Motorsport Australia Speed Read - August 2021

SPEED READ A U G U S T

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RICCIARDO'S RACERS TOUR OF TASSIE Tasmania hosted a double header of Ricciardo’s Racers in July with the events held at Symmons Plains and Baskerville Raceway over one weekend.

ULTIMATE PRIZE INCLUDES RARE VISIT TO RACE CONTROL A tour of Motorsport Australia Race Control at the Bathurst 1000 in October is part of the Ultimate Motorsport Prize up for grabs.

AUGUST UPCOMING STATE EVENTS

PATHWAY FORGED FOR ASPIRING OFFICIALS

Check out the upcoming club and state events happening all around the country in August.

Motorsport Australia has updated its officials pathway, simplifying the opportunities for promotion through the ranks.

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CONTENTS 4

What's on in August?

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TARGA to start season in the sun

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Counterfeit harnesses and driver suit warning

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Girls On Track inspires Tasmanian teenagers

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FIA support for more women in motorsport

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Ricciardo’s Racers heading South to North

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FIA call for seat safety awareness

18

Mahon quickest in SCCSA Trophy run

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German flavour for Sandown

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Rainbow ready for AORC

24

Australian Grand Prix and WRC update

26

Pathway forged for aspiring officials

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South Australian course enjoys Silver status

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Vic Officials continue rise in development

30

Seven rally rounds for 2022

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Motorsport Games preparations continue

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WRC drive on the cards for APRC winner

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Supercars treat fans to Townsville double

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Supercars releases revamped 2021 calendar

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Rare visit to race control just one experience in Ultimate Prize

40

Huge fortnight of motorsport at The Bend

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Vale Andrew Stachewicz

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COVER PHOTO

Around 44 young Australians aged between 12-17 took part in the two Ricciardo's Racers Tasmanian events at Baskerville and Symmons Plains.

Photo: Angryman Photography

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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WHAT'S ON IN

AUGUST?

Events in many states may be postponed or cancelled due the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Please refer to government restrictions in your area and Motorsport Australia's Return To Race guidelines: motorsport.org.au/COVID19

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

7-8 August: MG Motor Ringwood Hillclimb 8 August: Motorkhana #4 13-14 August: [ACT] Horizon Apartments Narooma Forest Rally 14 August: Morgan Supersprint R5 CSCA Series 2021 14-15 August: Shannons Sydney Classic 14-15 August: R3 Tri Series 15 August: MGCCN MK4 Dirt Motorkhana 20-22 August: Sydney SuperNight 21-22 August: Rylstone Classic 22 August: HSVFEST 2021 28 August: LBMCCC Championship R3 28 August: Colo Park Challenge 28 August: Rockstar Rallysprint

Photo: Brindabella Motor Sport Club ACT: Horizon Apartments Narooma Forest Rally. 13-14 August Multiple series form part of one of the biggest events on the Brindabella Motor Sport Club rally calendar as crews tackle 112 competitive kilometres across six challenging stages in the forests of Narooma.

QUEENSLAND

14-15 August: Markwell Demolitions 216 14-16 August: Cheapa Auto Spares 2021 Sprint R5 15 August: FNQ R7 Bitumen Khanacross 15 August: HSCCQ Multi Event 15 August: TCAC R3 Motorkhana Series 15 August: Autocross R4 21-22 August: 2021 Historic Leyburn Sprints

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

6 August: Gotcha Glass Wynarka Enduro 8 August: [NT] CARS Motorkhana 14 August: 2021 Copyworld Walky 100 14 August: SCCSA 2021 Come & Try 2 Hillclimb 15 August: SCCSA 2021 Collingrove Challenge Trophy 4 15 August: EPAC Khanacross and Come and Try R4 15 August: Superkart Race Meeting Mallala 200 Regularity

Photo: Trapnell Creations QLD: 2021 Historic Leyburn Sprints, 21-22 August A field of 219 competitors are confirmed for the 25th running of the event celebrating Leyburn’s hosting of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix. With non-stop racing and Australian motorsport icons in attendance, there is plenty of scheduled for what should be an entertaining weekend.

Photo: Wayne Hough SA: SCCSA 2021 Collingrove Challenge Trophy 4, 15 August After a epic round in July, the Sporting Car Club of SA's Collingrove Challenge continues this month. Can David Mahon win again? Or will some of the other contenders break his impressive run in the competition.

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

TASMANIA

7 August: St Helens Screamer 7 August: Multi-Club Motorkhana 8 August: August 2021 Club Day 14 August: Dunlop Cup Rallysprint 21 August: Lufra to Lookout Regularity Hillclimb 22 August: 2021 Time Attack Tasmania - presented by Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village

VICTORIA

6 August: Winton Festival of Speed 7-8 August: 2021 Trydel EZIUP&GO Victorian Hillclimb Championship R5 7-8 August: 21OST 8 John Pryce Trial 7-8 August: Group 5 / VMC Motorkhana 7-8 August: Gippsland Rally 7-8 August: August Access 14 August: Madcc R5 15 August: MSCA Super Sprint 15 August: Multiclub Khanacross 15 August: Kyneton Car Club August 15th Autocross R6 15 August: VSCC Rob Roy Hillclimb 2021 15 August: Avalon Group 5 VKS Khanacross 21 August: Eastside Cruisers Skid Pan Day 21 August: AROCA Phillip Island Sprints 21 August: HSVFEST Show and Shine 22 August: DSCC Autocross & Khanacross R7 22 August: Phillip Island Winter Sprint 28 August: Impreza WRX Club R4 Motorsport

WESTERN AUSTRALIA 8 August: Autocross R4 14 August: Infinite Time Attack 14-15 August: 2021 Cochranes Transport Mid-West Challenge 14-15 August: Ventkhana 2021 15 August: Bormsa Autocross 21-22 August: The Tyre Place Track Attack Race & Regularity/Time Challenge Meeting

Photo: Tasmanian Off Road Car Club

TAS: 2021 St Helens Screamer, 7 August There isn't many off road locations as St Helens Beach and once again, the soft sand and beautiful ocean view will provide the backdrop for the popular state championship round.

Photo: Revved Photography

VIC: August Access, 7-8 August The Phillip Island Auto Racing Club will once again host more than 100 competitors across a number of state's circuit categories for the annual August Access.

