The Racing Magazine - Issue 9, 2014

Page 1

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.

4

Speed Shots

8

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

Feedback

We want your feedback. Please email us at admin@thenationals.com.au

Advertisers

If you would like to advertise in the next issue of The Racing Magazine please contact 0414 294 153 or email admin@thenationals.com.au

Disclaimer

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.

THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 3


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.

4 | THE RACING MAGAZINE


THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 5


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.

6 | THE RACING MAGAZINE


THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 7


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

8 | THE RACING MAGAZINE

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.


THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 9


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,

10 | THE RACING MAGAZINE


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.

THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 11


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.

12 | THE RACING MAGAZINE



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.

14 | THE RACING MAGAZINE

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.


THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 15


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.

16 | THE RACING MAGAZINE

“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.”

THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 17


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

18 | THE RACING MAGAZINE

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.

THENATIONALS.COM.AU | 19



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




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.