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The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

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The incredible story of a Tasmanian racing driver who used three cars to win the National Sports Sedan Championship, plus behind the scenes with the Sports Racers, a state of the V8 Nation and more! The Racing Magazine Australia is the official publication of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals.

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Page 1: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

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Shannons Pty Limited ABN 91 099 692 636 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807, the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Read the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. Contact us for a copy.

“ N O O N E K N O W S Y O U R

P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”

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4 Speed Shots

6 News in Brief...

8 Pitlane Whiteboard

10 Feature The UNlikely ChamPioN

14 Feature SPorTS raCerS

16 Feature V8TC - keePiNg The FaiTh

18 Feature mallalaVelloUS.

21 round 2 - Categories & entries

29 meeting News

30 Television Coverage lap records

Publisher australian motor racing Pty ltd

editor richard Craill

art Director Sarah anesbury - 121 Creative hilton

Writers richard Craill, amanda Jackson & garry o’Brien

Chief Photographer: Nathan Wong

Production kwik kopy Printing hilton

Feedback We want your feedback. Please email us at [email protected]

advertisers if you would like to advertise in the next issue of The racing magazine please contact 0414 294 153 or email [email protected]

Disclaimer While reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information provided, australian motor racing Pty ltd make no representation, express or implied, as to the accuracy, currency, reliability or suitability. australian motor racing Pty ltd expressly disclaim responsibility for any damages that may be caused by or in connection with the information provided.

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some PeoPle liKe motoR RacinG FoR the caRs, some FoR the DRiVeRs. i liKe it FoR a Bit oF Both, all at once.By richard Craill

The reason i follow this sport, often as a cheerleader for it in the times when others are talking it down, is to see good drivers in good cars reaching or exceeding their maximum potential. i don’t care if it’s Craig lowndes versus maxi Buhk in the closing laps of the Bathurst 12 hour this year, or Jamie Whincup crushing the V8 Supercars field by a significant margin once again; i just want to see the cars and drivers in question doing what they do best to the absolute maximum of their potential. one of the best races i ever saw in person was a Ford mustang versus a little lotus Cortina, at Sydney motorsport Park a few years back. each was driven as hard as possible and each played to their strengths; Mustang in a straight line, Cortina through the twisty bits. good god, it was fantastic. i did not know the drivers, and wouldn’t recognise them from anyone else if they came up in conversation but the battle remains. it is hugely important that, in this time when the sport is seemingly desperate to become more ‘socially relevant’ by introducing energy recovery systems, mandatory fuel limits and turbocharged engines for efficiency, that we keep the bare basics of motorsport in the back of

our minds at all times. motorsport is about car and driver going as fast as possible in a given time and/or distance. it’s for this reason, i think, why Bathurst’s shootout has become so popular over the years. it’s why lap records are always discussed so often. it’s why people love when two drivers at the top of their game crash into each other and get angry.

i could be a masochist but i also love going out and watching testing. There is no pressure and no official results and no reason other than to try and improve car and driver before going racing the next time. i take a strange kind of satisfaction out of going and sitting at a corner and watching a driver try

different lines, different braking points and even throwing it off the road a couple of times trying to find the limit. after all, the sport is all about limits – but it should be about pushing them, rather than restricting them. it’s pleasing to see that a lot of australian motorsport, then, continues to reward the simple act of going as fast as humanly possible. as long as that concept continues to thrive, i’ll keep watching.. and i’m sure many others will, too.

“after all, the sport is all about limits – but it should be about pushing them, rather than restricting them. ”

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Canon 30D, 70-200mm, 1/400 at f22, ISO 400.

NO, this is not a very expensive, freakish car crash on Sandown’s pit straight; it’s perhaps the most diverse collection of racing cars you’re likely to see grouped together at an australian race track – possibly ever. included are the following classes: Sports racer, V8 Touring Cars, Porsche gT3 Cup Challenge, Formula Ford, amChamps, Super Six Touring cars, radical australia Cup, Formula 3 and australian gT (Sports Sedans didn’t quite make it). it wasn’t easy getting all these cars on the grid, together, and early morning rain made this a dicey challenge. But when they were all lined up, the clouds parted, the sunshine broke through and the racing gods smiled on an incredible collection.

caRPaRKinG

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aFTer moNThS of uncertainty, the long-term future of australia’s Formula Ford Series has been secured, with big fields set to return to the grid this year.

