Motorsport Australia Speed Read - September 2023

SPEEDREAD

RECORD-BREAKING MAWER WINS 2023 WORLD TIME ATTACK

Barton Mawer has claimed the outright win at this year’s Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge, delivering a record-breaking performance and his fourth consecutive victory.

NOMINATIONS FOR MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA DIRECTORS AND PANELS

Nominations are open for a variety of State Council roles. Nominations are also being accepted for positions on State Advisory Panels for 2024-26.

RISING STARS ENJOY UNFORGETTABLE OPPORTUNITY

GIPPSLAND TRIUMPH MAKES DOUBLE FOR BATES AND TAYLOR

Harry Bates and Coral Taylor claimed back-to-back ARC round victories after taking out The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally.

The FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars Program has taken place with Joanne Ciconte and Jure Portelli participating in the international event.

NSW 2259. The winner will be notified by phone and email by 19/1/24 and published in The Australian newspaper on 22/1/24 and on the competition website. ACT Permit TP 23/01097.1, SA Licence T23/854 & NSW Authority TP/00259. Images for illustrative purposes only. 1 If the winner is a member of the Shannons Club with a profile image and enthusiast vehicle image at the time of the draw, they will receive an additional $5,000 AUD spending money (i.e. total spending money of $10,000 AUD). 2 Actual period may be less than 365 days depending on the winner’s location and delivery/pick up date, however, won’t be less than 11 months residual benefit. The issue of Shannons Insurance is subject to Shannons normal acceptance criteria. The inclusion of this component of the prize does not constitute financial product advice or a recommendation to acquire any Shannons Insurance product. Shannons Roadside Assist (Roadside) is an optional cover only available in conjunction with Shannons Comprehensive Motor Insurance. The issue of optional Roadside is subject to the winner being issued the comprehensive motorcycle

Photo by World Time Attack Challenge

RECORDBREAKING MAWER WINS 2023 WORLD TIME ATTACK

Barton Mawer has claimed the outright win at this year’s Yokohama World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC), delivering a record-breaking performance and catapulting the competition into a new time bracket with his fourth consecutive victory.

The 2023 event saw more than 100 competitors head to Sydney Motorsport Park, with drivers from Australia, Japan and the USA competing across the event’s five classes.

Breaking his own lap record of 1:19.277 from 2019 by nearly one and a half seconds on day one, Mawer returned to the track on day two to once again best his own record with a lap time of 1:17.860, taking the

WTAC into the previously uncharted 1.17 bracket for the first time.

Finishing three seconds behind him was two-time Time Attack winner

Tim Slade in the R32 Skyline, who made up for this miss with a win in the GCG Turbochargers Open Class.

The class win was a much-needed comeback for the Supercars star, whose run ended prematurely due to engine issues in 2022.

Another Australian also took out top honours in the Haltech Clubsprint class, with New South Welshman Trent Grubel finishing on top.

Grubel’s win came after the driver broke the class lap record twice,

Photos: World Time Attack Challenge

beating Jamal Asaad’s 2022 record with 1:33.493 on Friday, before resetting the record on Saturday with a time of 1:32.919.

It was American driver Feras Qartoumy who put an end to Australia’s dominance in his respective class, as he narrowly beat Australian Richard Perini by half a second to win the Plazmaman Pro-Am Class.

American content creator Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Burton of Donut Media also had his WTAC debut in the Pro-Am class, impressing his eight million YouTube subscribers with a tenth-place finish.

Ryan Tuerck took home the win for the Demo class as the sole competitor, while Luke Veersma and

Matt Harvey wowed the big crowd in the 2023 International Drifting Cup that followed the Time Attack, with Veersma securing the win after a high-speed battle between the two. In addition to the action, there were also plenty of off-track entertainment that saw hundreds of cars on display, meet and greets with the drivers and lots of other activations.

Photos: World Time Attack Challenge

AWESOME ATHOL SEPTEMBER SUPERSTAR

This month’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar goes to veteran Queensland official Athol Wilcox.

Based out in Gympie, Athol has dedicated many years of his life to the sport, volunteering in a range of disciplines, such as circuit, rally and off road, as well as holding a variety of roles.

Starting out in Speedway decades ago, Athol helped develop an offroad car club in his hometown and was a member of that for two decades. Part of his contributions to the club included running events and competing in them.

A off road competitor for around 15 years, Athol now dedicates his time to officiating and mentoring young officials.

Not only does Athol serve as a mentor for many young volunteers, but he also holds many high-profile

officiating roles and levels too, including Event Command, Goldlevel Scrutineering, CATO, Bronze Timekeeping and Chief Scrutineer at this year’s NTI Townsville 500.

His constant professionalism and cando attitude also played a major role in him receiving the 2018 Queensland State Official of the Year award.

While he has been recognised in the past, Athol was thrilled to be nominated and win September’s Supercheap Auto Official Superstar.

“It is a little bit overwhelming as people think that you are doing the job that you’re supposed to be doing and doing it well,” Athol said.

“I average between 15-20 events each year and it’s not always in the scrutineering field either. I try to mix up the level of events I do too – anything from Supercars and other national rounds to state khanacross rounds and hill climbs.

“I also love all the club meets because the fellowship you get with all your club competitors, you get to bring up the up-and-coming club volunteers, and show them what we are and what we do. The club ones I like because you do a lot more mentoring for your junior officials.

“I always tell an official to start off with whatever and try and do as

much as you can and in different fields, to get a feel about what you want to do, and from there to select what you want to do.

“I’d just like to thank everybody for what they do for the sport as well. It’s not just me, everybody puts in a big effort to make the sport what it is. These sports don’t go ahead without volunteers and most of the drivers acknowledge all of that, and that’s what we are there for.”

Athol is a worthy recipient of our Supercheap Auto Official Superstar, and will receive a $100 gift card, commemorative pin, and certificate for his efforts.

ATHOL WILCOX

Do you know someone like Athol; 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.

“I also love all the club meets because the fellowship you get with all your club competitors”

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RANDO CLAIMS NAIL-BITER AT KARRI RALLY

August saw the Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship continue its 2023 season with the highly popular Karri Rally. Hosted by the WA Car Club, the Karri Rally took to Manjimup and the surrounding forestry areas, where 34 of the state’s best rally crews battled it out over six stages ahead of the final two rounds.

Although the competition amongst a number of top contenders was fierce, it was Craig Rando and Scott Beckwith who claimed the victory, marking their first win of the 2023 season, two places better than their previous season peak of third in Kirup.

Rando’s three stage wins ultimately set him apart from the rest of the field, but not by a significant amount, with only six seconds the difference between him and Dylan King in third, who also enjoyed a stage win for himself on SS5 alongside co-driver Lee Tierney.

Alex Rullo and Ben Searcy added to the thrilling contest at the front of the pack, securing two stage wins for themselves to eventually finish second overall.

And although Rando came out on top, there was strong competition across the whole event, making the win even sweeter for Rando.

“Our competition was close all day. There was a three-way battle,

which was a blast. We had Alex Rullo and Ben Searcy right on our hammer, same as Dylan King and Lee Tierney,” Rando said.

“There was no worry, though. Anything can happen in a rally, and until the last stage is done, you don’t know how it’s going to pan out.

“We had a margin of three tenths to Alex going into the last stage, and

Photos: Jarrod Sierociak

“We all knew the last stage was going to be an all-out attack, and whoever came out the best was going to be the winner”

three seconds to Dylan, so we all knew the last stage was going to be an all-out attack, and whoever came out the best was going to be the winner. So, for us, to stretch our lead by three seconds and take the win was an amazing feeling.

