Motorsport Australia Speed Read – August 2025

CIRCUIT

EXCEL

ROLLS TOWARDS ENDURO EXTRAVAGANZA Circuit Excel South Australia has upped the ante.

WELCOME TO SPEED READ

2025

CONTINUES TO BE A BUSY YEAR FOR THE MOTORSPORT COMMUNITY, WITH MORE PEOPLE CHOOSING TO GET INVOLVED WITH MOTORSPORT.

With that involvement, comes Motorsport Australia’s responsibility to ensure members are cared for and protected.

Integrity remains an important part of Motorsport Australia’s mission to provide a safe, fair and equal space for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy this great sport.

It speaks to fairness, safety and the wellbeing of the motorsport community and underpins the regulatory framework in place at Motorsport Australia.

In alignment with the Australian Sports Commission and Sports Integrity Australia, Motorsport Australia plays a leading role in safeguarding all participants (including young people and children).

Furthermore, each Motorsport Australia sanctioned event is protected by a $100m liability policy and all competitors and officials are protected by Motorsport Australia’s leading Personal Accident policy.

Motorsport Australia’s new broker partners bring together one of Australia’s best performing insurance brokers, MGA Insurance Brokers, combined with the

leading specialty placement brokers in global motorsport, Millers Insurance in London.

This new hybrid model of broker representation gives Motorsport Australia a best practice broker model with a focus on coverage and claims service.

Free Club Business Workshops will kick off again this month, which assist clubs in strengthening operations through funding, risk management, and community engagement.

Motorsport Australia permitted 126 events, including 91 club events featuring motorkhanas, hillclimbs and sprints in July alone - a 40 per cent increase on June.

The 20 State and National Championship level events in July also showcased the highest level of motorsport performance the country has to offer.

Motorsport Australia’s volunteers also continue to grow in number. In the past month, more than 350 new officials joined the ranks of a 12,500+ volunteer official community.

Please enjoy this month’s Speed Read and thank you for being part of the motorsport community.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE INTEGRITY AT MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA

As the FIA and Australian Sports Commission recognised governing body for four-wheel motorsport in Australia, Motorsport Australia is committed to upholding high standards of safety, fairness and integrity. In alignment with the expectations of the Australia Sports Commission and Sports Integrity Australia, Motorsport Australia plays a leading role in safeguarding all participants at Motorsport Australiapermitted events - many of which involve children and young people.

In addition to on track safety measures, our integrity framework ensures the sport is conducted in a way that is as safe as practicable for every member of the motorsport community - this includes competitors, clubs, venues, staff, volunteers and spectators.

Taking steps to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people is fundamental to this.

Motorsport Australia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young

people in motorsport by providing a safe and inclusive environment and by ensuring that everyone involved in motorsport is aware of their rights and responsibilities in relation to children and young people. The requirement for Motorsport Australia officials to hold a valid Working With Children Check is one such example, and common standard within the entire sporting community in Australia.

“Motorsport Australia and its officials and volunteers are focused on creating an environment where everyone is working together to create a safe and inclusive environment at all levels of motorsport,” General Counsel Gabriella Bornstein said.

“A safe and inclusive environment is key, not only as a preventative measure, but also to create and continue a sporting landscape where people are eager to return - particularly when they are new to the sport.”

Head to the Motorsport Australia website for all information about Working with Children Checks.

The framework that supports a zero-tolerance policy to harm, abuse and/or neglect of a child or young person in any form can be found in Motorsport Australia’s Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy.

“Integrity is not just an administrative responsibly, but a responsibility everyone plays a specific role in ranging from athletes, officials and parents through to support personnel and spectators,” Bornstein added.

If you or somebody you know sees something that does not feel right, directly to Motorsport Australia.

QUEENSLAND SUPERKARTS STILL GOING STRONG HALF A CENTURY ON 50 YEARS

THE CLUB, FOUNDED BACK IN 1975, AS THE QUEENSLAND ROAD RACING KART CLUB, WAS FORMED BY A GROUP OF TOOWOOMBA KART DRIVERS.

Fifty years later, the same club continues to run strong and continuously looking ahead to even more growth.

Queensland Superkart Club President Doug Amiss stated the club has seen plenty of other clubs come and go, emphasising the level of pride he has for his members to still be in a strong position.

“As President, what I’m most proud of is our club culture. It’s something our life members tell me hasn’t changed in 50 years, and I think that’s our biggest strength,” Amiss said.

“We’re competitive and professional, but also incredibly friendly and social. At any race weekend, you’ll see people helping each other out with tools, parts, or just pitching in to keep everyone racing.

“New members are always welcomed with open arms, and the paddock is filled with families and friends enjoying the weekend together.”

The past six months of superkarts have marked a strong start to the year with Round 1 of the club’s season exceeding expectations with an large field of 16 superkarts on the grid; more than double what the club has seen in the last couple of years.

Round 3 was another standout, with 21 entries; the club’s biggest field in nearly five years. On the track, Russell Jamieson has also been a standout driver, setting lap records at every round this year and now holds nine lap records across Queensland. Off the track, the club will also add it newest Life Member to its long list of noted servants.

Daryl Bertram first joined the club as a founding committee member in 1975. He raced in the club’s very first meeting, and continues to support the Queensland Superkart Club today as a silver sponsor, despite living in the USA. Amiss confirmed Bertram will make the trip back to Australia to race in the club’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The club was also lucky enough to have a static display at the Supercars Ipswich 440 earlier this month, which Amiss was particularly grateful for.

“It’s always great to showcase what superkarting is all about to the broader motorsport crowd,” Amiss added.

“Watching people’s reactions when they learn that our lap record is quicker than the Supercars around Queensland Raceway never gets old.”

For more on the Queensland Superkarts Club, head to www.qldsuperkart.org

" IT'S REALLY GOOD TO SEE OUR EX-RALLY DRIVERS ARE NOW BRINGING THEIR SONS OR THEIR DAUGHTERS ALONG TO KHANACROSSES AND HELPING OUT.

FAMILY

THE

KEY TO ONGOING SUCCESS FOR WEST AUSTRALIAN CLUB

It was only fitting members of the past, present and future congregated at The Abbey at Chesters Winery in Henley Brook for the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Light Car Club of WA.

The celebration, which invited close to 70 guests, recounted the club’s memories dating back to 1965 when the club took its first steps in Australian motorsport.

Former Club President and Life Member Wendy Walker praised the club for hosting the event, which provided an opportunity for guests to look back on fond memories and take pride in previous achievements.

“It was really good to see a celebration of the club, we did a few speeches and had a chat about how the club was founded and continues to grow to this day,” Walker said.

“People came together and enjoyed a very good afternoon. It was really good to see, and after years and years, to pay respect to those members that had actually been responsible for building the clubrooms and the club from the start was fabulous.

“It was really symbolic of the familylike approach we go about running this club and it’s a community I’m really grateful to be a part of.”

Walker has also served as the Western Australia State Council Chair since 2022 and will continue to do so until at least 2027.

Prior to being named the Light Car Club of WA, it was formerly known as the Austin-Healey Owners Car Club, which featured only Healeys and Sprites, before the Club starting introducing new car makes such as Cortinas, Anglias and the Mini Cooper S. Calls then followed to expand the club, transforming the club into the Light Car Club of WA, led by the Club’s first president Jeff Dunkerton.

The Light Car Club of WA remains based out of its rooms at 22 Moojebing Street, Bayswater.

Some members have been at the club since its formation 60 years ago, while others play a crucial role in actively participating in motorsport events.

Walker also touched on the need for the club to continue building its succession plan, as its younger members play an ever-increasing role in maintaining the club’s success.

“It's really good to see our ex-rally drivers are now bringing their sons or their daughters along to khanacrosses and helping out," Walker added.

“I don't know what the fix is for all of us regarding succession planning, but I think the club has always been doing the grassroots stuff as well as state rallies, but grassroots is where I think we build our community and build our numbers. We've done a really big drive in the last few years to encourage junior members to join our club.

“A measure we’ve taken is we don't charge the juniors an entry fee. We subsidise that and we've grown to about 25 juniors in the last two years. So we're really focused on our succession and our future and I'm really keen to keep growing that.”

Among the special guests at last month’s event included WA State Council Director John Gibbons and WA Rally Panel Chair Julian Wright.

In 2026, the Light Car Club of WA will also celebrate its largest annual event, the Safari Rally, which forms part of the West Australian Rally Championship, turning 60 years old - making it one of the country’s oldest rally events.

