As we look forward to our first event of 2024, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey we have had together for 2023 Witnessing the collective achievements of our club in 2023 has been nothing short of inspiring The incredible success of the GCTMC Khanacross series stands out as a testament to our dedication and passion for grassroots motorsports in SEQ It was a spectacle of skill, speed, and camaraderie We would like to recognise the enthusiasm and sportsmanship put in by each participant To everyone who played a role, from the drivers to the organisers and everyone in between, thank you for making the 2023 GCTMC Khanacross series an overwhelming success Our presentation turn out was beyond our expectations The sight of a room filled with like-minded individuals, all bound by a shared love for our club and its activities, was truly heartwarming. Your presence spoke volumes about the vibrancy of our club, and we are grateful to each member who attended.
A heartfelt thank you extends to our generous sponsors and unsung heroes – our volunteers, without whom this series would not have been possible. Your commitment to the series and your support for our club have played a pivotal role in making this season an enormous success. Thank you for being the driving force behind our achievements.
Social media has played a pivotal role in expanding our reach, and we want to express our gratitude for everyone who engaged with our content Your likes, shares, and positive comments have helped us connect with a broader audience Together, we have created a digital community that reflects the passion we share
As we embark on a new year, let us carry the momentum of 2023 forward Our club is not just an organisation; it is a family bound by a common love for motorsports We are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and confident that, with your continued support, we will achieve even greater heights Thank you for an incredible year Here’s to the memories we ’ ve created and the adventures that await us.
PHOTOS BY ZED PHOTOGRAPHYY
What a year we had in 2023 for the first running of the GCTMC South East Queensland Khanacross Series From the support of drivers, members, sponsors and families it is clear to see that plenty of fun was had
It was a tight battle all year long with a range or different round winners and the junior drivers really standing their own against some well seasoned drivers We saw Allan Kuss take out the 2023 Future Auto Wynnum SEQ Khanacross with young guns, Toby MusicO and Jude Livermore rounding out the top 3 and Sally Martin taking out the ladies outright win A special mention to the Most Improved Driver of Rhianna Rhabius and our Encouragement Award recipient, Sian Thomas.
These series simply do not happen without the support of our sponsors and supporters and we cannot thank you enough for the continued backing. To Future Auto Wynnum, Accent Benchtops, Outpost Cafe & BP Canungra, ZED Photography, Mark Brown and the Henderson Family we thank you for the commitment to our series and look forward for many more years to come.
After such an awesome year in 2023, we return for an even bigger and better running of the SEQ Khanacross Series Not only do we have new sponsors but we have 2 new exciting venues too Kicking of the first round at Tamborine, the 2024 Baden Civil SEQ Khanacross series will then travel to Willowbank Dirt Track and Murwillumbah for some new exciting challenges for drivers
We caught up with 2024 series sponsor, Clay Badenoch to hear a little for his support of the 2024 series,
“I was introduced to rallying by my older brother in the early nineties, we started hanging out and attending (GCTMC) club meetings and small events and by that stage the rally flame was well and truly alight. I was awarded GCTMC Junior Champion in 1994 and I have loved the sport ever since. From that year onward my passion for rallying grew and I went on to compete at State and National events over the next 25 years.
In 2023, my 12yo son Angus was hounding me to get involved in rallying himself and so we attended one of the club’s khanacross events, for the first time in ten years! I was completely blown away by the turn out! The number of registered juniors, including many young females, was fantastic and the level of talent within the youngsters was so inspiring! The track and facilities set up by the club were amazing too, a credit to all involved…I was so inspired by what I had witnessed and knew that Angus and I had to be more involved, on and off the track.”
These series do not happen without our amazing sponsors and we cannot thank; Baden Civil, Outpost cafe & BP Canungra, ZED Photographyy, Biztech Direct, On The Net and Virtual Security Guard enough for their support. The first round kicks of this coming weekend and we cannot wait to get on track.
PHOTOS BY DPPI
We are used to seeing you as a NSW and Qld Rally Champion so what made you decide to do the Dakar?
