What an absolute honour it is to be writing to you all this month in my new capacity as President and Chair of the Board of The Australian Racing Drivers Club, having been elected to the role at the club’s Annual General Meeting in May. And what big racing shoes to fill after Andrew Leithhead’s outstanding 14-year leadership at the helm. I’m pleased to advise that although Andrew has chosen to step down as President, he has agreed to remain on the board and has taken on the role as Deputy Vice President. Andrew’s tenure as President has overseen so many significant developments at our home at Sydney Motorsport Park, including the Brabham expansion of the track, installation of circuit wide LED lighting, the creation of the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct, and presiding over a continuance of multiple events and programs. Our ARDC membership base has quadrupled over this time too. I am sure you’ll all agree he’s done an incredible job, and we thank him for all his hard work, dedication, and leadership. Congratulations to Jamie McDonald who was elected at the AGM as our new Vice President! I’m very much looking forward to working alongside Jamie as Vice President, Andrew as Deputy Vice President, my fellow ARDC Directors, Glenn Matthews our CEO and his amazing team, our officials, volunteers, partners and Members. I hope that as a motorsport enthusiast and competitor on both two- and four-wheels, combined with my six years on the ARDC Board, and my long long-standing business and board career, that I can continue to shape the Club’s future. Fuelled of course by the ideas, enthusiasm, passion and assistance of our Members! Together I believe we can continue the Club’s 70 years history of best-in-class Australian Motorsport stewardship, circuit management and presentation, hosting exhilarating events and experiences, and passionate ARDC Member representation. Each month I hope to be able to continue to bring you exciting news and updates of this important and exciting journey. As for the AGM itself, it was terrific to receive the yearly report from Glenn Matthews (ARDC CEO). Glenn provided a terrific outline of the ARDC’s current financial position (particularly coming out of COVID); the continued growth and stability of the ARDC Membership; the exciting racing calendar ahead at SMSP; the important work we are doing around sustainability, and the continued progress of the Stage One building of the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct (AMIP). As its opening is now only weeks away, I’m excited to be able to share more news in next month’s newsletter about our AMIP’s grand opening, our foundation tenants, and future plans. We hope you will join us at the track through June for the HSRCA Sydney Classic 2023, the Shannons Trophy Series, or perhaps the St. George Motorcycle Club’s 2023 Endurance Series. I look forward to seeing and meeting many of you at some of our other key events coming up this year including Word Time Attack, the TCR Championship, Masterblast ’23 and the Beaurepaires Sydney Supernight 28-30 July! The ARDC marketing team will be updating everyone about Member access and arrangements to the Supercars event in the coming weeks. In the meantime, don’t forget to put the ARDC’s MasterBlast ’23 event featuring the Muscle Car Masters in your diaries for September!Happy Racing, Natalie. president@ardc.com.au Pictured from left: Andrew Leithhead, Jamie McDonald, Natalie Turmine and Glenn Matthews at the recent 71st ARDC Annual General Meeting, May 2023. ___________________________________________________________________ Farewell, and thanks. This month’s President’s Message has a new author… and this month’s newsletter contains my last annual report as ARDC President! At the Annual General Meeting on 24th May I advised that I would not be re-nominating for the position of ARDC President. I have been incredibly privileged to lead our Club for 14 years and together with our Board, CEO, staff team, volunteers and Members, we have achieved some big things since 2009. However, it is time for me to step down and make way for new blood and new thinking. Renewal is very important in all organisations, and I am glad that the Board has elected Natalie Turmine as our new President and Jamie McDonald as Vice President. While I will remain on the Board and have accepted the role of Deputy Vice President, Nat and Jamie are now driving! The ARDC of 2023 is the result of the cumulative effort of many people over more than 70 years. I am very conscious that whatever has been achieved during my tenure as President has been built on the foundations provided by my predecessors. I also want to recognise that it has only been possible for me to serve as President with the ongoing support, encouragement and honest feedback of the ARDC Members. I’m excited to see how the Club progresses under new leadership and I’m looking forward to having some extra time to spend on the track! As I said earlier, it has been a great privilege. Thanks, Andrew. 