Motorsport Australia Speed Read - February 2022

SPEED READ F E B R U A R Y

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TUNE INTO THE AWARDS SEASON It’s officially Motorsport Australia Award Season with all state awards to be held in the month of February.

SUPERCHEAP AUTO SUPPORTS GRASSROOTS VIA NEW PARTNERSHIP Leading automotive parts and accessories retailer Supercheap Auto and Motorsport Australia confirmed a multi-year partnership last month.

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

VAN GISBERGEN RALLY DEBUT IN '22 Supercars Champion Shane van Gisbergen will compete in the opening round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship in April this year.

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CONTENTS 4

Bring on 2022

10

Supercheap Auto supports grassroots via new partnership

12

What's on in February?

14

Girls on Track confirms 2022 calendar

16

Recognising motorsport’s best

18

Celebrate our 2021 award winners

19

Ricciardo’s Racers to enjoy 14 events in 2022

20

Officials selected for development program

21

Exciting TARGA season to resume in the High Country

22

Australians elected to senior FIA positions

23

2022 Vice Presidents confirmed

24

van Gisbergen rally debut in '22

26

Carrera Cup confirms big 2022

28

Sydney to shine on Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships calendar

30

Tickets available for Phillip Island season opener

32

Nine events for S5000 in 2022

34

More spectating options for AGP

36

South Australian funding pledge

37

AORC number registrations available

38

Coffs Coast to host double rally finale

40

BMW Drivers Club wins international award

42

Tesla Owners Club powered up for '22

44

Piastri awarded second Brabham

46

Motorsport Australia updates tarmac rally wet tyre definition

COVER

As the country starts to return to some form of normality, the future looks like far brighter for the motorsport community and to celebrate, Speed Read has collated all the key calendar details for 2022.

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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2022 B R I N G

O N

With events across Australia well and truly underway, the 2022 season promises plenty of excitement.

The past two years have been quite difficult for fans around the country, with many events facing cancellations and postponements.

However as the country starts to return to some form of normality, the future looks bright for the motorsport community and to celebrate, Speed Read has collated all the key calendar details for 2022 so fans can stay in the know for on when their favourite categories are in action.

National events, many of which were put on hold in 2020 and 2021, have now set their calendars with a huge range of categories and disciplines on offer.

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Photos: Speed Shots Photography

VHT S5000 AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS' CHAMPIONSHIP SHANNONS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS 18-20 March: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 15-17 April: Bathurst 6 Hour 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-26 June: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 5-7 August: Queensland Raceway 18-28 September: Sandown Raceway 21-23 October: The Bend Motorsport Park

SUPERCHEAP AUTO TCR AUSTRALIA SERIES 11-13 February: Symmons Plains Raceway 18-20 March: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 15-17 April: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 5-7 August: Queensland Raceway 16-18 September: Sandown Raceway 11-13 November: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit

11-13 February: Symmons Plains Raceway 18-20 March: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 7-10 April: Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 17-19 June: Hidden Valley Raceway 16-18 September: Sandown Raceway

S5000 TASMAN SERIES 29-30 October: Surfers Paradise Street Circuit 11-13 November: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 18-20 November: Sydney Motorsport Park

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 5

Photo: EDGE Photographics

Photo: Revved Photography

Photo: Bob Taylor

GULF WESTERN OIL TOURING CAR MASTERS

PORSCHE PAINTER DIXON CARRERA CUP

REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP

4-6 March: Newcastle Street Circuit 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 8-10 July: Reid Park Street Circuit 5-7 August: Queensland Raceway 16-18 September: Sandown Raceway 11-13 November: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit

7-10 April: Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit 17-19 June: Hidden Valley Raceway 8-10 July: Reid Park Street Circuit 29-31 July: The Bend Motorsport Park 19-21 August: Sandown Raceway 6-9 October: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 28-30 October: Surfers Paradise Street Circuit 18-20 November: Sydney Motorsport Park

4-6 March: Newcastle Street Circuit 26-27 March: Symmons Plains 7-10 April: Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit 30 April - 1 May: Wanneroo Raceway 21-22 May: Winton SuperSprint 18-19 June: Hidden Valley 8-10 July: Reid Park Street Circuit 30-31 July: The Bend Motorsport Park 19-21 August: Sandown Raceway 10-11 September: Pukekohe Park Raceway 6-9 October: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 28-30 October: Surfers Paradise Street Circuit 18-20 November: Sydney Motorsport Park

FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA POWERED BY AWS 18-20 March: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 13-15 May: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 5-7 August: Queensland Raceway 16-18 September: Sandown Raceway 14-16 October: The Bend Motorsport Park 11-13 November: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit

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MRF TYRES AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION CAR SERIES 18-20 March: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 15-17 April: Bathurst 6 Hour 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 25-26 June: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 5-7 August: Queensland Raceway 16-18 September: Sandown Raceway 21-23 October: The Bend Motorsport Park

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

Photo: Bob Taylor

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

DUNLOP SUPER2 AND SUPER3 SERIES 4-5 March: Newcastle Street Circuit 30 April - 1 May: Wanneroo Raceway 8-10 July: Reid Park Street Circuit 19-21 August: Sandown Raceway 6-9 October: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 18-20 November: Sydney Motorsport Park

V8 SUPERUTES 26-27 March: Symmons Plains 30 April - 1 May: Wanneroo Raceway 21-22 May: Winton SuperSprint 29-31 July: The Bend Motorsport Park 6-9 October: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 28-30 October: Surfers Paradise Street Circuit

PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 24-26 June: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 5 -7 August: Queensland Raceway 16-18 September: Sandown Raceway 21-23 October: The Bend Motorsport Park 11-13 November: TBC

BATTERY WORLD AUSSIE RACING CARS SUPER SERIES 4-6 March: Sydney Motorsport Park 26-27 March: Symmons Plains 22-24 April: Wakefield Park 13-15 May: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 20-22 May: Winton Raceway 29-31 July: The Bend Motorsport Park 19-21 August: Sandown Raceway

RADICAL AUSTRALIA CUP 2-4 April: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 31 April - 8 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 3-5 September: Sydney Motorsport Park 17-19 September: Sandown Raceway 15-17 October: The Bend Motorsport Park

NATIONAL TRANS AM SERIES 11-13 February: Symmons Plains Raceway 18-20 March: Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit 15-17 April: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit 27-29 May: Sydney Motorsport Park 5-7 August: Queensland Raceway 16-18 September: Sandown Raceway 11-13 November: Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 7

Photo: Simon Chapman

Photo: CH Images

Photo: Terry Hill Photography

Photo: Terry Hill Photography

RSEA SAFETY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP 1–3 April: National Capital Rally 21–22 May: Forest Rally 25–26 June: Rally Launceston 23–24 July: Rally Queensland 27–28 August: Gippsland Rally 22-23 October: Adelaide Hills Rally 25–27 November: Coffs Coast Rally

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA TARGA CHAMPIONSHIP 3-5 September 2021: TARGA Great Barrier Reef 11-13 February 2022: TARGA High Country 26 April – 1 May 2022: TARGA Tasmania 8 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

BFGOODRICH MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP 18–20 March: Cobb & Co Hotel St. George 399 6-8 May: Pooncarie Desert Dash 11-13 June: Tatts Finke Desert Race 30-31 July: Can-Am Loveday 400 (SA) 2-4 September: Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro 20-23 October: Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race

KINCROME SXS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIP 18-20 March: Cobb & Co Hotel St. George 399 6-8 May: Pooncarie Desert Dash 11-13 June: Tatts Finke Desert Race 30-31 July: Can-Am Loveday 400 2-4 September: Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro 20-23 October: Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race

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SUPERCHEAP AUTO SUPPORTS GRASSROOTS VIA NEW PARTNERSHIP Leading automotive parts and accessories retailer Supercheap Auto and Motorsport Australia confirmed a multi-year partnership last month.

With Supercheap Auto signing on as the governing body’s Official Auto Parts Partner, grassroots competitors, clubs and officials will be big winners, with Supercheap Auto focused on giving back to the motorsport community through this new deal. This will include through Motorsport Australia’s popular Member Rewards program.

In line with the focus on grassroots, Supercheap Auto will also support the innovative FIA Girls On Track program in Australia, along with the popular junior 10 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

development program, Ricciardo’s Racers. Both these programs are designed to give young Australians their first taste of motorsport in a welcoming and informative environment.