FoRmula FutuRe locKeDA RESOUNDING vote of confidence in the new direction of Formula Ford racing in australia has all but secured the categories long-term future, according to key figures within the series. 35 series entries have been received for the reborn Series – now running predominantly with Shannons Nationals rounds this year – with more than 20 cars expected at the mallala season opener. a key reduction in operating and entry costs along with the reintroduction of the previously state level-only kent-powered cars into the national scene has opened the shop front to ‘lad and dad’ racers as well as all-powerful teams like Sonic motor racing, Synergy racing and mike Borland’s eponymous Borland racing Developments team. “The category has certainly been through some

uncertainty,” said michael ritter, the Sonic team chief. “i don’t think that’s news to anyone, but i believe the formula that organisers have come up with now will be a strong one and guarantee a bright future for drivers, teams and administrators.”ritter enters his 16th year of competition for Sonic with Formula Ford in 2014, armed with another barrage of bright young talent for 2014 in the landmark season. West australian Nick rowe and Victorians hamish hardeman and Christian morina spearhead’s Sonic line-up this year. “i can honestly say i’m very excited about the future. With a new structure and National calendar in place and a philosophy of reducing costs the National Formula Ford Series positions itself as the leading driver development series in australia and it’ll continue to provide a platform for our best young talent to learn their craft.”

The Formula Ford association will run the series in 2014, Chairman John van leeuwen indicating that a change in ideology has helped return competitors to the grid following several seasons of rising costs. “The main criteria for driver development is to provide a competitive series which is bred out of strong grid numbers and not what track or audience you are competing on. as a result of the shift to the Shannons Nationals programme we have more than halved entry costs, considerably reduced the travel and accommodation expenses for teams and implemented other cost reduction initiatives such as in season testing and tyre restrictions.”The new australian Formula Ford Series will race at mallala, Winton, Queensland raceway, Wakefield Park, Sydney Motorsport Park and Phillip island (island magic) this year.

Follow the series on twitter @shannonsnats

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FiVe time taKes Dso RoleFiVe-Time Porsche Carrera Cup australia Champion Craig Baird has been confirmed in the role of Driving Standards observer for the 2014 kumho Tyres australian V8 Touring Car Series.The gold Coast-based New Zealander will dovetail the role with the DSo position for the Porsche gT3 Cup Challenge, which also competes on the Shannons australian motor racing Nationals program.Baird, a veteran of 19 Bathurst 1000 starts and 87 V8 Supercars Championship event appearances, takes over the role from Cameron mcConville.“i was going to be at the Shannons Nationals events to do the gT3 Cup Challenge so it makes good sense for me to do both categories and helps split the costs for both as well,” says Baird, who also filled the role for gT3 Cup Challenge last season as well. “Cameron has been in the same role before so he has an open mind to that sort of thing, which is a win-win for both categories. at the end of the day, these categories are about the competitors enjoying their racing. The Shannons Nationals categories are about enjoyment and developing some skills.“There are certainly different skill sets in among the different drivers in the kumho Series but the only way they will all enjoy it is if they can pack their car away on the Sunday night with no damage. Some guys are at the end of their career floating through having fun; others are trying to learn some skills and progress up the ladder. it’s always a balance but it’s all about keeping damage to

a minimum and enjoyment to a maximum.”The kumho Series was introduced in 2008 as a category for cars that are no longer eligible for the V8 Supercar Development Series. it features ex-V8 Supercar Falcons and Commodores rev-limited to 7000rpm (500rpm less than V8 Supercars) using kumho control tyres and has become an unofficial third-tier of the sport.

Porsche ace to do double-duty in race control this year.