“Any time you can come out on top, your confidence grows.

“We had also made some changes after Grimwade which made me feel pretty comfortable in the car. The roads at the Karri Rally are really

narrow and super fast, and they require a massive commitment, so you really know you’re alive when you’re touching 200 odd kilometres an hour through those sorts of roads.

“Also, battling in a production car against R5 cars and AP4 cars, and to come out with a win, really makes you feel like you’re going in the right direction.

“It was also a good weekend for Scott, who did an amazing job all day and celebrated his 100th rally, which is a

big landmark for co-drivers. So, to get him the win at his 100th rally in his hometown was the icing on the cake.”

Round 5 of the Motorsport Australia WA Rally Championship takes place in Chidlow on 30 September.

View the full results at rallywa.com

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Photos: Jarrod Sierociak

RISING STARS ENJOY UNFORGETTABLE OPPORTUNITY

The 2023 edition of the FIA Girls on Track Rising Stars Program has taken place in September with Australians Joanne Ciconte and Jure Portelli participating in the international event.

Ciconte and Portelli were part of a special training camp at the Franciacorta Karting Track in Italy, undergoing challenging tests both in and out of the car in the hopes of advancing to the second stage, which will be held at Ferrari’s Fiorano Circuit in Maranello.

Four drivers will be invited to Maranello where a winner will be awarded a place in the Ferrari Driver Academy for 2024 and run in an international Formula 4 Championship.

Both girls have solid experience behind the wheel having progressed through the Karting Australia ranks in the previous few years.

Portelli first started karting just two years ago and produced impressive results last year, including 20 wins in North Queensland, a podium at the State Cup in Townsville and top five finishes in both the Tasmania State Series and the prestigious Oakleigh Junior Top Guns events.

“This has been my goal since I started karting. We had been hoping for it for a long time and have been working towards it,” Portelli said.

“I’d also like to thank both Karting Australia and Motorsport Australia for their support, because without them, this opportunity wouldn’t have come.”

As for Ciconte, the 14-year-old has an immense amount of experience in the sport having been karting since she was nine, and in that time, she has become a class champion at club level, picked up her fair share of wins and podiums at state level, and won the Australian Pink Plate Ladies Championship this year.

“I am so excited for this opportunity and to what it may lead to in the future,” Ciconte said.

“It would mean the world to me to make it to the final four and race at Fiorano, let alone win the whole Girls on Track Rising Star Program and earn a spot in the Ferrari Driver Academy.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of many people around me, including my mentors – in particular Rohan Ambrose who has taught me so much over the journey.”

BASKERVILLE HOSTS SUCCESSFUL ROUND OF TASSIE CIRCUIT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Round four of the Motorsport Australia Tasmanian Circuit Racing Championships was held last month at Baskerville Raceway with some outstanding close competition throughout the event.

Hosted by the Hobart Sporting Car Club, healthy fields across seven categories took to the track and provided spectators with lots of entertainment.

One of the closest categories of the weekend was Formula Vee which saw a riveting battle between Adam Prewer and Jeremy Dyer, where just three tenths or less would be the difference in five out of the six races. Prewer won the first race, but Dyer went on to win the next three before Prewer broke through again in race five, only to lose out once again to Dyer in the final race worth double points.

Similarly, in the Historic Touring Cars, Jason Lemon emerged victorious in four of the six races, but failed to win the round after an inspired comeback from Phil Ashlin saw him take it out the final two races, including a clutch performance in the final double points race.

There was also plenty of excitement shared in the popular Sports Sedans series with the battle between Tim Mann and Alex Williams.

Williams qualified fastest but failed to finish the first two races, before coming back to win races three, four and five. Unfortunately, his inspirational comeback story didn’t have a happy ending, as a five second penalty in the finale gave Mann both the race win and the round win.

One of the most entertaining categories for the weekend was the Regularity, where all six sessions had a different competitor finish on top.

Those included Stephen Smith, Brenna Lemon, Steve Olive, Clinton O’Connor, Peter Bellchambers and John Madigan, with Olive one of the most consistent across the weekend.

While there were plenty of close battles in the round, the weekend also saw some dominant performances.

Both Andrew Toth in the HQ Holdens and Jason House in the Improved Production class won all six of their races, while Jeremy Bennett just missed out on a perfect weekend himself, winning five of the six Hyundai Excels wins.

Photos: Angryman Photography

Photos: Angryman Photography

SCMSA CELEBRATES QUARTER CENTURY

The Short Circuit Motor Sport Association (SCMSA) will join a number of Motorsport Australia affiliated clubs reaching a major milestone in 2023, with the club celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Formed in 1998, the club was built off the back of five independent car clubs in the Darling Downs region, who came together to form group called the Interclub Control Council.

For many years, the clubs would have issues getting insurance for their events, which led the council to turn to Motorsport Australia to build a set of rules and regulations in 1996.

By 1998, the regulations were finalised and the club was authorised to run and develop class events in Touring Cars and Sedan Club Cars, becoming what is now known as the SCMSA.

Currently, the club has more than 140 members with many affiliated clubs and has recently taken over the lease of the popular Carnell Raceway – which is used for the majority of their events.

The club has done a considerable amount of work in the past 12 months at the location, with more than $40,000 being invested into bringing the circuit up to standard. With their major focus on Improved Production and Sports Sedans, something that also makes the club unique is its ability to run 14 cars at a time during their Touring car events at Carnell - with any Motorsport Australia regulated club car able to compete in their wide range of classes.

Over the years, the SCMSA has helped produce some of Australia’s most talented drivers in recent history – the biggest being two-time NTT IndyCar Series Champion, Will Power.

The Queenslander started his successful career driving a Datsun 1200 at Morgan Park Raceway in the 90s, also venturing through Warwick and the Carnell Raceway as an SCMSA member.

Other talents to come out of the club are Battery World Aussie

Racing Cars Super Series champion, Brendon Pingel, and former Formula 3 driver, Ben Gersekowski.

Short Circuit Motor Sport Association Club President, Moss Lane, was excited to celebrate 25 years since the establishment of such an impactful club.

“It’s exciting that we have made it to 25 years, I have been around since day one and I feel like I know everything there is to know about our proud history,” Lane said.

“There have been so many people who have made this club what it is today, one of those being founding member Fred Berge, who we unfortunately lost about three years ago, but was the driving force behind everything that has happened in our history.

“It is great to see everyone come together with the same passion; we look forward to continuing to develop and get Carnell and Morgan Park back up and running for some new events in 2024.”

The SCMSA will celebrate its 25year milestone at their biggest event of the year, with the third and final edition of the 2023 SCMSA Sprints and Short Circuit Races taking place on 28-29 October.

“There have been so many people who have made this club what it is today”

Photo: Steve Spence

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CONFIRMED AS NSW CONTROLLING BODY

Liquor & Gaming NSW has confirmed Motorsport Australia as the sports controlling body for motorsport events in the state.

This approval allows Motorsport Australia the opportunity to further enhance its existing powers in the integrity space, alongside the existing Competition Manipulation and Sport Wagering Policy as part of Motorsport Australia’s broader National Integrity Framework.

The recognition allows Motorsport Australia to have greater oversight of the betting market, including disallowing contingencies that may be a risk of manipulation, and working with betting operators

and Liquor & Gaming NSW to identify any suspicious betting.

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca thanked the NSW Government for its support.

“This is a further vote of confidence in our commitment and dedication to integrity and the extensive policies that are in place to ensure our sport is safe, fair and equitable,” Arocca said.