As part of the new deal, Supercheap Auto will also support both the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships and the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship with activations and offers for teams, officials, competitors and spectators as the exclusive auto parts partner.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was thrilled to have Supercheap Auto join as the latest partner.

“Motorsport Australia proudly welcomes Supercheap Auto as our Official Auto Parts Partner,” Arocca said.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Benjamin and his team, and everyone at Motorsport Australia is eager to work with Supercheap

Auto to deliver some great benefits for those competing at a grassroots level.

“We’re also excited about Supercheap Auto’s support of both the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships and the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship. Both these national events promise to deliver a big 2022, with events across the country scheduled.

“The support of the innovative FIA Girls On Track and Ricciardo’s Racers programs is also a great vote of confidence in our joint commitment to support and grow the sport for future generations. This will be a great partnership and we look forward to working closely with Supercheap Auto for many years to come.”

a host of benefits as well as support to those competing in motorsport, particularly those who do so at the grassroots level,” Ward explained.

“At Supercheap Auto, motorsport is in our DNA. We’ve been involved in the sport for decades as a sponsor of some of the biggest and best events, teams and competitors and love seeing the passion, commitment, and dedication from those who live and breathe motorsport, as we do.

“We love seeing the passion, commitment, and dedication from those who live and breathe motorsport, as we do”

Supercheap Auto Managing Director Benjamin Ward was eager to further contribute to Supercheap’s support of grassroots motorsport.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Motorsport Australia and delivering

Photo: Lani Carter

“The Motorsport Australia partnership is a great opportunity to provide support for those competing or officiating from grassroots to national level, as well as supporting a range of popular Motorsport Australia events, including national rally and circuit racing events.

“We’re particularly excited about the plans we have in store for supporting Motorsport Australia. This new partnership reinforces Supercheap Auto as the home of motorsport.”

Photo: Dan Thompson

Supercheap Auto is one of the most recognisable brands in Australian motorsport through various levels of sponsorship over recent decades, including as the naming rights partner for the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, as well as being the naming rights partner for the Bathurst 1000 until 2020.

Since the inaugural Super Retail Group brand established in 1972, Supercheap Auto has grown into a major specialist retailer with over 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand and more than 4,500 team members. Supercheap Auto attributes its success and expansion to the emphasis placed on team members, stores and an extensive product range.

The product portfolio in the Supercheap Auto business comprises over 10,000 different items available in store.

Watch the Supercheap Auto & Motorsport Australia Partnership Launch here.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 11 Photo: Speed Shots Photography

WHAT'S ON IN

FEBRUARY?

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

5 February: SORRA Day/Night Autocross R1 5 February: PCNSW Tony McKnight Motorkhana Championship 2022 - Round TD 5 February: Impreza WRX Club Motorkhana Championship R1 6 February: SSCC Motorkhana Skid Pan - Come And Try Day 6 February: Summer Fun Khanacross 6 February: [ACT] SDMA Club Hillclimb 6 February: Coffs Coast Khanacross R1 12 February: Skidpan Motorkhana 12 February: RTDC Motorkhana R1 12 February: Let's get going for 2022 R1 CNCSCC Club Championship 12 February: 2022 CL Rudd Motorkhana 12 February: The Twilight Zone 13 February: NSW Supersprint Championship R1 13 February: Let's get going for 2022 CNCSCC Club Championship R1 13 February: February State Motorkhana 19 February: Rally NSW Test and Tune Day 19-20 February: Multi Club Lap Dash 19-20 February: DSCC Autocross & Khanacross R1 20 February: February State Khanacross 20 February: Wollongong Sporting Car Club February 2022 Hillclimb 20 February: New England Sporting Car Club Motorkhana #1 25-27 February: Motorsport Australia NSW Motor Race Championships R1 25-27 February: Bathurst 12 Hour 26 February: Porsche Club NSW Inc Supersprint Championship R1

Photo: Mini Car Club of NSW NSW: 13 February - NSW Supersprint Championship R1 The Motorsport Australia NSW Supersprint Championship gets underway this month with competitors to race against the clock at Wakefield Park.

QUEENSLAND

12-13 February: 2022 Qld - NSW Sprint Challenge & Short Circuit Touring Cars Series R1 12 February: Come and Try / Test and Tune 12-13 February: HBMSA Khanacross R1 12-13 February: Cobb & Co Explorer Road Rally 13 February: Tamborine Khanacross 19-20 February: Historic Racing Car Club (Qld) Inc, TTT, Super Sprints & Regularity 20 February: GSCC Come & Try Day 26 February: BSCC Test and Tune 27 February: HSCCQ Come & Try and Test & Tune Motorkhana

12 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Photo: Gold Coast Tweed Motorsporting Club QLD: 13 February - Tamborine Khanacross Run by the Gold Coast Tweed Motorsporting Club, this khanacross is targeted at both experienced and learner competitors; this event will offer a lot of fun to drivers of all levels.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY 6 February: PCSA Sprint #1 12-13 February: Twin Peaks Port MacDonnell Hillclimb Cross-Border Hillclimb Series R1 13 February: [NT] Janda Building Prologue Brekkie Bash 13 February: Superkart Race Meeting Including Modern Regularity 19 February: SCCSA Twilight Trophy

TASMANIA

11-13 February: Race Tasmania 19 February: Highclere Hillclimb 19 February: Motor Sports Club of Tasmania Khanacross Series R4 19-20 February: Khanacross Summer Series R4 (Sun Only) & Junior Training Day

Photo: Clutch Media SA: 12-13 February - Twin Peaks Port MacDonnell Hillclimb Cross-Border Hillclimb Series R1 The Twin Peaks hill climb two day event returns to Port MacDonnell with a beautiful scenery overlooking the beach.

VICTORIA

Photo: TCR Australia TAS: 11-13 February - Race Tasmania The first major national event takes place this month with Symmons Plains to host Race Tasmania and popular categories such as the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series and the National Trans Am Series.

5-6 February: PIARC Supersprint including Vic Superkart Racing & RX 8 Cup R1 5 February: HSV Owners Come Try Day 6 February: BCC Test and Tune 10-13 February: Formula SAE-A 2021 11- 13 February: TARGA High Country - Motorsport Australia Australian Targa Championship R2 12 February: MSCA Super Sprint 13 February: Phillip Island Summer Sprint 13 February: Kyneton Car Club Broadford Sprint 13 February: Impreza WRX Club R2 13 February: HSCCV Group5 Motorkhana R1 19 February: Victorian Hillclimb Championship R2 20 February: Madcc R1 25-27 February: Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships R1 26-27 February: George Woods Rally 27 February: Multiclub Khanacross

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Photo: SC Motor Sport Photography VIC: 26-27 February - George Woods Rally The 42nd anniversary of the George Woods Rally takes place at Powelltown Recreation Reserve with a variety of historic cars to do battle on the picturesque forest roads of Powelltown-Noojee.

2 February: Summer Autocross Series R4 12 February: Tarmac Sportz Hill Climb 13 February: PCWA SSR1 13 February: Collie Motorplex Come & Try Day 17 February: Infinite Time Attack 19-20 February: Collie Motorplex Sprint 23 February: Summer Autocross Series R5 24 February: Shannons Targa Rallysprint Series R4 26-27 February: WRX Club Collie Weekend

Photo: WRX Club of WA WA: 26-27 February - WRX Club Collie Weekend It’s a busy February for the Collie Motorplex with a number of clubs heading down there for events, including the WRX Club Of WA which will run a fun weekend of motorsport at the end of the month.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 13

Photo: Chantel Collins

GIRLS ON TRACK CONFIRMS 2022 CALENDAR The FIA Girls on Track Australia calendar will see 13 events take place over the course of 2022 with the program to visit six states.

The goal of the global non-forprofit initiative is to grow interest in STEM subjects and industries amongst schoolgirls with the aim of increasing female participation in these sectors, using motorsport as a tool to expose them to the incredible opportunities and career paths.

Founded by former Formula 1 development driver Susie Wolff as 'Dare To Be Different', the program gives schoolgirls between the ages of 8-18 a unique opportunity to participate in free events, aimed at teaching them about the sport.

