Motorsport Australia Speed Read - August 2020

SPEED READ A U G U S T

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GRASSROOTS TAKEOVER

From motorkahanas to hill climbs, Australian grassroots motorsport has hit the track in a safe, smooth and exciting way.

FIA GIRLS ON TRACK BACK FOR 2020 Motorsport Australia and the FIA's Girls on Track program will start again, providing young girls with the opportunity to grow their interest in all facets of motorsport.

LONG AWAITED MOTORKHANA SERIES UNDERWAY Porsche Club New South Wales has successfully completed its second event under Motorsport Australia's Return to Race guidelines.

M O T O R S P O R T . O R G . A U

BRABHAM DOCUMENTARY LAUNCHES THIS MONTH Motorsport fans will be able to finally watch the highly anticipated documentary feature Brabham this month through steaming service, Stan.

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CONTENTS 4

FIA Girls on Track inspire next generation

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Dane and Taylor host FIA Girls on Track live Q&A

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PCQ shines on Morgan Park stage

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Alice Springs ready for Red CentreNATS takeover

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Mount Cotton ready for big 2020

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November to host national Speed and Auto Tests

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Moffitt marvellous in Ipswich sprint

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Long awaited motorkhana series underway

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Grice and Janson Commodores confirmed for Bathurst Revival

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Farewell Ron and Neil

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Brabham documentary launches this month

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“Lawyers, pasta, kangaroos and motorsport�

24 Q&A: Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW) 26

New Club Merch Program launched

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New dates for 2020 ARC announced

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New faces shine in Sydney Supersprint II

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COVER PHOTO

The Porsche Club of Queensland resumed its 2020 season last month with a double header at Morgan Park over the course of two jam packed days.

Photo: Mick Reynolds

275 Canterbury Road, Canterbury VIC 3126 PO Box 172, Canterbury LPO Vic 3126 Member Hotline 1800 883 959 (9am - 5pm AEST) Telephone 1300 883 959 or +61 3 9593 7777 Website motorsport.org.au E-mail info@motorsport.org.au

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FIA GIRLS ON TRACK INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION Motorsport Australia’s popular Dare To Be Different (D2BD) program will continue in 2020 and beyond under a new brand, FIA Girls On Track.

The program will continue to provide young girls with the opportunity to grow interest in STEM subjects and industries, with the aim of increasing female participation, using motorsport as a tool to expose them to the incredible opportunities and career paths. The program will be co-ordinated with the FIA and other ASNs around the world.

While a number of events were planned for 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of these events with a new calendar of events to be released soon.

Having started last month, a number of digital initiatives will be rolled out as part of this year’s program, using both the global FIA Girls On Track network, and also specific local content featuring the many Ambassadors who have supported the program. Those Ambassadors include Jessica Dane, Molly Taylor, Betty Klimenko, Kate Peck, Romy Mayer, Emma Notarfrancesco, Jessica Yates, Bonnie Beard and Emily Duggan.

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Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said while much of the in-person activity had to be postponed, there was still a strong commitment to this program.

“The FIA Girls On Track program has been very successful and extremely popular,” Arocca said.

“While there is a new brand, we’ll continue to grow on the success of the program to date and ensure there is strong interest and that will encourage girls to consider motorsport as a career, whether as a competitor, engineer, in the media or whatever path that they might be interested in.

“The overwhelming positive feedback from the FIA Girls On Track events in the past provides us with confidence that when it is possible and safe to do so, these events will be just as popular once they return around Australia.

“With the program now part of the FIA’s Women In Motorsport network, there will also be more opportunities for young girls to learn from those in the sport overseas, as well as the many talented women here in Australia.”

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“We will encourage girls to consider motorsport as a career, whether as a competitor, engineer or in the media.”

- Eugene Arocca,

Motorsport Australia CEO

More information about FIA Girls On Track can be found at motorsport.org.au/GOT

DANE AND TAYLOR HOST FIA GIRLS ON TRACK LIVE Q&A “If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s how to connect through boundaries and support each other in the most difficult circumstances.”

- Jessica Dane

FIA Girls On Track Australian Ambassadors Jessica Dane and Molly Taylor will take part in a live Instagram session on Thursday, 6 August.

Offering their insights into their own journeys in motorsport, Dane and Taylor will also share their plans for this year, as well as answer questions from those at home, as part of the Girls On Track program’s efforts to increase women’s participation in motorsport, both on and off the track.

Ahead of the live session, Dane said she was thrilled the FIA Girls On Track program could continue to offer some interaction with ambassadors during a time when excursions and events can’t be run in person.

“If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s how to connect through boundaries and support each other in the most difficult circumstances,” Dane said.