Photo: Wanneroo Raceway WA: Infinite Time Attack, 14 August With the event reach capacity in just 36 hours, to say competitors are excited to run in the August Infinite Time Attack is an understatement. Fast cars vying for the fastest lap will once again make this event an entertaining spectacle.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 5

TARGA TO START SEASON IN THE SUN The Motorsport Australia TARGA Championship season officially gets underway next month with the fourth edition of TARGA Great Barrier Reef.

This year’s running of the Championship’s newest event is the second time it will host the season opener after COVID-19 forced the re-scheduling of the 2020 motorsport calendar.

Taking place along the picturesque region of North Queensland, crews will contest four days of non-stop action over 19 challenging stages, which features a

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mixture of fan and competitor favourites and the addition of some new stages.

Some of the returning signature stages include the Kuranda Range and two runs at the popular Gillies Range while the two new additions will act as TARGA Super Stages.

The first of the two Super Stages will kick off the event at the Cairns Showgrounds on the Thursday before the second wraps up the event around the streets of Innisfail on the Sunday.

Photo: Angryman Photography

Fans will be able to attend both special stages with tickets to the Cairns Showgrounds Super Stage available from the start of the month.

More than 100 competitive entries spread across the 10 classes have already been confirmed for the championship round, as have around 50 individual participants in the special TARGA Tour groups.

While the majority of crews already registered come from Queensland, there are a few high-profile names from interstate who will be looking to start the season off on a high.

Headlining the entry list is six-time TARGA Tasmania winners Jason and John White, with the 2016 Dodge Viper ACR Extreme pilots looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing retirement from TARGA Tasmania earlier this year.

Photos: Angryman Photography

Other notable names to lock in their place for the Queensland round include RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship star Luke Anear and 2021 TARGA Tasmania runner-up Angus Kennard – both of who will be coming up from New South Wales.

The first round of the 2021/2021 Motorsport Australia TARGA Championship, TARGA Great Barrier Reef, takes place around North Queensland on 3-5 September.

Click here to enter TARGA Great Barrier Reef.

TARGA NEEDS YOU Event organisers are on the lookout for volunteers to take on different officials' roles during the rally, ranging from single day road closure officials through to team officials required for the entirety of the event.

There are many benefits to being part of the event, with the TARGA community regarded as one of the most closely knit in Australia as lifelong friendships and support are often an outcome of being involved.

For passionate Motorsport Australia members and officials looking to be part of the special event, vitit the TARGA website to sign up, or contact mackensie@targa.com.au for more information.

Click here to sign up as a TARGA Official online.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7

COUNTERFEIT HARNESSES AND DRIVER SUIT WARNING More counterfeit SFI labels are currently being sold through online markets.

Harnesses sold by Slapco and Sickspeed, as well as driver suits manufactured by STANJ International do not meet applicable SFI specifications and pose serious risks to anyone who has purchased these products.

Both Slapco and Sickspeed harnesses have not been submitted for testing

by SFI, and Sickspeed is not enrolled in any SFI program, while STANJ International driver suits are falsely represented as certified to SFI Specification 3.2A, despite counterfeit labels suggesting otherwise.

Motorsport Australia members must note that as these products are not certified, endorsed, or approved by SFI and that no competitor using these products will be able to take part in Motorsport Australia sanctioned events.

There are multiple telltale signs members can see to determine if they have purchased counterfeit products, as most genuine SFI conformance labels contain hidden security features and slightly different fonts and materials.

Retailers and other entities looking for suppliers to market products certified by their manufacturers to SFI specifications under private label agreements can check the list of participating manufacturers.

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This isn’t the first time this year that fabricated products have appeared with counterfeit RASTuning Parts harnesses having been found available for purchase last month.

Using counterfeit products puts competitors at risk of severe injury or death.

For further information, please refer to the SFI website here.

Photo: SFI Foundation

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Photo: Angryman Photography

GIRLS ON TRACK INSPIRES TASMANIAN TEENAGERS The FIA Girls On Track program continued its 2021 season early last month with Tasmania hosting the latest event at Riverside High School.

More than 60 girls from Riverside High School, Rosny High School, Clarence High School, Penguin District School and Prospect High School took part in the day that saw them participate in a number of motorsport related activities.

From the pit stop and simulator challenges to the STEM/Lego workshop and fitness and reaction, there were plenty of engaging activations that gave the teenagers an insight into motorsport.

The event also welcomed a number of high-profile names to help run the activities, most notably Repco Supercars Championship race winner Andre Heimgartner and Girls on Track ambassador Nadine Armstrong, who hosted the event.

Joining the duo was Tasmanian hill climb star Casey Price, Australian Karting Champion Lachlan Dalton and karting young gun Tabitha Ambrose, while engineering student Karina Vasudevan ran the STEM workshop.

Another guest to attend the event was Electorate Officer from the Office of the Hon Sarah Courtney MP, Lisa

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Patterson, who thoroughly enjoyed the day and praised its objectives.

“This (program) is fantastic. Such a great opportunity for young girls in schools and gives them a great insight into what it is like in the motorsport industry,” Patterson said.

“When I went through the system, we definitely didn’t have anything like this.

Even just being here I have learnt a lot.

“I didn’t first understand what the program entailed and what opportunities it opened up for young girls within Tasmania as well, so I think it’s fantastic that it has been bought to our schools.

Photos: Angryman Photography

“Such a great opportunity for girls and gives them a great insight into what it's like in the motorsport industry” - Lisa Patterson, Electorate Officer from the Office of the Hon Sarah Courtney MP

“Hopefully the girls get some inspiration to take their careers further outside the schooling system and they get a passion and some direction for where they would like to be post their education.”

One of the day’s participants was Riverside High School student, Tara Stewart, who enjoyed every minute of the program and what it represented.

“I think it’s a really great experience, I have never seen anything like it before,” Stewart said.

“Especially coming to Tasmania where I can see everyone is really enjoying it. To see other women in the STEM field is also really inspiring.

“I think it’s really important just seeing someone, it gives you an opportunity to really aspire to something, as well inspire girls to pursue a STEM field in the future.”

The FIA Girls on Track heads to Victoria at Monash University on Saturday 21 August. Later in the month, the program hits Queensland for two events at Norwell Motorplex and Triple 8 Race Engineering Workshop on 30-31 August.

Click here for more information on Girls On Track, or to register for an event.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 11

FIA SUPPORT FOR MORE WOMEN IN MOTORSPORT The FIA Women in Motorsport Commission has released a booklet outlining the opportunities that exist for women in officiating roles.