60 YEARS

LIGHT CAR CLUB OF WA (inc)

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Mazda RX-7 Group C

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STATE

COUNCIL AND PANEL NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026-28

Nominations are now being accepted for State Council Office Bearers in all states, as well as Elected Directors in both Western Australia and New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory.

State Councils provide a crucial role in Motorsport Australia’s governance structure, supporting and assisting affiliated clubs in increasing participation in motorsport by fostering an environment conducive to sport, club, community, and member development.

State Councils are also responsible for the general coordination of activities within their defined state area and actively contribute to the achievement of Motorsport Australia’s Strategic Plan and objectives.

The nominations form part of Motorsport Australia’s regular Board and State office bearer cycles, in line with Motorsport Australia’s Constitution.

Key responsibilities of the State Council include engaging affiliated sporting and enthusiast clubs, facilitating communication between stakeholders, overseeing coordination of statewide functions and supporting Motorsport Australia Panels.

Motorsport Australia’s State Advisory Panels provide advice, coordination, and practical support within their respective areas of expertise to each State Council.

Each panel operates under the delegation of the State Council and is responsible for disciplinespecific or function-specific matters within the state (such as Circuit, Off Road, Hillclimb, Officials).

The size of a panel can vary, but panels may consist of three to 14 members in addition to the panel Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.

Eligible Motorsport Australia members interested in joining the Board as an Elected Director, or their relevant State Council Executive for the 2026 – 2028 term, can nominate via an online form or PDF that must be received by the respective deadlines.

· Western Australia Elected Director nomination forms must be received by Thursday, 4 September 2025 at 5pm AWST.

· New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory Elected Director nomination forms must be received by Thursday, 18 September 2025 at 5pm AEDT.

· State Council Office Bearer nomination forms for all states must be received by Thursday, 18 September at 5pm AEDT, excluding Western Australia, which closes nomination form entries on Thursday, 4 September 2025 at 5pm AEDT.

For the full description and position obligations of our State Councils and State Advisory Panels, view Motorsport Australia’s State Council Handbook.

The new Motorsport Australia Handbook serves as a guide for the members of the Motorsport Australia State Councils, providing the responsibilities and procedural process required to ensure effective governance and management of the organisation’s activities at the state level.

The handbook also provides a clear outline of what is expected of current and future representatives in leadership positions, including position descriptions, as well as emphasising the importance each leadership body has in serving the motorsport community.

Nomination forms and positions available for every state are listed here

State Panel roles are also open for applications for all states, these are also for a three-year term.

Nomination forms and more information on State Panels and positions available can be found here

All applications for State Panels must be received by Saturday, 1 November 2025 at 5pm AEDT across all states (please convert this time to your local time zone).

SAM DICKER BACK IN TITLE HUNT WITH IPSWICH VICTORY

Sam Dicker has reignited his KZ2 Australian Kart Championship campaign, winning his first round since 2022 at Ipswich.

/ THE DOUBLE NATIONAL CHAMPION’S VICTORY ENDED A THREE-YEAR DROUGHT AND VAULTED HIM TO WITHIN FIVE POINTS OF SERIES LEADER DYLAN GUEST, AFTER A DIFFICULT START TO THE SEASON.

Guest’s weekend was hampered by a spin in qualifying, meaning he would start the Final from 17th. A mid-race incident that led to title rival Scott Chaston running off the circuit on water dropped by Bailey Sagiadak’s engine, helped Guest climb to seventh and keep the lead.

Dicker led home last round winner Troy Loeskow, while Jay Coul was promoted to third after Nick Mitic received a penalty for his front fairing being out of position.

Victorian Milan Sami dominated Cadet 9, taking an 8.7-second win to stretch his title lead to an unassailable 123 points. RJ Bellbowen was second, with Hudson Kelly being classified third after a driving penalty was issued to Luke Robinson.

In the elite junior categoryKA2, Hamish Campbell kept his championship hopes alive with victory ahead of Jye Flynn. Points leader Liam Carr finished third, leaving a 59-point gap heading to the finale. Campbell’s win was the first by the famous Tony Kart brand in the class in the top junior class since 2015.

Following on from Campbell’s success, OTK Australia also celebrated in TaG 125, with Mika Lemasurier scoring his maiden win in the class ahead of Marc Tulloch and Hugo Garraway. Points leader Jackson Souslin-Harlow finished fourth, extending his buffer over defending champion Harrison Hoey.

Will Thompson claimed his first KA3 Senior win, edging Zach Heard by the narrowest of margins. Heard’s strong weekend cut Christian Estasy’s lead to eight points, with Estasy third.

KA3 Junior saw Paddy Buckley triumph as leader Braxton Regan’s advantage was slashed to seven points after a difficult weekend. Dima Micale and Lana Flack completed an all-Queensland podium.

In X30, Brodie Whitmore made it two straight wins with a dominant 6.6-second margin over Max Walton, extending his championship advantage to 52 points. Isaac McNeill claimed third after penalties to Jace Matthews and Jaiden Pope for front fairing infringements.

Cadet 12 produced high drama as points leader Oliver Williamson spun on the opening lap, charging from last to 17th. Jude Ammoun capitalised to win from Cooper Clavell - now just 37 points adrift - and Ladies Trophy leader Alana Gurney.

The Championship finale will be held on 5-7 September in Coffs Harbour, where all but one of the eight titles remain up for grabs.

JOHNSON’S EXCEL

RISE REMAINS A FAMILY AFFAIR

ACHIEVING A PODIUM FINISH AT BATHURST IS RESERVED FOR THE ELITE PROFESSIONALS. OR IS IT?

Bathurst’s Mount Panorama is home to arguably the most coveted 6.2km of tarmac in the motorsport community. It’s a motorsport enthusiast’s dream to drive - it is a bucket list moment for any driver.

Achieving a podium finish at Bathurst is reserved for the elite professionals. Or is it?

Joel Johnson was one of the competitors part of the 51-car 24/7 Roadservices Australia Circuit Excel Bathurst Challenge grid at this year's Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, securing podium finishes for all three races (P1 in Race 1, P2 in Race 2 and P1 in Race 3).

It was a family affair for Team Johnson, capped off after Joel thanked his father, Mark, for “working on the car non-stop for this to be possible”.

Joel’s talent on track is not new, however, before Excels, he won three junior top guns, two State Championships and set a lap record at Mallala.

Johnson was karting as a toddler and had his black plates by age seven. He then started racing Excels at age 14.

Andrew Young is the Secretary of the Circuit Excel Racing Association and admitted that he has “mythologised Bathurst” since he was a kid.

He’s now instrumental in coordinating a grassroots field that is balanced and competitive, which Young credits to working with Motorsport Australia to develop well-defined eligibility rules.

“Our stable rule set, which we work on with Motorsport Australia, sees our controlled components, in particular, Supashock suspension and Dunlop tyres, make for some really good racing,” Young said.

“From an eligibility point of view, all the cars were compliant which means our efforts are working, to ensure people understand the rule set and know how to get to that level.”

"WORKING ON THE CAR NON-STOP FOR THIS TO BE POSSIBLE"

Young said the Dunlop Destiny Series remains a good pathway for a variety of categories, noting Supercars driver Broc Feeney started off in Excel racing.

Young reiterated the strength of the motorsport community, noting that the racing is “just a part of it”.

“The best part is the entire weekend... it's enjoying the time. It has a community feel to it. Excels are a grassroots entry level community,” Young said.

“It [Excel racing] is still an affordable way to get into motorsport, one of the cheapest ways to get into circuit racing. Inclusiveness is key and that's what we still aim to do.”

The Johnsons feel this too, talking about “parts sharing” being a common theme at Excel events.

“You’ll get a WhatsApp message calling for help.” Johnson said of the community spirit.

Mark admitted it can be a tough gig, being a family team. With the car in the home garage, he’s working a full-time day job and working on the car in the evenings.

A sparky by trade, Johnson has some mechanical nouse, but tells a common story where motorsport parents are concerned.

“I like engines and cars but I’m a struggling mechanic. I know enough to get myself in trouble. But as a dad with a kid racing, you’ve got no choice [but to get involved]. I've learnt my way, and friends as mechanics are a phone call away,” Johnson said.

It's a challenge, but the motivation is strong for Johnson, crediting grassroots grit as a defining characteristic in managing a lean budget alongside the skilled team at Lonsdale Auto.

“My son is quite talented and I want to pave the way. Out of 132 starts, he’s got 95 trophies. In his last two years of karting, he had a 90 per cent podium rate and 75 per cent win rate.”

The grassroots of Excel at Bathurst is well and truly alive across the board.

Despite being a kid, Joel Johnson is grateful, and pays it forward.