2023 ARDC AGM Report ___________________________________________________________________ MEMBER ACCESS AT SUPERCARS We know you’ve been waiting for this one! In a few more days the ARDC should have our offering for Members finalised; we are confident of General Admission (GA) tickets for Members and Guests, as per the last few years and with thanks to Supercars… but are investigating options for Members to upgrade to Grandstand or Park’N’View (or both). Stay tuned! _________________________________________________________________________ LAST CHANCE TO GRAB YOUR FREE TICKETS! Australian Motor Heritage Foundation Presents: Bondy ‘Mr Versatile’ Fireside Chat Our friends over at the AMHF are starting their fireside chats with a bang, hosting Mr Versatile himself on the 23rd of June at 10am at SMSP in the Hinxman Room! Call us or check your Member News in your inbox to claim your free ticket! ___________________________________________________________________ VIVID DRONE SHOW OPERATORS FEATURING AT MASTERBLAST ’23 Did you see the drone show at Vivid this year? It was SPECTACULAR! (watch it HERE). Well, Skyworx Drone Shows will be back at this year’s Masterblast, taking to the SMSP sky with 500 drones on the Saturday night! You won’t want to miss it! Along with our Car- and Bike-themed Drone Show at around 7pm, we also have Tuned International on the SMSP main straight, the brand new Sydney Hillclimb takes on the Amaroo South Circuit, and Drifting with Driving Sports on the Figure 8. Why not grab a Park’N’View spot to watch it all from the comfort of your car, or camp overnight and see the show from your home-away-from-home? Both are FREE FOR ARDC MEMBERS! TICKETS LAUNCHING SOON. Save the weekend of September 9-10, 2023 for all the metal and muscle, displays and drone shows; a great two-days for any car enthusiast! SYDNEYMASTERBLAST.COM Sponsorship opportunities in a variety of forms and activations are now available! For enquiries, please contact Peter Larum at peter@ardc.com.au or 0419 732 029. __________________________________________________________________________ The Great Race: ARDC Born and Bred – Exclusive Premier Suite Have you booked your place yet? We have! And a good thing too, as these places are SOLD OUT on the Supercars site! The ARDC has booked a Premier Pit Suite at the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 and is offering Members an exclusive opportunity to join us. The ARDC’s suite is positioned at pit exit with a balcony and views of the main straight and turn one. The experience includes access to the event, an air-conditioned suite with TV’s so you won’t miss a second of the action, full catering for all three days, beverage package, a goodies bag on arrival, and much more to come! All for $2000pp inc GST. We are so excited to share this limited Anniversary experience with our Members: Packages are available to book NOW by emailing the ARDC.See you trackside at The Great Race! Nightshift for Cars will be back in May, with a combined Beginner/Intermediate group joining Race Cars. Grab a mate, give us a call for your discount code and come enjoy SMSP under lights! Don’t forget, you can use one or both of your 50% Discounts on Nightshift events! When: Wednesday 28th June Groups: Beginner/IntermediateRace Cars NIGHTSHIFT FOR CARS TICKETS Remember, ARDC Members are always entitled to a full refund. So book now and if we need to postpone, we can rebook or refund you! To get your 50% Members discount, email reception@ardc.com.au, or give us a call at 9672 1000. Follow the link above to our ticket page and book now! |
KEY EVENTS IN JUNE Fri 2nd – Sunday 4th Fastrack and Supercar Drive Members receive a 10% discount! Fastrack Website. Sat 10th – Sun 11th HSCRA Summer Classic Free entry for ARDC Members and Guests. Show your card at the gate. Wed 14th Open Pit Lane Track Day Places available – Click Here. Fri 16th – Sun 18th Shannons Nationals Trophy Series Free entry for ARDC Members and Guests. Show your card at the gate. Fri 30th ARDC Private Practice – Test & Tune Enter here. ___________________________________________________________________ NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERSMOTOSCHOOL IS GO! We are excited to announce a new bike track school provider, Motoschool! Their first event at SMSP is this month, Friday Night Lights, is an evening event on the Amaroo South Circuit and starts at $249. Entry includes: MOTOSCHOOL Team T-Shirt Full rider safety briefing, professional course control & track marshalling Four track riding sessions under lights (approx 20 minutes per session) Graded coaching groups – based on skill & ability, catering to all Riders, all bikes, all levels Four classroom rider coaching sessions covering a multitude of motorcycle skills & fundamentals 4k Rider Video shadowing & review using the latest technology Check out motoschool.com.au or go straight to the event info/ticketing link page HERE. |
NEW DRIVING TEAM TO STEER THE ARDC
NEW BOARD LEADERS ELECTED AT 71ST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB
26/05/23: The Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) announced today a new Board leadership team for 2023 with the election of Natalie Turmine as new President and Chair, and Jamie McDonald as Vice President.