The 55-page document looks at the many ways women can join motorsport as an official and progress through the ranks in any discipline and area.

From dissecting all the different roles to highlighting the different skills required to excel in the sport, the booklet also

gives information as to how interested individuals can become an official.

A number of women are also profiled throughout, discussing their roles in the sport and their journey within motorsport.

Included in the many profiles from women around the globe is Australian Malissa Tweedie (pictured middle in top right image) who has volunteered in communications and as a flag marshal.

The Northern Territory based official has been involved in the sport for decades, with her first role in 2000 as a crowd control marshal at Bathurst.

In the profile she discusses her and her family’s passion for the sport.

Click to view the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission’s Officials booklet.

Photos: FIA Women in Motorsport Commission

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RICCIARDO’S RACERS HEADING SOUTH TO NORTH

Tasmania hosted a double header of Ricciardo’s Racers in July with the events held at Symmons Plains and Baskerville Raceway over one weekend.

Around 44 young Australians aged between 12-17 took part in the two events, each made up of two sessions with 17 attending Baskerville and a further 27 at Symmons Plains.

Under the guidance of experienced driving instructors in Andre Heimgartner,

Photo: Angryman Photography

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Lachlan Dalton and Brodie Maher, the sessions helped the participants build confidence and technical skills behind the wheel.

Each session took them through a range of skills, including braking and manoeuvring through a slalom course, before participants were able to contest a mini-motorkhana competition using the Motorsport Australia Ford Mustang.

The four sessions then concluded with the main highlight of the event - a one-on-one drive in the Mustang with Heimgartner or Dalton, both of whom are experienced campaigners in a race car.

The program now turns to Queensland for the first time this year with up to 64 participants to enjoy back-to-back sessions at Norwell Motorplex on 28-29 August.

Photo: Angryman Photography

“Ricciardo’s Racers is so much fun. The Ford Mustang provided is such a beast. There was great feedback from the instructors too, which helped a lot. I am definitely coming back and really recommend it” - Justice Walter Sofronoff

Locked in to run the Queensland sessions will be Supercars Championship star Andre Heimgartner, Super3 driver Madeline Stewart and Karting graduate Lachlan Dalton.

Visiting every state around the country, Ricciardo’s Racers is a fun and engaging development program, teaching participants how to drive for motorsport in a safe environment and enabling them to gain the required skills needed to eventually enter club events.

Interested participants can register their place or find more information on the program here.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 15

FIA CALL FOR SEAT SAFETY AWARENESS Motorsport Australia is encouraging drivers to make sure they are positioned correctly in their seat when competing.

The call out comes off the back of the FIA’s recent push for safety amongst drivers and co-drivers who race in GT and touring cars, rally, rallycross and cross country categories.

Motorsport Australia and the FIA have reaffirmed that seat position plays a key role in preventing injuries in the event of a serious accident.

To ensure that seats provide the most strength and support, competitors should follow the best practice for installation of seats homologated to FIA Standards.

in relation to the seat head support.

If a driver’s helmet sits too high in relation to the seat, the seat may not provide lateral and rear head support to the helmet in the event of a crash.

FIA Safety Director Adam Baker believed it was extremely important for drivers to be aware of their seating positions.

“Real-world accident cases highlight the importance of competitor installation in the cockpit for the prevention of serious injury,” Baker explained.

“We are encouraging drivers and co-drivers worldwide to follow these steps to ensure the correct seating position.”

When installing a seat, the position of the helmet must also be considered

THE THREE STEPS FOR CORRECT SEAT INSTALLATION 1. Eye line must be below the top edge of the side head support, and above the bottom edge of the side head support 2. Shoulders must fit within the side shoulder support of the seat 3. Pelvis must be adequately supported by the side pelvis support For a seat to be deemed fully functional and safe, the individual’s pelvis, shoulders, and head must all be supported comfortably.

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Photo: Wayne Hough

MAHON QUICKEST IN SCCSA TROPHY RUN The Sporting Car Club of South Australia (SCCSA) held the latest round of the Collingrove Challenge in July with more than 70 competitors taking part in the event.

With each competitor getting up to nine attempts on the popular course, David Mahon needed just four to charge to a comfortable victory.

Enjoying a highly successful hill climb campaign in 2021, Mahon proved just too strong for the rest of the competition, joining in on the third official run of the day and posting his fastest time on the fifth run.

Behind the wheel of a Dallara Hayabusa F394, Mahon’s first time 18

was enough to take the outright lead before his second run of 30.55 seconds was unbeaten for the rest of the day.

next six drivers – the last spot of the podium eventually going to Gavin Farley in the Mitsubishi Evolution 7.

Then on his third attempt, Mahon sealed the deal with a 29.82 second run to become the only driver to go under 30 seconds and secure yet another win for the year.

Nissan Skyline GTR driver Nathan Green's final run saw him finish just four hundredths slower than Farley’s 34.39 and Damien Brand took his Subaru WRX STI Type R to fifth place, just slightly over one tenth behind Green.

In second place and in a class of his own was David Whiteside, who steered his Cheap B.O.S.S, to an amicable time of 32.46 and almost two seconds faster than the next best placed driver.

While first and second were comfortably taken by Mahon and Whiteside, the battle for third saw just half a second separating the

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Just four hundredths ended up being the difference in the fight for sixth place as Alexander Wilson edged out Roy Michie and Brenton Byfield, while Paul Keen and David Coombe rounded out the top 10 with seven hundredths the buffer between those two.

Photos: Wayne Hough

Event organiser Melissa Rees was pleased with how the event panned out for competitors.

“A big thanks also to all competitors and officials who despite the conditions looking ominous, braved the journey to Collingrove,” Rees said.

“The day started off very cold and slippery in the morning which made it very interesting, but soon enough, the skies cleared and we got to see some great action.

“Obviously David was on another level and we have come to expect that as of late, however that contest for third place was fantastic to watch and to have very little separating six to seven drivers shows how close the competition is – it’s fantastic.

“We also had around eight competitors from the South Eastern Automobile Club joining us, some of whom attended Collingrove for the first time, so a special thank you to them for coming and competing.

“It was just a really enjoyable day and perfect preparation for the Motorsport Australia SCCSA 2021 State Hill Climb Championship coming up in September.”

The next round of the Collingrove Challenge Trophy will be on 15 August, while the state hill climb championship takes place on 10-12 September.

THE TOP 10 1.

