Pitstop magazine January February 2016

O ff ici a l Pu blication of t h e B e n a l l a A u t o C l u b I n c .

pitstop January/February 2016

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January/February 2016

Contents | BAC President’s Report................................................. 4 | BAC Treasurer’s Report................................................. 5 | BAC Group CEO’s Report.............................................. 5 | Winton Resurfacing....................................................... 6 | New BAC Website........................................................... 8 | Straight Lines: Murray Edgar.................................... 10 | Valvoline Wakefield 300 Report................................ 12 | HQ 4 Hour Report............................................................ 14 | HQ 4 Hour Photos............................................................ 16 | BAC Special General Meeting Minutes................... 18 | BAC Black Tie Ball........................................................... 19 | AASA/MA Partnership Announcement................. 22 | Wakefield Park Report.................................................. 23 | AASA News Update....................................................... 24 | 2016 Winton Calendar................................................... 26 | 2016 Wakefield Park Calendar................................... 27

EXTRA BENALLA AUTO CLUB MEMBER’S SHIRTS AVAILABLE - $35

PITSTOP The Official publication of the Benalla Auto Club Inc. January/February 2016 Edition #604 BENALLA AUTO CLUB INC. 41 Fox Street Winton, 3673 Phone (03) 5760 7100 www.benallaautoclub.com.au Email: secretary@benallaautoclub.com.au Encompassing: Winton Motor Raceway 41 Fox Street Winton, 3673 Phone (03) 57607100 race@wintonraceway.com.au www.wintonraceway.com.au Wakefield Park Motorsport 4770 Braidwood Road Goulburn, NSW 2580 Phone (02) 48222811 info@wakefieldpark.com.au www.wakefieldpark.com.au COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT Acting President: Barry Stilo Secretary: Rex Monahan Treasurer: Geoff Calvert Neville Kettels, Bernie Mylon, Willie Van Wersch, Phil Wagner, Murray Edgar, Rob Hoskins, Daryl McHugh, John Morriss PITSTOP EDITOR Lachlan Mansell PHOTOGRAPHS Judi McDonald, Rene Martens, Phil Wisewould, John Smith, Shannons Nationals Media, Touring Car Masters Media, Porsche Carrera Cup Media

CONTACT GLENYS ON (03) 5760 7102 OR EMAIL MEMBERS@BENALLAAUTOCLUB.COM.AU

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pitstop BARRY STILO Acting President, Benalla Auto Club Inc. Welcome to the first Pitstop for 2016. So organising the event, which will no doubt much has happened since my last note before become an annual highlight on the BAC / Christmas.

Winton social calendar.

The full Winton resurface has been completed along with many other drainage, cabling and surface edging projects giving us not only a much better race surface, but one that drains and is easier to maintain. It gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction that I was involved in the creation of the track way back in 1961 and here I am still involved in 2016!

Matt Baragwanath continues his hard work at Wakefield Park with some major tidying up around the site and working with our circuit customers on existing and new events that will continue to see Wakefield heavily utilised nearly every day of the week in 2016.

Winton has also had its annual officials The BAC members day – to open the new track training day with the biggest attendance was supported by more than 200 members in years with many new , excited officials and friends – the ribbon cut by Jaclyn Symes, looking to get more involved in motorsport.

MLC for Northern Victoria, a Benalla girl and Now that track activities are back in full a great supporter of the BAC and Winton swing at Winton I am looking forward to Raceway. The atmosphere around Winton on getting back into my recovery duties in my the members day reminded me of how our trusty Land Cruiser! club was in the past and I hope we can be that again, soon.

The Special General Meeting for us to adopt our new BAC Constitution will have been I must make mention the Black Tie Ball, which completed once you receive this issue, the seems a long time ago now – but it was such a results will be reported elsewhere in Pitstop. great night. To see so many of our members, officials and volunteers all dressed up and Cheers, celebrating our club and Winton was really heart-warming. My congratulations to Wayne Barry Williams and the event team at Winton for

Opening the new Winton surface.

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GEOFF CALVERT Treasurer, Benalla Auto Club Inc. Hello fellow BAC Members, It’s certainly been a busy few months as the new club Treasurer and it doesn’t look like slowing down.

Over the past few months the Finance Team has been keep busy working on our 2015 financial year accounts and the financial planning process for 2016. In terms of the 2015 figures these are currently being reviewed by our auditors. The committee is expecting to have preliminary accounts for review in April 2016.

is instrumental in enabling the committee set out the growth targets that we expect of the CEO and his team in 2016.

