President’s Report

ARDC President’s Report, October 2019

This morning I attended the Australian Institute of Company Directors annual Essential Directors’ Update. [I hear thousands of responses already…….”BORING!”]

Well, it may not seem immediately relevant or interesting with respect to motorsport, but high standards of governance are an essential requirement for ARDC’s ongoing occupation and management of Sydney Motorsport Park. As I have said in this column before, we are responsible for a premium tax-payer asset, and we need to deliver excellence in our operations. A key area of focus in the 2019 Directors’ Update was on non-financial risk. All competently-run organisations have a high level of sensitivity to financial risk, but in recent years there has been increased focus on non-financial risk areas, such as conduct risk or operational risk.

ARDC is the same: while we are very sensitive to correct financial management, we spend plenty of time focusing on areas of risk that are not primarily financial in nature but can ultimately impact on our financial position and potentially reputation.

A key example is the ‘serious incident heat-map’ that we have been developing this year to provide a better understanding of the high-risk points at Sydney Motorsport Park. Generally, we are confident that our management of on-track risks is as strong as possible, allowing of course that motorsport is dangerous. But serious injuries (i.e. requiring ambulance transport) still do occur and anything we can do to improve our risk mitigation, while not impinging on the nature and enjoyment of motorsport, must be considered.

So, at this point here is some information for our competitors:

Four wheels are safer than two. [doh!] Our heat-map for 2019 shows 8 serious incidents involving cars (to the end of August) and 21 involving motorbikes. That’s just the raw data and isn’t adjusted for the fact that there are many more events for cars than for bikes.
For cars, so far this year, the most likely place for a serious incident is at the start.
For bikes, entry to Turn 1 is most likely, closely followed by entry to Turn 15 and exit from Turn 2.
Turns 4 and 6 have not seen a serious incident at all this year, on two or four wheels.

I know we are all diligent in our preparation (of car/bike and driver/rider) and no-one goes on to the track anticipating an incident, but every little bit of information helps. And, before anyone suggests I am disparaging bike riders: not so – they are far more heroic than me in my steel cage – but the statistics say what they say! We will continue to collate this data and I’ll provide another update in a year or so.

World Time Attack is just around the corner on 18/19 October featuring the new Brabham BT-62 to add to the enormously competitive and exciting entry list. See you there!

Andrew Leithhead
President
president@ardc.com.au

ARDC President’s Report, September 2019

President's Report

What a BLAST!

The 2019 Paynter Dixon ARDC MasterBlast on Father’s Day weekend was a fantastic celebration of motorsport. We were blessed with great weather on race weekend (even if it was a bit dodgy for private practice on the Friday) and plenty of people gathered up family and friends to come along.

There were over 280 entries and all categories enjoyed great racing with relatively few on-track dramas. I wonder when was the last time that a race meeting included both car and motorcycle racing, 4 different starting procedures – standing, handicap, rolling and ‘Le Mans’ – plus two different circuit configurations, plus night racing? On top of that was the usual open and friendly nature of the paddock area with many competitors chatting with spectators and visitors about their cars and the racing. It really was a great weekend all around, so mark your diaries for Father’s Day next year!

It is always useful to receive constructive feedback after a race weekend to help us continue to improve events at Sydney MotorSport Park. Competitors will receive the usual invitation to respond to an online survey and I encourage Members who came along to provide comments in the short SPECTATOR SURVEY.

We are optimistic that by this time next year the permanent circuit lighting will be fully operational and some of the challenges posed by temporary lighting will therefore be resolved. A number of categories have already confirmed their interest in participating again in next year, so we will be working to firm up the program as the 2020 calendar develops over the next few months.

The next high profile event at SMSP will be World Time Attack on 18/19 October, but in the meantime don’t forget usual activities such as the monthly ‘Night Drive’ for Learners (soon to be more twilight than night when daylight saving starts again), plus driver training with Driving Solutions, V8 experiences with Fastrack, rider training with MotoDNA, ride days, track days, icu=ycle racing – surely there is something for everyone!