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David Mahon - 29.82 seconds David Whiteside - 32.46 Gavin Farley - 34.39 Nathan Green - 34.43 Damien Brand - 34.56 Alexander Wilson - 34.74 Roy Michie - 34.75 Brenton Byfield - 34.78 Paul Keen - 34.92 David Coombe - 34.99

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 19

Photos: BMW Drivers Club of Melbourne

GERMAN FLAVOUR FOR SANDOWN After five successful years of running the popular German Auto Show, the VW Club of Victoria has handed the reins to the BMW Drivers Club of Melbourne.

First running in 2015 with just 30 cars on display at the Deaf Children’s Society in St Kilda, the event significantly grew in both display cars and crowd attendance over the years - reaching a peak participation of more than 350 cars in 2019.

Now with the popular car display outgrowing its designated space at the Deaf Children’s Society, the club was looking for a way to host the event and sought the BMW Drivers Club of Melbourne for assistance in finding a location suitable for this ever-growing event.

With the officials at the BMW club having a good relationship with Sandown Raceway thanks to many events they have run there, the German Auto Show found a new home for 2021 with a different host.

Already more than 300 cars will be on display at Red Hill on the last weekend in August, along with a variety of trade stands, food stalls and other activations for families to enjoy.

BMW Drivers Club of Melbourne President Graeme Bell was looking

forward to running the event this year and had high expectations.

“If it’s anything like previous years then we are in for a really good event,” Bell said.

“The show started off pretty small.

There were just 50 cars in the first

“If it’s anything like previous years then we're in for a really good event” - Graeme Bell, BMW Drivers Club of Melbourne President

year, so to see it grow into what it has is just fantastic. I think being able to barely move at the traffic jams created were the main inspirations behind looking for a new home.

“The VW Club of Victoria have done a great job in running the previous five editions, but they just needed some help this year and we were in a position to be able to help them due to our relationship with Sandown.

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“It’s great to see how many cars have already entered, as well as all the trade shows too. Shannons has also jumped on board and will be running a stand there so it’s great to all the support coming through so far.

“Adding to the day will be the fact that there is a track day taking place at the same time so people will also be able to watch cars go around the famous track which is awesome.

We’re hoping for a really nice day.”

The display is not just open to cars - any vehicles with a German manufacturer are able to attend.

Trophies for multiple awards will also be presented such as the Best Club Display and the People’s Choice award.

Entry fees for the event cost $10 via online and $20 at the gate, while it’s a gold donation for people attending the event. All proceeds will be donated to Beyond Blue.

The German Auto Show takes place at Sandown Raceway on Sunday 29 August.

Click here to register for the German Auto Show.

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RAINBOW READY FOR AORC The 2021 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) received a shake up last month with Can-Am Loveday 400 postponed until September.

Now, all the attention has turned to the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro.

Taking place at the end of this month, the Victorian round of the AORC will take centre stage for the first time since 2019’s season finale, where a wet and wild weekend finished with Greg Gartner and Jamie Jennings securing yet another victory in Rainbow.

Entries for the round opened up late last month and will stay open until Friday 13 August. Already a record number of crews have entered the event including a sea of high-profile crews.

At the top of the entry list so far are Gartner and Jennies, and Mark Burrows and Matt Hanson, both of who have been starved of racing this year after withdrawing from June’s Tatts Finke Desert Race due to border closures Other notable crews ready to go include Aaron James, who is fresh from his incredible outing at Finke, 2019 AORC runner-up Rodyn Bailey and current ranked number-two Beau Robinson.

Trailing championship leader Josh Howells by just eight and half points, a big weekend in Rainbow is required for Robinson should the West Australian star hope to continue being a serious threat.

Making the event even more interesting is if New South Wales' borders should remain closed to the rest of Australia, leaving Sydneybased Howells under all sorts of pressure heading into the final two rounds.

And that remains the big question for the moment - will the borders re-open in time for Rainbow while there is still plenty of uncertainty surrounding the event?

Victorian Off Road Racing Association President Tony Carabott remained confident the event is going ahead.

“The current situation in Australia makes it a little difficult to fully commit to plans

Photos: Show 'n' Go Photography

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and ideas as there is always a cloud surrounding these national events and whether they will go ahead,” Carabott said.

“With that said, we’re very keen to get Rainbow up and running and we don’t see any reason to cancel or postpone for the moment as we’re hopeful things should settle over the next month.

“We’re very keen to get Rainbow up and running” - Tony Carabott, Victorian Off Road Racing Association President

“Preparation for the event is progressing as normal and we’re excited with how it will look this year, as well as some of the changes that have been made.

“Of course, it’s difficult to say whether we will one hundred per cent be going ahead, but we’ll be keeping an eye on the revolving situation and hope that it clears up.”

If the event is to run as normal, crews will be completing seven laps of the 87km course, equalling to a total of 560 competitive kilometres.

Starting with Prologue on the Saturday morning, event organisers will once again have a top-10 shootout to determine the final start order for the fastest 10 crews.

Crews will then complete two laps during the first section on Saturday afternoon, before running the remaining five laps in one endurance section on Sunday, which includes two compulsory 30-minute service breaks.

The popular Victorian event will also be hosting several other competitions, such as the second round of the Motorsport Australia Victorian Off Road Championship, the fourth round of the Victorian Off Road Club Shield and the third round of the VORRA Club Championship.

The 2021 Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro is the third round of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship and takes place in Rainbow on 27-29 August.

Click here to enter the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro.

Photos: Show 'n' Go Photography

Click here to view the full standings.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 23

Photo: LAT Images

AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX AND WRC UPDATE The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix will not be held this year after an announcement was made in July.

Instead, focus now turns to planning for a 2022 event to be held at Albert Park at a date to be confirmed.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the decision to not hold an event in 2021 was disappointing but understandable, given border and travel restrictions that are still in effect in Australia.

“The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is one of the highlights on the global motorsport calendar for fans, competitors and officials,” Arocca said.

“We’re understandably disappointed that this year’s event will not take place as originally planned in November, but look forward to Albert Park hosting a race some time in 2022.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the 1000 Motorsport Australia officials who make the event possible. We saw plenty of interest from our officials for their support of an event in 2021, including offers of entering a proposed bubble for some time to help the event become a reality. While that dedication will not be required in November, their passion for the sport is truly inspiring.

“It’s also important to acknowledge the hard work of the team at the

Australian Grand Prix Corporation, led by CEO Andrew Westacott. We will continue to support Andrew and the team as best we can as a key event partner and begin working together on the 2022 event.”