Natalie is currently the CEO of Campbell Page, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and sits on several other high profile business Boards and committees. A motorsport enthusiast and competitor on both two- and four-wheels, and having already served six years on the ARDC Board and she will help shape the Club’s future with newly elected Vice President Jamie McDonald, also a well-regarded motorsport enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge and experience in business strategy and risk management.
“I am honoured to have been elected as the President of Australian Racing Drivers’ Club and Chair of the Board,” said Natalie.
“I look forward to working with our Vice President Jamie McDonald, Deputy Vice President Andrew Leithhead, our fellow Directors, Glenn Matthews our CEO and his amazing team, our officials, volunteers, partners and Members.
“Together we are committed to ensuring that the ARDC continues its more than 70 years of best-in-class Australian Motorsport stewardship, circuit management and presentation, exhilarating events and experiences, and ARDC Member representation.
“Sydney Motorsport Park, our home since 1996, is testament to this amazing journey and the upcoming grand opening of the Stage One building of the new Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct (AMIP) on the Brabham Straight will be another step forward for the future of our Club, our Track, and for motoring and motorsport in Australia.”
The ARDC also recognises the contributions of outgoing President of 14 years, Andrew Leithhead, whose leadership has seen the organisation grow in stature and influence. Andrew’s tenure has overseen significant developments at the Eastern Creek circuit including the expansion of the track, installation of LED lighting, the creation of the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct, and multiple high-level events and programs. Andrew will continue to play an active role as Deputy Vice President, donating his time and expertise to the ARDC’s ongoing place in Australian motorsport.
“The ARDC team has achieved a great deal in the last decade or so and it has been an immense privilege to lead the Club over that period,” said Andrew.
“Leadership renewal is an important element of good governance, and after 14 years it is time for me to make way. I am very pleased that the Board has elected Natalie as our new President, and look forward to an exciting future for the ARDC.
“As one of the first female Board members of the ARDC, and now President, Natalie will continue to influence the future of our organization and how we attract new participants and audiences into Motorsport”.
The board’s vision is grounded in the ARDC’s core values of innovation, excellence, collaboration underpinned by its unsurpassed love of motorsport. Under the leadership of Natalie, Jamie and Andrew, and supported by Directors Phil Harrison, Peter Preller, Danny Rezek, Rachelle Stirling and Terry Thompson, the ARDC will continue to adapt to the changing demands of the industry and ensure that it serves its Members, government and industry partners through innovation, networking opportunities and enhanced services.