“Motorsport Australia will work with Liquor & Gaming NSW and Betting Operators to identify any suspicious wagering activity as part of these new powers. Similar agreements are already in place in other states across the country.

“As the only governing body for fourwheel motorsport recognised by the Australian Sports Commission, this additional approval further enhances the sport’s reputation in Australia. “Importantly it also provides assurances to competitors and event organisers that events run under Motorsport Australia sanction are supported by these policies that have been approved by the Australian Sports Commission and Sport Integrity Australia.”

To view Motorsport Australia’s National Integrity Framework documents, head to the dedicated integrity hub

“This additional approval further enhances the sport’s reputation in Australia”

Photo: Speed Shots Photography

NOMINATIONS FOR MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA ELECTED DIRECTOR ROLES NOW OPEN

Nominations are now open for the roles of Motorsport Australia Elected Director in Queensland and South Australia/Northern Territory, as well as State Council Office Bearer roles in all states.

an Elected Director or their State Council Executive for the 20242026 term, simply need to fill out an application form and submit ahead of the deadline date.

APPLICATION CLOSING TIMES

State Council Executive and Elected Director position applications close at different dates, depending on the state:

for the next three-year term between 2024 and 2026 are now open.

State Panel members support State Councils with the planning and administration of various disciplines and functions within the

State Panel next year simply need to fill out an application form, and submit to the relevant state email ahead of the deadline date.

Panel nomination forms are due by 5.00pm local time on 6 November.

nomination forms at motorsport.org.au/about

WSCC REACH MAJOR 70TH MILESTONE

One of Motorsport Australia’s oldest affiliated car clubs are celebrating a momentous milestone in 2023, with the Wollongong Sporting Car Club (WSCC) reaching an incredible 70 years since its formation.

Known as the ‘Home of the Huntley Hillclimb’, the club was established all the way back in 1952 when a group of car enthusiasts gathered to create a club that could bring people from all forms of motorsport together.

Over the years, club members have competed in just about every form of motorsport there is, including motorkhanas, drag racing, speedway, supersprints, circuit racing, rally, endurance events and of course, hill climbs.

The first running of the popular Huntley Hillclimb took place not long after the club’s establishment in 1953, with events being held there every year since.

Multiple club events are run at the location every year, while it is also a regular on the Motorsport Australia NSW Hill Climb Championship calendar.

On top of this, Huntley has also been the chosen location for the Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship on multiple occasions, with the club’s first being in 1984 where Warren Brown was victorious in his Sceptre V8.

Currently, the club has more than 140 active members, with many coming from lines of family generations dating back to its inception.

The Bell family, Penrose family and Johnson family are just a few that have seen three generations of family as members of the club,

with each still playing a big role in its continuation and growth today.

Long-time member as well as former WSCC Publicity Officer, Wayne Penrose, was proud of how far the club has come since its establishment and both the commitment and passion of its members.

“It's a very, very social club. We have a high rate of active members, and they are all willing to get in and help everyone else, doing so with plenty of enthusiasm,” Penrose said.

“We take a lot of pride in saying there are a lot of family generations involved, as well as the fact that our members are upon the most active in the area.

“Our club in its current state has kept hill climbing alive in NSW. At most of the state events we go to, we make up the vast majority of entries - with the most recent one being at Ringwood, where we had almost half of the 59 entries coming from our club.

“Everyone is so keen on motorsport; we share the same passion no matter what car we drive. We get together, have social evenings, go racing together and travel to and from these events together too. It is really nice.”

Penrose first joined the club back in the mid 1980s, doing some hill climb racing of his own while exploring all other forms of motorsport the club offers.

Now, he plays an active role in the upkeep of the circuit, leading the charge in regular working bees and the organisation of club and social events.

“What makes the hill climb track so special is how steep it is - it's what I consider a true hill climb with over 670 metres of pure uphill, no levelling out at all,” Penrose explained.

“We have done a lot of track improvements since 2019, I took it upon myself to lead the working party and organise barricades and get the council to re-bitumen the first half of the track.

“It really is a great club and facility, a place we all love to go racing.”

To celebrate the milestone, the WSCC will be holding an event at the Wollongong German Club in November – where they will share stories and photos from over the years. The club’s next event at the Huntley Hillclimb Circuit will take place on 17 September.

“We have a high rate of active members, and they are all willing to get in and help everyone else, doing so with plenty of enthusiasm”

Photo: Neil Webster

New Officials’ Range

2023’s Motorsport Australia Officials uniform has dropped. New gear available at:

motorsport.org.au/estore

A DOZEN AUSSIES TO CONTEST INAUGURAL ASIA PACIFIC MOTORSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP

Motorsport Australia has confirmed a team for this year's inaugural Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship at Sepang International Circuit later this month.

A solid team of 12 drivers across four different disciplines will be representing Team Australia against other competitors from the region with a mix of national champions and rising stars forming part of the line-up. Captaining Team Australia in Malaysia over the two-day event will be two-time Australian Motorkhana Champion and multiple state motorkhana champion, Aaron Wuillemin, who will be entered in the Gymkhana Cup.

Joining Wuillemin in Gymkhana will be another decorated motorkhana star in Corinne East-Johnston, who has three Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship titles to her name, along with nine Motorsport Australia NSW Motorkhana Championship titles.

Rounding out Team Australia's Gymkhana Cup charge will be two-time Victorian Khanacross Production Champion, Matt Caldwell.

Entered in the event’s Rally Cup will be Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship junior Molly Spalding and co-driver Matthew Dillon.

Spalding enters the event with plenty of rallying experience in the past few years, with her most recent national success being last year’s Shamrock Haulage ARC Junior Cup title, as well as finishing the 2022 FIA Rally Star competition inside the outright top 12.

Two competitors will represent Australia in the Esports Cup with OOR Pro Finals and RaceSpec Elite Series Champion Zachary Smith leading the charge.

Smith has plenty of experience competing at international level as well, with his most recent result being second place overall in the prestigious Motorsport Australia vs UK Invitational Event.

Finishing third behind Smith in that same event was Ryan Hoolihan, who will be the other Australian Esports Cup entry.

Rounding out the Team Australia field will be six Karting Australia drivers, all of whom will be entered in the Karting Cup and spread across the Cadet, Junior and Senior classes.

Those six drivers will be Bradley Majman, Ky Burke, Jace Matthews, Declan Matthews, Riley Harrison and Blake Purvis.

Motorsport Australia’s Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith was pleased with the quality of talent heading over to Malaysia for the international event.

“We saw how successful the FIA Motorsport Games has been in the past few years, and it’s a fantastic initiative to have that same concept now in the Asia Pacific region,” Smith said.

“To have the experience of both Aaron and Corinne, coupled with some rising stars in the sport like Matthew, Molly, Zachary and Ryan is a really exciting prospect.

“It’s also great to see Karting Australia bring some talent too and I have no doubt they will all be great ambassadors for our country.

“We are really pleased to be able to take a strong contingent to Sepang for the inaugural event and I have high hopes that we can leave Malaysia with some Gold Medals."

The Asia Pacific Motorsport Championship takes place at Sepang International Circuit on 30 September – 1 October.