Motorsport Australia has also confirmed it is targeting 2023 to host a round of the FIA World Rally Championship.

Arocca said Motorsport Australia was aiming to win back a place on the WRC calendar, with a new venue and had already begun necessary discussions and funding applications with different levels of government.

“Regaining our place on the international calendar for the WRC is no easy task but we are determined to work with stakeholders and governments to secure a venue, and the necessary funding," Arocca added.

“Hosting international events in the near-term remains an obvious challenge but we must plan for the future and we are hopeful we can get the support needed to bring Rally Australia back and put on a world-class event.”

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

24 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

R E A D Y

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S p e c i a l i s t s i n u n i forms for co rpo rate s, car clubs, racing te ams and e - s p or ts. We su ppl y a wi de range of ce rtifi e d appare l including: -

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s-trend .com . a u / 03 9 0 7 7 2 63 8

PATHWAY FORGED FOR ASPIRING OFFICIALS Motorsport Australia has updated its officials pathway, simplifying the opportunities for promotion through the ranks.

As part of Motorsport Australia's updates of the licence structures, the new pathway has been created to assist official licence holders visualise a clear path for their future in the sport.

Included in the 11-page document is a comprehensive guide and flowchart highlighting the pathway, as well as information surrounding the prerequisites for training models and assessments in order for individuals to continue developing.

Click here to view the Motorsport Australia Officials Pathway.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said the addition of the new pathway was important in helping officials up-skill.

Photos: Revved Photography

26

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“Never in our 60-year history has there been a clear and comprehensive guide for officials to follow a pathway and build on their careers in the sport,” Arocca said.

“This booklet now allows officials of all levels to have a clear direction to follow and to learn about how to move up through bronze, silver and gold licences or from being a general official to a top-level senior.

“To have this guide means officials can now have a strong sense of direction when it comes

2021 SHANNONS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS CALENDAR

“To have this guide means officials can now have a strong sense of direction” Round 1 Phillip Island, Victoria, February 2021 TBC* Round 2

- Eugene Arocca, Motorsport Australia Bathurst 6 Hour, New CEO South Wales, 2-4 April

Photo: Revved Photography Photos: Speed Shots Photography

Round 3 to their own individual journey and we’re really Sydney Motorsport Park, New happy to be able to provide that opportunity."

South Wales, 1-2 May Motorsport Australia has also amended Round 4 the current Licencing Accreditation Morgan Park, Queensland, Guide in order to reflect the licence 25-27 June structure created as a result of the More Round 5 Often initiative.

Motorsport More Sandown International Raceway, The guide also features updated information Victoria, 10-12 September on committees and contact details for Round 6 Australia personnel. key Motorsport The Bend Motorsport Park, South Australia, 15-17 October Click here to view the updated Licencing Accreditation Guide.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37 27

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN COURSE ENJOYS SILVER STATUS Following the success of June’s online national timekeeping training course, another national training session was run in July with participants attending both face-to-face and via Zoom.

Taking place over one and half days, the Silver Module delivery saw 12 officials from South Australia, Mt Gambier, Darwin and Alice Springs listen to multiple presenters and participate in breakout sessions over the course of the module.

Run by highly esteemed officials Robert Thiry and Janelle Orrock, the course covered a range of management skills required across

multiple disciplines, as well as giving the participants an opportunity to discuss strategies and scenarios.

The module also covered topics such as management styles and critical incidents, allowing officials to handle any situation in the best possible way.

July’s Silver Module was the first of its kind where participants were present both online and in-person, enabling attendees from isolated areas to get exposure they wouldn’t have received in previous years.

One of the participants dialling in via Zoom was Darwin-based Steven Coyte who praised the program and the way it was run.

“Rob did an excellent job managing the face to face and the Zoom component of this course, I was 3000 kms away but it felt like I was in the room,” Coyte said.

“Janelle did an excellent job juggling multiple computers, screens and managing the Zoom Team activities.

“Doing the course via Zoom was an excellent opportunity to do a course that I would not normally have the opportunity to do, due to absence or lack of face-to-face courses in Darwin.”

Alice Springs local Vicki Rice echoed Coyte’s comments.

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“Doing the course via Zoom was an excellent opportunity to do a course that I would not normally have the opportunity to do” - Justice Walter Sofronoff

“Being in Alice Springs, I truly appreciate being given the opportunity and ability to participate in this course via Zoom,” Rice added.

“I look forward to being able to participate in further courses by this method.”

Click here for more information on officials training.

VIC OFFICIALS CONTINUE RISE IN DEVELOPMENT The development of Motorsport Australia officials continues to excel in 2021 as 12 Victorians were part of another Silver Training Module last month.

Victorian Flagmarshalling Team Vice President Mark Thompson and David Thornbury, the two-day course saw the officials complete the training face-to-face at the MG Car Club.

With the training an opportunity for general bronze officials to begin their journey towards becoming a senior official in a managerial role, the course touched on a range of topics such as safety, leadership, management, mentoring, communication, critical incident management and sports integrity.

The training saw participants complete targeted risk assessments, analyse case studies and scenarios, watch passive and confrontational videos and split into breakout groups to share their experiences and dealings on each matter.

Like South Australia's most recent officials training module, the Victorian training session was part of the

Motorsport Australia’s new and improved training modules, which Thompson believed was vital to the development of the sport’s officials.

“I had a very diverse group of participants including scrutineers,

“The recently improved module proved to be more relevant, very practical, informative and well received” - Mark Thompson, Victorian Flagmarshalling Team Vice President

stewards, pit lane officials, flag marshals as well as some from race control and passes with flying colours,” Thompson said.

“It is imperative that Motorsport Australia take these initiatives and run these courses, so they can promote and nurture people to advancement to keep them interested, which helps keep the sport alive.

“Now that the training is done, it's up to the newly inducted senior people to promote the sport, to take on roles as mentors, leaders, managers and confidants on behalf of Motorsport Australia and to ensure the integrity of motorsport is at its best and that safety is always at the forefront.

“I congratulate Motorsport Australia for the quality of the newly updated Silver Course Module, particularly Aidan Siegel and David Mori for their assistance. Also thank you to The MG Car Club who were very helpful in giving up their rooms for us.

“The recently improved module proved to be more relevant, very practical, informative and well received by the participants.”

Click here for more information on officials training.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 29

SEVEN RALLY ROUNDS FOR 2022 The RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship will expand to seven rounds in 2022, with next year’s calendar officially confirmed.