The aBSeNCe oF defending two-time champion Simon Tabinor has thrown the Dial Before you Dig australian Super Six Touring Car Series wide open in 2014, with multiples of drivers looking like title chances following Sandown’s season opener. Commodore driver Travis lindorff put his name forward as an early favourite by winning the

season opener, snaring victories in the first two races and a close second position in the finale’ to take the round. holden driver gavin ross and Falcon ace kane Baxter-Smith also were also extremely competitive at Sandown; Baxter-Smith the leading Ford and ross a winner in race three – an early candidate for race of the year. The trio raced nose-to-tail in the opening laps

before a breathtaking period of six corner saw the pair trade paint and positions and ross jump from third to first in the process. lindorff leads the standings with ross and Baxter-Smith in close company; Luke Westall (Falcon) and matthew Palmer (Commodore) in fourth and fifth, respectively.

linDoRFF staKes title claim

Don’t FoRGet to Follow us on FaceBooK www.facebook.com /thenationals

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Pitlane whiteBoaRD

after detailed negotiations, which i’m told involved the editor calling CamS and being the first person to ask for a longer disclaimer, while the publisher was curled up in the opposite corner of the office in the foetal position, hands over ears, repeatedly yelling, “la la la la, i’m not listening:” i’m back.That’s not the only problem. apparently Formula 1 has problems too. No, not the “Bernie is going to jail” problem, or the “maldonado can’t even get to get the hotel lobby in the morning without walking into the door frame” problem. Formula 1 has a noise problem – they’re too bloody quiet.it came to light after the australian grand Prix.Some organiser bloke, on finding the cars are so quiet people were coming up to him and suggesting things like “it’s the grand Prix, maybe you should have some more motor racing on the schedule instead of B-grade radio personalities looking to record ‘me having a major moment in the Turn 14 gravel trap’ as a secret sound for the brekky show next week; and the dudes on skateboards that weren’t good enough to get a gig in the avril lavigne music video,” thought this:“maybe i’ll sue Bernie, because that ecclestone bloke is the kind of reasonable man that will take something like that seriously, and i’m sure he won’t ask his butler to put that law suit in the shredder and watch while bathing in a diamond

encrusted pool filled with one hundred dollar bills, laughing manically at the same time…”But apparently this is a problem, a major problem. We’ve given each team 200-gazillion dollars to build the best racing cars in the universe, and what we’ve got is a sound not too dissimilar to the last five minutes of My Kitchen Rules where the sassy twins from Victoria can’t get the soufflé to rise. Buzzzz, Whirrr, Sluuurp.The merc sounds like a Dyson, and the Ferrari sounds like the electrolux that the cleaner here uses. The renault sounds more like a food processor, but i’m sure once it stops shredding internals like the ginsu ii knife you’d see in the infomercials at 3am after the race finishes on the tele, it’ll sound the same too. (By the way, where is the new ginsu 3? Surely by now those r&D boffins at the Danoz Direct laboratory have something that cuts Carbon Fibre and armco...)The obvious solution is to send it to the Fia Formula one Technical Working group. That’s TWg for those that know the difference between an MGU-H and an MGU-K; unlike me who thought that an mgD is what you are left with in america when you run out of Budweiser.But given the TWg’s achievements after 72 meetings so far include renaming something that everybody else in the world calls an “engine” to something else, and coming up with a set of

regulations leading to front wing designs that looks like something that got David reynolds detention for mowing into the school oval in year 9, i see only SFa coming from those SoB’s. lol!i see only one solution. Black Flag them. Under 95db(a)? in you come. Not loud enough - sort it out.Ferrari can take their car down to Strathfield, the bloke there will have that mgU-h powering a JVC and play some mP3’s of some aC/DC or klF, while installing kimi a gPS, aSaP!Whatever happens, the sport needs to act promptly. if only because presently we can hear ron Dennis and Dietrich mateschitz moaning over the cars. Nobody wants that.

