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ARDC News

ARDC DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP CARDS

ARDC News

The ARDC is celebrating 70 years in 2022!

THANK YOU to all of our Members, Officials and Volunteers for the past 70 years. Here’s to quite a few more!

We wish to inform all current Members of a new 70th Anniversary digital member pass, which will be coming out to you in the next 24 hours.

The passes that are being updated and sent out over SMS via MyPass are the following:

  • Car and Bike Competitor
  • Car and Bike Enthusiast
  • Guest Passes (All valid Members).

Pass holders of Volunteer/Official cards, Enthusiast Plus Member cards, Honorary and Life Members, and Pit Crew will not need to install a new pass. You will see your pass update automatically in the next 24 hours.

If you have any issues, please contact our Membership team on reception@ardc.com.au or +612 9672 1000, we are more than happy to help.

CLICK HERE for information on about using this pass at upcoming events! 

– The ARDC Membership Team

ARDC INTRODUCES ‘LOCAL HEROES’ MEMBERSHIP

ARDC News

The ARDC has a long and proud history of supporting many worthwhile causes as both a not-for-profit motoring and motorsport Club, and as part of its Sydney Motorsport Park operations.

The year 2020 has proved extremely challenging, starting with the ravage of bushfires followed by flooding, and then the COVID-19 Pandemic.

As a special thank you to our Local Heroes who have been working tirelessly for the community this year in the face of these disasters, the ARDC is offering discounted Car or Bike Enthusiast Memberships for those on the front line. During this challenging time for all, we want to support our hardworking Local Heroes, as they have continued to support us and our community.

Frontline Workers and First Responders include medical and health workers including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and ambulance staff, policemen and women. We are also extending the offer to firefighters, as an acknowledgment of their work during the Australian Bushfires.

Volunteer Heroes – 50% discount

ONE YEAR Enthusiast MEMBERSHIP (Normally $95, now $47.50)

ENJOY 12 MONTHS WITH A VIP PASS TO AMAZING MOTORSPORT EXPERIENCES FUELLED BY THE AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB (ARDC) AT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK!

Staff Heroes – 25% discount

ONE YEAR Enthusiast MEMBERSHIP (Normally $95, now $71.25) 

Our Membership: We love motorsport and we know you do too. ARDC Membership offers hundreds of dollars in benefits for a low-cost annual fee – it’s the ultimate access pass to Sydney Motorsport Park. Choose from either a Car or Bike Membership as an entry-level Enthusiast, and enjoy the benefits.

ARDC Members get more value than ever before, with complimentary spectator entry to many of the exciting and entertaining racing events at SMSP. Plus, Member only events, discounts on Track and Ride Days as well as variety of extra benefits with our reciprocal rights corporate partners.

In 2020 SMSP are very excited to welcome a new 2-Car Supercars team to the venue. We have also made live, full circuit night lights for evening events and experiences under lights, as well as commencing construction of a new Motorsport Australia Centre of Excellence.

ENTHUSIAST MEMBERSHIP

The Enthusiast Membership program is suited to Car or Bike enthusiasts or avid fans of motorsport who wish to take full advantage of the amazing events and experiences offered to you at Sydney Motorsport Park. This Membership encompasses all of our amazing offers, events and experiences. You can save $1,000’s every year and support the ARDC which powers Sydney Motorsport Park.

CAR OR BIKE MEMBERSHIP

When you purchase your Membership, you will be able to choose between a Car or Bike Membership. Not only does choosing the appropriate Membership help us to communicate exactly what you want to see, do and watch at SMSP, but also saves you money on Car or Bike Track Days, with added Member discounts, parking privileges and much, much more!

HOW TO JOIN

To redeem the offer, Local Heroes will need to identify themselves using their Association ID Card or a digital/printed Frontline Workers and First Responders email from the key contact from their Association/organisation.