At an operational level we are progressing with plans to migrate our accounting records to MYOB Online. This move is providing us an opportunity to restructure our accounts such that we have a much clearer understanding of the financial interactions between our individual businesses.

As a committee we expect to be rewarded with an improvement in the timeliness and quality of the financial performance of our various commercial operations.

The appointment of a new CEO in late 2015 means that we have had to review our financial plan and Until next time this has been the focus of my work with the CEO Regards, and his team over the last 2 months. The club benefits directly from the financial performances of its commercial operations and the budget process Geoff

CHRIS LEWIS-WILLIAMS CEO, Benalla Auto Club Group

Hello BAC Members,

continue to attract these amazing cars.

My feet have barely touched the ground since my last Pitstop note - there are so many great thingshappening around our club and our businesses. The black tie ball, State Government support of our development plan at Winton, the completion of full re-surface of Winton, our partnership withMotorcycling Australia, our stronger relationships with local councils of Benalla, Wangaratta and Goulburn and our financial partners at the NAB.

For the first time ever our business have financial budgets to work to and a capital works plan to guide our activities throughout 2016. We do need to develop a longer term strategic vision forour business and our club and this will be a focus of the Committee and myself over the next 6 months.

We will invite members to be a part of this vision – keep an eye out for more news on the website.

Our tracks have strong bookings throughout 2016 and new initiatives such as performance test days and our self-promoted Wakefield motorbike ride days are proving to be very popular. Winton has also seen the return of GT car’s testing, as a result of the new surface. The GT class is one of the big 3 of Australian motorsport, it is important for us to

It is great to see so many member shirts out and about, not just around the tracks but in town – seeing them being worn proudly by our members makes me smile!

Chris

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From L-R: Chris Lewis-Williams, Barry Stilo, Jaclyn Symes, Wayne Williams.

Victorian Government Grant Dr The Victorian State Government has committed $1 million in funding for Winton Motor Raceway’s On Track for the Future project, including a full resurface of the 3.0km facility.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes MLC announced the government grant on behalf of Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford at a press conference on Friday, 18 December 2015.

The project consists of major upgrades and safety improvements, including a full resurface of the 3.0 kilometre venue, bringing it in line with the latest Federation Internationale De L’Automobile (FIA), Confederation of Australian Motor Sports Ltd (CAMS), Motorcycling Australia (MC) and Australian Auto‐Sport Alliance (AASA) standards.

During the construction phase, the project is expected to inject $3.35 million into the local

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economy and create more than 25 jobs. Once operational, the government investment will contribute to the creation of well over 50 jobs, and an estimated increase in patronage of up to 40 per cent within five years, resulting in a $10 million per annum increase in tourism for the Benalla region.

Ms Symes said the project will contribute significant benefits to the economy in North Eastern Victoria.

“This investment and track upgrade will ensure that Winton Motor Raceway remains country Victoria’s premier race venue and continues to host international events such as the V8 Supercars Championship and Australian Superbikes Championship,” Ms Symes said.

“Having grown up in Benalla I know how important having a successful raceway is to the community, it fills our motels and restaurants and every race meet is

January/February 2016

rives Full Winton Resurface a boost to the local economy.

“The Victorian Government is committed to putting country Victoria back at the heart of Victoria’s economic development.”

Benalla Auto Club Group CEO Chris Lewis-Williams said the upgrades to Winton were critical in ensuring the continuation of major events at the venue.

“The upgrades we will be conducting will include a full resurface of the track, using some of the most highly-regarded engineers and technology in the field,” Mr Lewis-Williams said.

“The resurface works are not a cheap exercise, but they are vital to ensure we can continue to hold major national race meetings, such as the V8 Supercars Championship.

“One of the best things about the project is that the benefits will also be enjoyed by all the other patrons who use Winton, including those who race in the state and club-level race meetings that have been the foundation of the Benalla Auto Club for so many years.

“This announcement displays the Victorian State Government’s recognition of Winton’s importance to regional Victoria, and a really strong endorsement of its continued growth and development.”

The project commenced in December and was completed in time for the Benalla Auto Club Members Day on Sunday, 7 February.

Apart from the resurfacing, a couple of corners have been re-profiled with industry insiders predicting V8 Supercar lap times could improve by up to two seconds a lap.

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BAC New Website

www.benallaautoclub.com.au

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January/February 2016

The brand-new Benalla Auto Club website went live in December. Designed by Melbourne-based web designer Stuart Cox, the new website features the latest Wordpress content management system allowing quick and easy updates from any location.