TEAM AUSTRALIA REPRESENTATIVES

GYMKHANA (MOTORKHANA) CUP

• Aaron Wuillemin (Team Captain)

• Corinne East-Johnston

• Matt Caldwell

ESPORTS CUP

• Zachary Smith

• Ryan Hoolihan

RALLY CUP

• Molly Spalding (Driver)

• Matthew Dillon (Navigator)

KARTING CUP

• Bradley Majman

• Ky Burke

• Jace Matthews

• Declan Matthews

• Riley Harrison

• Blake Purvis

“I have high hopes that we can leave Malaysia with some Gold Medals”

Photo: CH Images

MAHON CLAIMS THIRD STRAIGHT VIC HILLCLIMB TITLE

David Mahon claimed his third straight EZIUP & GO Motorsport Australia Victorian Hill Climb Championship title last month after another solid performance at Bryant Park.

While the decorated hill climb competitor didn’t win the event, a fourth-place finish was enough to all but secure the 2023 title in the seventh and final round of the season, with Mahon having already had two round wins this season. One of those wins came at the championship's second visit to the Haunted Hills this season, while the other came after an impressive outing at Mt Leura back in May. However, when it came to the season finale, it was Greg Ackland who took out the outright victory in his Ninja G8 over 76 competitors –making it two from three victories at the popular hill climb.

Not only did Ackland post the fastest time of the day, but his final run time of 31.81 seconds set new lap record – surpassing the previous record set by Brett Hayward all the way back in 2011.

Coming in second place was Alan Foley in the RFOLEY Formula Libre with a fastest time of 33.85 seconds, outlasting Mike Barker in his Hayward 06 by exactly one-tenth of a second.

Not far behind the top three was Mahon with a 34.54 second run, while Wim Janssen rounded out the top five in his Wimp 003 with a time of 35.10 seconds.

Mahon’s class rivals, Ewen Moile and Keith Wilson finished in sixth and seventh respectively ahead of the eighth placed Bradley De Luca –the latter also claiming top honours in the C3 Sports Sedans class.

Photos: Seven70 Photography

The next best tin top was the Mitsubishi Evo 4 of Jordan James, who edged out the Mazda RX-7 piloted by Glenn Latter by one-tenth of a second.

While there were a handful of impressive results throughout, the day belonged to Mahonwho was thrilled to walk away with a third straight title.

“It's fantastic to have secured the title for a third straight year,” Mahon said.

“It is especially good to be able to win in another state after having to make the trip from South Australia every round.

“I knew I didn’t need to win the round; I took it easy, but I still wasn’t able to get it right all day, the tyres felt too soft and I couldn’t push as hard as I usually would, but it was still good to get the job done.

“It's good to say I have won three times now; I have also won the South Australian Championship five times before and I hope I can say I have done that here soon enough.”

The EZIUP & GO Motorsport

Australia Victorian Hill Climb Championship has now concluded its exciting 2023 season and will return in 2024, where competitors will look to stop the dominant run of form from the South Australian.

Photos: Seven70 Photography

“I knew I didn’t need to win the round; I took it easy... but it was still good to get the job done”

AORC CONFIRMS 2024 CALENDAR

The calendar for next year’s Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship has been confirmed, with five rounds to make up the 2024 season.

All five rounds from the 2023 season will return to the calendar allowing the championship to cover five Australian states and territories.

As part of the exciting 2024 schedule, the Wentworth Shire Pooncarie Desert Dash will now host the opening round of the season for the first time since joining the AORC.

As a result, this year’s season opener, the Markwell Group Gold City 450, has been shifted to the penultimate round of the year on the last weekend in August to combat the challenging weather conditions having faced crews earlier this year.

The Tatts Finke Desert Race remains in its regular King’s Birthday Weekend slot, followed by the Loveday 400 in July, while the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race will once again remain as the

season finale in October, where points and a half will be on offer.

Motorsport Australia’s Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said the new calendar provided plenty of opportunities for competitors and fans to enjoy a big AORC season.

“This is a national championship, so it’s fantastic to see almost every state and territory in the country hosting a round of the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship,” Smith said.

“Each one of this year’s events have shown why they should be on the AORC calendar and that is testament to the brilliant work of our event organisers across Australia.

“Pooncarie has also been a highly impressive event since joining the national championship last year and I have no doubt it will be a great way to start the season, while the Charters Towers event in late August will be a perfect time of year for crews

to visit Queensland and enjoy the newest event on the AORC calendar.

“Overall, we are pleased to be able to release this calendar early and look forward to a big year in the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship in 2024.”

2024 POLARIS MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA OFF ROAD CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

Round 1: Pooncarie Desert Dash – 19-21 April

Round 2: Finke Desert Race – 7-10 June

Round 3: Loveday 400 – 26-28 July

Round 4: Gold City 450 – 30 August – 1 September

Round 5: Kalgoorlie Desert Race – 25-27 October

Photo: Tony Donoghue Photography

Photo: DJH Creative

“It’s fantastic to see almost every state and territory in the country hosting a round of the Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship”

WHAT'S ON IN SEPTEMBER

NEW SOUTH WALES AND ACT

6-9 September: 2023 Local Legends

Sunraysia Safari Cross Country Rally

9-10 September: MASTERBLAST23

Incorporating Muscle Car Masters

9 September: Sydney Hillclimb

9 September: TCC Dirt N Dust

Challenge Khanacross

10 September: Alfa Romeo Owners Club of NSW Concorso

10 September: September Esses Hill Climb

10 September: NSW State Championship

Motorkhana - Round 8

10 September: SDMA Club Hillclimb

10 September: Springtime Khanacross

16-17 September: Porsche Club NSW

Inc 60th Birthday Celebration

16-17 September: Hunter Rivmasta

Warialda Off Road 200

16 September: Toyosports

Day/Night Autocross

16-17 September: 2023 Sheep Station Rally

16 September: Back to the Past Khanacross

16 September: MGCCN KC5 Day & Night, Dirt & Tar Khanacross

16 September: PCNSW 60th

Anniversary Motorkhana

17 September: DSCC 2023

Autocross Round 7

QLD: 9 September –The Lakes Hyundai Imbil Forest Rally

The KickAss Products

Motorsport Australia

Queensland Rally Championship returns this month in the picturesque Imbil forest where crews will tackle 124 competitive kilometres over 10 stages.

17 September: September Breakfast Run

17 September: September

Come and Try Motorkhana

17 September: September Huntley Hillclimb

17 September: 60th Anniversary Motorkhana - Motofusion

20 September: September Khanacross

23 September: 2023 Midstate Freight Bathurst Rally

23-24 September: TSCC Club Lap Dash

24 September: Khanacross # 4

QUEENSLAND

8-10 September: 2023 Queensland Circuit Racing State Championships – Round 4

9 September: The Lakes Hyundai Imbil Forest Rally

9-10 September: Proston Khanacross and Burnouts September

9 September: BCC Twilight Autocross

10 September: Autocross Round 3

10 September: VWDCQ Action Day

15-17 September: 2023 Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship

23-24 September: GSCC Hillclimb Series Rounds 5 & 6

24 September: Mount Stuart Hillclimb Series Round 4

24 September: Queensland Motorkhana Championship

Legends

One of Australia's biggest rallies, more than 1200 competitive kilometres await crews over four days of non-stop action.