Follow the Pit lane Whiteboard on Twitter: @pitlaneWB

* It goes without saying (but I’ve had an eraser held at my throat until I finish writing this bit, so I’ll say it anyway) that the views expressed in this column are most certainly, totally, absolutely and wholly 100% those of the whiteboard and NOT this publication or it’s associated entities.

it’s the anonymous Twitter account that has more shots at roland Dane than he has at the pub on a Friday morning. and that’s saying something because, as far as whiteboard go, this one drinks a loT. and we’ve given him a second column!

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FOR THE WORLD’S GREATEST CARS.The engineering challenge was simple. Build a tyre that defi nes what sports driving performance is all about. And leave nothing behind. So here it is, the Kumho ECSTA PS91, our best ever tyre for the world’s greatest cars.

For more information visit www.kumho.com.au/ECSTA-PS91

ECSTA PS91 . IT’S PERFORMANCE DEFINED. KUMHO.COM.AU

Proud Supporters of:

iN 2013, riCharD mUSCaT was awarded the inaugural racing magazine ‘racer of The year’ award, based on votes from industry representatives and a fan poll run online, which attracted more than 2,000 votes.

The young Victorian continued his winning ways at Sandown’s australian gT Championship season opener in march, winning both races despite failing to qualify thanks to a technical issue.it is a good start to his defence of his racer of The year award.. and yes.. it will be back in 2014, bigger and better than ever. We’re currently in the process of putting the basics

and eligibility of the award together for this year, along with a prize of commensurate value! Keep an eye on The Racing Magazine to find out more as the 2014 season progresses!

RaceR oF the YeaR.. aGain?

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with thRee, You can BanK it.

There WaS no doubt that when pundits looked at who would likely win the title at the beginning of last year’s season, the name Bruce Banks was not at the top of anyone’s list. and the Tasmanian would certainly have agreed, for he too didn’t expect that he would likely trouble the title contenders.in fact he looked unlikely to even compete. racing at Baskerville late in 2012, his mazda broke an upright . . . and try as he might, he couldn’t get a replacement. “it was an indyCar style of one, manufactured by lola, and albins, the company that was going to rebuilt it, was flat out building the transaxles for the V8 Supercars’ Car of The Future,” said Banks.“i had pretty much given up on getting to Sydney Motorsport Park for the first round when Steve Vigurs rang me. he had built two of my previous chassis’ and had just completed a new one with a Chev Camaro body and 782hp Nascar engine that i could use.”many of the suspension components in the Camaro came from the Bob Jolly Commodore/Chev which had passed through the hands of

rodney Woods and ian ross before Vigurs brought it.The new combination of Banks and Camaro qualified eighth for the opening race in which he finished sixth. In the next outing he was fifth and in the last, fourth.meanwhile Tony ricciardello made up for a dismal 2012, driving his alfa/Chev to a comprehensive round victory. He qualified fastest and took all three races ahead of defending series winner kerry Baily (aston martin/Chev) with Daniel Tamasi (Calibra/Chev) third. overall Banks was fourth and left New South Wales trailing ricciardello by 34 points.mallala motorsport Park was the next venue, very different from the Sydney venue. an emotional Jeff Barnes was a surprise winner of the Clem Smith Cup, the feature race at round two, making the right tactical calls while the fancied runners wallowed or had dramas in the wind and rain-plagued conditions.each of the races offered more twists and turns than a mystery novel. it was a stunner for the hallmark event as only Barnes and Daniel Tamasi

(holden Calibra/Chev) managed to go the whole distance while Banks was a lap down in third.ricciardello’s round was compromised when he hit the lapped and struggling Damien Johnson holden Torana whilst in front. meanwhile Darren hossack looked to be off to a great result after easily winning the opening race but he made a late strategy call to switch to dry tyres as the field formed up, losing a couple of laps in the process and then retiring later with a blown head gasket. Banks maintained his fourth in the standings, but now only 30 points covered the top four.From South australia it was off to Queensland for round three and a brief solace from the southern winter chills. Banks and the Camaro were becoming a quick combination as the Tasmanian became more familiar with the car and the move from rotary to V8 power. “i was getting used to the lineal power of the V8,” he confirmedBanks qualified seventh and faster than many that he would, under previous circumstances, see disappearing into the distance ahead. Dameon Jameson (Jaguar/Chev), Colin Smith (holden monaro/Chev), anthony Cox (Saab/Dodge)