Features of the new website include a dynamic news section, articles on the history

and structure of the BAC and a facility for people to apply for membership, and for existing members to renew their membership through a secure online payment facility.

Visitors can also like the BAC Facebook page.

Make sure you keep checking the BAC website for the latest articles and updates - head to www.benallaautoclub.com.au.

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STRAIGHT LINES

Benalla Auto Club committee member Murray Edgar tal Benalla Auto Club members have achieved a lot of circuit racing success over the years, most of which has been well-documented in these pages, but committee member Murray Edgar has shown the BAC can produce talent in other disciplines as well.

Driving his Funny Car, Edgar clinched the runner-up spot in January’s Supercharged Outlaws Nationals - considered the premier showground for Australian drag racing competition - in his very first race meeting in the category.

Edgar’s pathway into drag racing came about through a relationship with brothers Peter and Craig Russo.

“I worked on the Russos’ cars for many years, and Craig got himself a new car from the US,” Edgar recalled.

“He had an old Funny Car and I casually asked what he was doing with it!

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“The car needed a bit of work but I was able to get my drag racing licence in it. Then we discovered a crack in the engine, and we had to install a new Hemi motor on Boxing Day.” In the Supercharged Outlaws Nationals. Edgar had to participate in three qualifying runs before progressing to five knockout rounds.

“I came into each knockout round not really expecting to win, but I just kept beating my rivals and then all of a sudden I realised I had made it to the final... I couldn’t believe it!”

Edgar said.

“In the final, when I did the burnout I could tell straight away that the engine was off song and I was considering shutting it down, but my crew chief Brett Cooper encouraged me to press on.

“At the green light it was way down on power and it was only running on six cylinders so I shut it down straight away, but to take the

January/February 2016

lks about his passion for drag racing runner-up spot was an awesome feeling and well above what we hoped for.

understands the importance of Winton to the local economy.

“Peter Datson ended up beating me in the final and I was really happy for him because he had been trying to win the thing for a couple of decades. He was quite emotional in the shutdown area and in many ways I was glad not to take the win away from him.”

“Dad was president of Rotary and heavily involved in the Chamber of Commerce, and that really made me aware that when Winton is doing well, the town prospers.

While Edgar’s current focus is on driving in a straight line as quickly as possible, he has had some experience racing cars around corners as well, having won nine state go-karting titles and also having driven in HQ Holdens and Commodore Cup.

“I have my own business now - Ozspread Engineering - and I saw becoming involved in the BAC committee as a way of giving back to the local community.

“There are some really smart, passionate people involved and we have some really good events this year, so the future is looking really bright.

He worked as a mechanic for current BAC CEO Chris Lewis-Williams during his karting days, and also travelled over to Sepang with the factory Tony Kart team.

“I really do love the drag racing though, and hopefully in the future I can fulfil my dream of driving a Nitro Funny Car.”

Having grown up in Benalla and come from a family of Benalla business owners, Edgar

From everyone at the BAC, we hope you do as well Muz!

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Ginetta Victorious in Valvoline Wakefield 300

Adam and Craig Burgess won the Valvoline Wakefield 300 in their Ginetta G50.

The father-and-son team of Craig and Adam Burgess have taken out the 2016 Valvoline Wakefield 300 endurance race in their Ginetta G50, becoming the first team to win the event from pole position.

brothers Grant and Iain Sherrin in their BMW 135i, who also finished as the best of the Division 2 runners. With consistent lap times and smart pit strategy, the Sherrins remained on the lead lap throughout the entire race.

After topping times in Saturday afternoon’s Top 10 Shootout and claiming the Supashock Pole Position award, the Burgesses were involved in a thrilling scrap with defending winners Steve and Jake Shelley (Lotus Elise) for the first half of the race. The two cars were rarely separated by more than a couple of seconds and swapped the lead on several occasions, completing the first of their two compulsory pit-stops under Safety Car conditions on lap 28.

Third place went to the Lotus Exige of Glenn Townsend and Anthony Soole, who bounced back from their shattering first-lap retirement from last year’s Winton 300. Townsend and Soole were thankful just to be on the grid after a gearbox breakage in the Top 10 Shootout necessitated an overnight repair job.

The race seemed to be shaping up for a flat-out sprint to the line until Jake Shelley brushed a backmarker, causing a rear suspension failure and ultimately retirement for the Lotus on lap 85.