“The online offerings through FIA Girls on Track will help to maintain the momentum of the program and keep growing our sport. Molly and I are really looking forward to kicking it off in Australia and answering your questions, so be sure to send them through.”

Taylor was also excited to be sharing her insights.

“We've made so much progress building and growing the FIA Girls on Track program here in Australia, so it's fantastic that we are able to find a way to continue this

momentum no matter what the current environment throws at us,” Taylor said.

“Moreover, I think bringing these initiatives online gives us the opportunity to reach a bigger audience, so I'm excited to see where this takes us.”

Making the most of digital opportunities during the current COVID-19 pandemic, Dane and Taylor’s Instagram Live chat will be the first in a series of online events for young girls to be part of the FIA Girls On Track program in 2020.

Taylor and Dane will also be part of this year’s Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships broadcast, which includes the carsales TCR Australia Series and VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship.

Taylor and Dane’s Instagram Live session can be viewed at 4pm on Thursday, 6 August on Motorsport Australia’s Instagram.

Questions can be submitted during the live session or emailed in advance to communications@motorsport. org.au. Alternatively questions can be added as comments on posts about this event on Motorsport Australia’s Facebook page or Instagram pages.

Motorsport Australia’s Instagram can be found @motorsport.australia

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 5

Photo: Mick Reynolds

PCQ SHINES ON MORGAN PARK STAGE “It was just The Porsche Club of Queensland (PCQ) resumed its 2020 season last month with a double header at Morgan Park over the course of two jam packed days.

With more than 50 drivers attending both Saturday’s supersprint and Sunday’s Porsche BMW Challenge, the weekend was enjoyed by all those who attended, including officials and event organisers who were excited for the return of motorsport.

The club had a number of measures put in place to stay in line with the Motorsport Australia Return to Race document, with social distancing enforced throughout the two days, as well as most of the competitor administration completed before the event.

It allowed both days to have a smooth start to competition, giving entrants an opportunity to get more track time and put on a show as the battle for the fastest driver came down to an entertaining contest.

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such a great event. We're really rapt with how it all turned out” - Kevin Vedelago, Event Organiser

Queensland hill climb star Dean Tighe was the fastest over the weekend with an impressive time of 55.910 seconds. His closest competitor came through fellow class contender Simon Cilento, whose fastest time was around eight seconds slower.

However with both Tighe and Cilento in vehicles not part of the official competition, Saturday’s victory went to Henry Sinclair after a dramatic battle with Brad Gall saw him claim the win by just one hundredth of a second.

with how successful both days were and praised everyone involved.

“It was just such a great event.

We are really rapt with how it all turned out,” Vedelago said.

“Some of the measures we put in for COVID-19 purposes eliminated a number of issues we usually have, so we are definitely going to continue implementing them, even after we’re back to normal.

On Sunday, Gall was once again in the thick of the action but couldn’t steer his 991 GT3 to victory there either as Lachlan Harburg posted the fastest time of the day by less than a second.

“People were also taking all the safety measures seriously, which is great, and the event went smoothly thanks to the Clerk of Couse and his team. They were super professional and that's what you want at events like this.

Following on from the weekend, event organiser Kevin Vedelago was thrilled

“Of all the drivers to attend, we had 15 coming to Morgan Park for the

first time, as well as some stand out seasoned performers such as Jon Siddinsis who is a prolific racer and has done a lot of Targa Tasmania.

“This event was well supported and it was just simply great. Our goal is to have drivers leave with less rubber on their tyres, less fuel in their tanks and with a smile on their dial and I am confident we achieved that.”

Click here to view the results from the event.

Photo: Ferrari Media

Photos: Mick Reynolds

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7

ALICE SPRINGS READY FOR RED CENTRENATS TAKEOVER With the Northern Territory open for business and tickets available for purchase, the sixth edition of Red CentreNATS is the perfect way to spend Father’s day weekend.

Run by Summernats and the Northern Territory Major Events Company in conjunction with Motorsport Australia, the four-day event is based in Alice Springs and will feature a number of different activations and programs to meet the needs of passionate motorsport fans of all ages.

Making up this year’s Red CentreNATS will be a Show n Shine, burnout competitions, drag racing, motorkhanas and grass driving featuring hundreds of classic and modified cars and bikes, with lots of multiple awards and prizes also up for grabs Not only is there plenty of exciting motorsport action across all four days, but the festival will also have lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Starting on the Wednesday night with a scrutineering welcome event, motorsport fans can get up close and personal with all 500 vehicles on display, as well witness participants cruise their highly modified and high powered street machines on the actual streets of Alice Springs.