For more information on the Board, the Club, Sydney Motorsport Park
and the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct, please see ardc.com.au
ARDC Fanbelt – May 2023
In this month’s FanBelt:
• Presidents Report
• ARDC 2023 AGM Notice
• ARDC Member Exclusive Bathurst 1000 Suite Ticket
• ARDC Members Invitation: AMHF Presents – Bondy ‘Mr Versatile’ Fireside Chat
• ARDC Presents: Masterblast 23′
o Plus Sponsorship Opportunities
• Nightshift Dates
• May Events
• News from our Partners, and more…
MAY 2023
Last month I hinted that an announcement was imminent for another feature event in the 2023 motorsport calendar at SMSP, and we were delighted to announce on 13th April that the first-ever TCR World Tour event to be held in Australia will be under lights at SMSP on November 3-5. This will be the week prior to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International and will also be the penultimate round of the 2023 Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series. ARDC is excited to be co-promoting this key race meeting with Australian Racing Group (ARG) and we are looking forward to seeing our Australian TCR drivers matched against the world’s best, right in the heart of Western Sydney.
The TCR World Tour weekend will follow on from World Time Attack and Sydney MasterBlast in early September, Supercars in late July and the Shannon’s Trophy series in mid June. There is plenty of high quality motorsport coming for ARDC members in 2023!
At a more grass-roots level, Round 2 of the NSW Motor Racing Championships was extremely well supported on 15/16 April. There were approaching 300 competitors across ten different categories competing on the weekend, which made for a very busy paddock area! I know there were some delays getting access to the circuit on Saturday morning, and we are working on expediting the gate entry process for the next round. To assist, I encourage all competitors to remember to download their entry tickets before arriving at the circuit. Despite those irritations it was a great weekend of motorsport and despite a threatening weather forecast early in the week I think a light drizzle was the worst of the rainfall.
As I mentioned last month, on 19th April, the Hon. Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Climate Change, addressed a lunch co-hosted by ARDC and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry at SMSP to launch of the Federal Government’s National Electric Vehicle strategy. Over 100 motor industry representatives attended, and while there are doubtless many competing interests in this space the government’s desire to implement a minimum emissions standard for vehicles sold in Australia was well received. I was surprised to learn that among developed nations only Australia and Russia do not currently have a minimum emissions standard, which clearly does not incentivise vehicle manufacturers to prioritise Australia for sales of their most environmentally friendly products!
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 24th May, commencing at 7:30pm in the Champions’ Room at SMSP. As usual we will present the annual reports to members, followed by a Q&A session for members. No election for Directors was required this year as the only Nominations received were from those current directors whose two-year term had expired. Therefore, congratulations to Jamie McDonald, Peter Preller, Rachelle Stirling and Terry Thompson, who are each re-elected for another two-year term.
The process by which (under the Constitution) the Board might appoint a further two Directors has been on hold for the last month or so. A number of high quality candidates have expressed interest in being considered for these positions and the Board will progress these appointments after the completion of the AGM.
Enough from me this month! As usual the June newsletter will include a copy of my annual report, presented at the AGM.
Cheers,
Andrew
president@ardc.com.au
If you plan on attending the 2023 ARDC AGM, get in touch and let us know so we can ensure everyone is catered for!
To RSVP, just send an email to Ian.Hansen@ardc.com.au or call 9672 1000.
The Great Race: ARDC Born and Bred – Exclusive Premier Suite
The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club’s history is intrinsically linked to Mount Panorama, and it’s about time the Club went back to reminisce and celebrate.
This year is set to be a huge year for the Repco Supercars Championship with the introduction of the new Gen3 Mustang and Camaro, which make their night-time racing debut at SMSP in July at the Beaurepaires Sydney Supernight.
And 2023 marks 60 years since the ARDC first ran the Armstrong 500 at Mount Panorama, later to evolve into ‘The Great Race’. Plus, it’s also the 50th anniversary of first Hardie-Ferodo 1000, where the ARDC introduced the now famous 1000km format. We feel it’s only appropriate to celebrate this rich history with our Members in style: at the spiritual home of Australian motorsport. For this reason, the ARDC has booked a Premier Pit Suite at the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 and is offering Members an exclusive opportunity to join us. But you’d better be quick to book, as numbers will be limited and well-priced packages will be made available on a first in best-dressed basis.