Capitalising on the Shelleys’ demise were

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The Future Racer of Nathan Jess and Kerran Dal-Maso finished fourth, while Daniel Reynolds and Matt Stubbs finished an impressive fifth in their Mazda MX5, winning Division 3 and defeating a number of faster cars.

The top 10 was completed by Mark Mackay/ Justin Ruggier (BMW Z3), Brett McFarland/ Peter Green Jnr (Subaru WRX), Benny/Jimmy Tran (Honda Civic), Gavin Holland/Dave

January/February 2016

Thomas (Mitsubishi Evo IX) and Michael Hall/Rob Hay (Mazda MX5).

The other division winners were Peter/Robin Lacey (Mazda MX5, Division 4), David Bailey/ Adam Hughes (Toyota 86, Division 5) and Dave/Scott Williams (Hyundai Excel, Division 7).

Despite the large field, there were very few incidents in the race, and only two Safety Car interventions, both of which were caused by the Terry Denovan/Geoff Stockley Holden Commodore stopping on the circuit with mechanical problems.

Notable retirements from the race included the Steve Anslow/John Walker/Shane Otten Mazda RX7 (contact), Wayne Cooper/Scott Bargwanna Mazda MX5 (gearbox), Daniel Flanagan/Damian Lomax Nissan 180SX (overheating), Chad Cotton/Jase Collins Future Racer (broken axle) and Dylan Thomas/Stuart Kostera Daytona Coupe (wheel bearing).

The Wakefield 300 was supported by Series X3 NSW (Hyundai Excels), NSW Production Touring Cars and Stock Cars.

Brendan Vinckx took a clean sweep in the Series X3 NSW races, winning all three from lights to flag to take the round win from Adam Bryant, and impressive debutant Tom Manwaring.

In Production Touring, it was Daniel Oosthuizen (Mitsubishi Evo IX) who took three of the four race wins, although he was defeated in Race 2 by Greg Symes (also in a Mitsubishi Evo IX), who made a blinder start to jump to the front of the field. Barry Graham enjoyed a consistent weekend, driving his BMW M135i to top three finishes in each race.

Ian McAlister took overall honours in the Stock Cars with three race wins, with Shane Harris taking the other race victory; Brian Walden was also in the mix with a trio of second-place finishes.

Grant and Iain Sherrin came second in their BMW 135i while Glenn Townsend/Anthony Soole (Lotus, inset) were third outright.

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2015 HQ 4 Hour Report

TESSARI BROTHERS TAKE OUT 20 Victorian brothers David and Marc Tessari have taken out the 2015 Ken Leigh HQ Holden 4 Hour endurance race at Winton on the first weekend of December, emerging victorious thanks to a formidable combination of speed and reliability.

After qualifying fourth, the Tessaris worked their way to second by the end of Saturday’s two hour leg.

When the race resumed on Sunday, the Tessaris moved into the lead after just a handful of laps and were never headed for the rest of the event.

South Australian drivers Neil Corey and Peter Holmes finished second, while Shepparton

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brothers Stephen and Richard Whyte came home third, remaining on the lead lap throughout the entire journey.

In his return to circuit racing, Phil Brock finished a solid seventh alongside co-driver Glen McDonald.

The hot and demanding conditions at Winton over both days seriously tested the longevity of both cars and drivers, and a number of fancied combinations came to grief with mechanical problems; ultimately, just 18 of the 30 entrants were classified as finishers.

Polesitters Bruce and Joel Heinrich controlled the early stages of the race on Saturday, but fell down the order with a couple of lengthy pit

January/February 2016

015 HQ 4 HOUR stops and were ultimately excluded for adding fuel to their car under race conditions, in contravention of the event regulations.

Another front-running contender to fall by the wayside was the Keven Stoopman/ Brett Osborn entry, which led at the end of Saturday’s leg, but retired on Sunday with a broken gearbox.

The HQ 4 Hour was supported by the Super Mini and Super TT categories.

A large field of Minis turned out to compete for the Doug Byrne Memorial Trophy, and Echuca driver Daniel Zandt dominated all four races. Henry Draper, John Walker and Adam Duce enjoyed a spirited battle for

second, third and fourth position; Draper and Walker ended the weekend tied on points, while Duce spun out of proceedings in the final race.

Corey Gooch claimed his fifth Victorian Super TT title with the overall round victory in his V8 Holden Torana, with Hayley Swanson finishing second overall in her Subaru WRX, ahead of Steve Murray (Holden VN Commodore).

Stephen Harrison won the first two races in his BMW 3 Series, but retired from the final with mechanical problems.