See you at SMSP,

Andrew Leithhead
President
president@ardc.com.au

ARDC President’s Report, August 2019

President's Report

As I write there are only 30 days to go until the 2019 Paynter Dixon Sydney MasterBlast featuring Muscle Car Masters, to be held on Father’s Day weekend.

The traditional Muscle Car Masters format has seen declining support in recent years, not helped by having to move the date away from Father’s Day to accommodate various category racing calendars. This year will see a new package of the traditional mixed with some new ideas, in response to feedback from competitors and spectators. In all likelihood not every special interest group will have all their preferences satisfied, but we believe the overall new package will present an exciting weekend of racing that showcases Australian motorsport heritage with some new attractions and angles. Categories this year include Touring Car Masters (TCM), Heritage Touring Cars (Group C & A), Historic Touring Cars (Nb/Nc), National Sports Sedans, and Historic Sports Cars (Group S), plus Production Touring, Superkarts, and on the Sunday, Motorbike racing including a fantastic Le Mans start. On Saturday night there will be racing under lights for TCM, Group N, Group C and A, and Production Touring on the Druitt (North) Circuit!

More immediately, the next round of the 2019 State Motor Racing Championships is on this weekend (3^rd & 4^th August) and there is another strong entry list. It is often said that some of the closest and most exciting racing is seen in ‘grass roots’ racing at State Championship events; the drivers and teams might not be big dollar professionals, but the standards of car preparation, pit crew support and driving skills are of the highest order.

Other upcoming events include the annual Council of Motor Clubs Shannons Classic display day, on Sunday 18^th August. There will be over 1900 cars motorbikes and other vehicles on display and parading on the circuit over the course of the day.

You might also want to note in your diary the 2019 World Time Attack (WTAC), to be held on October 18^th & 19^th (yes, Friday and Saturday). In addition to the ‘normal’ engineering masterpieces that are presented for the ultimate one-lap screamer competition, the big feature this year will be the latest in the Brabham line, the BT-62. Many of you will have seen this car reviewed on Top Gear and/or the YouTube video of the record-breaking lap at Mt Panorama, and at the very least the idea of another sensational car with this famous name, built in Australia, should be more than enough to bring you along. I’m sure there will be great interest in seeing if the BT-62 can threaten the times recorded by Mark Webber in 2013 (1:13.6) and Daniel Ricciardo in 2014 (1:11.23), both in the Red Bull RB7.

Members will recall that earlier this year long-serving ARDC Director Neil Turner retired from our Board, and that Neil and his wife Ronda were elected Life Members of the ARDC at our Annual General Meeting in May. Neil’s retirement created a casual vacancy for an Elected Director position and I am very pleased to announce that at its July meeting the ARDC Board appointed Natalie Turmine to fill the casual vacancy. Natalie has been a Board Appointed Director since September 2017 and makes a considerable contribution to Board discussions and overall governance. Nat is a Competitor Member for both cars and motorcycles, and is a keen participant on both 2 and 4 wheels. Nat will serve the remainder of Neil’s term as an Elected Director, and will stand for re-election in May 2020. The Board has begun considering the opportunity to fill Natalie’s previous position as an Appointed Director and I expect to keep members informed of progress.

Andrew Leithhead
President
president@ardc.com.au

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ARDC President’s Report, July 2019

President's Report

July 2019

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Last month my newsletter article was a reproduction of the report I presented at the 2019 Annual General Meeting. It is obviously unrealistic to think that all Members can attend the annual meeting, but I think it is important that everyone has the chance to at least read what was reported on the night. Thank you to those members who were able to attend the meeting and for the questions and discussion that took place.

The Board elected office-bearers for the year ahead during the AGM. I am pleased to advise that John Cotter was elected as Vice President and Evan Jones as Deputy Vice President. I am honoured to have been re-elected as ARDC President.

The year ahead will continue to be very busy with ‘normal’ on-track activities being conducted side-by-side with the major infrastructure work to install track lighting and to construct a new multi-use motorsport “Centre of Excellence” building. While we have been quietly confident for some months that funding would be approved for these projects the final confirmation depended on the NSW State Budget, announced on 18^th June. Now that the official announcement has been made, we are working to progress the project as rapidly as possible. Our (ambitious) objective is to complete the lighting project in a 12-month timeframe, working closely with government agencies as required.