When one car is not enough, then maybe two is the option.. But in Bruce Banks’ case he needed three to pull off a surprise win in the 2013 kerrick australian Sports Sedan Series. garry o’BrieN recounts this remarkable tale of three cars leading to one title. Words: garry o’Brien images: Nathan Wong

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and Barnes (Pontiac Trans am) rounded out the top ten.In the first race Banks was fifth with only the heavy metal of ricciardello, hossack, Baily and Bradford ahead. Banks trailed the Bradford Camaro by 2.5 seconds for another fifth in the second before getting past his the Queenslander on the last lap of the final race for a fine fourth.ricciardello set lap records at Queensland raceway but loose body work meant a pitstop and a finish down the order. It was not all plain sailing for Banks either who had no brakes for much of the round. “At one point the fluid boiled and splashed all over me,” he recalled. Defending series winner Baily found himself back at the top of the points with Bradford second and Banks now up to third five points away. There was a 45 point margin to Baily.For the fourth round at the Phillip island circuit in Victoria, Banks was back aboard his trusty mazda steed. he was expected to not qualify as well as the last couple of rounds, and didn’t. But eighth wasn’t bad on the super-fast Victorian layout.The front runners were again in the wars. Not so much for anything mechanical but this time for excessive noise. That knocked out both hossack and Baily while ricciardello had a re-occurrence of the bodywork issue from Queensland which was later determined to be a damaged chassis from the mallala accident.Baily was affected the most, losing his lead in the series and dropping to third overall. By virtue of consistency and some handy placings, namely a fifth and a fourth with a career-defining third in between, Banks had assumed the lead in the series.

his had a 22 point margin over Bradford with ricciardello another 14 points adrift. Baily was in the mix as well but would not compete at the final round due to business commitments. “With the way the points worked i thought i had a chance for sure going to the last round,” appraised Banks.

But his optimism received a savage jolt when the Mazda expired in the first Saturday session. “I

was devastated at that point. Put simply it was a mistake on our part, and not the fault of the car. Basically it punched out a centre bearing and we had no spare engine.”

at this point in steps Victorian Dean Camm stepped forward with the generous offer to race his Chev Corvette. “you have just got to win this championship he told me,” and with a sign-off by the rest of the field, it was all systems go.

ricciardello gave his best shot in a bid for title

number eight, and after scoring pole position, won all three races and took a new lap record – a time that was two tenths of a second faster than the new lap record set in Formula 3 on same day.

But he fell 11 points short of the ultimate prize. Banks needed placings to hold off a points haulage from ricciardello and Bradford. after a fifth in the opening foray, he followed up with a fourth, but there was further drama.

“one of the headers fell off in race two and was run over. We had to fabricate a new header at the track and time was against us,” said Banks reliving the anxious time some months later. “i suited up and sat in the car – it was all i could do – and waited.”

Banks made the grid, finished third and that was enough for history books to record that a battler from the apple isle had snared the crown.

“it was Dean’s gracious offer that kept my chances alive and i also have to thank my fellow competitors for all giving their approval and allowing me to make the car change,” Banks said. “Then to win the title with all the late drama, it is hard to put into words the way i felt.”

“a Tasmanian beat me for the title last year and another one beat me this year (2013), i think we should have them banned,” quipped the West australian ricciardello. From the two furthest states that compete in the mainly eastern seaboard situated series, West aussies and Tasmanians have dominated the australian Sports Sedan Championship/Series with eight titles each since it was revised in 1991.

Banks made the grid, finished third and that was enough for history books to record that a battler from the Apple Isle had snared the crown.