The ARDC’s suite is positioned at pit exit with a balcony and views of the main straight and turn one. The experience includes access to the event, an air-conditioned suite with TV’s so you won’t miss a second of the action, full catering for all three days, beverage package, a goodies bag on arrival, and much more to come! All this for just $2000pp inc GST.
We are so excited to share this limited Anniversary experience with our Members: Packages will be available to book NOW by emailing the ARDC’s Membership manager at Ian.Hansen@ardc.com.au
See you trackside at The Great Race!
The Australian Motor Heritage Foundation Presents: Bondy ‘Mr Versatile’ Fireside Chat
Our friends over at the AMHF are starting their fireside chats with a bang, hosting Mr Versatile himself on the 23rd of June at 10am at SMSP in the Hinxman Room!
ARDC Members have the privilege of first access to tickets for this one off event! Just click here to claim your free ticket!
Sydney Masterblast 23′ featuring Muscle Car Masters and Sydney Hillclimb
New date; same great event!
Save the weekend of September 9-10, 2023 for all the metal and muscle, displays and drone shows; a great two-days for any car enthusiast!
Sydney Masterblast this year will feature our beloved Australian Muscle Car Masters™ categories, along with modern metal and great door-to-door racing and parade laps of historic cars both days during the break.*
At night on Saturday, Tuned International is bringing back its best cars for a huge Monster Meet on the SMSP main straight, while the brand new Sydney Hillclimb takes on the Amaroo South Circuit hills, under lights.
And at 7pm Saturday**, the whole Park will stop for our feature Drone Show in the sky above. Five hundred drones will create 3D imagery in the air to music; as seen at Sydney’s VIVID light show and last year’s Super 70 event. It’s a night not to be missed!
Stay the night at our nearby hotels, or camp out at SMSP’s final turn for the best view in the house.
Park-N-View also returns this year: this ticket allows you to pull up anywhere along the north-east of the precinct, and gas BBQs and cookers are allowed. It’s a great day out!
ARDC Members will get into the event for free, PLUS access to free camping, and Park-N-View tickets!
Sponsorship opportunities in a variety of forms and activations are now available! For enquiries, please contact Peter Larum at peter@ardc.com.au or 0419 732 029.
Nightshift for Cars will be back in May, with a combined Intermediate/Advanced group joining Race Cars. Grab a mate, give us a call for your discount code and come enjoy one of Australia’s premiere motorsport facilities under lights!
When: Wednesday 24th May
Groups:
• Intermediate/Advanced
• Race Cars
Remember, ARDC Members are always entitled to a full refund. So book now and if we need to postpone, we can rebook or refund you!
To get your 50% Members discount, email reception@ardc.com.au, or give us a call at 9672 1000.
Follow the link below to our ticket page and book now!
Membership in 2023
Just a reminder, as of the 1st of January, the ARDC returned to an annual Membership with a common expiry date of 31st December each year. Most Members currently have an expiry date at some point in 2023 already, but don’t worry, we’ll pro-rata your Membership fees till the end of the year so everyone lines up!
Plus, you can always upgrade to a Three-year Memberships early! Just give us a call and we’ll pro-rata the fees to carry you to December 31st, 2025.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Cheers,
Ian
ian.hansen@ardc.com.au
MAY 2023
Friday 5th
Driving Sports GP Circuit Drift
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Saturday 6th
Beat the Blue 2023 Main Event
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Saturday 13th Day
Australian Drift Club – Wetpan Warriors
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Saturday 13th Night
Roll Racing #79 + Terminal Speed Challenge
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Sunday 14th
Rotary Revival Sydney
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Saturday 20th
Post Classic Racing Association – Club Championships
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Sunday 21st
Roll Racing – All Jap Day
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Thursday 25th
Street Outlaws Australia
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Friday 26th
Australian Drift Club – Figure-8 Drift Series
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Saturday 27th – Sunday 28th
NSW Motor Race Championship R3
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
Sunday 28th Night
Australian Drift Club – Figure-8 Drift Nights
FREE FOR MEMBERS & GUEST PASS HOLDERS
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Celebrate the end of financial year with a Fastrack V8 Race experience
Every Supercar fan or performance driving enthusiast would love a race experience in powerful V8 Holdens and Fords.