Teams then head south for the remainder of the calendar, with the Gippsland Rally on 27-28 August and the AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally on 15-16 October.

Adding an extra round to the calendar highlights the strength and interest in the Championship, with visits to all states and territories except the Northern Territory planned in 2022.

The 2022 season will finish in New South Wales at a location to be confirmed on 18-20 November.

The year will kick off with the Netier National Capital Rally in Canberra on 26-27 March, before a highly anticipated return to Western Australia for the Make Smoking History Forest Rally on 30 April – 1 May. From there, competitors will head south for the Les Walkden Rally Tasmania on 25-26 June in Launceston followed by the popular Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland in Gympie on 30-31 July which returns after an impressive debut on the 2021 calendar.

Motorsport Australia’s Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said the expanded calendar highlighted the growing stature of the Championship.

“We’ve been impressed with the interest and growth in the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship in 2021, with competitive fields, big crowds and strong commercial interest in our events,” Smith said.

“With new cars, some familiar faces along with plenty of rising stars, the future of Australian rally is bright.

Photo: CH Images

30 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

NATIONAL CAPITAL RALLY 3 0 A P R I L - 1 M AY / / WA

FOREST RALLY 25 - 26 JUNE // TAS

RALLY TASMANIA 3 0 - 3 1 J U LY / / Q L D

RALLY QUEENSLAND 27 - 28 AUG // VIC

GIPPSLAND RALLY 15 - 16 OCT // SA

ADELAIDE HILLS RALLY

22

“I’d like to say a big thank you to our event organisers, competitors and commercial partners who have been fantastic during the past 24 months dealing with a lot of uncertainty and change.

It’s been a tough period, but the events we have been able to deliver have been bigger and better than ever. We can’t wait to expand on that in 2022.”

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

26 - 27 MARCH // ACT

Click here to keep up to date with the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.

18 – 20 NOV // NSW

RALLY NSW

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 31

R S E A S A F E T Y M O T O R S P O R T A U S T R A L I A R A L LY C H A M P I O N S H I P // 2 0 2 2 C A L E N D A R

“We know 2021 has been a tough year for our calendar to date, but with increasing confidence about the ability to host events across the country in 2022, we’re excited to confirm a bigger and better calendar next year with seven rounds hosted between April and November. We were eager to confirm these dates as soon as possible to give everyone, including our state rally panels, time to plan for these events accordingly.

TWENTY TWENTY TWO

Photo: CH Images

Photo: Patrick Hecq Photography

MOTORSPORT GAMES PREPARATIONS CONTINUE The FIA Motorsport Games are on track to be held in France in October.

With an expanded number of disciplines part of the new-look 2021 Motorsport Games, there are a number of opportunities for competitors to represent their country across circuit racing, rallying, Esports and karting.

Motorsport Australia remains on hand to assist interested competitors with their entry for the Games and notes that the current state

of ongoing travel restrictions and quarantine requirements will require competitors from Australia to move quickly if they wish to attend the event, as government approval will be required in order to leave Australia.

It is envisaged that whilst Team Australia’s capacity to field a team might be limited, the opportunity to represent the country is always a great incentive according to Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca.

“After a very successful first FIA Motorsport Games in 2019, where Team Australia finished equal second on the medal tally, it’s great to see the return of this program in 2021 in France. The chance to represent your country on any stage is always a great honour,” Arocca said.

“While we would love to be able to play a larger part in the Motorsport Games, the difficult nature of international travel in and out of Australia means it won’t be a straightforward process.

Photo: Patrick Hecq Photography

“Any European based Australians would be in a stronger position to compete, so we are certainly looking to our Aussies abroad to potentially make up part of our team.”

Any competitors wishing to take part in the Games should contact communications@motorsport.org.au to register their interest and find out more.

The 2021 FIA Motorsport Games take place at Circuit Paul Ricard in France on 29-31 October.

32 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photo: 21 Creation

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Photo: Jaanus Ree / Red Bull Content Pool

WRC DRIVE ON THE CARDS FOR APRC WINNER

Rally crews running in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) at the Coffs Coast Rally can now win a seat in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) thanks to a new initiative launched by the FIA and Hyundai Motorsport.

The FIA Rally Champions World Tour will be run over the next three years in a bid to identify talent from around the world by offering a drive in the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 at a WRC event to the winners of five FIA-sanctioned regional series.

With Australia hosting the 2021 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship final in Coffs 34

Harbour in November, it adds an extra element to an already exciting event.

Supported by the FIA Innovation Fund, the initiative will see winners from the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, African Rally Championship, CODASUR Rally Championship, Middle East Rally Championship and NACAM Rally Championship awarded the WRC drive during the following season.

Starting from this year, the five winning crews in

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

2021, 2022 and 2023 will then get the opportunity to compete in the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 the following season with the program to conclude in 2024.

FIA Rally Director Yves Matton was excited with the program and the effect it would have on the sport’s diversity.

“I’m very pleased and proud to announce this initiative developed in partnership with Hyundai Motorsport, which will contribute

“Creating a pathway for competitors from non-European nationalities to the top of the rally pyramid provides greater diversity in the FIA WRC” - Yves Matton, FIA Rally Director

to boost FIA regional rally championships and make them more attractive to competitors across all continents,” Matton said.

“Furthermore, by creating a pathway for competitors from non-European nationalities to the top of the rally pyramid provides greater diversity in the FIA World Rally Championship and generate positive media coverage, thanks notably to the attendance of regional heroes at flagship events on their continent.

“The program, which promotes socially relevant aspects of Rally while making it a more accessible motorsport discipline worldwide, benefits from the support of the FIA Innovation Fund (FIF) and highlights the pledge given by the FIA’s Purpose Driven movement.”

The i20 N Rally2 which the five crews will be running in is a successor to the highly successful Hyundai i20 R5 and will be homologated later this year before debuting in the FIA WRC2 class at Ypres Rally Belgium.

With the FIA World Tour initiative aimed at promoting promising rallying talent from around the globe, Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing Manager Andrew Johns was thrilled the team could be involved in the process.

“Helping to bring through the next generation of WRC champions is an important part of the work of the Hyundai Motorsport Customer Racing department,” Johns said.

“Joining forces with the FIA to announce the FIA Rally Champions World Tour broadens this approach

to a truly global scope, and we can be very proud of the pivotal role of the Customer Racing department and the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 will play in the program.

