1600
Practice
Radical Australia Cup
20 min
1620
Sponsor Rides
V8 Touring Cars
15 min
1635
Sponsor Rides
Radical/PRB
20 min
ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
SCHEDULE SATURDAY 1ST NOVEMBER 630
Gates Open
905
Qualifying 1
PRB Motorsport Series
20 min
930
Practice 1
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
20 min
955
Practice 1
Aust Formula Ford Series
20 min
1020
Qualifying 1
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
20 min
1045
Qualifying 1
Radical Australia Cup
20 min
1110
Qualifying 1
Aust Formula 3 Championship
20 min
1135
Qualifying 2
PRB Motorsport Series
20 min
1200
Qualifying 1
Aust Formula Ford Series
20 min
1225
Qualifying 1
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
20 min
1250
Qualifying 2
Radical Australia Cup
20 min
1315
Qualifying 2
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
20 min
1340
Race 1
Radical Australia Cup
1430
Race 1
Aust Formula Ford Series
9 laps
1455
Race 1
Aust Formula 3 Championship
9 laps
1520
Race 1
PRB Motorsport Series
8 laps
1545
Race 1
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
9 laps
1615
Race 2
Radical Australia Cup
35 min
35 min
SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBER 630
Gates Open
910
Warm up
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
15 mins
930
Race 2
Aust Formula Ford Series
9 laps
1000
Race 1
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
10 laps
1030
Race 2
Aust Formula 3 Championship
9 laps
1100
Race 2
PRB Motorsport Series
8 laps
1130
Race 2
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
9 laps
1200
Warm up
Radical Australia Cup
15 mins
1225
Race 3
Aust Formula Ford Series
9 laps
1255
Race 2
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
10 laps
1325
Race 3
Aust Formula 3 Championship
14 laps
1410
Race 3
Radical Australia Cup
1515
Race 3
PRB Motorsport Series
8 laps
1545
Race 3
Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series
12 laps
1625
Race 3
Kerrick Sports Sedan Series
10 laps
CPS
50 min
THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 23
ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
RADICAL AUSTRALIA CUP ON THE WEB: WWW.RADICALSPORTSCARS.COM
Car
SPONSOR
DRIVER
state
VEHICLE
1
Excalibur Racing
Neale Muston
NSW
Radical
2
Industrial Parks pf Australia
Michael Shaw
NSW
Radical
3
Vantage Freight
David Crampton
NSW
Radical
5
Axiom Wealth/Radical Aust
Simon Haggarty
NSW
Radical
6
Axiom Wealth/Radical Aust
Tony Haggarty
NSW
Radical
9
RAW Racing
Chris Medland/Greg Smith
NSW
Radical
17
PJS Air
Peter Johnston
NSW
Radical
24
Taylor Collison / Badge / Laucke Flour Mills
Michael Whiting
SA
Radical
27
First Neon
Peter White
NSW
Radical
31
First Focus
Peter Paddon
NSW
Radical
33
RAW Racing
Tim Berryman
NSW
Radical
Justin McMillan
VIC
Radical
48 52
Radical Australia
Bill Medland
QLD
Radical
58
RAW Racing
Richard Kimber
NSW
Radical
66
RAW Racing
John Corbett
NSW
Radical
68
RAW Racing
Kim Burke
NSW
Radical
86
Radical Australia
Oliver Smith
NSW
Radical
88
Radical Australia
Rowan Ross
NSW
Radical
For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au
24 | THE RACING MAGAZINE
ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
KERRICK SPORTS SEDAN SERIES ON THE WEB: WWW.SPORTSSEDANS.COM.AU
Car
SPONSOR
DRIVER
state
VEHICLE
1
BJ Banks Electrical
Bruce Banks
TAS
Mazda RX7
4
Auto Union Deutsche
Darren Hossack
VIC
Audi A4
5
B&M Ricciardello Motors
Tony Ricciardello
WA
Alfa Romeo GTV
6
Kumho Race Tyres
Chris Jackson
NSW
Holden Calibra
7
AMS Racing
Ron Moller
WA
Chev Camaro
9
Domain Prestige Homes
Steven Tamasi
VIC
Holden Calibra
12
Moonbi Oil Traders
Phil Crompton
QLD
Ford Mustang
27
Billy's Motorsport& Automotive
Birol Cetin
NSW
Chev Camaro
29
Primo Smallgoods
Steven Lacey
NSW
Chev Camaro
32
Bell Real Estate
Michael Robinson
VIC
Holden Monaro
44
MR Automotive
Colin Smith
QLD
Holden Monaro
67
Stawell Cartage
Bruce Henley
VIC
Mazda RX8
For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au
FORMULA 3 AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE WEB: WWW.FORMULA3.COM.AU
Car
SPONSOR
DRIVER
state
VEHICLE
4
BRM
Simon Hodge
SA
Mygale
5
BRM
Christopher Anthony
NSW
Dallara
7
R-TEK
9
R-TEK
Roland Legge
QLD
Dallara
17
McDonalds/Gilmour Racing
Ben Gersekowski
QLD
Dallara
29
Garnet Patterson Racing
Garnett Patterson