Photos: Red CentreNats

way to Alice Springs in order to make the most of the thrilling entertainment.

Red CentreNATS also includes opportunities for Motorsport Australia members to get involved as an official and be part of the great team delivering a highly praised automotive event.

Encompassing the whole city over the course of a week, the event is one not to be missed as fans from the all corners of the state often road trip their

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For car entry, tickets and further programme details, click here.

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MOUNT COTTON READY FOR BIG 2020 While there may have been a big break of motorsport in 2020, the MG Car Club of Queensland are ready for what will be a huge second half to the year at its home at Mount Cotton.

So far in 2020, the club has hosted just two hill climbs at the popular track, with the first running before COVID-19 restrictions came into effect in February and the other taking place last month as a small test and tune hill climb.

However, the club’s major events at Mount Cotton begin this month with the Motorsport Australia Queensland Hill Climb Championship running on 14-15 August, where around 70 competitors will get the chance to fight for state honours.

Photo: MG Car Club QLD

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Photo: Ian Colley Photography

Photo: Ian Colley Photography

the Motorsport Australia Queensland Hill Climb Championship – and they both enter the state event as some of the favourites to take out victory.

With the club having successfully run its first hill climb at Mount Cotton since Queensland’s COVID-19 restrictions were eased, President Richard Mattea was looking forward to the months ahead.

“Everything worked fine last month in terms of our COVID plan,” Mattea said.

“It all went fairly well and everyone was well behaved.

However the rain made it a bit of a non-event on the track.

Photo: Ian Colley Photography

The action continues next month with another jam-packed weekend of competition, as the highly anticipated Interclub Challenge and another test and tune day take place over the last weekend of September.

“Looking ahead, it’s going to be a very busy period for us. I know it’s hard to say where we will be in the next few months, but at this point the Australian Championship looks like it’s going

ahead which is great, but anything can happen between now and November.

“As for the state championship later this month, everyone is keen to get back on track after such a long break. There is going to be a collection of open wheel Formula Libras, sports cars and sedans, so the competition which will be interesting.

“We have some strong contenders for the outright title like Dean Tighe and Dean Amos, but we will also be awarding the fastest woman too.

“The award was created a few years back so we’re really happy to have it back again as it promotes female involvement in the sport.

We also have a few junior drivers too, which is fantastic.”

The Motorsport Australia Queensland Hill Climb Championship takes place on 14-15 August Mount Cotton.

At the start of November, the MG Car Club of Queensland holds the biggest event on its 2020 calendar with the Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship.

The event will see the best hill climbers from around the country attend Mount Cotton, with reigning champion Malcolm Oastler highly likely to return to defend his title against a number challengers including local talent Dean Tighe and reigning Queensland champion Dean Amos.

Both title challengers are already confirmed to begin their 2020 hill climb campaigns later this month at Photo: MG Car Club QLD

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NOVEMBER TO HOST NATIONAL SPEED AND AUTO TESTS The 2020 Motorsport Australia National Speed and Auto Tests calendar has been confirmed with all four events to take place across three states over the first two weekends of November.

The first will be the Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship, which will run at Symmons Plains in Tasmania from 31 October to 2 November.

Last year’s national khanacross saw more than 50 competitors compete at two locations in New South Wales, but this year, just the one location awaits the best khanacross drivers around the country.

“We’re looking forward to see the very best drivers in each discipline battle it out for national honours”

Running over the same weekend in New South Wales will be the Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park on Sunday 1 November.

With the Supersprint Championship taking place in New South Wales, a number of the country’s best contestants are expected to attend, including 2018 champion Vicki Paxton who missed last year’s event.

The final two events will take place in Queensland with all eyes to be on the iconic Mount Cotton Hillclimb for the Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship on 6-8 November before the Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship runs at Willowbank Raceway the following weekend.

- Michael Smith, Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith was pleased to confirm the dates, but acknowledged border restrictions may force changes to these events.

“It is pleasing to see that we have confirmed dates for the National Speed and Auto Tests,” Smith said.

“While everything can change between now and then, we’re really happy to be able to share the current proposed dates, which should allow drivers around the country to prepare for their respective campaigns.

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Photo: Revved Photography

“I would like to thank all the clubs who took on the duty of hosting each event, all of whom have been really easy to work with in getting this over the line.

“It seems the first two weekends of November will be very busy for motorsport fans and we’re looking forward to see the very best drivers in each discipline battle it out for national honours.”

Smith said Motorsport Australia would continue to monitor the various COVID-19 restrictions in each state to determine if the events are at any risk.

Event and entry details will be announced in the lead up to each event.