The ADRC has a special offer for a Fastrack V8 Race experience for you to enjoy, or as a special gift for a friend.
Book any experience on May 5, 6 and 7 or June 2, 3 and 4 and receive a 15% discount.
More info: https://fastrackexperiences.com.au/
To book, call Fastrack Experiences on 1800 887223 and say you’re an ‘ARDC Member’ to receive this EOFY Deal!
2023 NSW MRC Round 2 Wrap
Words by Garry OBrien
Pics by Tyler Jones
Hosted by Sydney Motorsport Park on April 15-16, the second round of the NSW Motor Racing Championships was enormous where the big program featured three national categories.
Race one of round two of the Australian Formula Ford Series was taken out by Matt Hillyer. He staved off his Sonic team mate Conor Somers by 0.06 seconds. The race was a two-lap affair after a first lap safety car for the stranded Kyle Cotter. On the resumption, Lachlan Strickland and Synergy’s Eddie Beswick diced for third with the latter getting ahead. Then followed Zak Lobko from Dan Frougas and Xavier Kokai.
Hillyer backed up with a repeat in race two. He lost the lead for a lap to Somers. CHE’s Lobko finished third after his team mate Strickland and Beswick had contact. Behind the three Mygales, Kokai (Spectrum) was ahead of Frougas and Kobi Williams.
From the outset of the last race, Hillyer led as his nearest rival became Lobko due to Somers with a slow start and a clash with a rival at the first corner. Lobko glimpsed the lead after a couple of laps. Hillyer regathered the front running before the two clashed and Hillyer fell to sixth.
Lobko won ahead Williams as Strickland fought back to third, just ahead of Beswick, while Lachlan Mineeff placed fifth. Behind Hillyer in the round result it was Lobko second and Somers third. After a penalty in race one and second place, Thomas Kalamakis was a two-race winner in the Kent class, ahead of Will Liston who took the first.
Tim Macrow Racing shutout the front row in round two of AGI Formula Cars featuring Australian Formula Open. The Dallara F3s with Trent Grubel and Ryan Howe at the helms, were ahead of Gerrit Ruff and Miles Bromley. Both Ruff and Bromley stalled at the start. The latter was tagged by Graeme Holmes and Ruff by Lawrence Katsidis. The race was red flagged and declared a non-event.
Grubel (Dallara F312) was the tearaway winner of the next two races. Ryan Astley was second in the initial part of the first before he lost out to How. The 2015 Gold Star winner Jon Collins came through for third for Gilmour Racing when he displaced Astley on the penultimate lap.
In the later race, How held second throughout. Collins dropped spots to Astley, Winston van Laarhoven and Myles Bromley on the second lap, but fourth back to finish third. Van Laarhoven was next ahead of Astley, and Andrew Roberts.
It was the opening round of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Scholarship Series. Former Development Series and RX8 Cup driver Marcus La Delle completed a clean sweep. He trailed pole sitter Cody Burcher in the first few laps of race one before he took over the lead and won by half a second.
Max Geoghegan displaced Ben Gomersall to take third while Lachlan Bloxsom pulled a last lap move on Clay Richards for fifth. Then followed Hayden Hume, circuit racing debutant Ryan Tomsett, Matt Hillyer, 2022 Excel Nationals winner Ethan Grigg-Gault and Brock Stinson.
In race two, Burcher chased La Delle at the start but lost out to Geoghegan and Bloxsom who took over second by mid race. Richards finished fifth after a short scrap with Gomersall who ultimately crossed the line behind Hume and Tomsett. Stinson was ninth ahead of Grigg-Gault.