“At a state round, he coached people. He spent time with six different drivers,” Johnson said.

“When we go to the track, It's family fun to talk to a lot of people.”

JOHNSON

JOEL JOHNSON

BEGINNER’S GUIDE

WHICH COMPETITOR LICENCE IS FOR ME?

There are different levels of Motorsport Australia licences required for competitive use, depending on the type of competition you want to enter.

Competition events range from entry-level to international, with separate licences for rally and off road.

Regardless of the type of licence required, you need to join a Motorsport Australia Affiliated Car Club, which also provides access to events and can be a great source of advice and support for entry-level competitors.

The most basic Motorsport Australia licences are Speed and Speed Junior. The latter is available from the age of 12, but competitors under the age of 14 are limited to non-speed events such as motorkhanas and trials.

From the age of 14, competitors can compete in speed events such as sprints, drifting and rallycross

Speed licences require a current car club membership, an application and a medical statement to be completed. For many competitors, a Speed licence is all they’ll ever require.

Those wishing to go racing on a circuit will need to upgrade to a Circuit licence.

A Circuit licence requires a circuit race licence lecture in addition to a medical examination and an observed licence test known as an OLT, where the applicant’s driving style, ability and attitude will be evaluated.

An OLT is not required if an applicant has competed in at

Circuit licences are provisional until the participant has completed three Motorsport Australia circuit race events to the satisfaction of the Clerk of Course running the event.

Supercars drivers are required to satisfy the requirements for an Australian Superlicence.

There are five different grades of international licence qualifying drivers for everything up to and including Formula 1. Rally and off road each have their own licences, which require an online lecture, OLT and medical examination. These are offered at different levels to suit your desired competition and budget, from Club Off Road to National Rally.

Applicants who wish to navigate only do not require an OLT.

A National Rally licence is also required for tarmac rally competitions, as well as the completion of the Motorsport Australia Online Tarmac Rally Safety Course which can be accessed via the Member Portal

To get started, you’ll need a Motorsport Australia competition licence and to join a Motorsport Australia Affiliated car club.

Safety is Motorsport Australia’s number one priority and event-specific safety requirements will be available through your club upon registration.

LICENCE FORM

PIT LANE FIRE A LEARNING OPPORTUNITY

When Anthony Soole’s car was engulfed in flames at Sydney Motorsport Park, it served as an important milestone and an invaluable learning experience.

No matter how frequently a driver gets behind the wheel, the outcome can be different every time. And when panic takes over, it can change everything, even for experienced drivers.

On the evening of Thursday, 6 February, a pit lane fire broke out when the McLaren GT4 car, driven by Soole was being refuelled.

The GT4 vehicle was being refuelled via common practice - a fuel churn using the single dry break method.

Due to a miscalculation of the fuel gauge and false engine indicators, the vehicle’s fuel tank was inadvertently overfilled during refuelling. More critical, however, was the absence of a secondary vent churn to capture the excess fuel. This combination of circumstances mean that during refuelling, fuel was rapidly expelled through the primary vent point, resulting in ignition and a serious pit lane fire.

Within a matter of seconds the underside of the vehicle caught fire, with Soole still strapped in the driver’s seat. The fire built fast and the situation escalated quickly, despite the rapid response of the pit lane fire response team.

“It was like there was an inferno in the car, and every sense in your body goes from zero to 11,” Soole said.

“Your taste, your smell, your sight, you go from sitting there comfortably to 11, and your brain can’t process that information that quickly.

“The incident does still affect me, even when I talk about it now. It does spark those emotions for me again, it’s such an emotional thing to go through, but it does remind you of the

importance of safety and following your procedures to the letter.”

Soole said the fire surrounded him within an instant, both from below his seat and on both sides of the car, causing him to go into a state of panic. As a result, Soole struggled to extricate himself from the vehicle and suffered from smoke inhalation. An assisting crew member also sustained burns as a result of the fire.

As the fire’s intensity increased, it was no longer safe or practicable for the crew member to continue to assist and it was at this point that Soole realised he had failed to undo his belts.

When Soole attempted to exit the vehicle he was forced to lean into the flames on the ground around the car. Wearing a helmet and balaclava, but no helmet visor, the risk of direct exposure to the flames was high. Realising it was unsafe to get out of the vehicle, Soole got back in. Fire extinguishers were used to douse the flames, diffusing a potentially critical situation.

Soole reiterated the importance of the self-extraction practice, reflecting on his inability to take adequate action when it mattered most.

“A lot of the time, people do prepare for a fire when it’s inside the car and you are more easily able to extract yourself in those scenarios,” Soole added.

“But in my example, the fuel was also on the outside of the car - I didn’t have a plan or strategy to combat that. Getting out face-first was fraught with dangers.

“Nevertheless, self-extraction is so

"THE INCIDENT DOES STILL AFFECT ME, EVEN WHEN I TALK ABOUT IT NOW. IT DOES SPARK THOSE EMOTIONS FOR ME AGAIN, IT’S SUCH AN EMOTIONAL THING TO GO THROUGH, BUT IT DOES REMIND YOU OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY AND FOLLOWING YOUR PROCEDURES TO THE LETTER."

important and drivers should practice it in different ways, but also have those alternate measures handy if they are ever required - I know I didn’t.”

Motorsport Australia encourages all competitors to invest time in practising self-extraction in a controlled environment, where it’s safe to make mistakes and learn from them.

Motorsport Australia’s SelfExtracting Policy serves as a reminder for why Practice matters.

Motorsport Australia’s rigorous risk and safety frameworks lead best practice safety standards for motorsport in Australia, including safe refuelling guidelines.

The “Refuelling in Pit Lane” document describes the ‘Overhead Rig’ method used at national level events, and a “Drum Pump” method used at club level events.

In the Garage and Paddock area, drivers use a variety of methods to refuel their cars. Some methods are safer than others.

The most common method of refuelling cars in the Garage, or Paddock are:

· Using a Fuel Churn with dry break fitting/s (higher end cars mainly)

· Pouring fuel directly into a fuel filler from a Jerry Can

· Pumping fuel in from a purpose build paddock filling rig

· Pumping fuel from a drum or Jerry cans using a pump

All of Motorsport Australia’s refuelling information and regulations can be found in the Circuit Race Appendix

"

GETS THE CALL-UP AT MCELREA RACING

Monochrome GT4 Australia announced youngster and junior Victorian driver Jay Murray as the newest member of its team, with the 16-year-old to making his ontrack debut last month at Shannons SpeedSeries’ GT Festival Sandown alongside father Nathan in the McElrea-prepared Morris BMW M4 GT4 G82 EVO.

Murray successfully passed several team tests before getting the green light to join McElrea Racing, resulting in a team spot for the rest of the season.

“It’s very exciting that I will be making my official motorsport debut at Sandown Raceway in Monochrome GT4 Australia alongside my dad,” Murray said.

“I will admit that my journey in motorsport has been quite rapid, but obviously I have been hitting the targets set for me and I feel ready to make the step up into cars from karting.

“I don’t think there is a better category for me to begin my official racing career in than Monochrome GT4 Australia, and I am looking forward to racing alongside my dad.

“A big thank you to my parents and to Andy McElrea for having the confidence in me to succeed. I believe I will make them proud and I am keen to showcase my talent on the national stage."

GT Festival Sandown was Jay’s Monochrome GT4 Australia debut, and also his first drive in a car, given Jay only graduated from karting earlier this year.

Jay’s three-year junior career mostly spent in karting was highlighted by a range of top 10 finishes in the KZ2 class both within Australia and New Zealand, making his rise up the ranks impressive since making a late start to motorsport.

“Obviously, there is the saying that to be good at something, you have to have 10,000 hours doing it, and Jay has been spending a lot of time on the simulator, so I am extremely comfortable that he will come in and do a solid job,” his father Nathan said.

“I also think Monochrome GT4 Australia is the perfect category to step in and learn the sport at a good level. I am still learning and I have done the opening three rounds, so I will continue to learn and I am sure Jay will too.”

Andy McElrea led Jay’s testing in the lead-up to his selection, which he stated ended up a major success as the teenager proved his capabilities behind the wheel.

“We did an evaluation on Jay at Morgan Park last month in what was his first time in the car ever. He blew us away with his maturity and pace, so it was an easy decision to get him in the car,” McElrea said.

“He then completed another two test days at Queensland Raceway and it was quite spectacular to watch his progress over the course of both days.

“The kid has an old head on young shoulders and has shown extreme maturity both in and out of the car.