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suPeR{sPoRts}RaceRs

2014 will be a year of change for the australian Sports racing Series, as it steps up to a truly National level for the first time.With spiritual links to the hugely popular sports car racing scene of the 70s and 80s, these lemans prototype style sports cars offer scintillating performance, amazing dynamics and spectacularly close racing.all cars are designed to maximise aerodynamic performance, weighing just 400kg, with various marques powered by high-tech production-based motorcycle engines revving to 13,500 RPM; allowing them to lap circuits at V8 Supercar times.To find out more about what makes these amazing cars tick, we spoke to the men responsible for two of the many currently available Sports racer makes.“The Sports racer category is like no other category on offer in australia and it is so great to see it stepping up to the Shannons Nationals,” said adam Proctor, the 2013 Sports racer champion who will run four Stohrs out of aP racing across the 2014 Series, one of which Proctor will drive himself. “These cars have huge appeal and offer big bang for your buck – they echo lemans style race cars, they have low-running costs and supreme performance with ultra-reliable, high-revving and low maintenance engines, are light weight and have excellent aerodynamics.“This all means that these cars are very fast - lapping quicker than V8 Supercars and capable of a top speed of 250 kilometres per hour and well over 3 gs while cornering.

“of the various makes available, the Stohr has unique styling and superior aerodynamics which have made it the car to beat in australia and the US. Using a Suzuki gSXr 1000cc engine, Stohrs have won three straight australian Championships and 12 US National championships. “They are fantastic cars to drive – with such great aerodynamics they give the driver great confidence and the six speed sequential gearbox and paddle shift is a real bonus, providing a Formula one feel.” While the Stohr has won the last few championships, the West chassis is also a clear favourite amongst 2014 australian Sports racer entrants, with aaron Steer‘s West race Cars responsible for their production in adelaide.“West has the largest number of Sports racers in australia and is the only Sports racer that has been wind tunnel tested. Currently there are 18 Wests located across the country and we expect to see around 14 of those in action during the 2014 Series,” said Steer, who will race a West in the 2014 Series.“In my opinion you will not find bigger bang for your buck in australian motorsport than what you will find in the Sports Racer series, I am so excited to see these cars showcased to our new-found larger community through this partnership with the Shannons Nationals.“These cars are capable of breaking forces in excess of 3gs, corning forces of 3g, can travel from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, are faster than a V8 Supercar and lap faster than Casey Stoner’s record at Phillip island. They are very fun to drive

– the combination of braking, corner speed, an engine revving to 13,000 rpm and a paddle shifter makes you feel like you are playing F1 on your playstation!“To top it off, while they may be really fast, they are super easy to drive – my first time driving a race car was a West and it was so forgiving and user friendly, i was on the pace in no time. There is not a race day that goes past where the West doesn’t surprise me with its performance.”

it’s not just the World endurance Championship – the home of lemans Sportscars – that is having something of a renaissance at the moment.. australia is getting it two. This year the Sports racer Series steps up to the plate as a series to watch. amaNDa JaCkSoN chats to key contenders to find out what makes them tick. Words: amanda Jackson images: West race Cars / richard Craill / Sports racer Series

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sPoRts RaceR in 60 seconDs:• Makes: West,stohr,spead, RaDicals, PRince lsR

• engines: production-based motoRcYcle enGines -Mostpopulararesuzuki andkaWasaki,Mid-Mounted

• revliMit: upto13,500rpM

• topspeed: over250kMhat some ciRcuits

• gearbox: sixspeedsequential gearboxWithpaddleshift

• corneringload:3gs

• brakingforcesinexcessof3gs

• 0-100kMhin2.7seconds

• rearWheeldrive

• spacefraMechassis

want moRe? Go to www.sPoRtsRaceR.com.au

“In my opinion you will not find bigger bang for your buck in Australian motorsport than what you will find in the Sports Racer series...”

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KeePinG the FaithThings were tough when the kumho V8 Touring Cars Series was launched in the early stages of the 2008 racing season. grids were limited and for a time, the future looked bleak. Now entering its seventh season, riCharD Craill charts the progress of one of the sports success stories of the last decade.