While most of the 2022 calendar will see the program run on its own, some of this year’s events will be run in conjunction with major national/ international championship rounds.

One of the major highlights on the FIA Girls on Track Australia 2022 calendar

14 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

will be the return of the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix in April.

Having originally been founded at the 2018 Australian Grand Prix, there will be two opportunities for girls to take part in the FIA Girls on Track program during Australia's biggest motorsport event.

Before the double-header at Albert Park in April, the calendar kicks off at the famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships’ season opener.

Shannons will again be the destination in May with the third round at Sydney Motorsport Park to host another edition of the program.

Another national event will be on the cards in June for the popular program as part of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship.

Taking place in Launceston, the fourth round of the ARC will be the only time the program is on the Apple Isle for the year.

In the second half of the year, schoolgirls will get the opportunity to attend the Repco Supercars Championship with the iconic Sandown International Raceway to host the Penrite Oil Sandown SuperSprint, while Bathurst will host an event directly after the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Outside of the national championships, the FIA Girls on Track program will also have some special visits on the calendar, with The Bend Motorsport Park, Norwell Motorplex and Triple Eight Engineering all running events throughout the year.

The first event for 2022 will be at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 18 March as part of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

Click here for more information about Girls on Track and how to enter.

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Photo: McLaren Media

RECOGNISING MOTORSPORT’S BEST A select handful of Australian motorsport participants were recognised in last month’s 2022 Australia Day Honours roll.

FIA Formula 1 World Championship star Daniel Ricciardo was appointed a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his significant service to motorsport as a competitor and ambassador, and to the community.

While Ricciardo will be the most famous face among those given these special awards today, the others are just as deserving having served and supported motorsport in many different capacities.

(now Alpha Tauri), Red Bull, Renault (now Alpine) and of course, McLaren.

Throughout his time in F1, Ricciardo has picked up 1274 Championship points, 32 podiums, 16 fastest laps, three pole positions and eight Grand Prix wins - his most recent being at last year's famous Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

“Of course you don’t get into the sport for awards, but to be rewarded for my hard work over the years is very gratifying”

Victorian Historic Racing Register (VHRR) President Ian Tate, Tasmanian steward Terence Bracken and former Karting Australia President Leslie Power were awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia.

Since making his debut in 2011 for Hispania Racing F1 Team, Ricciardo has gone on to start 210 races for a variety of teams such as Toro Rosso

An important cog in the famous Holden Dealer Team during the 1970s, Tate was crucial in helping Brock achieve overwhelming success during that period, before taking over the famous Queens Avenue workshop where he successfully built and prepared racecars for Peter Janson.

While he has achieved many accolades over the years, Tate believed that the Medal of the Order of Australia was the best of the lot.

“It’s very humbling to receive an award like this. Of course you don’t get into the sport for awards, but to be rewarded for my hard work over the years is very gratifying,” Tate said.

A historic car lover, Tate has spent more than half his life with the VHRR, for which he has been President since 2000.

Ian Tate

16 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Tate, meanwhile, has been involved in motorsport for almost seven decades having worked with some of the greats of Australian motorsport such as Frank Lowndes, Colin Bond and Peter Brock.

Joining the club at the start of 1970s, he has received VHRR Life Membership and a Motorsport Australia Service Award, helped the club create two major international recognised historic race meetings, the Phillip Island Classic and Historic Sandown and has served on Australian Historic Motor Sport Commission and Australian Historic Racing Promoters Committee.

“I have so many good memories over the years. From the success gained with the Holden Dealer Team and winning Bathurst, contributing to Peter Janson’s success, turning the VHRR into a world-class club and winning the awards with Motorsport Australia.

“Of course, to get an award like this, you need many good people around you and I have been lucky enough to have that.

“Firstly, I would like to dedicate part of this award to my wife and loving family. She has been put through hell and supported me for all these years. The other half is dedicated to the people I have been involved with. To have had so many fantastic people is just amazing.

“From my point of view, it has been work, business and pleasure all-in-one.

My life has been motorsport all the way through since I was just 15-years-old.”

Involved in the sport for more than five decades, Bracken has been a volunteer official for many of those years and is a highly respected Steward, a Targa course checker, as well as a communications/timing official for

“I am overwhelmed and honoured to have received this award in recognition of my involvement in Motorsport in Tasmania,” Bracken said.

“I would sincerely like to thank all those who have actively contributed and encouraged me during my involvement in motorsport.

Especially my family and those who nominated me, leading to me being recognised as a true legend.”

Leslie Power has had a big influence in karting, both as a competitor and administrator. Power was a 15-time Australian Karting Champion, before he took on other roles in the sport, notably holding the position of President of Karting Australia from 1973-1980. He was also involved in Speedway both as a sponsor and driver.

“I am very honoured and humbled to have received this award. It’s a privilege to get an award like this and to be recognised for representing WA and Australia in motorsport,” Power said.

“I would like to thank my wife and family for their support over nearly 40 years in motorsport. I would also like to acknowledge the many friendships that were formed during this time and still exist today.”

Leslie Power

Like Tate, Terence Bracken has been a significant contributor to his local club, the Motor Sport Club Tasmania, having been the President, Vice President, and magazine editor for a long period of time.

In 2004, Bracken’s efforts for both club and his duties at national events saw him rewarded as the Motorsport Australia (then Confederation of Australian Motor Sport) State Official of the Year.

Terence Bracken

"However they don’t really compare to this achievement right now. This is the pinnacle of my life and it’s an incredible achievement as far as I am concerned.

I am excited to open the envelope.

grassroots, state and national events at Symmons Plains Raceway.

Other individuals to be awarded a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for service to their motoring clubs and to the community were Kay De Luca and the late Anthony De Luca of New South Wales, along with Ian Digby of South Australia.

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser congratulated all Australian Day Honours recipients for their outstanding and meritorious contributions to motorsport.

“On behalf of Motorsport Australia, I would like to commend those receiving their honours today,” Fraser said.

“Motorsport Australia is proud to celebrate those who give up their time and expertise to make motorsport as strong as it can be.

“Whether it be at the top of the sport, where Daniel Ricciardo shines, or at the grassroots level where so many of our officials and competitors do amazing things, days like today allow us to applaud those who go above and beyond.”

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 17

CELEBRATE OUR 2021 AWARD WINNERS It’s officially Motorsport Australia Award Season with all state awards to be held in the month of February.

Every year, the Motorsport Australia State Awards celebrate the achievements of both the championship winning drivers and co-drivers and the individuals who are the driving force of grassroots motorsport, with awards like Service Star and the State Official of the Year recognising their efforts.

In 2022, all state awards will be held virtually with each state’s virtual awards ceremony to be available to watch live at 7pm local time on motorsport.org.au.

18 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

For those who miss the live broadcast for each event, the replay will also be on Motorsport Australia’s YouTube channel, while a brief report of the virtual ceremony will be released on motorsport.org.au after the event.

For more information on the State Awards, please contact awards@motorsport.org.au

The Motorsport Australia State Awards livestream will be live here.

Photo: Dave Oliver

2021 STATE AWARDS SA/NT – Saturday, 5 February 2022 Tasmania – Wednesday, 9 February 2022 Western Australia – Thursday, 10 February 2022 Queensland – Thursday, 17 February 2022 Victoria – Wednesday, 23 February 2022 New South Wales – Thursday, 24 February 2022 Note – all awards will take place at 7pm local time

Photos: Turn 7 Media

RICCIARDO’S RACERS TO ENJOY 14 EVENTS IN 2022 It will be another busy year for Ricciardo’s Racers in 2022 with 14 events across five states to take place over the course of the year.

Designed for young Australians aged 12–17, the program helps participants learn the basics of motorsport by building their skills through fun vehicle-based exercises.

Run by Driving Solutions, every session is made up of small groups that ensure every individual gets a good amount of time with the expert instructors in a safe and welcoming environment.

While most of the 2022 calendar will see the program run as standalone events, there will be ones run in conjunction with major national championship rounds.

June’s events at Symmons Plains and Baskerville Raceway in Tasmania occur at the same time as the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship round in Tasmania, Rally Launceston, which will allow those attending the Symmons Plains edition a chance to see Australia’s best rally drivers in action.

Meanwhile, September’s Sandown International Raceway edition will host the program as part of the Shannon

Motorsport Australia Championships.