The Shannons SpeedSeries’ GT Festival Sandown at the famous Sandown International Raceway took place on 25-27 July, where Jay made his car debut.

Pictured

C C R C C AR A

GRANTS RELEASED

THE FINAL ROUND OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CAR CLUB GRANTS PROGRAM IS NOW FOR APPLICATIONS WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT FOCUSING ON ACCELERATING FEMALE AND YOUNG DRIVER PARTICIPATION AS WELL AS SAFETY ON AND OFF-ROAD.

The current funding round will build on a busy previous round, which involved granting funding to 75 initiatives across 64 clubs sharing in $500,000 - a new record.

Clubs can apply for funding to help purchase life-saving defibrillators, rejuvenate clubrooms, improve operations and drive participation in motorsport through popular events.

South Australian MP Tom Koutsantonis outlined the South Australian Car Club Program was fuelling the growth of grassroots participation in motorsport by enabling clubs to build on their proud history.

“As clubs get set to rev up projects awarded in round three, we are excited to announce the fourth and final round of grants to drive their ambitions into the future,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“Our state is a premier destination for motoring enthusiasts and we are proud to be supporting their continued success - on and off road.”

The $2 million, four-year program began in 2023 with eligible grassroots car clubs since sharing in $1.5 million through more than 200 initiatives.

The third round of funding drew more than 90 applications across three streams, with $40,000 in vital improvements to the popular Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley headlining more than 10 regional projects awarded funding.

The Veteran Car Club of South Australia received a $5,000 grant to lead 150 pre-1919 vehicles on a sixday rally across the Murraylands in October, with a Triumph Stag rally through the Riverland also drawing interstate visitors to communities impacted by the 2022-2023 River Murray Flood Event.

OTHER GRANT RECIPIENTS INCLUDED:

· Southern Districts Car Club will utilise $23,000 to build a new all-weather training space for young drivers at Cambrai.

· Morgan Classic and Custom Vehicles Club received $25,000 for vital clubroom repairs.

· Adelaide Car Club will host a Women on Track event to mentor female motorsport enthusiasts, with agricultural vehicles to go on show at Price in a tractor pull and show ’n’ shine fest on the Yorke Peninsula.

Eligible clubs must be a not-for-profit organisation operating for 12 months or longer.

Applications for the fourth round are now open and will close on 25 August. Successful applicants will be announced later this year.

C CLUB U L B

OPEN REGIONAL, OFF-ROAD.

$1.5 MILLION THROUGH MORE THAN 200 INITIATIVES

DRIVERS SHOWCASE MOTORKHANA SKILLS AT QUEENSLAND RACEWAY

Over 30 drivers put their handling skills to the test earlier this month for the 2025 Queensland Motorkhana Championship and Series at Queensland Raceway in Willowbank.

The event, hosted by the Holden Sporting Car Club of Queensland, enjoyed a litany of terrific runs and several award winners.

Gates opened as early as 7am on the day, with racing beginning promptly at 10am as competitors undertook the course across a broad range of class categories, from Class B (2WD, wheelbase up to 2150mm) to Class F/G (Front and Rear-Wheel Drive Non-Production vehicles).

Each competitor was required to complete a minimum of six tests and a maximum of 12 tests around the course, with just one attempt provided per testsetting the stage for high-pressure performance. Emerging victorious and first outright was Aaron Wuillemin with a Total Point Score of 275.82, who attacked the course with ease in his Special W-003 machine.

Closely behind Aaron was his son, Hamish EastWuillemin, who took second outright and first in the junior pack thanks to an impressive performance using the same car, the Special W-003 - which earned him a score overall of 316.57.

Leading the pack in the Class B category was Stewart Bell, who finished with a raw score of 276.02, which was then converted into a total of 320.14. The total score did enough to secure a Class win for Bell and claim a spot on the outright podium in third.

Rounding out the family affair for the East-Wuillemin clan, mother Lauren won the Ladies Class in her Special XL-001 vehicle, with a total score of 323.32 to finish fourth outright, and daughter Shyla EastWuillemin was named fastest in the junior female field with a score of 405.28 driving her Special XL-001.

Notable performances across the classes included Brett Davidson (333.78) and Ashley Eade (370.33) in Class B, who both excelled in the Mazda MX-5.

Malcom Spiden was terrific in his Ford Escort to win Class C bragging rights with a score of 437.10, finishing just ahead of Richard Marken and his Peugeot 504 Cabriolet (459.66) and Judith O’Connor driving her Nissan 370Z (539.56).

Rhys Ellison’s impressive total score of 343.49 got him over the line in Class D to claim the class win, handling the course well in a Renault Clio RS19.

Up next for the Holden Sporting Car Club of Queensland will be the club’s annual Motorkhana event on 19 October, returning to the Queensland Raceway.

CLUB BUSINESS WORKSHOPS

PRACTICAL TOOLS TO SUPPORT CLUBS

Motorsport Australia is pleased to announce its new Club Business Workshops for 2025, bringing a renewed focus to the operational topics that matter most to clubs.

These free online sessions are designed to provide practical guidance on a range of areas - from funding and risk management to digital tools and community engagement.

Delivered by subject matter experts from within Motorsport Australia, the series aims to support club administrators, volunteers and committees with real-world knowledge and resources.

The series is kicking off with a Grant Writing Workshop on Tuesday, 26 August, led by Fiona Telford, Motorsport Australia’s Funding and Grants Manager.

With vast experience across government and the sporting sector, Fiona will share practical

insights to help clubs prepare competitive submissions in the lead-up to key grant rounds.

Whether you're looking to secure funding, streamline operations, or grow your club’s reach, this series is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to do just that.

All this and more - delivered by Motorsport Australia, to support your club’s success from the grassroots up.

Register now for the Grant Writing Workshop

REGISTER NOW

BE RYCO READY

THESE ARE THE GEN3 SUPERCAR CONTROL PARTS Technology proven in Supercars, available for your

FROM TRACKSIDE TO INSIDE A NEW WAY FOR MOTORSPORT FANS TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of motorsport. The roar of the engines, the split-second overtakes, the strategy, the skill - it’s a sport that hooks you in and never lets go. But as any fan knows, the gap between spectating and actually getting behind the wheel can feel pretty wide. That’s where sim racing comes in.

Over the past few years, sim racing has exploded in popularity. What was once the domain of techheads and pro drivers doing laps in between race weekends has become a surprisingly accessible way for everyday motorsport fans to experience the highs and lows of racing — all from the comfort of home.

And if you’re wondering whether it’s just a fancy video game, think again. Today’s sim setups offer a stunning level of realism. We’re talking about force feedback steering wheels that let you feel every bump and kerb, pedals with real-world brake

pressure, and software that models tyre wear, weather changes and even car damage. It's the closest thing you’ll get to real racing without donning a fireproof suit.

For those curious about taking the plunge, the good news is you don’t need a dedicated sim room or a pro-level setup to get started. Brands like MOZA Racing have made it easier (and more affordable) than ever to get into sim racing with bundles that deliver a seriously immersive experience straight out of the box.

Take the MOZA R3 Bundle, for instance. Available in both PC and Xbox compatible versions, it includes a compact but powerful wheelbase, a set of SR-P Lite pedals, an ES or ESX steering wheel and a handy table clamp so you can mount everything securely to a desk. Prefer a bit more grunt? The R5 Bundle ups the ante with a stronger force feedback motor

and is a favourite among those looking for a bit more realism without going full blown sim cave.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. One of the great things about sim racing is how you can build and customise your rig over time. MOZA offers a range of add-ons to deepen the experience — like the SR-P Clutch Pedal for mastering manual starts, a brake performance kit for a firmer, more progressive pedal feel, or even different steering wheel shapes to suit your driving style (yes, that includes a Formula-style wheel mod if you want to channel your inner Piastri).

Whether you’re chasing lap times at Mount Panorama or just want to jump into some casual online racing, sim racing offers a genuine thrill that connects fans more closely to the sport they love. It’s competitive, it’s social, it’s surprisingly physicaland it’s incredibly fun.

READY TO RACE?

If you’ve ever watched a race and thought, “I could do that,” now’s your chance to prove it — no race licence required. Moza Racing’s entry-level bundles offer motorsport fans an affordable, high-quality gateway into sim racing. Whether you're after your first setup or looking to level up from a gamepad, MOZA delivers the performance and realism to bring your racing dreams to life.

VIEW MOZA RANGE

You can find MOZA Racing products - including the R3 and R5 bundles at JB Hi-Fi. Head over, check them out, and get ready to take your place on the virtual grid.