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KEN LEIGH HQ 4 HOUR

HQ 4 Hour outright podium .

Phil Brock and Glen McDonald finished a strong seventh outright, in Brock’s racing return.

BAC member Corey Gooch clinched his fifth Victorian Super TT title.

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Phil Brock with the race-winning Tessari brothers.

January/February 2016

R PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Hayley Swanson finished second overall in the Super TT round.

Keven Stoopman/Brett Osborn led after the Saturday leg of the 4 Hour, but retired on Sunday with a gearbox failure.

A massive field of new and old Minis competed in the Doug Byrne Memorial Trophy race.

Shepparton’s Stephen Whyte and brother Richard finished third outright, staying on the lead lap for the entire race.

Echuca driver Daniel Zandt dominated proceedings in the Mini races.

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Minutes of the Special General Meeting held at the Benalla Bowls Club, 25 Arundel Street, Benalla Saturday, 5 March 2016 at 7:40pm 1. Present Greg Baker, Charlie Bonnitcha, Steve Brooks, Geoff Calvert, Murray Edgar, Gary Gourlay, Rob Hoskins, Don Hunt, Russell Kelly, Neville Kettels, Chris Lewis-Williams, Mark Lindsay, Nicholas Manks, Daryl McHugh, John McIlroy, Max McKay, Rex Monahan, Bernie Mylon, Jennifer Palmer, Gerard Putt, Barry Stilo, Michael Tabe, Jason Terry, Pete Toms, Phil Wagner, Ian Ward, Ian Watt, Frank Wellman, Richard Weston, Wayne Williams, Ross Wood, Trevor Willmott, Heather Wallace and Dianne Stoltz.

In Attendance: Debbie Rees, Minute taker and scrutineer.

2. Apologies Darren Grover, Ken Phillips, Rowan Harman, David Fogg, Maggi Kirk, David Ramsay, Amanda Hoskins, Grant McDonald, Judi McDonald, Ian Tate, Brian Wills, Michael Leonard, Richard Jacob, William Lines, Christine Ford, Greg Smith, Patrick Ryan, Alistair Robertson, Alan Brown, John Wilcox, Greg Menzies, John Morriss, Steven Whyte, Richard Whyte, Bec. Ewe, Bob Gill, Kris Millitz, Bruce Robertson, Philip Deane, Neil Williams, Ian Anders, Shane Solimo, Luke Zane, Matthew Hales and Frank Deane.

Barry Stilo, President opened the meeting.

3. Proposed Constitution Rex Monahan, Secretary explained the process for voting on the proposed constitution and the requirement for a majority vote (75% of the membership in the room and the proxy votes) are needed to accept or decline the document. The document is made up of approximately 90% of the model rules (Department of Justice & Regulation document).

There was discussion after a question was raised from one the members of a previous committee which had worked on a draft constitution and the concern that an opportunity was not given to view that document by the current committee. The Secretary advised that he had attempted to contact previous committee members to get a copy of that document, however it had not been forthcoming.

As there were no other questions, the Secretary requested all the members present to vote on the draft constitution on the voting slips provided. Frank Wellman, Debbie Rees and Bernie Mylon were selected to count the votes. There were sixty-one (61) votes (including proxies) to accept and three (3) to decline the proposed constitution.

Barry Stilo announced that there was an overwhelming response to accept the proposed constitution.

MOTION: It was resolved that the Benalla Auto Club Inc. adopt the proposed Constitution.

The Secretary advised that the document would be lodged with the Department of Justice and Regulation.

The President thanked everyone for their attendance.

The meeting closed at 8.00pm.

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January/February 2016

Fun had by all at the Black Tie Ball More than 100 guests attended the first-ever Benalla Auto Club Black Tie Wall at Winton Motor Raceway’s corporate centre on Saturday, 19 December. Despite the hot weather conditions, a highly enjoyable evening was had by all.

Apart from the fine food and entertainment, the night was also a chance to recognise outstanding contributions made by BAC club members over the last three years, and the following awards were presented.

2013 President’s Award – Daryl McHugh 2013 Female Club Member of the Year – Merilea Manning 2013 Male Club Member of the Year – Michael Neilsen 2014 President’s Award – Alexander Young 2014 Female Club Member of the Year – Judi McDonald 2014 Male Club Member of the Year – Richard Weston 2015 President’s Award – Simon Maas 2015 Female Club Member of the Year – Maggi Kirk 2015 Male Club Member of the Year – Peter Lawrence (accepted by Chris Lewis-Williams)

From L-R: Chris Lewis-Williams, Michael Neilsen, Simon Maas, Merilea Manning, Alex Young, Daryl McHugh, Judi McDonald, Richard Weston.