Photos by Nathan Wong

FoUr CarS. That was it. When two holdens, one VT and one VS, and two aU Falcons fronted at a chilly mallala on Friday, may 16 2008 for the first round of a brand-new V8 series there were naturally doubts about its sustainability. But being the first round of a whole new concept, people a bold new experiment time to grow. Build it, the film said, and they will come. however when just three cars fronted at the next round at eastern Creek a month or two later, there was a very good chance that what would ultimately become a third-tier V8 Supercar series would never actually get off the ground. The early days of what we now know as the kumho V8 Touring Car Series were tough.. really tough.. but in a true test of preservation the organisers and early supporters stuck with it and now the result is a vibrant, tough and competitive series that not only gives a place to race for ex-V8 Supercars to race, but a place for drivers looking to step up to prove their worth. From that low of three cars in the middle of 2008, the series reached a high of 20 cars by the first round of the 2011 season and, by then, things were properly underway. The series had begun to develop its own feel, its own history and

its own image beyond just a place for old cars to go and play. By the time that Chris Smerdon (2008) and adam Wallis (2009) had won their titles in the series’ formative years, things got more competitive when Tony evangelou, a driver with V8 Supercars main-game and Dunlop Series experience, won in 2010. Terry Wyhoon’s win in 2011 marked the end of a generation – a period before the series was discovered by young, wannabe V8 Supercar drivers looking for experience to drive the cars. When Josh hunter made his debut in the opening round of the 2012 season, it was clear there had been a generational switch in the now kumho series. The grandson of Speedway legend garry rush, hunter was a Formula Ford graduate looking for a more affordable entry point – and arguably one at a level commensurate with his experience – to V8 racing. Despite a challenging season and with a still limited budget, hunter proved his capabilities and won the title. That Shae Davies – who already had a Porsche Carrera Cup drive at the same time – did the same the following season was proof that the game had changed in V8 Touring Car land. The entry

of ryan Simpson and noted driver developers, Sonic motor racing, into the series’ mid season continued the trend.

it’s amazing how far the series has come across six seasons and after the challenging opening few years, it has delivered some incredible moments.

Terry Wyhoon edging out mackay youngster Justin garioch by 0.08s at Sydney motorsport Park in 2011 was great. The wild last lap of the third race in the 2013 season opener that featured one of the best last laps of the entire motorsport year, in any category: an incredible four or five car shootout that saw Shae Davies snatch victory from nowhere in the final turns.

in the perfect example of something going ‘viral’, hundreds of thousands of people online were exposed to the series thanks to shaky, mobile-phone filmed vision of Jim Pollicina leaping from eighth to first in the space of four hundred meters at Sydney motorsport Park the same year.

its memories like these that legitimise the series’ position in the landscape. after all, how many people talk about the fact the series once had three cars these days?

Zero.

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WHERE THE ACTION IS!

come trackside and join

the south australian

motor racing officials

association

For your ultimate motorsport experience visit

www.samroa.org.au

“The early days of what we now know as the Kumho V8 Touring Car Series

were tough.. really tough..”

Page 18: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

18 | the RacinG maGazine

Clem Smith sits quietly in the background of australian motorsport and yet remains one of the sports more influential figures from the last 40 years. his circuit, mallala motorsport Park, has for more than thirty years provided the only place to race, consistently, in South australia. riCharD Craill chats to the adelaide car dealer and noted Sports Sedan racer

The imPorTaNCe of mallala motorsport Park to South australian motorsport is unquestionable and real. as the only permanent circuit in the state, its absence now would cripple the local industry who (at least for now) lack an alternative. if the public face of the sport in adelaide is the Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar event, mallala has been its beating heart for thirty years or more. Founded as royal australian air Force Base mallala during World War two, the current circuit was the home of the raaF No. 6 Service Flying Transport School before the taxiways and hangar hardstands were first used as a racetrack in the early 1960s, as CAMS looked to find a permanent home for the sport in South australia following the closure of Port Wakefield. However, after more than ten years of solid use, the circuit fell into disrepair as the new adelaide international raceway (air), built just 20 minutes away by local racer keith Williams, took over as the prominent circuit in the state. enter Clem Smith: “(mallala) Would have only been disused for 4 years, in 1971 they went down to air and it was ’76 when i started negotiations to buy and i think i ended up paying for it in ’77. anything good from mallala was taken down there to AIR; they didn’t rip the track up or anything like that, though i thought they had.” “The story was they sold it to a farmer and he had it up for sale in ’76. a very good friend of