Photo: CH Images

NSW: 6-9 September2023 Local

Sunraysia Safari Cross Country Rally

Photo: Sunraysia Safari

SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND NORTHERN TERRITORY

10 September: JDP Day # 2

16-17 September: Motorsport Australia

Sporting Car Club of SA Inc. 2023 State

Motor Racing Championship Series Rd 4

16 September: SEAC Khanacross

Series VKC & SEAC Motorkhana Series

2023 including SAMC & VMC

16-17 September: MSS Safety Rally Barossa

17 September: Dubs by the River

TASMANIA

9 September: Tasmanian Motorkhana Championship - Round 4

10 September: MG and Mini Car Clubs of Tasmania Inc

10 September: Come and Try Khanacross

16 September: Rocky Cape Tavern Hellyer Rally

VICTORIA

6-10 September: Shannons SpeedSeriesRound 6 - Sandown International Raceway

9-10 September: SDCC VCAS RD9 & SDCC/ SHSCC Interclub Come & Try RD6/7

9-10 September: VMCI Khanacross

9 September: MSCA Super Sprint

10 September: Phillip Island Spring Sprint

10 September: Rob Roy

Youth Driver Training

10 September: Come and Try Motorkhana

10 September: Proving Ground Drive Day

SA:

10 September: Ringwood Hillclimb Series TS6

15-17 September: Penrite Oil Sandown 500

15 September: Girls on Track - Inspire and Pathways

16-17 September: Off Road

MotoX – Owners Day

16 September: First Gear

16 September: SHCC Come and Try Day

17 September: Gippsland Car Club Khanacross

17 September: Women's

Introduction to Motorsport

17 September: MADCC Round 6

20-21 September: Passione Ferrari Club Challenge - Round 4

22-24 September: Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships Round 5

23 September: Ballarat

Supatilt Valley Stages

23 September: Send It Saturday’s

24 September: Gippsland Car Club Hillclimb

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

14 September: Infinite Time Attack

16-17 September: WASCC Rob

Janney Memorial Cup

22-24 September: 2023 Total Asphalt Three Springs 330

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

WA: 22-24 September - 2023 Total Asphalt Three Springs 330

Up to 300 kilometres of mixed terrain await WA's best off roaders for the penultimate round of the 2023 WA Off Road State Championship

16 SeptemberSEAC Khanacross Series VKC & SEAC Motorkhana Series 2023 including SAMC & VMC

KALGOORLIE ENTRIES OPEN FOR OFF ROAD FINALE

Entries for the final round of the 2023 Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) in Western Australia are now being accepted. Taking place towards the end of October, the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race will see both cars and bikes tackle approximately 363 competitive kilometres across three sections over two days.

In addition to the AORC and the SXS Motorsport Australia Championship, the challenging event will also host the final round of the popular Motorsport Australia Western Australian Off-Road Championship, making it one of the largest motorsport events held in Western Australia this year. The event will run in the exact same format as it did on its national debut last year, which will see Prologue take place on the Friday afternoon before crews tackle one lap of the 121-kilometre course on Saturday.

AORC crews will then contest the remaining two laps on Sunday either side of the bikes’ final section, with a presentation night to wrap up the weekend on Sunday evening.

However, before the action gets underway, the traditional street party/scrutineering will once again kick off the event, with the location having moved to the Ray Finlayson Sporting Complex.

Despite Travis Robinson wrapping up the championship at Loveday, there is still plenty to play for in the final round with several class honours still up for grabs, including the SXS Championship, and with extra points on offer. There is also business to be done for the final placings in the outright top 10, with a number of expected absentees opening the door for an abundance of changes to the current standings.

Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race Clerk of Course, Daniel Rogers was looking forward to welcoming back AORC competitors after a successful running of the event in 2022.

“We are very excited at the opportunity to once again host the final round of the 2023 AORC season, with many of the country’s best off road competitors expected to make the trip,” Rogers said.

“The 2022 edition of the event was a great success, and we have no plans on changing that for this year's event.

“We are expecting a great showing of spectators and fans who will come to not only see the remaining classes decide their fate, but to also welcome back the newly crowned champion, Travis Robinson for his home round.

“We encourage interested competitors to get their entries in nice and early as we prepare for what is expected to be a big field in October.”

Interested crews will have until 7:00pm WST on Saturday 30 September to register for the event.

The final round of the 2023 Polaris Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship will be the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race on 19-22 October.

Entries are being accepted at my.raceresult.com

View the supplementary regulations at aorc.com.au

Photos: Dakar Press Team Australia

“The 2022 edition of the event was a great success, and we have no plans on changing that for this year's event”

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GERMAN AUTO SHOW TAKES TO CALDER PARK FOR BEYOND BLUE

After a highly successful edition in 2022, the BMW Drivers Club Melbourne once again ran the 2023 German Auto Show, with more than 1000 car enthusiasts attending the Calder Park Thunderdome to fundraise for Beyond Blue.

With up to 10 clubs participating and 40 major sponsors getting behind the event – including venue donation from the Jane Corporation – this year’s German Auto Show proved to be even bigger than last year.

At the heart of it all were the hundreds of display cars, with an enormous spread of German cars that ranged from Porsches to micro cars and scooters.

Significantly, almost 250 BMWs were amongst the display vehicles, including almost 100 rare motorcycles in honour of the 100th anniversary of the BMW R32.

Hoping to further harness the nostalgic qualities of the Thunderdome, the event also played host to Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame driver John Bowe, who signed autographs and took photos with excited fans.

Meanwhile, U Race It Simulators gave attendees the opportunity to engage in some friendly competition, with participants battling out for bragging rights.

BMW Drivers Club Melbourne VicePresident and Events Coordinator Jo Mawson was thrilled with the event.

“Having already run a very successful German Auto Show in 2022 and raising $10,500, I had a list of trade stands who were wanting to be part of this event again,” Mawson said.

“When I contacted Beyond Blue to let them know I was holding this event again, they were ecstatic. My goal was $20K but I felt this was aiming too high, so I reduced it on the Beyond Blue donation page to $10K. We soon smashed that figure out of the Thunderdome.

Photo: Peter Williams

“After hours and hours of emails, calls and sponsor visits, our lists of traders, donations and attending clubs started to grow.

“More and more donations kept rolling in, and myself and the rest of the organizing committee were realizing this event was going to be fantastic.

“I am not too proud to admit I cried when I saw all the beautifully presented vehicles rolling in around the Dome. It was a magic sight.

“After a few days of counting collection tins, and with all the final donations in, our grand total raised for this event is $25,000.

“Beyond Blue have informed me that this will mean that over 400 needy people will be able to speak with counsellors in their time of need.

“Without all our volunteers we could not have achieved this. The event ran smoothly because of volunteers out at the front gate, in the tunnel directing traffic, parking attendants,

gate keepers, transit and shuttle drivers, and photographers. There are too many names to mention, but you all know who you are, and we thank you all for all your hard work.

“On to 2024 for another fantastic event.”

More information on the German Auto Show can be found at germanautoshow.com.au

“I am not too proud to admit I cried when I saw all the beautifully presented vehicles rolling in around the Dome”

Photo: Peter Williams

Photo: Peter Williams

Photo: Peter Williams

Photo: Paul Holliday

Photo: Paul Holliday

THRIVING ARC LOCKS IN BUMPER 2024 CALENDAR

Motorsport Australia has confirmed the dates for the 2024 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) with another six exciting rounds of rally action.

Hosting the season finale in November this year, the National Capital Rally will return to the season opening slot in 2024, while Rally Launceston switches to the last round of the year, and home of the potential Championship deciding event.

Following a start in the nation’s capital, the ARC then heads out west for the famous Forest Rally in May before making the journey to Queensland for Rally Queensland at the end of June.

Like this year, the second half of the season gets underway in August with Gippsland Rally in Victoria, while the Adelaide Hills Rally takes place in September.

The season then wraps up on the Apple Isle in November with Rally Launceston in what should be a perfect time of year to visit the country’s southernmost state.

Motorsport Australia’s Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith was pleased to provide the calendar early to allow teams plenty of time to prepare for their 2024 campaigns.

"The ARC has grown substantially in the past two years and we’re thrilled to be able to have the

same six events on the 2024 calendar as this year,” Smith said.