GT FESTIVAL THE BEND 2025

READY TO TAKE OVER ADELAIDE

Building on the back of a highly successful GT Festival Sandown, the Shannons SpeedSeries has begun preparations for the 2025 GT Festival The Bend.

Taking place at the impressive South Australian circuit of Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, GT Festival The Bend serves as the fifth round of the 2025 season and the final event in Australia.

Featuring in the round will be season regulars of GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, Monochrome GT4 Australia and the First Focus Radical Cup Australia, while the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia and Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Australasia return to the series.

For the first time in 2025, there will be six categories featuring at a Shannons SpeedSeries as the popular Group S Racing joins the series – the category being made up on classic Australian sports cars from the 1950s to 1970s.

There will be plenty of opportunities for fans to watch the action unfold throughout the weekend,

both at the track and from the comfort of their own homes, with 7plus once again to broadcast Saturday and Sunday’s schedules around Australia.

International viewers will also be able to catch all GT World Challenge Australia and Monochrome GT4 Australia sessions on the GT World YouTube channel.

For those attending in person, entry on Friday is free for everyone, while free paddock access and grid walks are some of the major highlights, giving fans the opportunity to meet drivers and teams and see the cars up close.

Ticket prices start at $35 for a daily pass, $60 for a weekend pass, while fans aged 15 and under can attend all weekend for free.

L D

Travis Robinson and navigator Paul Currie have continued their

scintillating run of form in the 2025 BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) following a convincing win at the Loveday 400.

The Western Australian pairing was dominant on the final day of competition, extending a 28 second overnight lead to win the South Australian event by a comfortable 14 minute margin.

In doing so, Robinson builds on his lead in the AORC drivers’ Championship standings as he chases a second national title.

Running second overnight, Kiwi sensation Boston Morgan-Horan and navigator Fergus Crabb had 58 seconds to claw back on Robinson on the final 80km

section on Sunday afternoon, however a mechanical problem on the first lap cruelly cut their race short.

It gave Robinson a comfortable buffer over the next best competitor, his brother Beau Robinson and Shane Hutt, who eventually finished 14 minutes adrift in second. Completing the outright podium in a champagne day for Western Australia racers was fellow trophy truck driver Brent Smoothy.

Travis Robinson credited nine-time AORC Champion Shannon Rentsch for his rich run of form in 2025.

“It’s been a good run and we’ve picked up a new method – I took six years off racing and I swore to myself that if I was ever to come back, I would use the Shannon Rentsch method. And that is ‘to finish first, first you must finish’,” said Travis. “It seems to be working out for us. It has been a flawless weekend and I just can’t thank the crew at Mason enough. “We’ll keep moving forward, and as long as we’ve got two trucks on the podium each weekend we’ll be happy.”

Changing weather conditions and a track full of hard-edged bumps pared back the starting list for the final 80km section of the weekend on Sunday. Unsurprisingly, there was a high rate of attrition, and few drivers were as anxious behind the wheel as Brent Smoothy, who has had a wretched run of form over the past two years.

“The result is fantastic, to be in the company of Trav and Beau on the podium today is an incredible feeling.”

In the competitive SXS Championship, a weekendlong battle between Glen Ackroyd and Lachlan Bailey continued throughout Sunday’s 200km worth of racing.

The pair traded places throughout the five laps of racing, but in the end it was Ackroyd who prevailed after Bailey suffered a flat tyre in the morning section to take top of class, and remarkably, fourth outright at Loveday.

"WE’LL KEEP MOVING FORWARD, AND AS LONG AS WE’VE GOT TWO TRUCKS ON THE PODIUM EACH WEEKEND WE’LL BE HAPPY. "

Remarkably, Loveday marked not only Smoothy’s first podium in his current Trophy Truck, but his first completion of an event altogether.

“It’s been a savage run for me, I was running second at Finke last year and we got it taken away from us. All the bad memories were coming back to me today on that last lap, I can assure you,” Smoothy said.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA UPDATE AVAILABLE APP

The result now elevates Ackroyd to first in the SXS Championship standings after three rounds.

“It was a real race to the end, it was tough out there with a lot of square-edged holes but it was fun out there, really good,” said Ackroyd.

“Lachie was very quick this morning, he actually passed me. We’ll continue to do what we do over the remaining two rounds, just drive smart and push when it works. It’s a good result.”

Jared Percival rounded out the top five, with Hayden Bentley, Lachlan Bailey, Hannah Bentley, Cooper Western and Daniel Challen completing the top 10 outright places.

All attention now turns to round four of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship, the St George 399 in Queensland on August 22-24.

To provide Motorsport Australia members with a better user experience and improved functionality, a major update to the Motorsport Australia app has been rolled out across iOS (Apple) and Android devices.

This update sets the foundation for further developments, including contemporary features and improved usability.

The updated Motorsport Australia app features a refreshed interface with a digital licence display. Members can log in with their ID and password, scroll through their licence types via an image carousel, and access key details including licence status and a QR code for seamless event check-in.

To benefit from the improved functionality, Android users will need to remove and reinstall the app on their device.

Your account information will not be deleted, you will simply need to login to your Motorsport Australia account after reinstallation.

Apple iOS users who have automatic updates enabled will already have the latest version of the Motorsport Australia app, but it is recommended that Apple iOS users also delete and reinstall the app to ensure the latest version is installed.

FIND OUT FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA APP

FIND OUT MORE

OFFICIALS SHINE AT SANDOWN

Behind every great event is a great team. That was certainly the case for the Shannons SpeedSeries - GT Festival Sandown, powered by Motorsport Australia’s dedicated team of officials.

Shannons SpeedSeries arrived at Sandown International Raceway in late July for its fourth round of the 2025 season, featuring more than 18 hours of on-track action for fans to enjoy.

Contributing to the weekend was an officials team of close to 260 volunteers, an all time high according to Motorsport Australia Officials Manager Aidan Siegel.

“Like with most forms of motorsport, it is almost entirely run by volunteers,” Siegel said.

“At Sandown, Motorsport Australia had more than 250 officials there - without them, the events don’t happen at any level.

“In other sports, once you get to state and national level events, people are paid

for the most part. In motorsport, you can go up to Formula One and most of the motorsport related personnel are the volunteers - it’s quite amazing when you think about that level of dedication.”

As is the case for every motorsport event, there is a wide variety of tasks for officials to undertake, which provides different types of experience to every official.

Siegel noted national level events are a great setting for officials to gather handson practice at motorsport events, to better equip themselves to assist at club events at other times during the year.

The Senior Leadership Officials team was led by Event Secretary Kimberley

Hughes, GT World Challenge Australia and GT4 Series Race Director James Taylor and GT World Challenge Australia Deputy Race Director Kaye Callander.

“It's incredibly important what our senior leadership does. They're doing everything from running a national level event to introducing new officials, while supporting everyone else,” Siegel added.

“They are an incredibly important group of people to have at these events, driven by their love for motorsport.”

To learn more about officiating opportunities, head to motorsport.org.au/officials.

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JAMES WHELAN

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GEM COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE

The Collingrove Hillclimb events held throughout the year are some of the most popular motorsport events held in South Australia, but none of them can go ahead without the assistance from the volunteer officials.

One particular official has provided ongoing assistance to the Sporting Car Club of South Australia, the events’ organising club for many years, to ensure the events continue to run safely and smoothly.

James Whelan is a passionate motorsport fan and always goes above and beyond to assist with events.

Although he is an experienced Steward, James always makes himself available to help with any role, whether that be in a flag point, starter, secretary, clerk of course or steward role.

James, a valued asset to the South Australian motorsport community, is a team player who has educated himself to be able to undertake any role required of him and always to the highest standard possible.

Whelan’s peers consider him a great, passionate and dedicated team player. His commitment to being a motorsport official is second to none.

To thank James for his invaluable contribution to the sport, he will receive a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin and certificate.

Do you know someone like James; a Motorsport Australia official who deserves to be recognised for going above and beyond their duty?

Nominate now and your friend could win a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin, and certificate – with their story shared in Speed Read.

Do you know someone like Cheree; a Motorsport Australia official who deserves to be recognised for going above and beyond their duty?

Nominate now and your friend could win a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin, and certificate - with their story shared in Speed Read.

SUBMIT NOMINATION

HEUZENROEDERPAT Inside Pat HEUZENROEDER'S Racing Journey

Pat Heuzenroeder, a rising Australian talent is proving his sporting abilities on the global stage, with ambitions to become a Formula 1 driver.

Like many competitors,

Heuzenroeder’s journey started with karting, aged 13. He fell in love with the dedication needed and the fine details involved with the sport.