From all of us at the ARDC… Thank you Local Heroes, as we appreciate the commitment and dedication of all staff and volunteers on the Frontline during this difficult period. We can’t wait to welcome you as a member of the ARDC for a fuel-charged introduction to the track.

POLE POSITION AT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK – A NEW ERA OF RACING

ARDC News

TUESDAY MAY 5, 2020: The first of 132 light towers was installed on pole position today at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP), placing the Western Sydney venue in the spotlight as Australia’s first permanent motorsport facility with the ability to operate both day and night.

The light tower was craned in and installed in front of representatives from the NSW Government, Supercars, and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), signalling a new era of motorsport in Australia.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said he was proud to see the NSW Government’s strategic multi-million-dollar investment at SMSP come to fruition, resulting in permanent circuit lighting and the establishment of Australia’s first and only motorsport Centre of Excellence.

“It’s a new era of racing and the 2020 Lighting Project at the Western Sydney Motorsport Precinct couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said.

“We know that COVID-19 is taking its toll on this State, and racing can be a real morale boost for those isolating at home, so it will be fantastic when motor racing gets back on track.”

The project will see SMSP lead the field to become the ‘Silverstone of the southern hemisphere’; not only opening up track access for motorsport, but also substantial opportunities to further grow local tourism, investment, employment, and the development of existing on-site programs targeting performance engineering, education and training.

“ARDC’s strategic direction will build on motorsport engineering excellence to develop a Western Sydney hub for technology innovation and education,” said ARDC President, Andrew Leithhead.

“This lighting project will enable Sydney Motorsport Park to become a 24/7 home for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in motorsport, driver training, tourism, entertainment and manufacturing in the heart of Australia’s fastest growing urban area.”

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said the introduction of lights at SMSP offered significant opportunities for the future of motorsport in Australia.

“Seeing this project come to life is fantastic for Supercars and our fans across the state,” he said.

“To be able to race at night under permanent lights here at SMSP is something we’ve been working towards for a long time. We look forward to getting on track as soon as possible.”

SMSP delivers year-round events which attract 330,000 visitors annually, with over 35 major events and multiple grassroots racing and car club events, plus many school and community events from across Greater Sydney.

“Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the busiest tracks not just in Australia, but in the world,” said ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews.

“We enjoy an occupancy rate of around 96%, and that was one of the reasons the Government was happy to support us in providing funding for the permanent lighting project.

“Lighting allows us to fit even more events into our calendar; not only enabling motorsport fans and enthusiasts, competitors and manufacturers more access to our world-class facility, but also opening doors for substantial opportunities to further grow the Western Sydney night economy.”

The $33M package of Government initiatives for the broader Western Sydney motorsport precinct saw $16.4 million go towards creating Australia’s first motorsport circuit with permanent lighting.

The 2020 Lighting Project will see 132 light towers with 864 individual light fittings placed around the four circuits and training Skidpan at SMSP. Advances in technology have allowed a minimum 400LUX lighting for all circuit configurations, and 800LUX on the main Brabham Straight, with the ability to run the circuits independently to save power. The system itself has a green tick, utilising the latest LED Technology from world leaders in floodlighting systems, MUSCO Lighting.

The unfortunate circumstances surrounding COVID-19 from February this year saw the temporary shutting of the Eastern Creek track, however this allowed the lighting project to move ahead rapidly, while maintaining approximately 100 jobs on site. The installation of the lighting at SMSP will continue at racing pace during this enforced track shutdown, ready for racers to get back on track when current restrictions lift.