Outside of the national championships, Ricciardo’s Racers will also have some special visits on the calendar, with Sydney Motorsport Park hosting another two events, Norwell Motorplex in Queensland running back-to-back events and The Bend Motorsport Park to host South Australia’s sole edition in October.

Like last year, Western Australians will get a chance to take part in the program over one weekend in November with Wanneroo Raceway and Driver Risk Management to both run sessions.

The program gets underway in Victoria on 20 March with METEC Bayswater to host the first of two events for the year, with its second taking place in November.

2022 RICCIARDO'S RACERS CALENDAR 20 March – METEC Bayswater (VIC) 28 April – Sydney Motorsport Park (NSW) 25 June – Symmons Plains (TAS) 26 June – Baskerville Raceway (TAS) 9 July – Sandown (VIC) 16 July – Norwell (QLD) 17 July – Norwell (QLD) 17 August – Sydney Motorsport Park (NSW) 17 September – Sandown (VIC) 15 October – Tailem Bend (SA) 5 November – METEC Bayswater (VIC) 19 November – Driver Risk Management (WA) 20 November – Wanneroo (WA) 8 December – Sydney Motorsport Park (NSW)

Click here for more information and to sign up.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 19

OFFICIALS SELECTED FOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Fifteen individuals will take part in Motorsport Australia’s new Senior Official Development Program this year.

Created to provide volunteer officials with a progressive pathway in motorsport, the program will grow Motorsport Australia’s officials pool with better trained and more knowledgeable senior officials.

“To sit in Race Control for that one Super2 race and get a taste for it was great. It was a real eye opener” With 92 volunteer officials from around the country applying for a position in the new program, the 15 chosen candidates will now be divided into three sections and spend time learning that area of officiating.

The three roles the participants will receive training in will be as Race Director, Technical Delegate and Steward.

20 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

While the program is slated for 2022, 21-year-old Liam Tame, who was selected to train as a Race Director, got the chance to attend last year’s Repco Bathurst 1000 and sit in Race Control during a Super2 race.

“I am honestly stoked to have been chosen for the program,” Tame said.

“It’s an opportunity I wasn’t expecting to have this early on in my officialling career, so to be doing this program with so many other talented people is a privilege.

“Bathurst was different. I was working in the pit lane for that weekend, but to sit in Race Control for that one Super2 race and get a taste for it was great. It was a real eye opener.

“There are so many decisions that go on during a race so to get that one experience will help me at the race track and has helped with the drive to progress through the future.”

The training involves a mixture of theoretical and practical exercises, with the latter part taking place at national race meetings around the country, where participants will get real experience at events and put their learnings into practice.

2022 SENIOR OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS Race Director Matthew McNicol - ACT Robert Thiry - SA Liam Tame - NSW Kaye Callander - NSW Danielle Meyn - WA Technical Delegate Dean Bryant - VIC Felicity Wood - SA Geoff Riddle - VIC Campbell Smith - QLD Steve Caplice - TAS Steward Merrilyn Tinsley - NSW Aaron Blanchard - VIC Christopher Platt - SA Ian Bigg - NSW Wayne Richards - TAS

Photos: Otherside Media/Wishart Media

EXCITING TARGA SEASON TO RESUME IN THE HIGH COUNTRY The 2021/2022 Motorsport Australia TARGA Championship resumes shortly with the Victorian based TARGA High Country to take place across three days in mid-February.

With Australia’s best tarmac rally drivers to battle over 20 stages on picturesque roads with breathtaking views of Mount Buller and Mansfield, it’s an event that is a must-see.

Ahead of the second round of the season, the entry list has been confirmed and boasts a healthy line up of 210 entries, half of which will be competing for Championship and category/class awards, while the other half will be running in the tour component of the event.

The usual suspects headline the entry list with RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) regulars and TARGA Great Barrier Reef (GBR) winners Luke Anear and Andy Sarandis leading the way.

Standing in Anear’s way for backto-back wins include former TARGA Tasmania runner-up Angus Kennard, motorsport allrounder Tony Quinn

and surprise TARGA GBR podium placer, Anthony Seymore – all will be running in the GTO class.

Another high-profile driver to look out for, despite them not expect to challenge for the title is another ARC regular in Adam Kaplan, who will be steering his 1988 Giocattaolo Group B alongside Aleshia Penney.

Special Stages and Mount Buller final stage, while the cars will be on display during the Euroa, Eildon and Whitfield lunch stopovers.

The 2022 Targa High Country takes place in and around Mount Buller and Mansfield in Victoria on 11-13 February.

The event will get underway on Friday 11 February with eight stages making up the first leg. Crews will be completing 96 competitive kilometres all up and head from Mount Buller to Whitfield and back again.

Day two will be the shortest day of the with the 88 competitive kilometres to be run as crews make their way towards Euroa before looping back and swinging

by Mansfield, which will host TARGAfest in the afternoon upon completion of all six stages.

The final leg is the biggest of the lot with a whopping 143 competitive kilometres spread over six stages – the third stage of the day being the 48.97km Jaimeson Stage. The event’s penultimate stage in Eildon is almost as a big with crews to tackle 40km.

Outside of the active competition, there are multiple activations for people to enjoy throughout the weekend, including the Mansfield Targafest, which takes place in the Victorian town from 4:30pm on the Saturday of the event.

Spectators will be able to see the cars live at multiple points throughout the weekend, including in the Mansfield

OFFICIATE AT TARGA TARGA is on the lookout for officials to help the smooth running of the event.

A variety of different roles are currently being sourced for the event and officials of all levels welcome to take part.

For passionate Motorsport Australia members and officials looking to be part of the special event, contact hamish@targa.com.au to register your interest and find out more about some available positions.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 21

AUSTRALIANS ELECTED TO SENIOR FIA POSITIONS

A number of Australians will continue to have a significant impact on motorsport around the globe, following recent Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) elections.

behalf of our fellow motorsport federations around the globe, for the betterment and sustainability of our sport,” Connelly said.

Garry Connelly AM was re-elected to the FIA World Motorsport Council (WMSC), while Justice Walter Sofronoff also elected to the International Court of the FIA and the International Tribunal, adding to his his recent appointment to the FIA’s Anti-Doping Commission earlier this year.

Australian Automobile Association (AAA) Managing Director Michael Bradley was also re-elected to the FIA’s Mobility World Council.

Connelly’s re-election to the WMSC saw him receive the most votes of any candidate.

“There is much to be done under the new leadership of President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and his Deputy Robert Reid, and I am eager to support them wherever I can.”

“Mohammed has presented a strong vision for the future of the sport and we are eager to work closely with both him and his team to drive further growth in the sport at all levels.

“It’s also pleasing to see Australia’s own Garry Connelly re-elected to the World Motor Sport Council, highlighting the important work he has completed over many years in the role, as well as being Motorsport Australia’s FIA Delegate.

“I look forward to working on behalf of our fellow motorsport federations around the globe, for the betterment and sustainability of our sport”

Connelly also remains a key part of Motorsport Australia’s governance structure, continuing in his role as Motorsport Australia’s FIA Delegate.

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser commended Connelly and Sofronoff on their respective appointments, as well as the incoming new FIA President.

“I am honoured to continue to represent Motorsport Australia on the World Motor Sport Council and look forward to working on

“On behalf of everyone at Motorsport Australia, we congratulate FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulaymen on his election to this significant

22 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

position with the world governing body, the FIA,” Fraser said.

“Likewise, Walter’s election to the International Court of the FIA and the Tribunal also further highlights the high regard in which Australia’s motorsport representatives are held globally.

“To outgoing President Jean Todt and his Deputy Graham Stoker, we thank you both for your significant contribution to motorsport over many years through your work with the FIA. Both should be extremely proud of what they have achieved and the way they have improved our sport markedly. Their work and effort set a strong foundation for the future of motorsport in the years ahead.”

2022 VICE PRESIDENTS CONFIRMED Motorsport Australia Board Members Margot Foster AM OLY and Graeme Emerton have been re-elected as Vice Presidents for 2022.

Margot joined the Board in 2018, before being elected as Vice President in 2019. Graeme, meanwhile, has held the role for more than half a decade.

Margot said she was delighted to be re-elected and was looking forward to working further with the strong and effective Board.

“I am very pleased to have been reelected as Vice President for the Board for the third year in a row,” Margot said.