Motorsport legends, like Sebastian Vettel, were a major inspiration for Heuzenroeder to pursue a career in motorsport.

From 2018 the teen competed for three years, and his skills were quickly recognised. He progressed to the NSW Formula Ford Championship in 2022 and was selected in the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials.

After making the move to the United Kingdom at 16 years old, Heuzenroeder’s career took off and he’s now been racing in the GB3 Championship since 2024.

Heuzenroeder’s first GB3 season is one to remember, with the Aussie taking home a podium and multiple top five finishes with JHR Developments team.

The young Aussie also showcased his talent in the Castrol Toyota Formula Oceania Regional in New Zealand in January 2025. Heuzenroeder finished fourth in the championship, securing nine top five finishes and four podiums in 13 races.

“The aim was going into the GB3 with a two-year plan - lay the foundations in the first year and get some good results, which I did with multiple top five finishes.” Heuzenroeder said.

“Last year was pretty good,”

“I also had my ex-teammate, John Bennet, who was a great

person to learn off since he'd been in GB3 for three years.”

This year Heuzenroeder joins Xcel Motorsport, securing his first race win at Zandvoort, placing him at the top of the driver standings.

This success is possible not only because Heuzenroeder’s strong performance, but also due to his preparation before a race weekend.

Leading up to qualifying or a race, Heuzenroeder utilises visualisation to help him get in the zone, while also ensuring he is relaxed before stepping into his car.

The 2025 season has been strong for Heuzenroeder, delivering many top ten finishes and a haul of points in the first four rounds.

“I think we've got a great team of people around us and I'm the lead driver for the team now, which is nice,” Heuzenroeder said.

“I’m really looking to challenge for the title, and I definitely think I can, so I'm looking forward to it.”

The 19 year old has lived in Oxford for three years, living alone for much of that time.

“It's a hub here and you meet so many different people,” Heuzenroeder said.

“Living here has opened doors for me, like meeting David Braham, my manager.

“I also met some students in Oxford, as well as other drivers that are in a similar boat to me.”

For Heuzenroeder, racing is his main priority, pushing to advance to higher categories.

“I would have finished school, but I didn't because I didn't complete Year 12,” Heuzenroeder said.

“For me, it was really a choice between racing or school.

“When I was in Barcelona, I had to stay inside and do my assessments, which was not ideal.”

When Heuzenroeder is not on track, you can find him setting goals in the gym, cycling and running. Once

" I’M REALLY LOOKING TO CHALLENGE FOR THE TITLE, AND I DEFINITELY THINK I CAN ...

he hits home soil, Heuzenroeder loves to spend time with his dogs and at the beach, switching off from the hectic world of motorsport.

However, the Aussie will always find himself advancing his racing abilities, practicing on his simulator in between race weekends.

Heuzenroeder’s 2025 goal involves improving his driving skills in every way possible to reach the next stage in his motorsport career.

“I want to be on the FIA Formula 3 grid,” Heuzenroeder said.

“It will require some things to line up and obviously we've got a whole year ahead of us.

“We will see how this year goes, with hopes to be in F3 next year.”

Heuzenroeder credits his parents and family as his biggest supporters since day one of his career.

“It takes massive sacrifice from everyone to get me where I am today, both financially as well as the amount of time my whole family has put into my career, said Heuzenroeder.”

“Also, the last two years I’ve worked with David Brabham as my mentor and he has got right behind me to help me progress in my career, he is a big supporter and I have learnt so much from him.”

With Formula 1 on the young Aussie’s mind, Heuzenroeder is determined to make this dream a reality.

“I’m focused on motorsport,” Heuzenroeder said.

“I want to get to Formula 1… it would be incredible.”

CIRCUIT EXCEL SA

ROLLS TOWARDS ENDURO EXTRAVAGANZA

Circuit Excel South Australia has upped the ante, fielding a public callout to Australia’s pool of professional drivers to consider joining the fun at this year’s Circuit Excel South Australia Enduro.

The Circuit Excel SA Enduro provides an opportunity for a grassroots event to meet pro-level racing, as the club opens its doors to high-profile drivers to become co-drivers at one of Australia’s most competitive entry-level categories.

This year’s Enduro will run from 4-5 December at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend in South Australia.

“[It’s about] competitive, friendly, accessible motorsport, and putting it side-by-side with the best in the country,” Semler described.

“We want the likes of Brodie Kostecki, Chaz Mostert, Cam Waters and Will Davison jumping into Excels for the fun of it — and believe me, they’ll be impressed.”

"IT’S ABOUT COMPETITIVE, FRIENDLY, ACCESSIBLE

The Circuit Excel Association of SA outlined drivers in categories such as Supercars, TCR, Trans Am, Super2, Super3 and more are welcome to join the grid, not as guests of honour, but as co-drivers in the thick of the action.

MOTORSPORT...

South Australia’s Excel racing community is already on the front foot, reaching out to professional drivers to race, already locking one in.

Super2 driver Brad Vaughan has confirmed he will be part of this year’s Enduro event as an entrant.

Event organiser Aaron Semler said the event is about showcasing the heart of grassroots motorsport.

The format will involve an afternoon bumpin and a three-hour open pit lane session on the Thursday before a breakfast, a two-hour open track session, buffet lunch, back-to-back qualifying sessions, and two 1.5-hour races takes place on the Friday.

The Circuit Excel category has grown rapidly across Australia, and the SA Enduro now stands as one of the premier showcase events on the Excel calendar.

“With low costs, tight racing, and a community-first approach, it offers a rare chance for pros to return to their roots — or for fans to see their heroes in a completely different kind of race car,” Semler added.

Entry details will be made available soon.

MG CAR CLUB OF NEWCASTLE CELEBRATES 70 YEARS

Hundreds of members and and friends of the MG Car Club of Newcastle packed out Club Macquarie in July to celebrate 70 Years since the club’s inception in 1955.

The event provided attendees with the chance to reflect on the club’s memories over the years and pay tribute to those who played pivotal roles in the club’s development over the decades.

Leading the evening’s proceedings, MG Car Club President Bryn Baverstock said it was an event he will look fondly back on.

“We were very pleased with the night. The club's still going strong after 70 years,” Baverstock said.

“We've got close to 600 members these days. It all started off by a guy in an MG showroom who thought his customers should have an MG club to join.

“We've always been open to all other marques and makes and that's, I think, a big reason for our continued success as a club which has continued to grow.”

In addition to monthly social events and committee meetings, most club runs are started from this venue. It is also the base of one of the MG Club’s most cherished accolades, “The Nuffield Trophy” for Oceania, won at the 1998 National Meeting which sits inside the clubrooms.

This victory is one of a few high points in the club’s 70-year history.

In 2014, the club ran the Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship at the vastly upgraded Ringwood Park Complex and in 2022, the club ran the MG National Meeting based around Club Macquarie, Speers Point Park, Ringwood Motorsport Complex and Catalina Park Rathmines.

In October 2023, it ran the Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship for the second time at the Ringwood Motorsport Complex to round out some of the club’s largest hosted events.

The club came from humble beginnings attracting just a few motorsport fans when it was conceived in the mid-1950s. In 1966, Abingdon granted the club full MG Centre status.

Competitive motorsport in other marques around Australia and overseas was prevalent for the next couple of decades, before interest increased the club’s MG ownership and dominance reach new levels in the 1980s.

It was in 1998, under the leadership of President Dennis Tynan, that the club purchased a former boy scouts hall opposite Birmingham Gardens and renovated it into the permanent clubrooms that still stand to this day.

Baverstock and his wife, Helen, joined the club nearly 30 years ago, with Bryn first serving as President in 2012 for four years. He then began his second term as President in 2023.

Both however could not praise the community the club hosts in a high enough regard.

“It's almost a family-like atmosphere at the club,” Baverstock added.

“Once you get involved to that degree, going to events, becoming an official, going to the national meetings, the camaraderie you get with all the people around you is terrific.

70YEARS

with so many people eager to help out where they can.”

MG Car Club of Newcastle continues to attract a broad associate membership of race and rally enthusiasts. It also maintains its ability to stage State Championship-level events annually in Hillclimb, Rallycross and Navigation Rallying.

For more information on how to join this historic club, head to

MG CAR CLUB

CLUB

" WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN OPEN TO ALL OTHER MARQUES AND MAKES AND THAT'S, I THINK, A BIG REASON FOR OUR CONTINUED SUCCESS AS A CLUB WHICH HAS CONTINUED TO GROW."

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When it comes to high-performance braking, stopping power doesn’t begin and end with pads and rotors. The internal components of the caliper—dust boots, piston seals, and related hardware— are critical to the system’s integrity, especially under heat, pressure, and repeated stress.