2020 CALENDAR 31 October - 2 November: Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship, Symmons Plains 1 November: Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship, Sydney Motorsport Park 6-8 November: Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship, Mount Cotton 14-15 November: Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship, Willowbank Raceway

MOFFITT MARVELLOUS IN IPSWICH SPRINT More than 40 competitors have gone head-to-head at the Ipswich West Moreton Auto Club’s Dirt Sprint last month as Troy Moffitt took out a dramatic victory.

With each driver getting around four laps during five runs of the club’s special course, it turned out to be a battle of the brands as Moffitt and his Mitsubishi Evo just edged Subaru WRX driver Wayne Poulier.

The duo went into the event as two of the big names in the competition

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and they lived up to the hype surrounding their rivalry as each driver traded blows with posting the fastest lap during the event.

However it was Moffitt who eventually came away with victory after posting the best times when it mattered despite barely anything splitting the two drivers time-wise.

Remarkably, it took until the final lap of the day for Moffitt to secure victory with his final recorded lap time of 43.56 seconds enough to

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

claim a victory over Poulier with a margin of under two tenths.

Following on from his win, Moffitt was thrilled to come away with victory in what was his first outing for the year.

“It was good to be back and win my first event for the year, especially since it came back to me pretty quick having not raced in a long time,” Moffitt said.

“I put in a red-hot last lap which proved to be the difference.

Photo: Sam Woodbridge

“It was always going to be a tight battle between Wayne and I” - Troy Moffitt

Photos: Sam Woodbridge

“It was always going to be a tight battle between Wayne and I. There was a lot of back and forth between the two of us especially due to the weather being a bit difficult.

of two final laps where like Moffitt, his identical times of 45.33 seconds were enough to earn him a podium.

“It’s always close between us.

The two events we did last year, we won one each so it just goes to show how close we are.”

Wilson’s performance also saw him come away with a class victory.

Other class victors came in the form of top 10 occupants David Smith and Robert Rae, as well as Leigh Randles and Andrew Pearce.

The biggest result though came through surprise packet Ric Ganderton with the Hyundai Excel driver clinching third place from Marc Wilson and Alan Wienert, courtesy

Other notable winners were best junior driver Ethan Kilbride and fastest woman Stephanie Muston, with both drivers just ranking outside the top 20.

Click here to view the outright results.

Click here to view the class results

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Photo: Stephen Nash

LONG AWAITED MOTORKHANA SERIES UNDERWAY “Once the competitive beast within drivers returned, the quality of competition dramatically improved” - Aldo Raadik, Event Secretary

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Porsche Club New South Wales (PCNSW) has successfully completed its second event under COVID-19 regulations with 27 competitors taking part in the 2020 PCNSW Tony McKnight Motorkhana Championship’s season opener.

Taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park, the club used the same safety measures it had implemented during its night motorkhana in June, which all participants were happy to carry out with no problems.

From enforcing standard social distancing to competitors completing all required documentation before the event,

the club had no issues during its latest motorkhana running under the Motorsport Australia Return to Race document.

Competition wise, it was a close battle for top honours as Sean Buchannan and James RussellCooke each enjoyed a number of test victories, however it was Buchannan who eventually came away with the win, while Josh Ross edged out Motorkhana Event Secretary Aldo Raadik to finish inside the top three.

Following on from the event, Raadik was pleased with how the motorkhana went and was proud of all the club’s members attitude towards the regulations.

“It was great to get the 2020 Championship underway with our first round and we were blessed with beautiful weather too which was an added bonus,” Raadik said.

“Events like these are fantastic because you get to see old club friends and meet new passionate motorsport people.

Obviously it was under different circumstances as we had social distance, but it was still nice.

“We had no issues throughout the day as our competitors, a lot of whom experienced them in June, were relaxed about the protocols and maintained the effort to socially distance, sanitise and stay healthy.

“A fair few people were rusty in the beginning but once the competitive beast within them returned, the quality of competition dramatically improved.

“Congratulations to Sean, James and Josh for their great performances, while a big thanks to Sydney Motorsport Park for being so helpful throughout the event and offering masks on arrival.”

Click here to view the full results.

Photos: Stephen Nash

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 17

BRABHAM DOCUMENTARY LAUNCHES THIS MONTH Motorsport fans will be able to finally watch the highly anticipated documentary feature Brabham this month through online video steaming service, Stan.

The documentary focuses on Australian sporting icon Sir Jack Brabham’s rise to the top of the Formula 1 world behind the wheel of his own car, creating an incredible legacy which his son David tried to overcome.