While rallying in Australia has been a thrilling journey, I’ve always been drawn to new challenges. Dakar represents the pinnacle of off-road racing, and the idea of conquering the toughest terrain in the world was too enticing to resist. It’s a test of endurance, skill, and adaptability that pushes teams to their limits, and that’s what attracted me to take on Dakar.
Prologue stage-What was your approach to it.
Mostly it was to make no mistakes and try and set a time that was ‘’at our Pace’’ so that we would be roughly where we fit with other competitors around our speed There is no point to be too fast as the disadvantage of being overtaken early on, can be just as big as being too slow and having to do all the overtaking We managed to do that It was a short stage at 27km and was quite happy with our Prologue result despite our 33 rd in class
Into the main event-tell us about stage 1. What was it like to have finished it.
Yes, we managed to finish 16th in class for this stage and we felt that was our pace was good It all went to plan but towards the end I managed to pick up a flat in the dark and my Tourette broke loose We stopped and changed it but got caught in other cars and the dust was horrendous, so you just had to pick your way through We overtook lots of cars which really gets the adrenalin pumping but not as much as when the trucks coming thundering by This stage and the 2nd last stage of Dakar were clearly the two toughest of the event
Missed Day , 24 hour penalty How did the mindsets change if at all
It was disappointing at the time, but our goal was always to go and finish and turn up every day no matter what happened and we did that, I think pretty well. I was keen as every day to get back out there and experience Dakar to the max. Once you start the next day to be honest there is not much time to think about yesterday.
48 Hour Chrono stage, the Bivouac, walk us through all of that. I’ll start with the Bivouac. The scale is just out of this world. I guess it an area about 1km x 1km and it has a main centre road with rows numbered 1 to 10 and we were always allocated the same spot, Row 8 lot 10 at each different bivouac so if you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were at the same place but your actually 500km away from where you stayed last night. The food halls are enormous, and the food quality was excellent considering the masses of people being fed. It is a very social feeling at the bivouac. Outdoor areas are created for relaxing, bean bags, carpet lounges everywhere. We didn’t rough it too much! Coffee not so great and the toilets can be a bit hit and miss but again given the masses of people they’re dealing with all in all it was excellent...
...The 48 Hour stage was an amazing experience. Dunes like you have never seen before. It feels very remote except for all the cars and trucks buzzing around and the odd random bloke walking aimlessly over a distant dune. We did suffer some belt issues and we got bogged after I hesitated behind another car. Fortunately, some Irish bloke called Kris Meeke was stopped there after they had an accident and he and some other guys helped dig us out, so only a small amount of time lost, but apart from that it was a cool stage. It was a night with no service assistance, and we had to finish at or around 4.30pm at the next camp set up. There were 7 camps at various locations dependent on how far you got into the 570km stage. We were provided a tent, sleeping bag and a ration pack. It was novel. The food was fine. The tent was fine. The sleeping bag was a tapered cocoon shape designed for a person the shape of a cornetto ice cream and there was no mattress at all. Sand may be soft but not when you sleep on it. It was the worsts night sleep. Basically none. At the end of the stage our team took the car for an 800km transport, and all competitors flew to the next bivouac on a chartered flight for the rest day.
Other competitors, Trucks etc. Any interesting Stories?
Way too many stories too mention. There is always something happening. Yes, the Trucks are just something else. I didn’t see any Trucks that hadn’t tipped over at some point. You always keep running in to the same competitors each day and passing or being passed, helping each other out is probably the best story for me. The comraderie in Dakar is next level. I think mostly because you want to help someone out because it’s likely you may be the one who needs help the next time Everyone is just trying to get to the finish and if you help someone get there then that’s a good reward Basically, it can turn a shit day into a good one
Patience in finding the way points, Night time etc. How did you and Dale work Together?