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BLACK TIE BAL

Dance floot action.

CEO Chris and wife Karen.

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Lucky door prize presentation.

January/February 2016

LL FUN PHOTOS

Super TT driver and electrical whizz Ross.

Sarah Ackerly, Brett Keep, Caitlin Sartori, Lachlan Mansell and Peta Thomas.

Judi McDonald handed over her camera just long enough for this lovely photo with her husband Grant.

Melissa Hatton and Rachel Baragwanath.

A live band provided the evening’s entertainment.

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New Partnership between AASA and Motorcycling Australia Motorcycling Australia and the Australian Auto-sport Alliance (AASA) are pleased to announce a new partnership that will see motorcycle licences and events returning to MA in 2016.

The new agreement stems from AASA’s decision to transition out of supplying permits for motorcycle events, and ends the period of AASA providing licences for motorcycle competitors.

AASA will focus attention on motor vehicle activities only, and motorcycle events held at circuits such as Winton Motor Raceway and Wakefield Park Raceway will now be sanctioned by Motorcycling Australia.

As part of this transition, AASA will move away from insuring and permitting motorcycle activity at recreational, club, state or national levels across Australia.

Chris Lewis-Williams, CEO of the Benalla Auto Club Group (which owns AASA) said the move will benefit motorcycle competitors all over Australia.

“The Motorcycling Australia team consists of Australia’s most prominent motorcycle racing experts, and from a commercial perspective it made absolute sense for them to take over sanctioning motorcycle events at the Benalla Auto Club venues, Winton and Wakefield Park,” Mr Lewis-Williams said.

our key values of Ride, Race, Enjoy!

The Benalla Auto Club is an impressive organisation – owning Winton, Wakefield and AASA. MA’s partnership with the club is one of a number of key elements to a successful future for MA. This is a great opportunity to provide a new level of service to passionate motorcycle competitors around the country.”

Both national and club AASA motorcycle licences will be transitioned to the MA system. Current AASA national licence holders will be contacted shortly to arrange a conversion from their AASA licence over to a MA national licence. The current period of the licence will be honoured by MA to ensure these competitors are not financially disadvantaged.

Current AASA club licence holders will be converted to MA individually and club licence holders are requested to contact the relevant state controlling body in their state to arrange the change to an MA licence (details below). The current period of the club licences will be honoured on application.

Promoters, clubs and organisations planning to hold motorcycle sport events under AASA in 2016 and beyond are encouraged to contact the local MA State Controlling Body.

“AASA’s decision to move away from motorcycle events will be highly beneficial to our core customers – car racing competitors – as it will simplify our business practices and allow us to concentrate on what we do best.”

Motorcycling Australia is the internationallyrecognised governing body for motorcycle racing in Australia as affiliated by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

Motorcycling Australia has a long history of providing motorcycle sports in Australia to the highest standards of competition, fairness and safety, through MA’s commissions, committee and passion of the organisation’s highly experienced and dedicated MA-licensed officials and coaches.

David Cottee, Motorcycling Australia CEO said, the new partnership is an exciting development for MA in a new era for the organisation.

“MA is very pleased to assist the AASA in this new partnership. MA’s primary focus is providing access to the sport for as many participants as possible across the country. This relationship perfectly meets

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MA CEO David Cottee with Chris Lewis-Williams.

January/February 2016

MATT BARAGWANATH Operations Manager, Wakefield Park Motorsport Hello Members, The 2016 motorsport calender has well and truly commenced at Wakefield Park with us having seen three large-scale meetings, both state level and national historic level, back-toback recently.

The Wakefield 300 has been run and won offering a capacity grid of entries, with our friends at Valvoline committing a sponsorship arrangement for both Wakefield and Winton for the respective 300 events which is fantastic! Early March we saw R1 of the NSW State Championships which were down on entries but overall some great racing in most categories that attended.

Our booking calender for 2016 is at 97% capacity which means we are very busy with a number of car club days, corporate days, race meetings ( both bike and car), film shoots, vehicle releases and our ever popular Speed Off the Streets days which are usually well attended by people in the road cars wanting to give them a run for the day.