That’s why DBA has partnered with industry-leading, Europe-based brand Frenkit to introduce the Upgrade Performance Caliper Repair Kit—a purpose-built solution for demanding environments, whether it’s competition, spirited street driving, or track-day use.

ENGINEERED FOR EXTREME CONDITIONS

While standard caliper repair kits are typically designed to meet OEM tolerances for daily use, these kits go several steps further. Developed through rigorous R&D and tested in both lab environments and motorsport conditions, each component is designed to maintain integrity in scenarios where conventional materials would quickly break down.

At the core of the system are high-temperature silicone dust boots, rated up to 270˚C. To put this into perspective: average street use generates around 130˚C at the caliper, while track driving can push that temperature up to 260˚C. It is worthwhile noting that standard caliper replacement kits usually offer seals that are rated for significantly lower temperatures. Using such kits on a performance vehicle can lead to premature and frequent seal failure that potentially results in oil leaking from the caliper, and the consequent loss of braking power.

Furthermore, whilst standard caliper repair kits may initially provide a satisfactory repair of worn or damaged seals, they can be subject to a short life span when used under challenging conditions. This may result in the frequent need for caliper repair – a process that can be time consuming and – for some users – challenging. DBA’s Caliper Repair kits last multiple times longer than standard repair kits, thus saving time and stress.

DBA’s kits also include custom-blend piston seals, engineered for durability under thermal and mechanical stress—helping prevent issues like fluid leakage, brake fade, or premature wear.

All these features help ensure consistency and reliability over extended use, even in the harshest braking environments, providing peace of mind for the user. No premature caliper failure whilst out on the track! No stress wondering if the caliper seals are going to make it through the next race!

BUILT-IN TEMPERATURE TRACKING

To support ongoing performance monitoring, each kit includes adhesive temperature indicator strips. These offer a simple, visual way to review how hot calipers are getting over time—providing a valuable reference point for maintenance and giving drivers and technicians deeper insight into the system’s real-world workload.

It’s a practical layer of information, particularly useful for vehicles that are pushed beyond typical operating ranges.

REBUILD, DON’T REPLACE

For vehicles already equipped with upgraded rotors, pads, and fluid, factory-spec caliper internals can become the limiting factor. Rather than replacing the caliper entirely, this solution allows it to be rebuilt to a higher standard,

preserving the original housing while upgrading its resilience and performance characteristics.

It’s an efficient, performance-forward approach that helps extend the lifespan of critical components while enhancing braking capability.

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VOLUNTEER OF THE ROUND MARK CROSBY

Chief Scrutineer Mark Crosby fell in love with motorsport as a spectator - it’s a familiar story from within Motorsport Australia’s 12,000+ volunteer officials community.

After watching the iconic Finke Desert Race for a couple of years, Crosby became addicted to motorsport, and more specifically with off road competition.

After getting to know Australian Off Road Championship (AORC) Technical Delegate Fred Severin, Crosby began scrutineering, and has continued to do so as a volunteer for the past 15 years.

He has volunteered at countless events over the past decade and a half, including for the Repco Supercars Championship, but Crosby stated off road competition remains his personal passion.

“It’s the people, it’s one big family, competitors and all,” Crosby said.

“We need a lot more officials, it’d be great to get more young people on board.

“How we do that exactly, I’m not sure. If we can get them to the events and more interested, it would be fantastic for the sport.”

Crosby’s two favourite events on the AORC calendar include both the Finke Desert Race and the Loveday 400.

Round One’s BFGoodrich Volunteer of the Round was awarded to Ken ‘Jock’ Macleod for his efforts following the championship opener at the Pooncarie Desert Dash in April.

Following that, the award was given to corecipients, respected officials Jamie Coverdale and Mark Fidge accepting the honour at this year’s Finke Desert Race in Round Two.

The next round of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship takes place in Queensland for the St George 399, as teams head to the Sunshine State from 22 – 24 August.

More information on the St George 399 can be found at aorc.com.au/stgeorge399.

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FOUR NATIONS CUP SHOWCASES THE BEST ESPORTS DRIVERS

United Kingdom has emerged victorious in this year’s Four Nations Cup, overcoming Australia, New Zealand and first-time participants South Africa in the fourth edition of the annual Esports event.

United Kingdom finished with 182 total team points after the two 30-minute virtual races, ahead of New Zealand on 155 points, South Africa on 50 points and Australia on 47 points.

Each race had 10 representatives from each nation, building a 40-car field.

Great Britain held the early advantage in the first of two races at Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, with driver Marley Joffe earning pole position on the grid after finishing first in qualifying with a time of 2:02.353. New Zealand representative Antal Sabo rounded out the front row.

The drama ensued almost instantly with a multi-vehicle incident after the first turn, quickly separating the pack into two groups and the top three maintaining their positions for the remainder of the race.

New Zealand’s cohort of drivers did well in the first session to put the Kiwis in the team lead heading into the second race at Silverstone with 95 points, ahead of United Kingdom on 63 points, South Africa on 32 and Australia on 23.

Joffe led from start to finish in the first race to claim 25 points after 15 laps, Sabo finished second, and New Zealander Stefan McCartain rounded out the podium in third. Australia laboured down the

standings with Stuart Ellis getting the highest placing, finishing ninth.

Joffe’s individual dominance was again on display in the second qualifying session, clocking a time of 1:50.570 to take pole position, three-tenths of a second quicker than fellow countryman Matt Caruana and four-tenths quicker than Australian Samuel Smith. Caruana overtook his compatriot to claim first spot on the opening lap and controlled his pace well for the majority of the second race before Joffe regained his position on his way to the chequered flag after 16 laps.

Fellow Briton William Chadwick’s early efforts culminated in an allUnited Kingdom podium on their home track. Six United Kingdom drivers made up the race’s top seven with Adam Watson, Zain Khan and Kieran Sharp further adding to the nation’s Silverstone dominance.

Smith was unable to maintain his position near the top of the order, falling outside the the top 30. Benjamin Roberts finished the race as Australia’s highest-placed driver in 12th in the second race.

United Kingdom’s 115-point haul from the second race was enough to slingshot United Kingdom into first place on the points standings ahead of New Zealand by 27 points, meanwhile Australia settled in fourth place after picking up just 24 points.

The result for Australia marked the first time the country was unable to win the event since the inaugural Four Nations Cup in 2022.

ENTRY LIST ANNOUNCED AS

ARC TITLE FIGHT HEATS UP

The fields are taking shape ahead of the Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally, the first Endurance round of the year, with 21 rally crews entered for the fourth round of the EROAD Australian Rally Championship (ARC) which will travel in and around the forests of Heyfield on 24-26 August.

Reigning champions Harry Bates and Coral Taylor in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia GR Yaris are alongside current championship leaders and Hyundai stars Hayden Paddon and John Kennard, while fellow title contenders Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin round out the top three seeded crews entering the event.

With the second half of the season kicking off in regional Victoria, The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally is likely to play a pivotal role in the overall title fight.

Clerk of Course Andrew Roseman expressed organisers are super excited to be able to welcome the EROAD Australian Rally Championship back to Victoria.

“The ARC has had an awesome year so far and although there are few notable names missing from the entry list, there are some really strong crews entered in this event,” Roseman said.

“Having a strong field in the WOLF Production Cup is massive and it’s certainly going to make for entertaining viewingespecially when it comes to some of the night stages on Saturday evening.”

Crews likely to have a say in that battle between the top three seeded crews include

the likes of Alex Rullo and Steve Glenney in the sole IntelliSpatial Fleetcare Racing Hyundai i20N Rally 2 for the round, and Ezi Up Tyre Repair Kit’s Troy Dowel and Bernie Webb in the Toyota GR Yaris AP4.

WOLF Production Cup leaders Clayton Hoy and Erin Kelly in the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 6 and fellow class title rivals Bodie Reading and Brad Jones in the Les Walkden Rallying Subaru Impreza headline the popular class.

Joining title contenders in the WOLF Production class are 2025 regulars crossentered in other Cups, such as ARC Junior Cup leader Jackson Long and co-driver Damien Long, 2WD Cup leaders Tony Sullens and Kaylie Newell, and 4WD Cup leaders Shane and Sylvie Garner.

The Cup also has a host of crews making their first appearances for the year, including Kevin Millard and Patrick Hughes of Portland Conveyor Services and DT Electrical’s Danny Traverso and Anthony Carr – both of whom are behind the wheel of Mitsubishis.