“The FIA Rally Champions World Tour offers them an opportunity to show their skills on the global level, and thanks to our extensive testing and development, the Hyundai i20 N Rally2 is the perfect car for them to take the next step in their sporting careers.”

The Australian hosted final of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship takes place at the Coffs Coast Rally on 26-28 November.

The AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally will act as a APRC qualifier event in October.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 35

SUPERCARS TREAT FANS TO TOWNSVILLE DOUBLE At the start of July, the Repco Supercars Championship had locked in just one week in the picturesque Townsville.

By the end of the month, Australians had been treated to two rounds there back-to-back with plenty of drama unfolding across the five races.

And while it was a pleasant surprise when Supercars announced it would be doing consecutive rounds at Reid Park just a week before the originally scheduled NTI Townsville 500, there was very little surprise in regards to who dominated the weekend.

Already a firm favourite to win the 2021 title, Shane van Gisbergen further consolidated his spot at the top of the standings with three wins from the five races overall.

The first weekend in Townsville belonged to van Gisbergen and the Red Bull Holden Race Team as the Kiwi grabbed two wins over teammate Jamie Whincup to secure

a team one-two on both occasions.

The duo were a cut above the rest in those two 250km races as Anton De Pasqaule was the clear next best, rounding out the podium both times to continue his rise up the standings.

His Shell V Power Racing teammate Will Davison didn’t have the best of weekends, but certainly improved the following week with a podium and fourth place during the three races.

However the weekend of the WD40 Townsville Supersprint certainly belonged to Tickford Racing’s Cameron Waters, who picked up a brilliant win in a dramatic race one before producing arguably his best victory in the third race.

Following a brilliant tactical move from Tickford Racing during the safety car period, Waters spent the final stint of the race fending off a fast charging van Gisbgergen.

Photos: EDGE Photographics

36 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photos: EDGE Photographics

Despite not finishing off the fortnight in Townsville with win, van Gisbergen managed to pick up three victories, the third being his 11th of the season – putting him more than 250 points ahead of Whincup in second.

With Chaz Mostert also enjoying a couple of podiums for himself, the battle for third on the outright standings is proving epic with just nine points separating Waters, Mostert and Davison after Townsville.

RACE 15

RACE 18

1. Shane van Gisbgergen 2. Jamie Whincup 3. Anton De Pasquale

1. Shane van Gisbergen 2. Jamie Whincup 3. Chaz Mostert

RACE 16

RACE 19

1. Shane van Gisbgergen 2. Jamie Whincup 3. Anton De Pasquale

1. Cameron Waters 2. Shane van Gisbergen 3. Will Davison

RACE 17

CHAMPIONSHIP TOP 10 1. Shane van Gisbergen - 1926 2. Jamie Whincup - 1650 3. Cameron Waters - 1514 4. Chaz Mostert - 1506 5. Will Davison - 1505 6. Anton De Pasquale - 1246 7. Mark Winterbottom - 1138 8. Nick Percat - 1128 9. James Courtney - 1074 10. Will Brown - 1003

1. Cameron Waters 2. Anton De Pasquale 3. Chaz Mostert

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37

Photo: EDGE Photographics

SUPERCARS RELEASES REVAMPED 2021 CALENDAR The Repco Supercars Championship has revised calendar to see out the rest of 2021.

Concern surrounding ongoing border restrictions and the ability to travel to all circuits under the current circumstances were the main reasons behind the decision to postpone the season until October.

“These are challenging times for all sporting codes, which is why we have had to remain flexible with our calendar” - Sean Seamer, Supercars CEO

As originally scheduled, the season will finish up with a party atmosphere in December with the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

The revised calendar has also seen the removal of the Perth SuperNight and ITM Auckland SuperSprint as border restrictions with New Zealand and Western Australia made it too difficult for the championship to make its way to each city.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer believed the changes were necessary in order to keep the season going.

"With the ever-changing COVID landscape, our teams and broadcast partners have agreed it is in all our stakeholders’ best interests commercially and competitively to move our premiere event to a later date," Seamer said.

After twice postponed itself due to Victoria’s lockdowns, the Winton SuperSprint has an official return date and will now restart the season at the start of October. Another venue, yet to be announced, is intended to be run at the end of October.

“We are continuing to work closely with NSW Health, the Bathurst Regional City Council, emergency services, broadcasters and the NSW Government on planning for the Repco Bathurst 1000, which is the pinnacle of Australian motorsport.

The Repco Bathurst 1000 has now been pushed back one month to November, as has the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperSprint - which was originally slated for this month.

“We will meet all COVID-19 safety requirements necessary to ensure this year’s Great Race goes ahead.

Our aim is to ensure we can bring back as many fans as possible.

38 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“While the removal of both of these events (Perth and Auckland) is an unfortunate consequence of the COVID circumstances, we sincerely thank our partners for their understanding, and we can’t wait to be able to get to both Western Australia and New Zealand as soon as we can in 2022.

“These are challenging times for all sporting codes, which is why we have had to remain flexible with our calendar arrangements and make significant changes where required.

“For now, our goal is to make sure we deliver some amazing racing over the rest of the 2021 championship.”

The next round of the Repco Supercars Championship will now be the Winton SuperSprint on 2-3 October.

2021 REVISED CALENDAR Winton SuperSprint: 2-3 October TBA: 23-24 October

Repco Bathurst 1000: 4-7 November Beaurepaires Sydney SuperSprint: 19-21 November Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500: 3-5 December

RARE VISIT TO RACE CONTROL JUST ONE EXPERIENCE IN ULTIMATE PRIZE A tour of Motorsport Australia Race Control at the Bathurst 1000 in October is part of an unprecedented Ultimate Motorsport Prize up for grabs.

The special tour of Race Control is one of many experiences featuring in the once-ina-lifetime prize, with Race Director Tim Schenken himself the be the personal guide for the visit.

category since the late 1980s, Schenken believed the prize was a special one and he was thrilled to be part of it.

“Obviously Motorsport Australia Race Control is a very controlled environment and to be honest we don’t have that many visitors throughout the year because of that,” Schenken said.

“Their visit to race control which will give them a real ‘behind the scenes’ understanding of what goes on during an event”

“It is rare that anyone gets a oneon-one tour, but we are delighted that this experience has been made a part of the Ultimate Motorsport Prize.