NSW
Dallara
66
AGI Sport
Nathan Gotch
NSW
Dallara
88
Alpine Motorsport
Dennie Rumble
NSW
Dallara
92
Jani King/Capo Racing
Ricky Capo
VIC
Dallara
Dallara
For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au
THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 25
ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
AUSTRALIAN FORMULA FORD SERIES ON THE WEB: WWW.FORMULAFORD.ORG.AU
Car
SPONSOR
DRIVER
state
VEHICLE
2
Sonic/kTEQ
Nick Rowe
VIC
Mygale SJ13
3
Sonic/AKH Denture Clinic
Hamish Hardeman
VIC
Mygale SJ01A
4
Sonic/Calista Property Group
Christian Morina
VIC
Mygale SJ12
5
AngloMotorsport/PrimalNutrition/
Tim Beale
NSW
Spirit WL11
6
E-Steel Australia
Paul Zsidy
VIC
Spectrum 012
7
Fastway Couriers Wollongong
Geoff Walters
NSW
Mygale SJ07
11
Colin M Hill Engineering
Cameron Hill
ACT
Mygale SJ 10A
13
Shockwave Signs/ToolForce
Jimmy Vernon
NSW
Listec WIL-013
15
Borland Racing Developments
Tom Grech
VIC
Spectrum 011C
18
AngloMotorsport/BrennanIT
Dave Stevens
NSW
Spirit K08
20
Synergy Motorsport
Caitlin Wood
NSW
Spectrum 012B
31
Gippsland Body Builders
James Golding
VIC
Spectrum 014
49
DREAMMotorsport/Kerrick/SnapOn/CKAS
Thomas Randle
VIC
Mygale SJ13A
76
Omega Engineering/RossPerformanceParts
Michael Hinrichs
VIC
Mygale SJ04A
77
James Garley
James Garley
NSW
Mygale SJ01A
81
Ownit Homes/E&K Plumbing/Autobarn
Wade Scott
QLD
Spectrum 011C
87
Tim Hamilton
Tim Hamilton
QLD
Spectrum 011B
88
Synergy/www.gregholloway.com
Greg Holloway
VIC
Spectrum 014
94
Littleblackfox.com/CLPS
Jordan Lloyd
QLD
Mygale 2011
96
All Security Northside Fasteners "Browns"
Jimmy Bailey
QLD
Spectrum 06B
97
Coates Hire
Liam McAdam
QLD
Mygale SJ10A
For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au
26 | THE RACING MAGAZINE
ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
KUMHO TYRES AUSTRALIAN V8 TOURING CAR SERIES ON THE WEB: WWW.V8TOURINGCARS.COM.AU
Car
SPONSOR
DRIVER
state
VEHICLE
3
Fernandez Motorsport
Jose Fernandez
NSW
Ford Falcon BF
4
Kustom Workz/Supercar Parts & Sales
Shane Hunt
QLD
Ford Falcon BF
8
Poco Racing
Steve Briffa
NSW
Commodore VY
12
JCV Automotive
John Vergotis
NSW
Ford Falcon BA
16
Enviropress
Darin Renouf
NSW
Commodore VX
18
Falcon Spares/Engine Master
Matt Chahda
NSW
Ford Falcon BA
21
Century 21 Hazelbrook
Chris Delfsma
NSW
Ford Falcon BA
38
Eggleston Motorsport
Cam McConville
VIC
Commodore VZ
48
STR Truck Bodies
Matthew Palmer
VIC
Ford Falcon BF
54
Eggleston Motorsport
Justin Ruggier
NSW
Commodore VZ
57
ADG Engineering/Precise Precut/GCPF
Lyle Kearns
QLD
Commodore VZ
75
G&D Strong Excavations
Brendan Strong
NSW
Commodore VZ
88
Parramatta Smash Repairs
Ryan Simpson
NSW
Ford Falcon BF
For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au
PRB MOTORSPORT SERIES ON THE WEB: WWW.PRBAUSTRALIA.COM.AU
Car
SPONSOR
1
DRIVER
state
VEHICLE
Stuart Shirvington
NSW
S3
4
Trans-West Insurance Brokers
Stefan Versluis
NSW
Composite
6
Speed Racer Sportscars
Chris Barry
NSW
Composite
7
John Moyes
NSW
S2
9
Tony Blanche
NSW
Composite
42
Jos Kroon
NSW
S2
44
Warwick Williams Real Estate
Warwick Williams
NSW
Composite
45
Zeppelin Pty Ltd
Ivan Srjeber
NSW
S3
48
Emu Car Care
James Dick
NSW
Widebody
Malcolm Lee
TAS
S3
Joshua Versluis
NSW
S3
50 52
Trans-West Insurance Brokers
For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 27
SYDNEY SHOWDOWN FOR V8 TITLE THE KUMHO V8 touring cars series will go down to the wire at Sydney Motorsport Park this November following a dramatic penultimate round of the series at Wakefield Park. The stunning Kumho V8 Touring Cars round turned the series on its head – Justin Ruggier winning despite clashing with Ryan Simpson early in the final race. Simpson dived down the inside of Ruggier on the second lap of the final race, sending both cars into the gravel and, once back on track, to the back of the field. Simpson pitted with damage and limped home (and was later penalised for his role in the contact) while Ruggier executed a strong comeback performance and ultimately finished the race third and seal his maiden round victory, having earlier won the first two races of the weekend. Drew Russell was the surprise race three winner, getting the first win for the STR Truck Bodies
28 | THE RACING MAGAZINE
team headed up by Matt Palmer. Russell also finished second for the round, Matt Chahda.