“It’s been fantastic working with the Board, Eugene (Arocca), the Motorsport Australia team and of course, President Andrew Fraser.

“I think Graeme and I have done a good job in supporting Andrew in these unique times – especially

since we’ve had very few face-toface meetings in the last two years.

“I look forward to continuing to support Andrew as his Vice President and deputising for him at both board meetings and at motorsport events and occasions when required.”

Graeme, too, was pleased to again serve as the Vice President for what will be his last year on the board.

“It’s gratifying to have that support from your Board colleagues and to further support Andrew as President, together with the CEO and Motorsport Australia team through the challenges of the last couple of years” Emerton said.

“With that said, good governance includes renewal and as my (Board) term is up this year, I will be assisting in the transition to my replacement at the end of 2022.”

“It’s been fantastic working with the Board, Eugene, the Motorsport Australia team and of course, President Andrew Fraser”

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 23

VAN GISBERGEN RALLY DEBUT IN '22

Supercars Champion Shane van Gisbergen will compete in the opening round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship in April this year.

The first round, Canberra’s Netier National Capital Rally, will see van Gisbergen drive the top spec Skoda Fabia R5 rally car, prepared

by Race Torque Engineering.

With the proud support of Red Bull, Harvey Norman, Omen and Hoosier, who are the control tyre for the ARC, van Gisbergen will be hoping to challenge the likes of Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia’s Harry and Lewis Bates for top honours at the event. van Gisbergen is no stranger to the rallying scene, having been a part of several rally events in New Zealand, but this will be the first time he competes in Australia’s national rally championship.

Experienced co-driver Glen Weston will sit alongside van Gisbergen at the event. Weston has himself won 24 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

three national championships sitting alongside Eli Evans, so knows the Canberra roads well. Weston has been a co-driver for many of the country’s top talents, including Scott Pedder, both in Australia and internationally, as well as Molly Taylor and Dean Herridge.

“I’ve always grown up with rally, but it’s nerve-wracking to finally be in the national series in a proper car. I’ve dipped the toe in the water in New Zealand… but to do a Championship round is going to be pretty tough to jump straight in.

Ahead of his ARC debut, van Gisbergen was excited for the new challenge of competing against Australia’s top rally drivers.

“I just love driving and competing against the best”

“I just love driving and competing against the best,” van Gisbergen said.

“Rally drivers are the best-of-thebest. You’re driving a car as fast as you can and it’s on gravel, it’s so foreign to me, listening to someone else tell you where to go.

“It’s an awesome challenge and I want to see if I can adapt and get better and better at it and hopefully have a proper go at it.

“This is a great initiation and we’ve got some pretty cool people on board.

“I won’t be doing the whole Championship, but I’ll go and do the first round and have some fun.

“One of my idols is Possum Bourne, he was from just down the road where I was. He was coming over here and smoking all the Aussies, so I always supported him." van Gisbergen and Weston won’t go into the event blind, with the pair to also take part in the Championship’s official pre-season test day and season launch in Canberra on 8 March, following the Supercars Championship’s opener at Sydney Motorsport Park the weekend prior.

Outside of that, the Supercars star will have limited time to prepare.

“I’ll try and study as much film as I can to see the roads and see how people approach it,” van Gisbergen said.

“I’ll be playing on my sim a lot, I’ve got a HP Omen at home, I’ll play the DiRT Rally game on that and learn to process the notes, how to approach things and get my brain thinking about that.

“I don’t set any goals, I’ll just go there, have fun and as long as I’m prepared as well as I can and the car runs well, I’ll go and drive and things will happen.

“It’s awesome to be part of the Red Bull family and to drive with them in Supercars, but now in rally as well. They are a (Australian Rally) Championship sponsor too, so it’s pretty awesome for them to be supporting the sport and I hope I can represent them well.”

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations,

Michael Smith was thrilled to have someone of van Gisbergen’s calibre want to compete in the ARC. “Having Shane competing in the opening round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship is a sign of just how strong rallying is right now in Australia,” Smith said.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Shane to the Netier National Capital Rally.

“Motorsport Australia is delighted to have Red Bull’s support for both this initiative and also as a sponsor of the ARC itself. There’s a lot of excitement about our pre-season test day in March, as well as the opening round in Canberra in April.

“No doubt Shane will have his work cut out for him with all of our ARC

regulars eager to not let the Supercars champion cause an upset on their home turf. It will be a terrific event for both competitors and spectators.”

The livery for the Skoda R5 will be released soon, while broadcast details for the 2022 RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship season are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The Netier National Capital Rally will be held on 1-3 April in Canberra, with the event’s service park to be based out of the Driving Training Centre near the entry to Kowen Forest.

Spectator information will be available on www.rally.com.au/ natcap closer to the event, with free spectating expected to be available across the weekend.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 25

Photo: EDGE Photographics

CARRERA CUP CONFIRMS BIG 2022 The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup will once again be a primary support category for the Repco Supercars Championship this year, with the Championship confirming eight rounds for its 2022 calendar.

The Darwin round marks the first of four back-to-back rounds alongside Supercars with Townsville and The Bend Motorsport Park in July, while Sandown International Raceway will follow in August.

It will be a jam-packed schedule for the newly elevated Championship, with travels to five different states and territories to form part of the eight months.

The sixth round of the season will then see the category on one of the biggest stages in Australian motorsport – the Repco Bathurst 1000.

Starting off with April’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, the championship will then head to the Northern Territory for the popular Triple Crown in June.

“Every season we strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and partners” 26 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Later in October, the streets of Gold Coast will host the penultimate round before the season wraps up under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park in November at the Supercars finale.

With 2022 to also mark the debut of the brand new Type 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in Australia, Director Sales and Motorsport Porsche Cars Australia Toni Andreevski was excited for what was to come.

“After two seasons plagued by travel restrictions, we are delighted to announce our 2022 calendar which will see our drivers continue to race at the biggest motorsport events of the year, in front of the biggest crowds, enjoying the best support and television package available,” Andreevski said.

“Every season we strive to deliver a premium class experience for all our customers, teams and partners and with the prospect of 32 new 992 generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars filling the grid in 2022, the season will be arguably the best in its long and illustrious history.”

2022 PORSCHE PAYNTER DIXON CARRERA CUP AUSTRALIA CALENDAR Round 1: Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix, VIC - 7-10 April Round 2: Darwin, NT - 17-19 June Round 3: Townsville, QLD - 8-10 July Round 4: The Bend, SA - 29-31 July Round 5: Sandown, VIC - 19-21 August Round 6: Bathurst 1000, NSW - 6-9 October Round 7: Gold Coast, QLD - 28-30 October Round 8: Sydney, NSW - 18-20 November

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

SYDNEY TO SHINE ON SHANNONS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CHAMPIONSHIPS CALENDAR Sydney Motorsport Park will again host one of the biggest rounds of 2022’s Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

The world class venue will host the Shannons in May, with another busy schedule to showcase some of the most competitive and exciting motorsport categories in the country, thanks to the support of Destination NSW.

Australian Racing Group categories will be among those to feature at the event, including the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship and the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia (Motorsport Australia GT Championship) among those expected to be part of the final line up.

The highly competitive Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge is also expected to be on show in Sydney.

Nestled in Sydney’s thriving west, Sydney Motorsport Park offers up impressive facilities that allows for racing under lights, as well as the ability to accommodate a wide range of categories.

Spectators, teams, competitors, officials and media crews will flock to the west of Sydney for the event, making the most of the many impressive accommodation options on offer, as

28 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

well as award winning restaurants, cafes and retail precincts all nearby.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres was pleased to have the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships return to Eastern Creek for another year.

“The Motorsport Australia Championships is a great event for Western Sydney that will generate economic and social benefits locally and for the State, providing jobs in hospitality and events,” Ayres said.

“We are proud to be able to showcase Sydney’s world class motorsport facilities following the NSW Government's upgrade to Sydney Motorsport Park.

“We are focused on delivering highquality events like the Motorsport Australia Championships to reaffirm Sydney’s position as the

Photos: Speed Shots Photography

sporting capital of Australia and making NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.”

At the venue, fans will be able to enjoy more activations and activities than ever as part of the event, with full access to the pit paddock and the chance to meet the stars and cars of each category up close.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca believed the Sydney Motorsport Park round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships would once again provide fans with an entertaining weekend.