"With four rounds complete and two more to come in 2023, the health of the Championship and our individual events is as strong as ever.

"Having the same six events highlights that stability within the championship which also allows spectators plenty of opportunities to return to events they have enjoyed already."

Round 1: National Capital Rally – 5-7 April

Round 2: Forest Rally – 17-19 May

Round 3: Rally Queensland

– 28-30 June

Round 4: Gippsland

Rally – 9-11 August

Round 5: Adelaide Hills

Rally – 20-22 September

Round 6: Rally Launceston

– 15-17 November

Photo: Dan Thompson

Photo: Dakar Press Team Australia

“The health of the Championship and our individual events is as strong as ever”

2024 BOSCH MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP CALENDAR

GIPPSLAND TRIUMPH MAKES DOUBLE FOR BATES AND TAYLOR

Harry Bates and Coral Taylor claimed back-to-back Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) round victories last month after taking out The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia duo picked up where they left off from July’s Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland to guide their Toyota GR Yaris AP4 to an overall win of one minute and 17 seconds over championship leaders, Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

Finishing in third place were Eddie Maguire and Zak Brakey after the Tasmanians produced a consistent weekend of top five finishes to end up 18 seconds ahead of the fourth placed Luke Anear and Malcolm Read, who enjoyed a stage win themselves.

Despite sustaining rear diff issues on the Saturday, Nathan Quinn and Ray Winwood-Smith rounded out the top five thanks to a strong charge on Sunday where they won three stages, overtaking Jamie and Brad Luff in the process – a disappointing end for the Luffs as they had been occupying fifth right up until the penultimate stage of the weekend. However, the weekend belonged to Harry and Taylor, who secured the overall victory off the back of a solid Saturday performance where they enjoyed seven consecutive stage wins.

On Sunday, the duo didn’t win as many stages as they had the day before, but they did everything they needed to do to maintain their lead, including winning the EROAD Power Stage.

In winning his second consecutive ARC round, Harry was thrilled to continue his momentum as he takes the season ‘rally by rally’ as the title race continues to heat up.

“It was a strong weekend for us. The EROAD Power Stage was hard work,

Photos: Dan Thompson

“Coral and I are very focused on rally by rally at the moment, and I think that’s paying off”

but we managed to come out on top on that as well, so we are super happy with the weekend,” Harry said.

“I’m over the moon. I enjoyed the whole weekend and I think the weather turned out well considering what it could have been like with the forecast, which made for a really great event, so we’ve had a blast.

“It’s all going well at the moment. It’s documented that we had a tough start to the year, and it left us with some work to do, but we’re definitely going well.

“Coral and I are very focused on rally by rally at the moment, and I think that’s paying off. But I think we’re the first ones to win two rallies this year, so that’s nice.”

Harry and Taylor weren’t the only crew to walk away with an impressive victory in Gippsland, with Bodie Reading and Mark Young securing

the White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup victory, along with an outright placing of seventh.

Although the Tasmanians ended up coming away with an emphatic six-minute White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup victory, they just managed to edge out SS9 winners, Troy Dowel and Bernie Webb, for outright seventh place – their three-second advantage being the closest gap across the whole field. James Dimmock made a solid return to the ARC, having not competed since March’s Buckby ŠKODA Rally Launceston, to finish ninth overall alongside Larisa Biggar, while White Wolf Constructions ARC Production Cup runner-up Daniel Traverso and co-driver Anthony Carr rounded out the top 10.

In the other classes, Ben and Cathy Hayes comfortably took out the ARC 2WD Cup for the fourth consecutive round this year, beating Nicholas Seymour and Matthew Whitten by 26 seconds, while Josh Wiedman and Nick Reid rounded out the class podium, with the latter also winning the Shamrock Haulage ARC Junior Cup.

The ARC Classic Cup had just one finisher for the round, with David Thompson and Matthew Sanders taking out round honours and extending their lead in the class.

The Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship now moves to South Australia for the PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally on 13-15 October.

Photo: Dan Thompson

POWERPLAY ADELAIDE HILLS RALLY ENTRIES OPEN

Entries for the 2023 PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally are now open.

Serving as the penultimate round of the 2023 Bosch Motorsport Australia Rally Championship (ARC) season, the South Australian event will offer up a big challenge for the country’s best rally crews.

Running as the fourth and final Sprint event for 2023, the rally will see crews complete 187 competitive kilometres over 25 stages, which be split into two heats where points will be on offer in both.

Interested crews have until 6pm ACST on Friday 29 September to enter the event, which can be done via the Motorsport Australia Member Portal.

Held over three days in October, the rally will include multiple locations around the state, including the picturesque Adelaide Hills region and the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend.

The action begins at the Tailem Bend circuit on the Friday night with two passes of the eightkilometre GT circuit stage, before

Heat 1 continues on Saturday with a further 84 competitive kilometres. Spread across 12 stages – crews will complete the first 10 stages in the Mt Barker and Strathalbyn areas before finishing the day off with two quickfire Super Special Stages at the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park’s Stadium Circuit as per previous years.

The event’s remaining 80km will be completed in Heat 2 on the Sunday, where a further 11 stages in the forests and the track await crews, including the final EROAD Power Stage, which will be held on a dedicated rally stage located nearby the main circuit and live streamed on 7plus.

With the event hosting rounds of the Motorsport Australia South Australian Rally Championship and South Australian Regularity Series, state-entered crews will complete all stages except for Sunday’s EROAD Power Stage.

In addition to the PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally, the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park will also be hosting the final round of the

inaugural Shannons Trophy Series season, with a handful of national circuit racing categories to run on the circuit throughout each day.

The 2023 PowerPlay Adelaide Hills Rally takes place in the Adelaide Hills and the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park on 13-15 October.

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

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WHARTON CONFIRMS NEXT STEPS IN UNIQUE FDA PATHWAY

Having won the Ferrari Driver Academy Selection Program World Finals in 2020, James Wharton has worked hard to become one of the Academy’s best performers amongst its eight current members. What began as a tough initiation into the academy, where he struggled to adapt to life in Italy, has since transformed into something special. His first major milestone came with a hattrick of victories in the Formula 4 UAE Championship at the start of 2022, before he went on to win that same championship earlier this year. Now, in his second year competing in the world’s toughest Formula 4 competition, the Italian F4 Championship, Wharton sits fourth on the standings having scored two wins and a further five podiums. But it’s not just his results that are getting better, it’s his race craft and confidence overall that has also seen significant improvement.

“It feels like every time I get in the car, something improves, which reassures me that I am making the right decisions to get the best out of my driving,” Wharton said.

“The improvements give me a lot of confidence because I know everything seems to be going in the right direction and I am doing the right things.

“I think the FDA has now realised why I am there. Obviously my first year of karting was challenging, and although my first F4 year was okay, it still wasn’t where we wanted to be.

“But now, I'm finally showing who I am, and people are understanding what I need and how I perform, which makes me feel comfortable, and when I'm in a comfortable state of mind, things go right.

“I am just focused on doing my job which are results, and out of the eight FDA drivers, I am performing the best, and that’s including Arthur Leclerc

and Oliver Bearmen, so that makes me feel like I am on the right page.”

It’s a remarkable change of fortunes for Wharton, who has faced plenty of adversity throughout his three years in the FDA.

From struggling in his first year in karting to improving ever so slightly in his first year of Formula 4, Wharton has now found his groove and is getting the results he knows he is capable of.

And it’s those difficult first two years with the FDA that has helped

Photos: Massimo Bettiol PH

shape him into the confident and determined driver he is now - aged just 17-years-old.