As mentioned in my May report we are also completing the upgrade of catering and shade facilities in the main and south paddock areas as well as planning for the long-awaited upgrade to our PA system.

On-track action last month was highlighted by NSW State Championship racing and historic racing on the June long weekend. July will be a busy month for bike competitors and riders with Ride Days, rider training with motoDNA and race meetings promoted by the Post-Classic Racing Association and St George Motorcycle Club.

And, if you would like to see something quite different, come along to watch the All Schools Cross Country Carnival on Friday 26^th July!

There’s something for everyone at SMSP!

Andrew Leithhead
President
president@ardc.com.au

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ARDC President’s Report, June 2019

President's Report

JUNE 2019

PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL REPORT
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS CLUB LTD
22 MAY 2019

I am pleased to present this Report to the members of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club for the year ending 31st December, 2018.
The Club achieved an outstanding financial result in 2018. In the twelve months to 31st December, 2018 ARDC returned a net surplus of $235,680 (2017: $16,503). The Club’s ongoing program of capital investment in Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) creates an increasing depreciation charge against revenue, being $1.35m in 2018 (2017: $1.23m). Although this non-cash expense has a dramatic impact on net surplus, the Club remains in a solid financial position. Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) – or cash earnings – was a record result of $1,655,129 (2017: $1,283,056). More than $1m was again invested in fixed assets in 2018.

The 2018 calendar was another intense year of on- and off-track activity. On-track events again covered a broad spectrum of motorsport, from the most professional through to beginners. Without doubt the highlight event for 2018 was the Virgin Australia Supercars Red Rooster Sydney Supernight 300 in August, which was subsequently awarded the Supercars Fans Choice Award for the Best Event of 2018. Other major events in 2018 included Muscle Car Masters, World Time Attack and Shannon’s Nationals, as well as Formula Extreme and the International Festival of Speed for motorbikes. These high-profile events are complemented by strong lower tier events such as the NSW State Motor Racing championship, NSWRRC 6-Hour Regularity, supersprints, and drifting. Driver education, driver experiences and corporate activities, particularly major motor vehicle manufacturers’ customer events, are important parts of our normal operating profile. Membership numbers have steadied at around 3,000; at 31st December we had 3,010 members (2017: 2939) and at 30th April 2019 3,127 (April 2018: 3,221).

Major capital investments in 2018 included resurfacing of Turn 1 and the Gate A access roadway, a long overdue upgrade to the SMSP radio system and additional shade, seating and catering infrastructure at favourite spectator locations. In 2019 we will upgrade the circuit public address system.

The capital investment focus for the next year will be the installation of permanent lighting for the full SMSP circuit. We are delighted that our submissions to government at all levels over the last four or so years has delivered this result. The project is now moving ahead quickly, with tenders for the lighting to close imminently. We will be working closely with government to ensure a high quality, on-time, on-budget outcome, with the first target being to host Supercars under permanent lights in 2020. While this will be the high-profile night-time event, the extension of operating hours at SMSP will provide many new opportunities. We expect that some current daytime users will prefer to run at night, relieving the congestion in daytime bookings. We also anticipate an emerging night-time economy as a result of “after-hours” activity at SMSP.

As always at this time I want to acknowledge our hardworking ARDC team. While the Board sets the strategic agenda, it is our CEO Glenn Matthews and his team who make things happen. On behalf of the Board and Members I would like to thank Glenn and his team, both in the office and on and around the track for their efforts and to again publicly recognise them for their contribution to our Club, our sport and, increasingly, to the wider community.

I would also like to thank each of your continuing Directors for their hard work, support and contribution to our Club throughout the year. This year the retiring Directors, John Cotter, Terry Thompson, Evan Jones and Denis Cribbin were re-elected. I also thank Paul Dortkamp and Chris Reeves for their candidacy to become a Director. Paul and Chris have each nominated on several occasions and their commitment to the Club is valued.