DETAILS: The SMSP Lighting Project

  • $16.4 million Government investment
  • 132 light towers, including 864 individual light fittings.
  • Lighting all four variations of the circuit, plus paddock and skid pan.
  • Power is 800LUX main Brabham Straight, with a minimum of 400LUX on the rest of the circuit. Temporary lights seen in the inaugural Sydney SuperNight in 2019 had temporary generator-powered lights capable of 150LUX.
  • Ability to light individual parts of the track and precinct, plus change the colour of the lighting on the main straight.
  • Over 100 jobs created and maintained through COVID-19, plus local manufacturing support.
  • Technology: Lighting the smaller Druitt North Circuit five years ago quoted at $17 million, now entire circuit and precinct for $16.4 million with fibre optic connection.
  • Projected 40% increase in access capacity.
  • The first official event to mark the return of racing at SMSP (after and subject to COVID-19 restrictions) is Supercars under lights, using a combination of the new light towers and generator light towers.

SYDNEY MASTERBLAST FT. MUSCLE CAR MASTERS™ POSTPONED TO 2021

ARDC News, Major Events, SMSP News

OFFICIAL RELEASE 05/06/20: The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), operators of Sydney Motorsport Park, along with key stakeholders and category managers have agreed to postpone the 16th running of the annual Sydney MasterBlast Ft. Muscle Car Masters™ in the interest of public health and safety.

With restrictions due to COVID-19 still in place for large sporting venues, and the Fathers’ Day weekend date fast approaching, it has been deemed impossible to hold such a large-scale annual event which typically sees competitor entries of around 300 teams and over 8000 spectators.

Travel restrictions, lack of track time for competitors in the lead up to the event, and financial considerations for all involved are also a factor in the decision.

“The ARDC has made this decision in the best interest of the event, the competitors, and the fans who flock every year to this historic annual event,” said ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews.

“’Safety first’ is key to all our operations at SMSP, be it motorsport or the health and wellbeing of our officials, competitors, and spectators.”

Last year, the Muscle Car Masters™ had a makeover; rebranded as the Sydney MasterBlast ft. the Muscle Car Masters™, the event went back to its traditional home of the Father’s Day weekend, saw the return of Touring Car Masters, the debut of motorbikes and superkarts, and most importantly the addition of night racing under lights.

“It was a great step forward for this hallmark event, and it is nigh on impossible to hold it with current COVID-19 restrictions,” said Matthews.

“All parties involved in the organisation and promotion of the event are in agreement: we will postpone the 2020 event to come back bigger and better than ever in 2021, under the bright beams of our 134 permanent light towers and hopefully with no restrictions on competitor or crowd numbers.”

The ARDC is focussed on the competitor, and in its stead will hold a round of the NSW Motor Race Championships. Some categories from Sydney MasterBlast may be able to enter and race alongside the NSW MRC’s usual suspects, offering up some much-needed competition track time on one of the country’s top racing circuits.

“We would like to thank our competitors, our volunteers, event sponsors, and spectators for the ongoing support and understanding, and hope to see Sydney MasterBlast back in 2021 with a full racing schedule and packed grandstand under permanent lights,” finished Matthews.

SMSP TO HOST RETURN OF SUPERCARS IN JUNE

ARDC News, Major Events, News, SMSP News

May 16, 2020: Supercars has announced its long-awaited return to racing on the weekend of June 27-28, 2020 at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek (SMSP).

The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), operators of SMSP, has been working closely with Supercars and Motorsport Australia to identify possible dates and operational procedures for the former’s return to live racing within the continuing COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The Club is delighted to have reached an agreement with Supercars for Sydney Motorsport Park to be the chosen venue for the first live action event following the COVID-19 lockdown.

Recent assessments of the Western Sydney venue by Supercars concluded that the Sydney circuit will ensure a successful application of COVID-mandated procedures such as general security and access control, catering protocols, adherence to hygiene, the location of a team base at the Alpha Hotel next to the track, and current social distancing requirements.

While the June 2020 event is slated as a closed event from a spectator perspective, the ARDC believes the size and layout of SMSP can be utilised to accommodate some form of spectator allowance within current social distancing guidelines.

Feedback from the fans certainly indicates significant demand for live racing, and further approaches will be made to the relevant NSW Government authorities to investigate a limited ‘park and view’ in-car spectator format or similarly distanced spectating, so fans can be involved while ensuring their safety and health.