Featuring interviews with a long list of motorsport royalty such as Sir Jackie Stewart, Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Bernie Ecclestone, Ron Dennis, Mark Webber, David Brabham and the surviving members of Sir Jack’ s 1966 Championship winning team, Brabham gives motorsport fans an exclusive insight into the man behind the legend.

Director and co-writer, Ákos Armont, believed the film showcased a number of different aspects of Brabham’s life and how he was more than just a good driver with ambition.

“It is an unflinching personal account of the tenacity and engineering prowess it took to turn, what was considered a fanciful dream, into reality.

“Our aim has been to deliver an insightful examination, warts and all, of how Sir Jack managed to defy the odds and emerge as one of the great innovators of his generation and one of the most celebrated Formula One drivers in history.”

The film takes audiences through the depression era of Australia, into London’s swinging 60s and into the 'deadly 70s' where speed had no limits.

In what is a thrilling tale of conflict and determination, the film depicts a number of symbolic themes such as fraught relationships between fathers and sons, the cost of fame and how the media can create sporting mythologies.

Brabham will premiere on Stan exclusively on Friday 7 August.

“The story of Jack Brabham is not simply a tale about what it takes to get to the top of the game, in this case motor racing,” Armont said.

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Click here to watch the trailer.

“It's an unflinching personal account of the tenacity and engineering prowess it took to dream into reality” - Ákos Armont, Director and co-writer

GRICE AND JANSON COMMODORES CONFIRMED FOR BATHURST REVIVAL Two iconic Bathurst 1000 Commodores will return to the famous Mount Panorama circuit this November for the inaugural Bathurst International.

Confirmed to take part in the Holden Bathurst Revival will be Allan Grice’s Craven Mild Commodore VC and the Peter Janson Cadbury Schweppes VH. The two early model Commodores join a growing list of Holden race car variants, from the first ever Holden model, the 48-215, through to Group A Commodores and modern Supercars.

The Grice Holden, now owned and driven by Gary Chick, is the oldest Group C Commodore in existence.

The car remains in its original condition, dressed in the colours that Grice and John Smith raced it in the 1980 Bathurst 1000.

“It’s 40 years since its first Bathurst, so I have done everything I can do make sure we are there for the event,” Chick said.

“An event like this allows me to have a run and get the car involved and have some fun. You don’t get many opportunities to do this sort of thing around Bathurst.”

Joining Chick in the Group C Commodore brigade will be Jamie Hodgson, who is set for a double dose of Holden power at the Bathurst International.

The Newcastle-based driver will drive the Peter Janson and Larry

“You don’t get many opportunities to do this sort of thing around Bathurst” - Gary Chick

Perkins VH Commodore, the very vehicle that finished second in the 1980 Bathurst 1000.

To add to his weekend duties, Hodgson will team up with Graham Miller in their VE GTS Commodore for their fifth attempt at the 6 Hour production car race. The pair are hoping to improve on their best result dual third places in Class A2.

“Jumping between the two cars will be interesting – a modern production car compared to an older Group C Commodore. I’m looking forward to it,” Hodgson said.

“The Group C has massive tyres, massive grip, where the production car’s tyres will be a challenge. Horsepower wise, they are about the same.

“I’ve owned the VH Commodore since 1985. It still has the original paint. It’s going to be great to get the Group C car there, with all of its history and see how it handles the track.”

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Eligibility for the Holden Bathurst Revival extends to Holdens from almost every circuit racing category, including grass roots categories Group N and Improved Production/Club Cars, and series no longer contested such as V8 Utes, Commodore Cup and Future Tourers.

The Bathurst International will be held on 12-15 November and will include live and free coverage on Saturday and Sunday through the Seven network.

Click here for information about the Holden Bathurst Revival

Ron Tauranac, inductee to the Motorsport Australia Hall of Fame

Duncan Bain (L) Neil Crang (R) 1987 Le Mans Tiga GC287

FAREWELL RON AND NEIL In July, Motorsport Australia was saddened to learn of the passing of Motorsport Australia Hall of Fame member, Ron Tauranac and former international driver, Neil Crang.

Ron made a name for himself as a motorsport designer and engineer, which started when he and brother Austin were building race cars under the name ‘Ralt’ in the early 1950s.

Ron and Austin were regulars in the New South Wales hill climb scene and it was there where Ron met Jack Brabham and the pair formed a strong friendship.

Ron then played a small role in assisting Brabham develop his 1960 Formula 1 World Championship winning Cooper T53, with the duo soon joining up in the UK to create Motor Racing Developments.

Over the next few years, the business expanded and developed a range of successful open-wheel vehicles, before Brabham was once again Formula 1 champion in 1966, only this time, Ron designed his championship-winning car.