“Sydney Motorsport Park offers up some of the best facilities in the country, thanks to the NSW Government’s continued investment in the circuit.

“We thank Destination NSW for its amazing support of this particular event, and look forward to bringing

that our suite of Australian Racing Group categories will race there in May this year,” Braid added.

“The facilities at SMSP are among the best in the country. Our competitors love it and the teams and sponsors enjoy the hospitality.

“Sydney Motorsport Park offers up some of the best facilities in the country, thanks to the NSW Government’s continued investment in the circuit”

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships to Sydney Motorsport Park in 2022, along with a jam-packed mix of categories,” Arocca said.

“This event will provide motorsport fans with plenty of variety and competitive action, along with the opportunity to visit the pit paddock and enjoy the activations on offer at the event, all on the one ticket.

thousands of spectators, along with a huge number of competitors and teams, to the venue in May next year.”

CEO of Australian Racing Group, Matt Braid, echoed Arocca’s comments.

"The circuit holds a special place in ARG's history, having been the site for our first TCR Australia round back in 2019. That was a significant moment for the organisation, so we have found memories, and look forward to making more in 2022 and beyond.”

Tickets for the event will go on sale soon through the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships website, while the event will be broadcast across the Seven network.

The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships at Sydney Motorsport Park will take place on 27-29 May 2022.

“Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the most popular venues on our calendar, and it's fantastic

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 29

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR PHILLIP ISLAND SEASON OPENER

Photo: Revved Photography

Tickets are now on sale for the opening round of the 2022 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships season at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 18-20 March.

The Hot Wheels Stunt Team will also be on track across the weekend, giving fans more entertainment than ever before at this year’s first of two Phillip Island rounds.

There will be plenty of national categories for fans to enjoy, including the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS (Motorsport Australia GT Championship), Turtle Wax Trans Am Series, Radical Australia Cup, Precision National Sports Sedans and Formula Ford - all of which will be in action every day.

Friday will be free for all attendees, however you must register through the ticket link to attend, while general admission tickets for the weekend’s action are available for $25 each day or $40 for a two-day weekend pass.

Children 15 and under are free but attendees must also register in advance through the ticket link for children to be eligible to enter the venue.

The event will also kick off the season off in style with the introduction of an evening street party in Cowes on the Thursday, 17 March.

The main street of Cowes will be transformed with car displays, autograph sessions, driver interviews, a Hot Wheels stunt truck, food stalls and live entertainment.

Purchase tickets to the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships event at Phillip Island here.

Photo: Speed Shots Photography 30 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

Corporate hospitality options will go on sale in the coming weeks.

Outside of the famous Grand Prix Circuit and peaceful seaside-town of Cowes, there is plenty to see and do on the island for those eager to make the most of their visit to Phillip Island.

Breathtaking coastlines, top range restaurants and bars and affordable accommodation all feature throughout the iconic tourist hotspot.

Phillip Island’s wildlife is just as captivating as the on track action. From the iconic penguin parade to the Koala Conservation Reserve and Wildlife Park, there is plenty to see and do.

For more information about Phillip Island, head to visitphillipisland.com.au

Tickets are available to purchase here.

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Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

NINE EVENTS FOR S5000 IN 2022 “It’s a great

S5000 fans will get plenty of opportunities to see the exciting open wheelers live this year with the cars to feature as part of nine events for 2022.

Championship will then head to the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in March for its first round with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships.

The S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship will have six rounds between February and September, before the international S5000 Tasman Series hold three rounds in the months following.

After two years of waiting, S5000 cars will finally get the chance to perform at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, joining an impressive list of domestic support categories.

Competitors in the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship will continue to battle for the prestigious Motorsport Australia Gold Star award and will be doing so on some of the biggest stages in the country.

Following on from its maiden appearance at the Australian Grand Prix, the Championship will then visit New South Wales before joining the Repco Supercars Championship in the nation’s top end for the Merlin Darwin Triple Crown at Hidden Valley Raceway.

Starting off with Race Tasmania at Symmons Plains this month, the

The second season of the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship will

32 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

mixture of events and circuits that will give S5000 the season it deserves”

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

then conclude at the circuit it first held a race meeting at with Sandown International Raceway to host the category once again in conjunction with the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championship in September.

“From the streets of the Gold Coast to our debut in Darwin and a highly anticipated return to the Grand Prix and the debut of the Bathurst International, there are key major events spread throughout the year.

Only a month and half separates both S5000 competitions with the Tasman Series to get underway at the end of October as part of Supercars’ Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

“Returning to Albert Park will be incredible and allow S5000 to continue a journey working with the team at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation that began in 2020 and will hopefully result in us racing in 2022.

Back-to-back weekends await the series just two weeks later with the second round to see competitors race on the famous roads of Mount Panorama as part of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International before concluding at Sydney Motorsport Park on the weekend after.

Australian Racing Group CEO Matt Braid was thrilled with the magnitude of circuits and events making up the schedule for both competitions.

“The 2022 S5000 calendar includes a great mixture of high-profile events and fantastic circuits that will really suit the cars as we continue to grow Australia’s premier open wheel series,” Braid said.

“Then there’s more ‘traditional’ circuits like Symmons Plains, Phillip Island and Sandown that the drivers thrive on.

“It’s a great mixture of events and circuits that will give S5000 the season it deserves after several interrupted years since its formation.”

The S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship begins with Race Tasmania on 11-13 February, while the S5000 Tasman Series gets underway at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 on 29-30 October.

2022 S5000 AUSTRALIAN DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP 11-13 February: Symmons Plains (Race Tasmania) 18-20 March: Phillip Island (Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships) 7-10 April: Albert Park (Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix) May 2022: TBC (NSW) 17-19 June: Hidden Valley (Merlin Darwin Triple Crown) 16-18 September: Sandown (Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships)

2022 S5000 TASMAN SERIES 29-30 October: Surfers Paradise Street Circuit (Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500) 11-13 November: Mount Panorama, Bathurst (Supercheap Auto Bathurst International) 18-20 November: Sydney Motorsport Park (Supercars Championship)

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 33

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool / Mark Thompson

MORE SPECTATING OPTIONS FOR AGP As a result of the hugely successful initial ticket sales for this year’s Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) have confirmed the construction of five brand new grandstands.

The new grandstands will offer more exciting views for spectators, including the recently modified Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit, including the never-beforeseen high speed zone between the new Turn 8 and the new Turn 9.

AEDT, while Park Pass (GA) packages are still available for purchase.

AGPC General Manager Marketing and Experiences, Arthur Gillion was thrilled with all the interest in the first Australian Grand Prix since 2019 and was pleased AGPC was able to cater to more fans.

“This year’s event is on track to be the best Melbourne has ever seen”

In addition to the five new grandstands, the Waite Grandstand will also be expanded to allow more fans.

All extra tickets will be available for sale on 10:00am Tuesday, 8 February 2022

34 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“We’re blown away by the incredible enthusiasm ahead of the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix 2022 – this year’s event is on track to be the best Melbourne has ever seen and we cannot wait to welcome crowds back to Albert Park,” Gillion said.

“Not only will these additional Grandstands allow more people to experience the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix 2022’s electrifying atmosphere, they

also offer new and exciting views of a faster and more competitive Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit.”

The Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix 2022 takes place at Albert Park on 7-10 April.

NEW GRANDSTAND LOCATIONS •

Turn 5

•

Turn 8

•

Between Turn 8 and 9 (along the new high-speed zone)

•

Turn 11

•

Turn 12

Click here for tickets for the Formula 1 Heineken Australian Grand Prix 2022.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FUNDING PLEDGE The South Australian Opposition has announced it will commit to a $2 million dollar grant program for car clubs throughout South Australia should they be elected in 2022.

With the South Australia elections next month, one of the main objectives for the proposed grant scheme will be to see more classic and historic cars back on the road, which will be achieved through $500,000 being given out to registered classic and historical car clubs annually over the course of four years.

classic and historic car scheme, as well as the Adelaide 500 and Adelaide Motorsport Festival would have benefits for the local automotive industry.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca said this election commitment to motorsport highlighted its importance to South Australians.