ARDC President Andrew Leithhead said: “The ARDC team has been focussing on establishing procedures and protocols that will facilitate a rapid return to motor-racing at Sydney Motorsport Park while complying with COVID protection requirements.

“’Safety first’ is key to all our operations at SMSP, and this applies as much to COVID protection as to motorsport safety.

We are very excited at the prospect of Supercar racing at SMSP only six weeks from today.”

With the expedited progression of the SMSP circuit lighting project during COVID-19 lockdown, both the ARDC and Supercars also continue discussions about the return of a Sydney Supercars SuperNight event later in 2020.

Following the launch in early May of the first of 132 light towers across all circuit configurations on the venue, a further 45 poles have since been erected in just 10 days. The lighting project, originally brought on four years ago after discussions about night racing between Supercars and the ARDC, has seen a $16.4 million investment in SMSP to upgrade to a facility that can run night and day; key to meeting the demands of all levels of motorsport from track days and grass-roots racing, though to the premier Australian motorsport category of Supercars.

ARDC/SMSP:                                                                                                   SUPERCARS:
Samantha Stevens                                                                                         Felicity Hamblin
M: 0411494414                                                                                              M: 0467 785 203
email:  Samantha.Stevens@ardc.com.au                                                       Email: fhamblin@supercars.com

 

MEDIA RELEASE: POLE POSITION AT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK – A NEW ERA OF RACING

ARDC News, News, SMSP News

TUESDAY MAY 5, 2020: The first of 132 light towers was installed on pole position today at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP), placing the Western Sydney venue in the spotlight as Australia’s first permanent motorsport facility with the ability to operate both day and night.

The light tower was craned in and installed in front of representatives from the NSW Government, Supercars, and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), signalling a new era of motorsport in Australia.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said he was proud to see the NSW Government’s strategic multi-million-dollar investment at SMSP come to fruition, resulting in permanent circuit lighting and the establishment of Australia’s first and only motorsport Centre of Excellence.

“It’s a new era of racing and the 2020 Lighting Project at the Western Sydney Motorsport Precinct couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said.

“We know that COVID-19 is taking its toll on this State, and racing can be a real morale boost for those isolating at home, so it will be fantastic when motor racing gets back on track.”

The project will see SMSP lead the field to become the ‘Silverstone of the southern hemisphere’; not only opening up track access for motorsport, but also substantial opportunities to further grow local tourism, investment, employment, and the development of existing on-site programs targeting performance engineering, education and training.

“ARDC’s strategic direction will build on motorsport engineering excellence to develop a Western Sydney hub for technology innovation and education,” said ARDC President, Andrew Leithhead.

“This lighting project will enable Sydney Motorsport Park to become a 24/7 home for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in motorsport, driver training, tourism, entertainment and manufacturing in the heart of Australia’s fastest growing urban area.”

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said the introduction of lights at SMSP offered significant opportunities for the future of motorsport in Australia.

“Seeing this project come to life is fantastic for Supercars and our fans across the state,” he said.

“To be able to race at night under permanent lights here at SMSP is something we’ve been working towards for a long time. We look forward to getting on track as soon as possible.”

SMSP delivers year-round events which attract 330,000 visitors annually, with over 35 major events and multiple grassroots racing and car club events, plus many school and community events from across Greater Sydney.

“Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the busiest tracks not just in Australia, but in the world,” said ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews.

“We enjoy an occupancy rate of around 96%, and that was one of the reasons the Government was happy to support us in providing funding for the permanent lighting project.

“Lighting allows us to fit even more events into our calendar; not only enabling motorsport fans and enthusiasts, competitors and manufacturers more access to our world-class facility, but also opening doors for substantial opportunities to further grow the Western Sydney night economy.”

The $33M package of Government initiatives for the broader Western Sydney motorsport precinct saw $16.4 million go towards creating Australia’s first motorsport circuit with permanent lighting.