The series will go down to the wire at Sydney Motorsport Park next week with Ruggier holding a 44 point lead ahead of the finale with 143 up for grabs. Ruggier won the round at Wakefield with Drew Russell a surprise second thanks to his strong race three victory. Poco Commodore driver Briffa had been on target for his first Kumho Series podium result until a spin,opening the door for Chahda to claim the final podium position – the second of his career. Simpson finished fourth for the weekend in his ex-Craig Lowndes Falcon with Briffa fifth from Palmer, John Vergotis and debutante Brendon Strong, who survived a few spins in his exLansvale Commodore.
James Golding was a surprise winner in round four of the Australian Formula Ford Series, taking advantage of a miscue by the winner of races one and two – Thomas Randle – to steal a round victory. Randle won race two on Sunday morning after an early battle with Hamish Hardeman before slipping past to take a comfortable victory. The pair battled again in race three with Hardeman leading the early running before Randle attempted a pass at turn two – the pair coming together at the tight left-hander, dropping them both down the field. Randle was penalised for his role in the contact while Hardeman limped home to 15th. Series leader Golding was the main beneficiary, assuming the lead and ultimately the victory after
a dramatic battle with a recovering Jordan Lloyd in the closing laps of the weekend – the pair swapping the lead several times before Golding held on to win. Golding won the outright round with Randle second and the consistent Cameron Hill a strong third. Cameron Walters won the Formula Ford 1600 weekend ahead of James Garley and Jimmy Bailey. Further titles will be up for grabs at Sydney Motorsport Park including the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Kerrick Sports Sedan Series and the Radical Australia Cup, while the Australian Formula Ford Series will stage a crucial penultimate round prior to concluding their season at Phillip Island later in the month.
The Formula 3 title will be battled out between leader Simon Hodge and Ben Gersekowski – Team BRM driver Simon Hodge holding a 20-point lead over Gersekowski ahead of what is likely to be a competitive finale’ at the wing-andslicks favourite track. Hodge has been the form driver in qualifying this year – including having scored a record six consecutive pole positions – however Gersekowski’s strong starting performance has kept him in the game thanks to victories in the Saturday sprint races. Gersekowski has prior experience at the 3.9km circuit while Hodge will be making his debut at the venue in a Formula 3 car this weekend.
THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 29
ROUND 9 SYDNEY MOTOR SPORT PARK, NSW
TELEVISION COVERAGE SHANNONS NATIONALS TV Speedweek on Sunday at 2pm on SBS1
Round 9 Sydney Motorsport Park Show 1
Sunday 9th November Kerrick Sports Sedan Series Aust V8 Touring Car Series Radical Australia Cup
Show 2
Sunday 16th November Aust Formula 3 Championship Aust Formula Ford Series 2014 Series Highlites
‘SHANNONS NATIONALS’ ON FOX SPEED Visit www.thenationals.com.au for complete TV schedule LIVE INTERNET TV FROM 9.00AM ON SUNDAY via www.thenationals.com.au
LAP RECORDS
SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK Grand Prix Circuit
CATEGORY
DRIVER
VEHICLE
TIME
DATE
OUTRIGHT OPEN WHEEL RACING CARS Formula 3 Formula Ford Formula Ford 1600 SPORTS SEDANS 3001-6000 TOURING CARS V8 Touring Car SPORTS CARS Group 2A Clubman Sports
Nico Hulkenberg (GER)
A1 Lola Zytek
1.19.142
4/02/2007
Nick Foster James Golding Rob Storey
Mygale Mercedes Spectrum 04 Spirit WL07
1.22.6290 1.35.2905 1.38.9196
13/07/2013 23/06/2013 22/09/2007
Tony Ricciardello
Alfa GTV Chev
1.28.9391
15/07/2012
Justin Garioch
Ford Falcon BA
1.35.0084
16/07/2012
James Winslow Chris Barry
Radical SR8 PRB Clubman
1.25.7027 1.38.7875
14/07/2013 23/06/2002
30 | THE RACING MAGAZINE