The following year, New Zealander Denny Hulme enlisted the services of Ron and the company and he too became the Formula 1 world champion - the only New Zealander to do so to this day.

Remarkably, the team also won the constructors’ championship, further enhancing the reputation of Ron, Brabham and Motor Racing Developments.

Over the years, Ron also had a number of stints with big Formula 1 teams which included Honda, Arrows Formula 1 team, Trojan and Frank Williams.

Ron’s legacy to the sport didn’t just end at the Formula 1 level, as he also designed the RT1, a car which would be represented in Formula 3, Formula Atlantic and Formula 2 competition Awarded the Order of Australia in 2002, Ron was inducted into the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame in 2017 for his work as a designer and engineer.

Ron Tauranac is survived by his two daughters, Jann and Julie.

As for Neil, he made his name in sports cars, having contested in some of the biggest events around the world and against some of the most famous names in racing.

A majority of Neil’s career highlights came in the 1980s where he contested in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for five consecutive years, as well as picking up podiums in the 1982 MCD British Formula Atlantic Championship and the 1983 Formula Atlantic BRSCC. However his most notable result came in 1985 where he won the Oulton Park International Gold Cup alongside Tim Lee-Davey.

One of the most prestigious prizes in world motorsport, the Cup ran between 1954 and 2004 and saw some of the biggest names in the sport’s history win it, including Brabham and British legends Stirling Moss, Jim Clark and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Neil is survived by his wife Dianne and children Charles, Malcolm, Olivia and Samantha.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 21

“LAWYERS, PASTA, KANGAROOS AND MOTORSPORT” Morris Finance had the opportunity to catch up with the CEO of Motorsport Australia, Eugene Arocca.

Eugene spoke about his journey both personally and business wise, not to mention his thoughts on the changing face of motorsport globally.

Morris Finance: Tell us about your professional career and how you became the Chief Executive Officer.

“Every sporting body is fighting for survival and trying to ensure they not only survive but also come out the other end much stronger”

Eugene Arocca: After graduating in jurisprudence and law at Monash University I began my career as a lawyer at Maurice Blackburn. I spent 23 years in commercial and personal litigation and as a partner l was involved in a number of large class actions representing many thousands of people along with some unusual claims. One of the most notable cases was the suing of Dame Edna Everage for throwing a gladioli into the eye of a fan at one of her concerts.

In late 2012 given my background and experience in Sports Administration, I was approached by a personnel agency to apply for the role of Chief Executive Officer at the Confederation of Australian Motorsport, now, Motorsport Australia. Leadership and stability were required as CAMS had seen five CEOs depart the organisation over the prior decade.

- Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia CEO

MF: As CEO throughout the past eight years, what do you consider to be your biggest wins, achievements, challenges, and priorities?

EA: Without a doubt, the increase in membership of 40% over a five year period is right up there amongst our finest, achieved in a simple but structured manner of regular renewal reminders, improved communication channels, a substantial increase in sponsors, such as Morris Finance and establishing a merchandise shop.

Other notable achievements include the relocation to a state-of-theart modern head office in 2019, the successful changing of our name from CAMS to Motorsport Australia – a significant branding exercise that has reaped immediate benefits – particularly with our sponsors, media, and members alike, and improved relationships with

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Photo: Jonah Pang

everyone from government to our key stakeholders, Supercars, and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to name a couple.

MF: What’s your take on the effect of COVID-19 on Motorsport Australia and the industry?

EA: Dramatic to say the least, as events drive our industry and we have more than 1,500 motorsport events per annum scheduled, as well as sanctioning many nonmotorsport auto activities such as ‘show and shines’. From late March to early June motorsport essentially stopped. June saw the sport kick back into gear with the hosting of approximately 20 or so events in the first weekend of July.

If you recall, it was the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix on March 13th that essentially signalled the arrival of COVID-19. The impact on Supercars and all motorsport, right down to grassroots has been significant, to say the least.

Every sporting body is fighting for survival and trying to ensure they not only survive but also come out the other end a much stronger organisation.

Click here to read the full interview.

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Q&A Established in 1979, the Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW) covered all of New South Wales and regions in Queensland but soon became big enough to have its own club based in New South Wales, with 250 members now forming part of it.

Speed Read caught up with Club President Michelle Murphy to discuss the club.

Photo: Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW)

Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW)

Speed Read: What makes the club unique?

SR: What are the criteria for membership to the club?

Michelle Murphy: Our club encourages social interaction, with both couples and families being core to the membership. Friendliness and support are present at a large number of weekends away and at activities outside of cars.