The 2020 Lighting Project will see 132 light towers with 864 individual light fittings placed around the four circuits and training Skidpan at SMSP. Advances in technology have allowed a minimum 400LUX lighting for all circuit configurations, and 800LUX on the main Brabham Straight, with the ability to run the circuits independently to save power. The system itself has a green tick, utilising the latest LED Technology from world leaders in floodlighting systems, MUSCO Lighting.

The unfortunate circumstances surrounding COVID-19 from February this year saw the temporary shutting of the Eastern Creek track, however this allowed the lighting project to move ahead rapidly, while maintaining approximately 100 jobs on site. The installation of the lighting at SMSP will continue at racing pace during this enforced track shutdown, ready for racers to get back on track when current restrictions lift.

DETAILS: The SMSP Lighting Project

  • $16.4 million Government investment
  • 132 light towers, including 864 individual light fittings.
  • Lighting all four variations of the circuit, plus paddock and skid pan.
  • Power is 800LUX main Brabham Straight, with a minimum of 400LUX on the rest of the circuit. Temporary lights seen in the inaugural Sydney SuperNight in 2019 had temporary generator-powered lights capable of 150LUX.
  • Ability to light individual parts of the track and precinct, plus change the colour of the lighting on the main straight.
  • Over 100 jobs created and maintained through COVID-19, plus local manufacturing support.
  • Technology: Lighting the smaller Druitt North Circuit five years ago quoted at $17 million, now entire circuit and precinct for $16.4 million with fibre optic connection.
  • Projected 40% increase in access capacity.
  • The first official event to mark the return of racing at SMSP (after and subject to COVID-19 restrictions) is hoped to be Supercars under lights, using a combination of the new light towers and generator light towers.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB (ARDC)

The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, known as the ARDC, has promoted motorsport in NSW for over 68 years. Commencing in 1952 at Parramatta Park, the ARDC has conducted events for cars and motorcycles at Mount Panorama Bathurst, Mt Druitt, Castlereagh, Catalina Park Katoomba, Amaroo Park and at its current home, Sydney Motorsport Park in the booming suburbs of Western Sydney.

The goal of the ARDC is to create a world-class motorsport park in the heart of Australia’s global city – Sydney. As official operators and custodians of Sydney Motorsport Park for over 20 years, the ARDC continually looks to build and enhance the venue’s reputation as Australia’s true Home of Motorsport.

Over recent years the ARDC has continued to build on its long-standing vision and business plan for Sydney Motorsport Park. This new master plan and vision describes the development of a highly engaging motorsport precinct and destination, with a range of world-class events, driving/riding experiences (concepts and categories), excellence in driver education and training, public “motortainment”, motorsport/auto support services and business park.

ardc.com.au

ABOUT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK

Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP, originally known as Eastern Creek International Raceway) was officially opened in 1990 and is owned by the NSW Government. It has been operated by the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) since 1997.

It is Sydney’s only permanent racetrack, and one of just two permanent race circuits in Australia that holds a FIA/FIM Grade 2 International Licence. The purpose-built 92ha motorsport facility west of Sydney features four race circuit configurations to suit a number of motorsport activities; the Brabham Circuit, Gardner GP, Druitt (North) and Amaroo (South). SMSP is also Sydney’s main hub for driver safety, education and vehicle testing, featuring a floodable Skidpan, Skid Circuit, and 4WD training track.

The North Paddock boasts fifty garages lining pit lane, offering easy access for transporters and a secure base for cars, bikes, equipment and personnel. The support paddock has a bitumen surface, a dummy grid for fifty cars, multiple carports and a scrutineering building.

SydneyMotorsportPark.com.au

Media contacts:

ARDC/SMSP:                                                             SUPERCARS:
Samantha Stevens                                                           Felicity Hamblin
M: 0411494414                                                               M: 0467 785 203
email:  samantha.stevens@ardc.com.au                         Email: fhamblin@supercars.com