The third race was red flagged after four laps. Tomsett, Grigg-Gault and Jack Wesbury tangled at turn seven. When the race recommenced, Bloxsom was the runner up after he briefly lost second to Geoghegan. Burcher was next in front of Hume, Gomersall, James Wilkins, Oscar Targett and Stinson.
Round two of the NSW Sports Sedans saw Brad Shiels (Fiat 124/Rotary Turbo) lead all the way in the opening race ahead of Steven Lacey (Chev Camaro). Beril Cetin (Camaro) was second for a period until the engine cried enough and that promoted Matt Ingram (Mazda RX8) to third.
Shiels continued on his winning way in race two, followed by Lacey and Peter Ingram (RX7). In the last (trophy) race, the Chev Camaro driver was second until stopped at turn five with a fuel pump issue. That allowed the Ingram brothers Matt and Peter (RX7) to fill the minors.
The second round of Formula Vees produced a close first race result with Craig Sparke (Jacer) narrowly over Darren Williams and John McDonald (Jacer). Sparke slipped away to a comfortable win in the next, and Aaron Pace edged out fellow Sabre pilot Williams for second. The latter scored the last victory ahead of Sparke and Simon Pace (Sabre). The race shortened due to an incident at turn eight with McDonald and Aaron Pace.
NSW Supersports completed their second outing with John-Paul Drake (Wolf F1 Mistral) forging through to take race one from the back of the grid. He won from Alex Kenny in his new Nova Proto. Drake had to return home to SA after the race and left Kenny the victor over Ryan Godfrey (Wolf Tornado) both times.
Improved Production featured under and over 2.0 litre races. Ryan Gorton (Nissan 200SX) led the ‘unders’ initially but retired at the end of lap one with broken driveshafts. Kurt Macready (Nissan Silvia) was the winner over Michael Ricketts (Nissan Pulsar).
From the rear of the grid Gorton won the second race, his job made easier when Macready retired early. Gorton was out of race three early which paved the way for Ricketts to notch up a win. He too came from the back of the grid after a lose in the previous race.
Zak Hudson (Mazda RX7) led all the way in the ‘overs’ race. He also won race two, again ahead of Lachlan McBrien (BMW E46 M3). But after leading throughout race three, the RX7 was plagued by tyre wear and was pipped at the line by McBrien.
The first Production Sports sprint race had an immediate safety car due to a crash by Warwick Morris (Lamborghini Huracan) after the start. David Ryan (Porsche 991) was first across the line but a 5.0 second penalty gave Marcel Zalloua (Audi R8) the win. Paul Lucchitti (Audi) was second before he held off Zalloua in the next. The latter won the one-hour enduro by almost a lap over Lucchitti with David Ryan/Geoff Morgan a distant third.
There were four races for Superkarts in which Lee Vella set the pace in his 125cc Gearbox Avoig Elise. He led the first until he dropped out, after which he won the next three.
The next NSW Motor Race Championship round is scheduled for May 27 – 28 at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Racing With Autism Australia and ARDC Collaborate to make motorsport more accessible
OFFICIAL RELEASE 140423, Racing with Autism Australia.
We are pleased to announce a collaboration between Racing with Autism Australia (RWAA) and the Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) which operates Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP).
Following in the footsteps of sports such as the NRL and AFL, Motorsport in NSW will now be more inclusive and accessible for people with autism and sensory sensitivities. At selected events, RWAA will be operating a safe space/chillout room in one of the suites in the North Druitt building at SMSP, kindly provided by the ARDC.
The first event of the collaboration will be on the Sunday of the Motorsport Australia NSW Motorsport Championships – held at Sydney Motorsport Park on April 16. RWAA will be operating out of Suite 4 and hope to welcome a new group of motorsport fans to the track, providing pit tours as well as a place to decompress and relax when the action becomes a little too overwhelming.