MM: AMOC (NSW) provides an opportunity to enjoy the company of others who appreciate the special qualities of Aston Martin and Lagonda motor vehicles.

While we are linked by our love of the marque, we focus on a broad mix of activities to appeal to social engagement beyond purely driving and racing, which remain of key importance. The latter being important to a small committed group within the club.

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If someone is either an owner, past or present, or an enthusiast, the club is a great place to share their passion for these wonderful cars. The club has a proud heritage dating back to the UK in 1935 and it began in NSW in 1979. It is one of the oldest one-make motoring clubs and one of the largest with world-wide membership of over 6,500 members.

Photo: Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW)

“During Christmas last year, we raised more than $11,000 for the bushfire relief, which was a tremendous effort from our members�

- Michelle Murphy, Aston Martin Owners Club (NSW) President

SR: What is a highlight for the club over the past 12 months?

members as well as act as a conduit to the global Aston Martin Owners Club.

means almost all members are on a first name basis at club events.

MM: Outside of our club doing a broad scope of social activities, drive days, weekends away and motorsport events, a number of the club members also attended overseas events representing AMOC NSW.

The combined Australian clubs host a nationals event biennially, which the Victorian branch of the club was locked in to host, however it has been delayed to 2021. NSW had already started preparing for the 2022 event, which will now move to 2023.

SR: Are there any particular stories about individuals, moments or achievements that your club has that you would like to share?

We also do lot of charity fundraising and during Christmas last year, we raised more than $11,000 for the bushfire relief, which was a tremendous effort from our members.

SR: What is the club currently working on achieving?

MM: We are working on expanding awareness of our brand to a new generation of owners. All new buyers of an Aston Martin in NSW are provided one free year of membership to the club by the dealer principle.

The club committee is focused on providing a variety of social and motorsport opportunities to engage

SR: What does it mean for the club to be affiliated with Motorsport Australia?

MM: It is critical to provide guidelines on events, including drive days as well as scheduled motorsport events. It is important to support insurance related to club events.

SR: Is there anything else you would like to add about your club?

MM: The rarity of Aston Martins creates its own limitations to the club size.

As indicated, we believe this fosters greater personal understanding of other members interests and

MM: We are proud of our fundraising efforts and the unique contributions members make. One that sticks out to me was when a group of members drove a series of older cars from Sydney to Perth in preparation for the last nationals, picking up like minded enthusiasts with old cars along the way.

Click here for more information on the club.

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NEW CLUB MERCH PROGRAM LAUNCHED

Motorsport Australia is proud to announce a new collaboration with S-Trend Sportswear that will see affiliated car clubs able to order merchandise and set up their own online stores.

The Club Merch Program has been introduced with Motorsport Australia’s Official Apparel Partner to offer highquality merchandise and online store solutions to sporting and enthusiast clubs around the country.

If you are a Motorsport Australia affiliated car club and are looking at new merchandise or uniform for your club, learn more about the Club Merch Program here:

motorsportaustraliaestore. s-trend.com.au/pages/clubs

HOW IT WORKS Design S-Trend Sportswear will work with you on uncovering the ‘heartbeat of your club’ and leverage your club’s understanding to build a completely custom apparel range.

Order Your club’s merchandise will be made available for order online and delivered to your club or individual members in four weeks. Clubs can also choose to place bulk wholesale merchandise orders for delivery to the club or events.

EXAMPLES

The Marque Sports Car Association have worked with S-Trend Sportswear on creating a custom merchandise range for their members.

MSCA members are able to purchase their new merchandise range online.

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

H I G H

P E R F O R M A N C E

C U S T O M

A P P A R E L

Sw i s s te s te d te c h n i c a l u n i fo r m s a n d m e rc h a n d i se e n g i n e e re d fo r b re a t h a b i l i t y, d u ra b i l i t y a n d c o m fo r t .

S p ecialist s in uniforms for corporates, car clubs, racing teams and e-sp o rts.

We supply a wide rang e of certified apparel including: -

Polos Light w e ight/all weather jackets Pa n ts/sho rts Ho o dies/m id layer top s Merchandise and accessories

s-trend.co m.au / 03 9077 26 38 S.Tre nd . Sp o rtswea r

s tren d_sp or t sw e ar

NEW DATES FOR 2020 ARC ANNOUNCED The RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship will be contested across two events in October and November, Motorsport Australia has announced.

The AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally will remain on the calendar in its original scheduled date of 16-18 October, while the season opener in Canberra, the Netier National Capital Rally will move to the 27-29 November weekend, which was originally listed as a NSW TBC event in previous calendar announcements.

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The Netier National Capital Rally will now also be a two-day event, as opposed to the one day event initially planned for 2020.