“I've had the lowest point I could possibly have already, even at 17, because losing and struggling in every karting race to winning a championship is a big difference,” Wharton said.

“Now nothing affects me mentally at all. No matter what happens in a race, it's still not as bad as finishing last in karting. I feel completely fine with anything that happens.

“A lot can change in 12 months, especially in the last three months. I have really found my feet in the FDA and feel like I deserve to be there.

“There's no longer an emotional rollercoaster for me. If I win, it's the same as if I lose now because I know that being in the FDA is the best thing that can happen to my career, so I'm happy no matter what happens anymore.

“Coming home to Australia makes me realise how honoured I am to be in the position I am in - even though I know I worked hard to get it.

“It's so good to have backing from the FDA too and I now know

that I'm one of their main drivers and one that will succeed.”

As for where his future stands, Wharton will complete his second season in the Italian F4 Championship before deciding where he will race in 2024.

While exact plans for next year’s campaign have yet to be decided, Wharton was confident it will

next year to give myself the best opportunity for a F3 Prema seat in 2025.

“Then I want to try and progress through Formula 3 as quickly as possible. If it’s two years, it’s two years, however performing in my first year is the ideal situation, even if it is the hardest.

be a positive transitional year regardless, as he targets a FIA Formula 3 Championship seat with Prema Racing in 2025.

“I'm not going too to rush into F3, because, if I'm not comfortable in the first year of F3, it will be difficult,” Wharton explained.

“We are looking into the possibility of racing in the Formula Regional European Championship grid

“Then once I do that, I can set my next goals, but for now, it’s just about getting myself to the right position and as comfortable as possible for F3 in 2025.

“Right now, I feel like I'm meant to be a European driver and not driving in Australia, so I'm fully committed to reaching that goal.”

The Italian F4 Championship continues later this month at Mugello Circuit on 29 September – 1 October.

“I know that being in the FDA is the best thing that can happen to my career, so I'm happy no matter what happens anymore”

FDA TO ARRIVE IN SEPANG FOR ASIA PACIFIC AND OCEANIA SELECTION PROGRAM

The 2023 Ferrari Driver Academy (FDA) – Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program gets underway this month with some of the most talented drivers from around the region to battle it out.

Taking place at Sepang International Circuit, 25 teenagers from six different countries will fight for two spots in the FDA’s Scouting World Finals at the famous Firoini Circuit in Maranello next month.

Making up the regional selection program will be a rigorous testing process that will challenge all 25 participants both in the car and out.

All participants will be in action during the first two days of official competition, where they will enjoy up to three hours of track time behind the wheel of the Tatuus FIA F4-T421.

In between their time in the car, the participants will undergo fitness and media testing, as well as data and sponsorship/promotion training.

Six drivers will then be selected to take part in the final day of the event, where they will spend the whole day in the car undergoing practice, qualifying and race simulations.

The top two drivers will then be invited to Italy for the FDA’s Scouting World Finals where they will go up against drivers from other regions for a place in the FDA next year.

The Ferrari Driver Academy – Asia Pacific and Oceania Selection Program takes place at Sepang International Circuit on 23-27 September.

Photos: Xoom D'Image

Your car – your choice.

If your mechanic doesn’t use Mobil™ oil, buy it at Supercheap Auto and bring your own.

DID YOU KNOW, YOU CAN BYO? byo M

SHANNONS SPEEDSERIES THRILLER IN SUNSHINE STATE

A sunny Queensland Raceway played host to another thrilling round of the Shannons SpeedSeries in August, where six national categories headed north for three days of jam-packed action.

Popular categories to take part in the event were the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, National Trans Am Series, Kumho V8 Touring Car Series, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and the combined Mobil 1 Australian Production Car Series and Monochrome GT4 Australia. The Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series put on a fantastic show in the usual fashion, with the returning Will Brown taking round honours ahead of a valiant Aaron Cameron. While the 2019 series champion dominated proceedings, the story of the weekend belonged to rookie Brad Harris, who picked up a maiden series win in the reverse grid format race while storming his way to his first outright podium finish in what was only his fourth ever round in the category.

The combined Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia Series was highly entertaining in its featured Fight in the Night race, with Tony Quinn (GT4) and Iain Sherrin (Production Cup) taking respective victories under the lights in Ipswich.

The race went right down to the wire, but despite Coleby Cowham and Lindsay Kearns missing out on the FITN honours, they were able to walk away as round victors after three impressive performances across the weekend. It was a weekend to remember for privateer teams in the National Trans Am Series, with a new star in Tom Hayman emerging with a clean sweep of round victories, heading another privateer entry

in Elliot Barbour who thoroughly impressed all weekend long.

Series leader, James Moffat rounded out the podium places, slightly extending his lead over GRM teammate and title rival, Lochie Dalton.

A regular competitor missing from the Trans Am field was Nash Morris, who instead, dominated proceedings in the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series – winning all three races in convincing fashion.

The Queenslander topped TekworkX teammate, Hamish Fitzsimmons while Matt Slavin closed the gap to Sam Shahin in the Pro-Am standings after taking out class honours for the weekend.

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

The race for the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS title will go right down to the wire after Geoff Emery and Max Hofer took victory in QR, with the Jamec Racing duo outlasting title rivals Liam Talbot and Garth Tander, despite splitting the victories.

While the gap at the top is much larger in the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series, the battle for round honours went down to the final lap of the weekend, with Ray Hislop walking away victorious despite a masterclass performance from Jamie Tilley throughout.

Series leader, Jude Bargwanna would round out the podium places after suffering issues in the final race.

In addition to the action provided by the six national categories across the weekend, the 18,000 spectators were also treated to a show from Matt Mingay and the Hot Wheels Stunt Team in between sessions, adding to what has been one of the biggest Shannons SpeedSeries events to date.

The sixth round of the 2023 Shannons SpeedSeries season will take place at Sandown International Raceway on 8-10 September.

SUPERCHEAP AUTO TCR AUSTRALIA (RACE WINNERS)

1. Will Brown

2. Brad Harris

3. Will Brown

NATIONAL TRANS AM SERIES

1. Tom Hayman

2. Elliot Barbour

3. James Moffat

FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE POWERED BY AWS

1. Geoff Emery/Max Hofer

2. Yasser Shahin/ Garnett Patterson

3. Liam Talbot/Garth Tander

KUMHO V8 TOURING CAR SERIES

1. Ray Hislop

2. Jamie Tilley

3. Jude Bargwanna

PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA

1. Nash Morris

2. Hamish Fitzsimmons

3. Oscar Targett

MOBIL 1 AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION CARS

1. Tim Leahey

2. Beric Lynton

3. Iain Sherrin

MONOCHROME GT4 AUSTRALIA SERIES

1. Tony Quinn

2. Shane Smollen/ Lachlan Mineeff

3. Mark Griffith/Nash Morris

Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

SPEEDSERIES RETURNS TO THE HOME OF HORSEPOWER

The Shannons SpeedSeries

makes its way to the famous Sandown International Raceway this month for the sixth round of the 2023 season.

Spread over three jam-packed days, six national categories will be in action – all of whom continue their season campaigns.

Making up the category bill will be the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, National Trans Am Series, Kumho V8 Touring Car Series and the combined Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Monochrome GT4 Australia, as well as Australian Formula Open and MARC Cars Australia.

Fans will be treated to more than 20 hours of on track action across the three days, with a familyfriendly schedule confirmed for the sixth round of the season.