Racing with Autism Australia is a project that aims to raise awareness and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder by showcasing the unique and talented individuals who are involved in motorsport/racing who themselves are on the Autism Spectrum. They offer an educational approach to our project with the goal of inspiring people from all walks of life. Although they acknowledge the importance of ongoing awareness, they are passionate about creating educational, inclusive and inspirational environments and do so thanks to the support of companies such as luxury car retailers YTG Bespoke as well as NSW Kart Team and NSW Kart School
One of the many purposes of Racing with Autism Australia (RWAA) is to support racers by sharing their stories, including their achievements and their everyday struggles, with the hope of not just gaining awareness for autism but creating inclusive environments and educating many.
As well as some of our supported racers, RWAA also will be attending with their NSW-based mentors to talk to the kids and adults.
Dan Holihan is the creator and host of the ground-breaking ‘On the Couch with Hooly’ podcast as well as being the 2022 NSW Formula Ford 1600 State Champion, 2017 HSRCA Historic State Champion and 2007 NSKC Club Champion. Dan is also on the autism spectrum and loves to show kids and adults alike exactly what can be done with a dream, a never say die attitude and a great work ethic.
Lachlan Ward is our other attending RWAA mentor and is the driver of the Productivity Bootcamp #117 Camaro in the Battery World Aussie Race Car Series (who last year was the highest placed Rookie driver and narrowly placed second in the overall championship). As well as being a previous Formula Ford and Legend Car series winner, Lachlan is a gifted coach and through his positions as head coach at NSW Kart School and NSW Kart Team has been working with drivers on the Autism Spectrum for many years now.
Pheels will also be in attendance with their sensory-friendly clothing for kids that feature soft fabrics, are tag-free, have flat seams and sensory-friendly designs.
To find out more about RWAA, click on our Facebook and Instagram or email intakerwaa@gmail.com.
Kumho Tyre NSW Sports Sedans to contest championship at ARDC Super 70 race meeting.
This weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park the Kumho Tyre NSW Sports Sedans will contest Round 4 of their Championship as part of the ARDC Super 70 race meeting, together with the Precision National Sports Sedan Series.
This race meeting celebrates the 70th birthday of the Australian Racing Driver’s Club and as such they have a fantastic array of racing planned, including earlier era, Group N Historic Touring Cars, Group S Historic Sports Cars, Heritage Group C & A Cars, and the HQ Holdens. In addition to these will be Production Touring Cars, Superkarts and yours’ truly Sports Sedans. Whilst it’s racing by day, at night the party continues on Saturday night with Tuned International’s monster car show, figure 8 drifting and the Skyworx drone show. This is a race meeting not to be missed.
The grid for Sports Sedans is at full track capacity of 38 cars, thanks to the amalgamation of both our State Championship and those from the National Series into one enormous grid of the thundering, winged monsters on racing slicks, aiming to set a new tin top sedan lap record.
The State and Division 1 Championships have opened up following Round 3, with the then clear leader of the Championships, Birol Cetin being unable to compete following an incident in qualifying in his Camaro. Birol will be keen to make amends this weekend, as he takes on Steven Lacey in the “sister car” Camaro to regain the Championship lead. They will no doubt be kept honest by third place State competitor Theo Cambouris, in his Division 2 Commodore, who has been quietly amassing point due his consistency during the first three rounds in both the State and Divisional Championships. The Division 3 Championship is presently led by David Atkin in his V8 powered BMW. Across all Divisions there will be battles aplenty with 20 of the 38 cars on the grid fighting for State points.
The Duggan Family Hotels’ Aston Martin, usually driven by Mark Duggan, will this weekend be driven by Supercars ace Andre Heimgartner competing in the National Series, whilst Mark will drive the Jack Daniel’s 2010 VE Commodore PE 048, which he piloted at Bathurst earlier this year in the DFH Bathurst Combined Sedans.
The contest for the National Series, currently led by Jordan Caruso’s Audi A4 is bound to be hard fought, with Championship second place holder Steven Tamasi in his Holden Calibra only 19 points behind Caruso leading into this weekend. Third and fourth place in the National series is held by Shane Woodman & Michael Robinson, respectively in their V8 powered machines.