Following their runner-up finish at Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland, Tony Oates and Anthony Staltari lead the charge for the 2WD Classic Cup, while Molly Spalding and Matt Dillon will be looking to recreate their 4WD Classic Cup podium last month.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA

SUPERSPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRIES OPEN

The Championship event plays host to more than 20 vehicle classes ranging from rally car classes and Formula Vee to a host of road car categories.

Over the two days, some of the top competitors from around the country will take on The Bend course.

Held at the popular 4.95km-long International Circuit, the event will consist of one timed practice and seven timed sessions of up to 12-15 minutes.

The length of the sessions are at the discretion of the Clerk of the Course and the maximum number of cars in any session will be 28.

Motorsport Australia State and Competition Racing Manager Bruce Astbury mentions the event is well attended due to its atmosphere on and off the track.

"The Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship is one of the biggest Speed events on the calendar, especially in South Australia," Astbury said.

"Not only do drivers get access to one of the nation's most iconic tracks, but the wide variety of classes and categories means it attracts competitors from every corner of the country.

Plans are rolling forward for October with entries now open for the 2025 Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in South Australia.

This year's event will take place on 18-19 October in partnership with the Marque Sports Car Association, Sporting Car Club of South Australia and Porsche Club of South Australia.

"It is certainly an event that you should not miss and I couldn't recommend it highly enough because of the community and carnival-like atmosphere.

“There are plenty of locations to stay at too, whether it be the nearby caravan park within the complex or one of the hotels, it’s a great event to centre your weekend around.”

Competitors will be required to nominate their vehicle class in the Motorsport Australia entry system, in accordance with the Motorsport Australia National Speed Event Championship Classes.

See the National Speed Event Championship Classes for more clarification.

CLASSES

Head to Motorsport Australia’s Event Entry to secure registration. The event’s Early Bird offer will close on 31 August.

YOUNG GUN

THE BIG MOVER IN LATEST GOLD STAR RANKINGS

A teenage young gun is the biggest mover in the latest live rankings for this year’s reintroduced Motorsport Australia Gold Star Award.

Rylan Gray now sits in fourth place as of this week, ahead of reigning Repco Supercars Championship winner Will Brown and behind only Oscar Piastri, Matt Campbell and Broc Feeney.

MRAVICIC MAKES HISTORY AT NSW 6 HOUR RELAY

Gray’s rise to fourth highlights how Gold Star points can be accumulated across different series under the new way the prestigious honour is awarded.

The 18-year-old’s tally of 45 points comes through leading both the Dunlop Super2 Series (25 points plus five Tier 3 Championship base points) and the Monochrome GT4 Australia standings (15 points).

Phoenix Racing with four victories and Panorama Mountain Men with two.

His combined Supercars and GTWCA results gives him 78 Gold Star points, still within striking distance depending on how the rest of the year plays out.

Piastri still retains the top spot on the Gold Star leaderboard courtesy of his continued lead of the Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship standings.

victory over Phoenix Racing.

Reimagined this year by a pointscore method after decades of being awarded to Australia’s champion driver in various eras of open wheeler racing, this year’s Gold Star could be won by a driver from a range of different categories.

Similarly, Matt Campbell continues to hold second place on 94 points courtesy of leading the IMSA standings (50 points) and sitting seventh in the FIA World Endurance Championship standings (24 points plus 20 Tier 1 Championship base points).

team, supported by pit crew members

This year, the 2025 competition quickly shaped into a three way battle between these two front-runners and the Southern Motorsport team.

Dominant Supercars championship leader Feeney’s third place also comes through his success in multiple categories, albeit with a little bit of help from his Red Bull Ampol Racing teammate.

Brown and Feeney are slated to share co-driving duties with Brad Schumacher in this year’s GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, with the Toowoomban originally scheduled to race in the most recent round at Sandown.

Panorama Mountain Men began strongly, building an early lead, but their advantage was steadily eroded by their rivals. As the race progressed, the fight for the top spot intensified, with the lead swapping multiple times among the three teams.

Entering the final hour, Panorama Mountain Men held a narrow margin but managed to extend it decisively, securing a comfortable

However, with Brown locked into a non-motorsport event that clashed with the meeting, Feeney remained aboard the #888 Audi and consolidated his second position in the GTWCA points standings.

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Meanwhile, Southern Motorsport, after several fourth place finishes in previous years, claimed third despite late charges from Grump Racing Victoria and Barge Racing.

The season-long chase to determine Australia’s champion driver of 2025 sees drivers from all forms of circuit racing scored via a live pointscore based on their championship standings as well as their performance in high-profile, marquee events.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA

GOLD

This victory further cements Panorama Mountain Men’s remarkable record in regularity relays.

STAR TOP 5 LEADERBOARD

– AS OF AUGUST 19, 2025

1. OSCAR PIASTRI

2. MATT CAMPBELL

3. BROC FEENEY

4. RYLAN GRAY

Across their last 20 events, they have achieved 13 wins, four second-place finishes, two third-place podiums, and only one non-podium result, making them a very successful team in grassroots motorsport.

5. WILL BROWN

120 POINTS

94 POINTS

78 POINTS

45 POINTS

40 POINTS

Photo: Greg Unger

Glenn Thomas, Brendan Thomas, David Lawler, Charlie Williams (pit crew), Matilda Mravicic, Gaynor Lawler (pit crew) and Stewart Temesvary.

DARREN BARLOW

1972-2025

Motorsport Australia joins the wider motorsport community in honouring Darren Barlow who lost his life in July.

A respected and much-loved member of the motorsport community, Darren was a prominent trackside figure whose warmth, passion, and presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Originally from Wollongong, Darren was an active motorsport member both on and off track. His love for motorsport was a source of inspiration to many, and his dedication to supporting the growth of grassroots motorsport was admired by the national sporting community.

Darren’s commitment and leadership in motorsport saw him serve as Motorsport Australia’s New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory State Council Chair, advocating for the states’ clubs and its members.

Darren was a highly valued member of the Motorsport Australia governance structure. His energy, intellect and passion to grow state level motorsport was a pivotal part of our state council structure. A talented leader and role model for

1934-2025 motorsport community in honouring Darren Barlow who lost his life in July.

those coming up the ranks, he was a valued friend and colleague to many at Motorsport Australia.

The Motorsport Australia Board and entire team extend deepest condolences to Darren’s family, friends and everyone across the motorsport community impacted by his passing.

Darren's passion for mowtorsport was evident on the track, having been a stalwart supporter and state champion of the SuperSports racing category in NSW.

In 2023, he was inducted as a life member to the SuperSports Race Car Club of Australia Hall of Fame - where he also served as president for many years.

Motorsport Australia State and Competition Racing Manager Bruce Astbury said Darren’s impact on the motorsport community and industry in Australia was immeasurable.

“He was all about the sport, incredibly generous with his time, and quite a visionary in the industry. Where Darren was concerned, everything was possible. No matter the situation, Darren's positivity prevailed.” Astbury said.

KEVIN DRAGE

Motorsport Australia and the South Australian motorsport community mourn the passing of prominent Sporting Car Club of South Australia member and past president Kevin Drage, who passed away last month at the age of 90.

Drage leaves behind a storied history in motorsport, particularly in South Australia.

In a statement from the Sporting Car Club of South Australia, the club outlined Drage’s commitment to the community, becoming one of South Australia’s most notable figures in motorsport.

“From crafting iconic alloy wheels for factory muscle cars to pushing boundaries in V8 performance, Kevin’s work left a lasting imprint on our motorsport heritage.

“His passion extended behind the lens, capturing unforgettable moments in racing history, and his legacy was rightfully recognised with the 2023 Phil Irving Award.

“A master engineer, a gifted photographer, and a lifelong contributor to the sport we love — Kevin’s influence will continue to be felt for generations.

“Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the wider motorsport community.”

In 2023 Drage was awarded the Motorsport Australia Phil Irving Award which recognises outstanding skill and achievement by an individual Australian engineer devoted to serving and positively contributing to competitive motorsport - in particular, acknowledging Drage’s commitment to innovation and improvement of the essential components used in motorsport.

A motoring engineer/designer by trade, Drage was an industry leader in his field, producing multiple pieces of never before seen car parts.

Drage saw Harold Clisby's V6 1.5 litre F1 engine project to completion in 1965, while also creating cylinder heads for Repco-Brabham's Formula 1 team.

In the late 1960s, he made Australia's first commercially-produced one-piece aluminium alloy wheels, including those used by Peter Brock in his first Bathurst win in 1972. He would spend the next few decades expanding upon his work, adding to his list of accomplishments in the motorsport industry.

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