I am pleased to provide an update to all BAC members on the planned improvements at Wakefield Park, some key areas of intended change and improvement are as follows: • Complete re-branding project of the entire venue changing to our new logo • Review of the WP café, its menu, suppliers, pricing and internal refurbishment • Review of all plant equipment for safety and compliancy • Review and subsequent “cosmetic facelift” of the accommodation cabins • Subsequent purchasing of new plant/small plant equipment for grounds staff • Initiation of our new corporate area in pit lane which will house corporate catering for our high-end drive/corporate days

• Initiation of our new media centre behind the pit area, now fully wired for internet capability • Subtle track safety improvements such as track edges and tyre wall re-construction • Renewed relationships with key stakeholders such as state government, local government & Police – (now well underway) Wakefield Park will see the return (after nearly 10 years) of the ASBK (Aust Super Bike Series) over the Easter long weekend which is anticipating big crowds and plenty of action at the venue. This project will be R2 of the National Series which this year is run

by MA (Motorcycling Aust) being assisted by local bike clubs in NSW for their man power on the ground.

Under the sanctioning of MA/MNSW, WP will now be running their own ride days (bikes) the first of which will be early March and is already booked out! Timing is everything as they say and in the lead up to the ASBK round there are a number of factory racing teams wanting to test prior to Easter.

That’s it for now, we look forward to seeing any BAC member at the venue any time soon!

Regards, Matt

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NEWS UPDATE The Australian Auto Sport Alliance Pty Ltd (the AASA) has had quite a journey since the new Directors were thrown the keys to it, by the Benalla Auto Club Committee, in late July.

Many BAC members may not realize that the AASA was formed in the early 2000’s as a new way of sanctioning and insuring motor sport activity in Australia, but back then the emphasis was on looking after the interests of the initial members, who were most of the circuit racing promoters and owners in Australia, and not so much sanctioning non-circuit activities.

Over the years, the ownership holding and usage patterns of the AASA have changed, as promoters have exited the field or changed their businesses, and the AASA has seen fit to extend sanctioning to other worthy entities. The AASA has for some seven years, been entirely owned and controlled by the BAC, and has offered its product to the industry far and wide.

The AASA continues to fulfil the original role, of sanctioning and insuring motor sport at the venues which were involved in the original structure, and also to other Car Clubs and outside promoters wishing to take advantage of the benefits of using the AASA as their preferred insurer and sanctioning body.

The AASA regularly sanctions events in every Australian state and most territories (not the Antarctic, yet, but one day), across a wide range of motorsport disciplines.

With the role of being a one stop shop for sanctioning and insurance, comes responsibility. That responsibility is wide and varied, from duty of care to competitors, to compliance with state and federal legislation, responsible licencing and everything in between.

Many things have happened since July, to improve and maintain the AASA and to ensure a bright future. There have been significant challenges on many fronts, and some notable decisions have been made for the best future interests of the organisation.

In September, the AASA was immediately faced with renewing its insurance in a challenging international market. This was done extremely successfully. It was decided by the Board, not to take AASA sanctioning of motor cycle activity beyond December 2015. A sweepingly different regime at Motor Cycle Australia meant the forging of a new partnership which will benefit both the AASA and MA, and will allow AASA to concentrate on its core business of “automobile” activity. I congratulate the Boards of MA and the AASA and BAC Group, for brokering a deal whereby our motor cycle customers will be successfully transitioned to MA, to best take advantage of the inherent expertise in that organisation.

The AASA has made some staff appointments that will take it forward. Russell Kelly, who used to work at Winton Raceway, has been appointed the AASA Co-Ordinator, and Debi Edwards is our new administrative assistant. Russell has broad knowledge of the sport, through his exposure of eight years’ work at Winton, and Debi comes to us with a successful and relevant background, and strong knowledge of the industry as an insurance broker, having recently sold the brokerage she owned and operated locally in North East Victoria. We have also appointed Gary Gourlay as Chief Steward and Daryl McHugh as Director of Competitions, while Chris Lewis-Williams takes the CEO role as part of his overall duties to the BAC Group, and staff report to him, and he reports to both the AASA Board, and ultimately the BAC Committee. The AASA Board members are the Club President Barry Stilo, and Club Secretary Rex Monahan, with myself as the Chair and casting vote.

The Board of the BAC also saw fit to relocate the AASA offices to a permanent home in Wangaratta, taking up residence at 79 Rowan St. This delightfully old world office space, being a converted California

24

January/February 2016 bungalow, is something we can grow into with space for multiple offices and a board room, and plenty of parking at the rear. If you are a local member, the staff will be delighted to show you around.