“South Australia has a proud history of car manufacturing and motorsport events, and we want to not only preserve that reputation – we want to grow it”

In addition to the grant, the Opposition has also committed to adjusting the conditional registration scheme limit from 30 years to 25 years or older, as well as including more individually constructed vehicles (ICVs) – meaning there will be more historic vehicles eligible for coverage in the scheme.

Finally, should the Opposition form Government in March, they have also committed to bringing back the Adelaide 500 and the Adelaide Motorsport Festival.

SA Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas believed his commitments to the 36 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

“South Australia has a proud history of car manufacturing and motorsport events, and we want to not only preserve that reputation – we want to grow it,” Malinauskas said.

“We are pleased to see this support being promised for the motorsport community.

We are certainly hopeful that both major parties are able to support motorsport in South Australia and see the widereaching benefits, no matter who is elected,” Arocca said.

“A number of states around Australia have shown their support, allowing motorsport to grow through grant programs in recent years, and it’s great to see the South Australian Opposition commit to this funding as part of their election promises for the 2022 ballot.”

“This is about more than just growing our motorsport and car community; it is also about supporting jobs and the economy.

“Events like the car club runs, the Adelaide Motorsport Festival and Adelaide 500 support jobs in our tourism, hospitality, and retail industries.”

Photo: The Bend Motorsport Park

AORC NUMBER REGISTRATIONS AVAILABLE BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) competitors are reminded that 2022 number registrations are currently open.

Unlike previous years, competitors will no longer have to register for the championship in order to secure points at any of the rounds they attend, however they will have to register a number if they want to run with the digits of their choice.

In order to secure a championship number, competitors must fill in a registration form before Saturday 5 March otherwise their number may be reallocated to another competitor.

The 2022 AORC season will be one of the biggest in recent years, with six rounds across six states and territories.

Starting in March, the Cobb & Co Hotel St George 399 is the season opener once again with the brand new Pooncarie Desert Dash in New South Wales hosting the next event.

June's iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race will act as the third round, just one and half months before the Can-Am Loveday 400 in South Australia.

The national Off Road Championship then heads to Victoria for the Hindmarsh Shire Rainbow Desert Enduro before wrapping up in the

Photo: Terry Hill Photography

West with the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race in October.

Competitors not intending to compete in St George are not required to register their number before the season opener but must do so prior to entering their first event for the year, if they want to have a number of choice.

Click here to register your number.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 37

Photo: Wishart Media

COFFS COAST TO HOST DOUBLE RALLY FINALE The location for the final round of the RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship was locked in late last year, with the rally also hosting a significant international event.

The picturesque Coffs Coast will be home to the November event, the Coffs Coast Rally and will double as the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship season finale.

The best drivers from the Asia Pacific region will battle it out in the northern NSW town, including competitors from Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan and Indonesia to name just a few countries expected to be involved.

Made possible with the support of the NSW Government, the event will utilise roads that have featured in recent FIA World Rally Championship events, along with family friendly spectating opportunities planned.

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In order to maximise attendance, the round will now be held on 25-27 November, a week later than originally scheduled.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport and Commercial Operations Michael Smith thanked those who had contributed to the planning of the event so far, including the passionate support from the Coffs Harbour community.

“Coffs Harbour has been a favourite for all of us at Motorsport Australia and is certainly no stranger to hosting world class rally events, so we are pleased to be welcoming the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship finale to the Coffs Coast,” Smith said.

“We are really grateful to the NSW Government and the Coffs Coast Community for their continued support of this international event.

“All eyes will be on Coffs Coast and New South Wales as we crown our 2022 champions”

Photos: Wishart Media

“While it is disappointing this event could not be held in November as originally planned, hosting the event this year ensures competitors from New Zealand and the wider Asia Pacific region will be able to confidently travel to Coffs Harbour without border restrictions or the risk of cancelled flights,” Singh said.

2022 RSEA SAFETY MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

The Coffs Coast Rally will be held on 25-27 November 2022.

Round 3: Rally Tasmania, TAS – 25–26 June

“After cancellations due to bushfires, storms and COVID-19, regional NSW deserves to host top class events like the Asia Pacific Rally Championship, and I want to thank Motorsport Australia for their commitment to Coffs Harbour,” Mr Toole said.

Motorsport Australia and the FIA have also confirmed the Adelaide Hills Rally event will act as a qualifier for the APRC finale, meaning competitors who tackle the forests of South Australia will be eligible to compete for the FIA crown in Coffs Harbour.

Round 4: Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland, QLD – 23–24 July

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh today announced Motorsport Australia and the NSW Government have agreed to roll over the funding allocated for the 2021 event to stage the hotly anticipated event this year.

The Adelaide Hills Rally takes place in South Australia on 21-23 October.

“With the round also doubling as the final for our own RSEA Safety Motorsport Australia Rally Championship, all eyes will be on Coffs Coast and New South Wales as we crown our 2022 champions.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said NSW is once again hosting major events after a difficult year of lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions.

Round 1: Netier National Capital Rally, ACT – 2-3 April Round 2: Make Smoking History Forest Rally, WA – 21–22 May

Round 5: Gippsland Rally, VIC – 27–28 August Round 6: AGI Sport Adelaide Hills Rally, SA – 21-23 October Round 7: Coffs Coast Rally, NSW – 25-27 November

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 39

Photos: BMW Drivers Club Melbourne

BMW DRIVERS CLUB WINS INTERNATIONAL AWARD The BMW Drivers Club Melbourne (BMWDCM) celebrated the new year with a major international honour, having been named as the BMW Clubs International’s BMW Club of the Year for 2021.

With every BMW club in the world eligible, the award recognises the exceptional collective efforts of only one club per year through the passion, dedication and hard work of its volunteers. It is not awarded every year, only when an exceptional Club is nominated and proves worthy. The award has only been given out seven times.

“The only reaction I had in that moment was just ‘wow’, along with a lot of tears” The BMW Club of the Year awardalso reflects the clubs’ efforts in the promotion of growth, social responsibility, and their vitality.

With the Melbourne based club being nominated and approved out of more than 700 other BMW clubs around the world, BMWDCM VicePresident Jo Mawson was thrilled to win the prestigious award.

“It feels amazing honestly. We are so honoured to win such a prestigious award and to be known as the Best

40 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

BMW Car Club in World is a massive achievement,” Mawson said.

“It still doesn’t feel real, and you have a look at all the other BMW clubs in the world and to know that your club is number one in the world is just unthinkable, I am so proud of our team.

“In just under four years we have come such a long way, and to receive the call New Year’s Eve regarding the award was just unbelievable.

“The only reaction I had in that moment was just ‘wow’, along with a lot of tears. I called all the committee members immediately to let them know and they couldn’t believe it either. We were all so shocked and surprised, but we all knew the Club thoroughly deserved it.

Formed in 2018, the BMWDCM was established to provide a mix of social events, driver training, motorsport and opportunities for members to enjoy their cars with other likeminded individuals in a friendly, family-based environment.

As part of its affiliation with Motorsport Australia, BMWDCM also conduct driver training and motorsport days at various circuits around Victoria.

Mawson said it was a privilege for the BMWDCM to become the first Australian BMW club to win the award.

“Being the first Australian club to win this award reflects the hard work our team has put in behind the scenes and it’s a real credit to our whole team, and our members” Mawson added.

“It isn’t just a few select people. It is a whole team award, and I cannot

stress that enough. I am so lucky to get to work with the best team and now we are all able to celebrate this award together. This award is for all the members, they are who make our club what it has become today.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca congratulated the club for its award.

“We often celebrate the international achievements of Australian drivers and officials, but I am equally thrilled to be able to congratulate the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne on receiving this honour,” Arocca said.

“Like officials, Motorsport Australia affiliated car clubs are the lifeblood of grassroots motorsport and are one of the first stops for anyone who wants to join our community.

“The BMW Drivers Club Melbourne is one of the many clubs that do so much for the sport at a grassroots level and it’s fantastic to see the club being recognised for its efforts.

“It is an outstanding achievement, and everyone involved in the club should be extremely proud.”

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TESLA OWNERS CLUB POWERED UP FOR '22 With electric cars growing in popularity around the world, it was only a matter of time before enthusiasts of the most popular of them, the Tesla, would get together and make a club.

In 2016, the Tesla Owners Club of Australia was formed and just like the car, has grown substantially since their creation.