As part of the tour, the former Formula 1 driver and Ferrari representative will give the lucky winner of “I am sure the - Tim Schenken, Supercars the raffle and a Race Director winner and their chosen friend a fortunate friend special insight will enjoy the amazing list of into the workings of Race Control experiences over the Bathurst 1000 during a Supercars event. weekend, including their visit to race Outside of the Race Control tour, control which will give them a real some of the other experiences of ‘behind the scenes’ understanding the prize include a ride around of what goes on during an event.

Mt Panorama in the Supercars’ “Pirtek and all the stakeholders have Course Car with Marcos Ambrose, done a terrific job pulling this prize waving the green starter’s flag for together and to see all the funds the Bathurst 1000 and a VIP tour raised going to St Vincent’s Hospital of the Shell V-Power Racing Team makes it all that more impressive.” garage with the Dick Johnson.

Tickets for Pirtek run raffle are $20 each and all proceeds will support St Vincent’s Hospital’s Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit.

Having been the Race Director for Australia’s premier motorsport

Click here to buy your tickets in the charity raffle.

FIRST PRIZE •

Return trip for two to the 2021 Bathurst 1000 from the winner’s nearest Australian capital city

•

Two nights twin-share accommodation

•

Wave the green starter’s flag for the Bathurst 1000

•

Ride around Mt Panorama in a Supercars’ Course Car with Marcos Ambrose

•

Three day Supercars Paddock Club access

•

Present the PIRTEK Pit Stop Challenge winners’ trophy and cheque on Friday night

•

Visit to PIRTEK Victory lane

•

Exclusive meet and greet and VIP tour of the Shell V-Power Racing Team garage with the legendary Dick Johnson

•

Behind the scenes tour of Mt Panorama - including visit to the top of the mountain and podium

•

VIP (after hours) tour of the National Motor Racing Museum at Mt Panorama

•

Helicopter flight around Mt Panorama

•

Access to the grid before the race for the national anthem

•

A personal tour of the Supercars TV compound with Neil Crompton

•

A photo taken with the Peter Brock Trophy on the podium

•

A visit to Motorsport Australia Race Control with Race Director Tim Schenken

•

A signed photo with the race winners as the ultimate memento

•

A personal VIP concierge host for the weekend

•

Two PIRTEK merchandise packs

SECOND PRIZE •

Two Corporate Paddock Club tickets,

•

Two Course Car rides

•

Two grid walks at a 2022 Supercar event of your choice in Australia or New Zealand

•

PIRTEK merchandise pack

THIRD PRIZE •

Two General Admission tickets to a 2022 Supercars event of your choice in Australia or New Zealand

•

PIRTEK merchandise pack

*The ‘Ultimate Motorsport Prize’ does not apply to residents of Western Australia and South Australia.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 39

HUGE FORTNIGHT OF MOTORSPORT AT THE BEND

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships will feature across two massive weekends of motorsport in October at The Bend Motorsport Park.

On top of the originally scheduled round of the Shannons planned for 1517 October, the South Australian circuit will now host back-to-back weekends of racing, with a second Shannons

Motorsport Australia Championships event to take place on 22-24 October.

Cup and the GC Marine Australian Prototype Series on 15-17 October.

Australian Racing Group categories including the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Motorsport Australia GT Endurance Championship, National Trans Am Series and the Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters will join the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Radical Australia

Motorsport Australia will use the first event to host local editions of the popular FIA Girls On Track program, as well as junior development program, Ricciardo’s Racers. The Kincrome SXS Motorsport Australia Championship will also be held at The Bend on the same weekend, delivering one of the biggest weekends of motorsport in South Australia in recent times.

On the second weekend, 22-24 October, a second Radical Australia Cup round, MRF Tyres Australian Production Car Series, National Sports Sedans Series, Porsche 944 and Bullrush Rally will make up an exciting mix of categories on Australia’s newest permanent race circuit.

Photo: Felicity Thomson

40 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photo: CH Images

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

The second weekend will also coincide with the AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally, a round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, providing a huge month of motorsport in South Australia.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said South Australia would get to experience an exciting fortnight of motorsport across a range of disciplines.

“This back-to-back weekend of motorsport is a real treat for fans and competitors alike,” Smith said.

“Given the interruptions to our calendar in 2021, this double header provides a fantastic opportunity for so many teams and categories to enjoy two huge weekends of racing.

“The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships events being joined by other disciplines in the region is also an exciting prospect, and allows everyone to experience plenty of different action on asphalt and dirt and we can’t wait to get to The Bend for a fortnight in October.

“Thanks must go to The Bend, our categories and competitors and our sponsors for being so nimble and adaptive in what has been a tough year for us all. We’re thrilled to be able to host this double header with plenty of different categories and disciplines, along with our unique development programs, at a world-class venue.”

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

REMAINING 2021 CALENDAR Round 4: Sandown International Raceway, 17-19 September

Round 5: The Bend 1, 15-17 October

Round 6: The Bend 2, 22-24 October

Click here to keep up to date with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

Tickets will go on sale for both rounds of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships in the coming weeks.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 41

Photo: Adrian Chambers Motorsport

VALE ANDREW STACHEWICZ Motorsport Australia is saddened to learn of the passing of WA Sporting Car Club (WASCC) General Manager, Andrew Stachewicz.

Born in Germany, Andrew migrated to Australia with his family during his younger years before serving in the Australian Army as a Major.

Andrew became involved with the WASCC five years ago following an impressive 15-year stint at the Royal Fresh Water Yacht Club where he held positions as General Manager and then Chief Executive.

Upon his appointment, Andrew was considered the perfect fit for the WASCC, which oversees the busy Wanneroo Raceway Circuit and worked tirelessly to build its profile.

From navigating the club through a difficult transitional period to helping it flourish commercially and culturally – Andrew’s support of his staff and leadership was some of his biggest strengths.

WASCC Motorsport and Officials Development Officer Lauren Cornes paid tribute to Andrew, who was an inspiration to many of the club’s members.

“We feel lucky to have known him and have many fond memories of him” - Lauren Cornes, WASCC Motorsport and Officials Development Officer

“Andrew’s personality will be missed from the club and we have many fond memories of his time here which will be cherished,” Cornes said.

“To members, Andrew was an introverted and considered person who was very focused on his strategic mission at the club.

“We are a small, close team and Andrew was a hands-on boss who was a large part of that team. But each day gets a little bit better and we’re all helping each other through.

“To the staff and committee members who knew Andrew well, he was a personality in the office with an endless library of dad jokes, very generous with his time and supportive of us all.”

42 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

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!

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 43

THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

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