Regretfully, Rally Tasmania organisers have elected to cancel this year’s event, with the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 forcing organisers’ hands.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith said the ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions had resulted in a reshuffle of the calendar.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“We would have loved to have opened our season in September, however given the nature of various border closures and the rise in COVID-19 cases, it would have been highly unlikely the September event would have been possible,” Smith explained.

“We have decided that two events is a realistic target for the Championship this year and while we would have liked more, 2020 is certainly a year like no other that nobody could have predicted.

Photos: Wishart Media

“We have decided that two events is a realistic target for the Championship.

2020 is certainly a year like no other that nobody could have predicted.”

- Michael Smith, Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations

“There is still more to be announced about these events their make-up, and all options are on the table, including multiple ‘rounds’ of the Championship to take place at each event.

“Unfortunately for Tasmania, the event had to be cancelled for this year, but it will be back in 2021, with the full support of the Tasmanian Government who have been very understanding of the challenges faced for this year.

“I’d like to also thank all of our event organisers and competitors for their support and flexibility – and of course also thank our sponsors, RSEA Safety and Hoosier for their understanding and ongoing support.”

More details about the 2020 Championship will be made available on rally.com.au in the coming weeks and months.

2020 RSEA SAFETY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Round 1: AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally, South Australia - 16-18 October Round 2: Netier National Capital Rally ACT - 27-29 November

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Photo: EDGE Photographics

TH

NEW FACES SHINE IN SYDNEY SUPERSPRINT II The Virgin Australia Supercars Championship returned to Sydney Motorsport Park for the second time in as many months in July.

While the three race format stayed the same, the three most notable differences between events were Saturday’s race taking place under the impressive new lights, the Dunlop Super2 and Super3 series returning, and a small number of spectators being allowed to attend.

Just as it had done in June, the tyre and race strategy played a major role across the three races as a number of fresh faces enjoyed time in the spotlight, including Jack Le Brocq who won his first ever Supercars race in the weekend’s final outing.

Less than 24 hours earlier, it was a number of familiar faces vying for top spot during the entertaining night spectacle as championship leader Scott McLaughlin ultimately

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claimed victory over Lee Holdsworth and Anton De Pasquale.

In Sunday’s first race, it was a case of déjà vu as Brad Jones Racing’s Nick Percat once again won the weekend’s middle race after enjoying a tight tussle with Fabian Coulthard, while McLaughlin battled hard against a number of other drivers to seal a valuable podium.

Leading a very different looking podium in the final race, both Le Brocq

RACE 10 1. Scott McLaughlin 2. Lee Holdsworth 3. Anton De Pasquale 4. Shane van Gisbergen 5. Jamie Whincup

RACE 11 1. Nick Percat 2. Fabian Coulthard 3. Scott McLaughlin 4. James Courtney

“These guys at Shell V-Power Racing have been working so hard to get these pit stops right, and every time I come in, they’re mint” - Scott McLaughlin

CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10 1. Scott McLaughlin (802 pts) 2. Jamie Whincup (695) 3. Chaz Mostert (610) 4. Nick Percat (569) 5. Cameron Waters (569) 6. David Reynolds (562) 7. Shane van Gisbergen (539) 8. Lee Holdsworth (535) 9. Mark Winterbottom (514) 10. Andre Heimgartner (456)

5. Chaz Mostert

3. Todd Hazelwood

“The last five laps I was in trouble and was just holding on.

Andre kept us honest there.”

4. David Reynolds

- Jack Le Brocq

RACE 12 1. Jack Le Brocq 2. Andre Heimgartner

5. Scott Pye

and polesitter Andre Heimgartner fought for their maiden Supercars win in a fight that went all the way to the end. Eventually the honour of being the 71st official race winner eventually went to the Tickford Racing driver.

There was another first timer on the race's podium, as South Australian Todd Hazelwood claimed his best career result with third place after overtaking David Reynolds on the final lap.

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CONTACT US The Motorsport Australia member hotline is open from 9am to 5pm AEST So for all your motorsport needs call the Motorsport Australia Hotline or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au

l Hit up Motorsport Australia on social media for photos from events, news, videos and other great motorsport content.

SEND US YOUR STORIES! If you have a motorsport story which you think should be told, get in touch with us and it could appear in Speed Read.

If you have pictures or videos of motorsport you would like to share with us, we encourage you to do so. They could appear on our website, social media platforms or in Speed Read.

Please email communications@motorsport.org.au We look forward to hearing from you!

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THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE AUSTRALIAN SPORT COMMISSION RECOGNISES MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA TO DEVELOP MOTORSPORT IN AUSTRALIA