Lucky, we have known and competed with each other on and off for nearly 30 years so we can get through any issues You don’t have to tippy toe around good mates If I screwed up the Dale would point it out and vice versa But equally when we ’ re having a great run we could recognise that too Dale’s job in Dakar is way tougher than mine I honestly think anybody could have a crack driving in Dakar and you’d probably go ok, but the Navigation is like nothing anyone will ever experience in Australia without actually going and doing a Rally raid event You could just lose your mind out there through frustration if you didn’t have a DAKAR experienced co-driver
Second Last stage Moonscape Tell us about that stage
For me this was clearly the toughest stage by far The Rocks were relentless, and I have no idea how they got there or why the hell we went there I’ll never know The organisers would have been pissing themselves when they set that stage We had suspension failure on the left rear but once we knew it wasn’t going to break, we pushed on again It was real mental stage to focus for that length of time
Ultimately it is Dakar, and we shouldn’t expect it to be easy.
Finish of the last Stage. How did you feel? When did you finally get a beer. Relieved!
Actually, I could have kept going. We finally had the car sorted and I would like to have done a few more stages. It was rewarding to still be going after 12 stages and still have car capable of doing more so despite the issues early on my goal was still achieved. I actually didn’t get a beer until I got home as I had quick connecting flights and then slept all the way, but I did get a picture of John and Dale cracking a beer at Dubai as soon as they landed.
For this edition, we had the chance to talk with junior driver, Jude Livermore to share a bit about himself and his journey in motorsport.
NAME: Jude Livermore (Age: 16)
CURRENT CAR: Currently being supported with drives in John Kellys ‘Kelly Gang Racing Pulsar’ and Luke Behan’s SSS Pulsar until the end of the Series. My personal car is a 1983 Volvo 240.
How long have you been involved with Motorsport and what started your journey in Motorsport?
I've been actively involved in motorsport from the age of 10. It all began with racing hire go-karts, I instantly fell in love with the thrill of racing and everything about motorsport. I continued racing in hire karts until I turned 15, and then I transitioned to khanacross and motorkhana events. My passion for motorsport started at a very young age when I developed a fascination with cars, and that passion has stayed with me. I have dreamt of becoming a Rally or Circuit driver since childhood.
What is your favourite thing about the sport and community of Motorsport?
Everyone is so supportive and generous with their time and knowledge. I’ve been very fortunate to be supported by John Kelly and Luke Behan, who have allowed me to drive each of their cars. I was also given a drive at the Murwillumbah Motorkana in Rob Learmonths WRX.
If you were to describe Motorsport in 5 words, what would they be?
Pure, Thrilling, Competitive, Challenging, Adrenaline.
If you could dream big and pick a seat in any car as a career goal, what would it be?
To travel the world driving the Red Bull Ford Fiesta in the WRC.
BADEN CIVIL SEQ KHANACROSS SERIES
ROUND 1 - March 10th - Tamborine
CLUB MEETING / AGM
March 20th - Backpage Bar Carrara
BADEN CIVIL SEQ KHANACROSS SERIES
ROUND 2 - May 5th - Tamborine
BADEN CIVIL SEQ KHANACROSS SERIES
ROUND 3 - July 14th - Tamborine
BADEN CIVIL SEQ KHANACROSS SERIES
ROUND 4 - August 11th - Murwillumbah
BADEN CIVIL SEQ KHANACROSS SERIES
ROUND 5 - September 8th - Willowbank
QUEENSLAND RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
ROUND 5 - October 6th - Bonalbo Rally
BADEN CIVIL SEQ KHANACROSS SERIES
ROUND 6 - November 10th - Tamborine
CLUB EXECUTIVE
PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER
CLUB CAPTAIN
Mark Davies
John Sibley
Gary Reid
Stephen Davies
Matt Henderson
MOTORSPORT AUS DELEGATE
ALTERNATE MA DELEGATE
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER
MEDIA COORDINATOR POINT SCORER
Steven Richardson
Mark Davies
Tony Taylor
Zara Waller
Mick Bruce
CONTACT INFO
All correspondence
Gold Coast Tweed Motorsporting Car Club
P.O. Box 1503 Mudeeraba QLD 4213
Phone: 0433 517 165 (Gary Reid, Secretary)
Email: info@gctmc org au
Website: https://gctmc.org.au
Club Meetings: Every 3rd Wednesday - The Back Page, Carrara.