Speed Read caught up with the President of the club’s Queensland chapter, Luke Smith, to chat about the rise of the Tesla Owners Club of Australia.

Speed Read: When and why was the club formed?

more joining every day as more and more people go electric.

Luke Smith: The Tesla Owners Club of Australia (TOCA) was established in March 2016 by a group of enthusiastic Tesla owners. The aim of the club is to share ideas, organise social events, and to promote their love of Tesla and all things EV. The Club is an Official Partner of the Tesla Owners Club Program, giving us access to information, activities, and discounts that we pass on to our members.

SR: What will be some of the major events over the next 12 months?

SR: How many active members does the club currently have?

LS: We currently have 1720 paid full members of the club, with

42 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

LS: The club aims to host social and informational events at least once a month in every state and territory through 2022, as the pandemic allows.

For 2022 we plan to host and participate in more motorsport events as our membership grows and interests diversify.

In Queensland we will enter the Interclub challenge and continue to join BMQCQ and other local club events, and hopefully host some of our own.

In WA the TOCEVA team will be entering Jon Edward’s Tesla Model 3 in the Targa West 2022 Tarmac Rally series. Subject to sponsorship support, we would very much like to enter both the Perth to Sydney Marathon and the Adelaide rally, along with organising some local club level events.

SR: What are your club's goals over the next few years?

LS: Offering more involvement in competitive motorsport events whilst demonstrating the inherent safety and high performance of electric vehicles.

And hosting the Tesla Global Summit in Australia in 2023 which will attract representatives of the 150+ global Tesla Owners Club and Tesla's global Leaders to the event on the Gold Coast in August 2023.

SR: Who are the standout members of your club?

LS: They are all outstanding! We do have some "famous" members – CEOs, politicians, media, and motorsport personalities - but as Tesla’s appeal broadens into the mid-market, we have more and more everyday people

who value the sense of community that our club offers, and they have great talents that add to our club.

communities - Richard McNeil, Jon Edwards, David Lloyd, Ken Taylor, Dick Friend and Richard Smith

The standout members are those who work their bum off for the club, our committee members, past and present.

People who have lapped Australia in their Teslas, particularly Silvia Wilson for doing it by herself.

Those members who paved the way for remote and rural

Nick Di Paolo for tirelessly running our adaptor loan program for many years.

Luke Smith for his work getting the Model 3 tow hitch complied in Australia.

Mark Tipping for boldly going beyond and representing us nationally and internationally.

Dr Mark Sandford for international and Victorian work he has done for the club.

Life Member Jude Burger for helping getting things going and new Life Member James for continuing it.

And last but not least our Treasurer, Pete Thorne, for keeping us all in check!

SR: Anything else extra you would want people to know about your club?

LS: We’re a broad church and support a wide range of member interests across socialites, technical nerds, environmental activists, and performance car enthusiasts. There is always someone at a TOCA event that you’ll have plenty to talk about with.

Learn more about the Tesla Owners Club of Australia here.

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 43

PIASTRI AWARDED SECOND BRABHAM

Oscar Piastri has been named as the 2021 Sir Jack Brabham Award winner for the second consecutive year – highlighting yet another impressive year in motorsport.

The award, which was named in honour of Australia's first ever Formula 1 World Champion Sir Jack Brabham OBE, is one of Motorsport Australia's highest honours and recognises outstanding achievements and success by an Australian motorsport competitor at an international level.

rise up the international ranks in recent years, which has seen him win three of the most highly regarded junior categories.

“Obviously the first time was special in itself but to do it again is just incredible”

While Piastri joins IndyCar star Will Power as the only driver to win the award twice, the 20-year-old becomes the first driver to ever do it consecutive years.

A highly deserving recipient of the award, Piastri has had a remarkable

44 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

While his Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019 was impressive enough and helped him earn a seat as an Alpine Academy driver, 2020’s FIA Formula 3 Championship title in a rookie year put him on the map as an emerging talent and he was duly awarded his first Sir Jack Brabham Award by Motorsport Australia.

Following his 2020 feats, Piastri then claimed the FIA Formula 2 Championship title in 2021, establishing him as one of the best junior talents in the world.

This success also saw him rewarded with the exciting role as Alpine’s reserve Formula 1 driver for 2022.

In claiming his F2 title, the Victorian driver showcased his maturity and skill with a season full of success, proving he is ready to make the step up to Formula 1.

Six race wins, five additional podiums, five consecutive poles and a 62-point gap between he and the second placed Robert Shwartzman illustrated the Australian’s dominance at the top junior level.

In addition to his title, Piastri also claimed the Anthoine Hubert Award (F2 Rookie of the Year), FIA Rookie of the Year and the Bruce McLaren Trophy from the prestigious British Racing Drivers' Club.

Following on from his most successful ever campaign in a race car, Piastri was extremely proud to wrap up the year with the Sir Jack Brabham Award.

“I am very honoured to receive this award for the second consecutive year. Obviously the first time was special in itself but to do it again is just incredible," Piastri said.

“A big thank you to the Motorsport Australia Board for choosing me as this year’s Sir Jack Brabham Award recipient – it’s quite special knowing that I am in the rare company of people to have won the award twice, with Will Power being the only other.

“Receiving the award is certainly a nice way to cap off a year where I won the Formula 2 Championship as well as other awards like the FIA Rookie of the Year and Bruce McLaren Trophy.

“While it might not directly compare to the thrill of winning races or the championship title, I’m still very appreciative of these awards because they are linked to my success and are a nice bonus for all my hard work.

“As for my on-track performances, I was amazed that I went back-to-back with Formula Renault and Formula 3, but to win each of top three junior categories was amazing - you really couldn’t have written the script of the past three years any better.

“I have had my time to celebrate but now I am fully focused on a big 2022 and I feel like I am peaking at the right time.”

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser was full of praise for Piastri and congratulated him on his award.

“To win this award once is a very special feat but to win it twice is a

remarkable achievement and Oscar is a highly deserving recipient of the 2022 Sir Jack Brabham Award.” Fraser said.

“Oscar is a once-in-a-generation driver and not many individuals come close to experiencing the sort of success this young man has accumulated over the years.

“I wish him all the best for his year as Alpine’s F1 Reserve Driver and hopefully we will be seeing him in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship sooner rather than later.”

Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO, Andrew Westacott echoed Fraser's comments.

“Oscar Piastri has proven to be an incredibly talented driver and I congratulate him on being awarded the Sir Jack Brabham Award for the second time," Westacott said.

“No driver has received this prestigious award twice, let alone back-toback. It’s a true testament to how skilled Oscar is behind the wheel, and I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for him in Formula 1.”

Piastri was presented the award by former Ferrari driver and Motorsport Australia’s Tim Schenken in front of media at Albert Park.

SIR JACK BRABHAM AWARD WINNERS 2021: Oscar Piastri

2020: Oscar Piastri 2018: Will Power

2017: Matthew Campbell 2014: Daniel Ricciardo 2012: David Brabham

2011: Tony Gaze, DFC & Two Bars, OAM 2009: Marcos Ambrose

2009: Mark Webber AO 2007: Will Power

2006: Cody Crocker

2006: Ben Atkinson

MOTORSPORT.ORG.AU 45

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA UPDATES TARMAC RALLY WET TYRE DEFINITION Motorsport Australia has released a Wet Tyre Definition for the purpose of Tarmac Rally and Targa events.

This definition is based on one of the recommendations from the Targa Tasmania Investigatory Tribunal.

The Tribunal recommendation sought that Tarmac Rally event organisers, in conjunction with Motorsport Australia, to make provisions for the usage of

46 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SPEED READ

tyres that are suited to wet conditions in addition to those normally permitted.

Following preliminary consultation with tyre manufacturer representatives in Australia, this definition has been provided for upcoming Tarmac Rally events, including Targa events.

The application of the usage of Wet Tyres in Tarmac Rally and Targa events will be established by the specific event regulations.

Note: This definition is subject to change by Motorsport Australia. The definition remains under review with further consultation with Tyre Manufacturers and Tyre Manufacturer representative bodies such as the Australian Tyre Industry Council, as requested

by Tyre Manufacturer representatives in Australia.

Click here to view the Definition in full.

Photo: Otherside Media/Wishart Media

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 47

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