Each year one of our two Appointed Directors must step down at the AGM and this year it is Natalie Turmine’s turn. Natalie is keen to continue to serve and the Board intends to re-appoint her immediately.

Earlier this year our good friend and ARDC Director, Neil Turner, decided to call time on his long career in motorsport and to resign his role as an ARDC Director after 21 years of service. Shortly we will consider a resolution to appoint Neil and his wife Ronda to Life Membership of the Australian Racing Driver’s Club, but let me simply say now that it has been a great pleasure serving together with Neil. His contribution to the ARDC and to motorsport in Australia has been mighty and we will miss him. Thank you Neil.

ARDC is not a mega-company but it is subject to the same corporate standards and legal requirements as any other, and the nature of our activities means we do have the potential to attract attention. The obligations and personal liability of a Director are significant and I thank all those who are willing to serve the Club in this way.

Lastly, I would like to thank you, the Members of the ARDC. Your ongoing support underpins the growth of the Club and the Board is always aware of our obligation to promote motorsport and serve our members. It continues to be a privilege to serve as President of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club and I look forward to more progress in the year ahead.

Andrew Leithhead
President
president@ardc.com.au

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ARDC President’s Report, April 2019

President's Report

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APRIL 2019
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Speaking purely selfishly, from the perspective of the ARDC, Sydney Motorsport Park and motorsport enthusiasts I am delighted that the NSW Government was returned to office at the recent election. The pre-election funding commitments made by Sports Minister Stuart Ayres to support the installation of full-circuit lighting and other infrastructure investment at SMSP will now be able to proceed as we have hoped! The ARDC team has commenced conversations with the relevant departmental executives and we are reviewing and updating plans as required. We are now working to deliver the lights as soon as possible.
In the spirit of even-handedness, let’s not forget that the preceding Labor government provided the grant funding to enable to circuit extension work at SMSP, so it is great that the Coalition government is also extending support of our sport, its many different forms.
I must advise members that our friend and long-serving Director, Neil Turner, has decide to retire from our Board. Neil has been a diligent and dedicated Board member for over 20 years, first joining the Board in difficult times for the ARDC. He has always been a positive voice around the Board table and a calm and encouraging adviser in his usual role as a Competitor Relations Officer at race meetings. His work for ARDC and motorsport has always been matched, perhaps less visibly, by his equally dedicated wife Ronda. There will be more said at our AGM next month and in my annual President’s Report, but there is no doubt that Neil and Ronda have earned a long and enjoyable retirement. It is often said that an admirable goal is ‘to leave a place better than you found it’, and that is unquestionably the position of the ARDC after the service of Neil and Ronda Turner.
Neil’s term as an ARDC Director does not conclude until May 2020, and as such a casual vacancy has been created on the Board. Under our Constitution, it is the responsibility of the Board to decide the appointment of a qualified member to fill the vacancy until Neil’s term expires. The Board is considering this question and an appointment will be announced in the next few months.
The official Notice of the ARDC Annual General Meeting to be held on 22^nd May this year is included with this newsletter, as are Proxy and Nomination Forms for members eligible to vote. John Cotter, Denis Cribbin, Evan Jones and Terry Thompson will retire at the end of their two-year terms as Directors and have nominated for re-election. Full ARDC Members of at least 3 years standing are eligible to nominate for election to the Board and Nomination Forms have been distributed previously. I encourage qualified members who wish to do so to nominate, but in particular the Board would benefit from a new Director who has skills in areas such as governance, marketing, social media, government relations, risk management and event management. Of course, a passion for motorsport is taken for granted! Nominations will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday 10^th April, 2019.
I mentioned last month that we are seeing a marked increase in the number of female members joining ARDC over the last few months and this trend has continued. Unfortunately, none of our new female members has responded to my invitation to tell us why you joined ARDC and what benefit you hope (or expect) to receive. The invitation remains open and I am still keen to hear from anyone who would like do so, either by sending an email either to reception@ardc.com.au or direct to me at president@ardc.com.au
See you at SMSP,
Cheers,
Andrew
president@ardc.com.au
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