Each category will take the track in their traditional formats of two practice sessions, a qualifying

session and three races, with the exception of APC/GT4 - who will take part in four 30-minute races on Saturday and Sunday.

Fans will be treated to 12 hours of live, ad-break free and on-demand coverage over Saturday and Sunday, while 9Gem and 9Go will showcase Saturday afternoon’s action from 2pm-5pm and interested viewers are encouraged to check their local guides for more information.

Those planning on attending the event can still purchase tickets, with single day and weekend passes available, while kids under the age of 15 can enter for free.

Avoid the queues by purchasing tickets at motorsporttickets.com.au, with no additional fees for securing your ticket online and ahead of time.

The sixth round of the Shannons SpeedSeries will take place at Sandown International Raceway on 8-10 September.

Photos: Massimo Bettiol PH

KOSTECKI DOMINATES AS SUPERCARS CELEBRATE 600TH ROUND

The 600th round of the Repco Supercars Championship belonged to Brodie Kostecki after a clean sweep of race wins at last month’s OTR SuperSprint.

The West Australian solidified his championship lead at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in August, taking his fourth victory of the year on the Saturday before backing it up with his fifth and sixth wins on what was an impressive display on Sunday.

Starting from pole for the weekend’s first race, Kostecki charged his way into the lead of the race after a slow start off the line, with Chad Mostert

and Thomas Randle left to battle it out for the remaining podium places. In the end, it was Mostert who would claim second, while Randle settled for third having to hold off a gallant Cam Waters in the dying stages of the race. With Erebus Motorsport teammate, Will Brown caught up in a three-car incident in the first race, a second race win for Kostecki further enhanced the 25-year-old's favouritism for the title.

This time round, Kostecki got a good jump off the line and led the race from start to finish despite suffering some steering issues

throughout, leaving Mostert with yet another second-place finish while David Reynolds moved up four places to take third.

In the weekend's final race, the championship leader enjoyed yet another trouble-free run in a lights-to-flag performance, securing the maximum number of points on offer in the first of two Adelaide rounds for 2023.

Making his return to the podium for the first time since his race win in the opening round of the year was Waters, who applied the pressure on Kostecki in the later stages of the race but would ultimately have to settle for second ahead of Randle.

The career-best weekend for Randle saw him move up the standings, while Kostecki’s two victories on Sunday saw him extend the gap out to 137 points over Shane van Gisbergen.

In doing so, Erebus Motorsport also extended its lead in the

teams’ championship over Triple Eight to 107 points, having led by 43 heading into the weekend.

While Kostecki and Erebus Motorsport left Tailem Bend with a greater lead to what they entered, it was a weekend to forget for Brown, who after being taken out on the first lap of the opening race, was only able to muster two 13th place finishes.

Taking advantage of Brown's misfortunes was the Triple Eight duo of van Gisbergen and Broc Feeney, who both jumped the former in the overall standings despite leaving Tailem Bend without a trophy in hand.

The Repco Supercars Championship now heads to the iconic Sandown International Raceway this month for the first enduro race of the season, the Penrite Oil Sandown 500, on 15-17 September.

REPCO SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP

TOP 10

1. Brodie Kostecki – 1590 points

2. Will Brown - 1549

3. Broc Feeney - 1536

4. Shane van Gisbergen - 1523

5. Chaz Mostert - 1348

6. Andre Heimgartner - 1308

7. Cam Waters - 1261

8. Jack Le Brocq - 1159

9. Bryce Fullwood - 1076

10. Mark Winterbottom – 1056

RACE 20 TOP FIVE

1. Brodie Kostecki

2. Chaz Mostert

3. Thomas Randle

4. Cam Waters

5. Shane van Gisbergen

RACE 21 TOP FIVE

1. Brodie Kostecki

2. Thomas Randle

3. Chaz Mostert

4. David Reynolds

5. Shane van Gisbergen

RACE 22 TOP FIVE

1. Brodie Kostecki

2. Cam Waters

3. Thomas Randle

4. Nick Percat

5. Shane van Gisbergen

SUPER2 AND SUPER3 TO INTRODUCE LOWER CARBON FUEL

Supercars has announced it will introduce E75 Racing Fuel into the Dunlop Super2 and Super3 Series in 2024.

The new lower carbon fuel contains more than 80 per cent of second-generation fuel components sourced from renewable feedstocks.

The bp E75 Racing Fuel was implemented into the Repco Supercars Championship at the start of 2023, while the Dunlop series will continue using E85 fuel for the remainder of the season before making the switch.

Dunlop Super2 and Super3 teams will have plenty of time to prepare

for the change, with Supercars CEO Shane Howard pleased with the fuel’s wider introduction.

“The Dunlop Series, which in 2023 has one of its largest fields ever, will continue to use bp’s E85 fuel for the remainder of this season before transitioning to the bp E75 Racing Fuel in 2024,” Howard said.

“The confirmed timeline of the introduction of bp E75 Racing Fuel to the Dunlop Series confirms that other technical changes required in the Car of the Future Supercar engines that suit the new blend will not be required until the start of 2024.

“This confirmation ensures teams will have time to make the required alterations and test the new fuel product in their Car of the Future Supercars prior to the 2024 Series.”

In addition to the fuel changes, Supercars has also updated the fire suppression system and relocated the oil catch can vent to the rear of the car, all of which will be mandatory from 2024.

The 2023 Dunlop Super2 and Super3 Series next hits the track at the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 at Sandown Raceway on 15-17 September.

“The Dunlop Series will continue to use bp’s E85 fuel for the remainder of this season before transitioning to the bp E75 Racing Fuel in 2024”

Photo: Edge Photographics

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA CLAIMS PRESTIGIOUS TECHNOLOGY PRIZE

Motorsport Australia is pleased to share that it has been honoured with the Esports category award at the 2023 Australia and New Zealand Sports Technology Awards.

The awards are a celebration of excellence in the realms of data, digital, and technology, encompassing various sectors such as sports, media, entertainment, and technology.

The 2023 event comprised eight awards and Motorsport Australia was nominated as a finalist in the Esports category alongside the esteemed company of five other organisations, including Queensland University of

Technology (QUT), Business in Games, Gerford AI, and Dark Shadow Studio.

The criteria for the award focused on four key areas: originality and innovation, benefits for users and the target audience, the commercial success of the project, and the level of uptake and acceptance within the community.

Motorsport Australia’s foray into Esports in 2023 marked an exciting new journey for Motorsport Australia, with the aim having been to cultivate an inclusive and inviting atmosphere, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds could come together to relish and discover the world of Esports and motorsport.

The success of the Esports initiative has been bolstered by the introduction of a new website, championships, community events and the establishment of partnerships with the likes of Next Level Racing, iRacing and Queensland University of Technology.

These partnerships have significantly contributed to the increased participation and

membership in Motorsport Australia's Esports program.

Motorsport Australia Manager of Growth and Infrastructure Pravin Sinnan was proud to have received the award, paying tribute to those who have contributed in 2023.

“We are incredibly humbled of this achievement and how far we have come in such a short amount of time, as well as deeply grateful to the Esports community, organisations and partners who have welcomed us on this exciting journey,” Sinnan said.

“Their passion and support have been instrumental in our achievements, and we wouldn’t have gone as far as we have now without the ongoing support of our key stakeholders, who have played a significant role in our development and growth in this space.

“We look forward to continuing to grow our Esports program and rolling out further initiatives in the near future.”

“We are incredibly humbled of this achievement and how far we have come in such a short amount of time”

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 on 1300 883 959, or visit the website at motorsport.org.au Email memberservices@motorsport.org.au

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

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We look forward to hearing from you.