Phone numbers for AASA are 03) 57217800 and 57217900 as the fax (some still use one of those). The old numbers are on divert for 12 months.

There is a fantastic enthusiasm about the AASA, and my role is to take it to another level of service, compliance and acceptance within the motor sport community. Forgive me for not disclosing our figures and exactly what we are up to, but I can assure all members that the AASA is delighting us with its acceptance and growth.

Part of the role of any maturing organisation, and especially one undergoing wholesale leadership changes, is to conduct a review of all of its systems, structure, processes and outcomes. That has been underway since September, The AASA team of Bruce Robertson, Russell Kelly and Debi Edwards and the issues being addressed progressively are ongoing.

Regulatory compliance is the most important, and most of that has already been addressed. Some of you have noticed or may be affected by some changes that have or will be undertaken, but the AASA must remain and continue to be a robust organisation that stands up to scrutiny at any level.

What will remain will be a steadfast commitment to positively contribute to the advancement of motor sport in its various forms in this country, and perhaps, in the future overseas, and its dedication to service you, the customer. That experience must be positive for you, the sport and ultimately members of the BAC. We, as BAC members, should be truly thankful to our past long serving Club Secretary and CEO Mick Ronke, his partners in the early vision such as Bob Jane and other promoters at the time, the dedication of the Winton staff of the time who grew the AASA, and the original advisors and solicitors, who framed the robust AASA rules and operations manuals all those years ago.

The original AASA has stood the test of time, and I look forward to it being tweaked and modernised as time goes by our best people, but I hope it never departs from its original aspirations, of serving the sport with a minimum of fuss and cost. The AASA must remain a core contributor for the overall Club businesses.

Bruce Robertson Chair – AASA Board

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pitstop

2016 Major Events Calendar 7 February 20 February 21 February 27 February 28 February 5-6 March 11-13 March 10 April 20-22 May 28-29 May 4 June 11-12 June 2-3 July 30 July 6-7 August 20 August 27 August 28 August 3-4 September 16-18 September 24-25 September 1-2 October 22-23 October 12-13 November 3-4 December 10 December 11 December 18 December

BAC Members Day Winton Sprints Training/Officials Training Day BP Midland/Pedders “No Bull” Winton Sprint Series Round 1 Fun Day Champion of Winton Round 1 Victorian Motor Racing Championship Round 1 24 Hours of Lemons BP Midland/Pedders “No Bull” Winton Sprint Series Round 2 V8 Supercars Championship Austin 7 Historic Winton BP Midland/Pedders “No Bull” Winton Sprint Series Round 3 Shannons Nationals Victorian Motor Racing Championship Round 2 Fun Day Festival of Speed Benalla Cruise and Shine BP Midland/Pedders “No Bull” Winton Sprint Series Round 4 Champion of Winton Round 2 CAMS Victorian State Circuit Racing Championships Performance Car Mania Victorian Motor Racing Championship Round 3 Australian Superbike Championship Sports Car Masters Valvoline Winton 300 Ken Leigh HQ 4 Hour BP Midland/Pedders “No Bull” Winton Sprint Series Round 5 Fun Day BAC Members’ Day

The 24 Hours of Lemons will appear at Winton in 2016.

26

January/February 2016

2016 Major Events Calendar 13-14 February

V8 RACE

17 February

GEAR

20-21 February

Valvoline Wakefield 300

27-28 February

HSRCA Historics

5-6 March

CAMS NSW State Championships

25-27 March

Australian Superbike Championship (ASBK)

13 April

GEAR

15-17 April

Festival of Sporting Cars

7-8 May

AASA NSW State Championships

21 May

NSW Time Attack

22 May

MRA Round 2

4-5 June

WRX Nationals

11-12 June

Wakefield 6 Hour Regularity Relay

15 June

GEAR

17-18 June

Evo Nationals

26 June

MRA Round 3 All British

2-3 July

CAMS NSW State Championships

16-17 July

AASA NSW State Championships

30-31 July

V8 RACE

6-7 August

St George Motorcycle

10 August

GEAR

14 August

MRA Round 4

20-21 August

CAMS NSW State Championships

27-28 August

PCRA

3-4 September

Motorcycling NSW

11 September

CAMS Supersprint Series

17-18 September

Festival of Sporting Cars

24-25 September

HSRCA Historics

5 October

GEAR

29-30 October

24 Hours of Lemons

5-6 November

HQ Holden Nationals

26-27 November

AASA NSW State Championships

7 December

GEAR

27

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wakefield park raceway, nsw round 2

25 - 27 march 2016

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