mine, the late reg Sparks, who was a great guy for the sport, suggested we get it going again: People didn’t like air very much because it wasn’t a very interesting track, they liked the sharp, hard corners of mallala as more of a drivers track. reg said ‘why don’t we give it a go, put some money in and buy the thing.”experience told Clem that this was a venture that needed to be taken alone. “i said: ‘if i have to do this, reg, i will take it on but if you get a silly group of people together it is not going to work.’ So i put all the hard work in. it started off very different to what it is today. (i was) Not helped by CamS by any means. There is a big story there, but it takes a while to tell it, and all the legal side...”The full tale of the efforts put into bringing mallala back from the dead deserves to one day to be told in full: it is one of legal battles, alleged underhanded dealings from the opposition and not surprisingly, difficult dealings with CAMS. However, after years of struggle, finally.. “In 1982 we got a license and started racing again,” Clem remembers.“The only favour i had was that CamS pulled the pin on Touring Cars at air and they had to come to me didn’t they?”mallala’s aTCC return came in 1989 and continued for eleven years, including an incredible sight in 2007, when an 30,500 people crammed into the venue to see Peter Brock’s last visit.

history will show that the Clipsal 500 would take the V8’s away from mallala, it’s days of attracting such crowds now well in its past. however, the facility remains solidly booked for both racing and the essential track days and corporate events that nowadays are the bread-and-butter for circuits everywhere. had it not been for Clem Smith, South australian motorsport might be a very different place altogether: and not all for the better.

mallalaVellous.

Page 19: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

thenationals.com.au | 19

“Had it not been for Clem Smith, South Australian Motorsport might be

a very different place altogether: and not all for the better.”

Page 20: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11
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RounD 2 mallala, sa

shannons austRalian motoR RacinG nationalsround2,Mallala,southaustralia•april25-27,2014

thenationals.com.au | 21

oRGanisation anD statusThe event shall be held under the international Sporting Code of the Federation internationale de l’automobile (Fia,) the National Competition rules of the Confederation of australian motor Sport (CamS), the race meeting Standing regulations published by CamS, relevant Category Championship or Series Sporting regulations as approved by CamS, the Supplementary regulation, and any Further regulations or Bulletins that may be issued by either the Series or meeting organisers. This event will be conducted under aand in accordance with CamS oh&S and risk management Policies which can be found on the CamS Website at www.cams.com.au. insurance for this event is provided in accordance with appendix 1 of the current CamS manual. authorised under CamS Permit No 814/2704/01

PRomoteR: mallala motorsport Park Pty ltd 1050 South road edwardstown Sa 5039 Phone: 08 8276 7744, Fax 08 8276 7290 email: [email protected] Website: www.mallala.com

oFFicials oF the meetinGClerk of Course: David mori Deputy Clerk of Course: Tony aloi assistant Clerk of Course: rob Thiry Secretary of the meeting: Joan Shearer Series Steward: Steve lisk Stewards: Bradley Tubb (Chair), kathy Schmidt, Phil Twigg Series Director: rob Curkpatrick Judges of fact: Start: David mori, Barry Frost or Deputy Finish: David mori, Peter green, Barry Frost or Deputy

Chief Medical Officer: Dr John Couper-Smartt

Chief Timekeeper: Barry Frost Chief Scrutineer: Tim edmonds Communications: emergency Coordinator liam meegan Speed & Noise Sue South Starter: Peter green, June Bunker-marratt Course marshals: Samroa

Safety Car: keith Williamson Course Car: Steve lewis Chase Car: rob mead Chief grid marshal: Jason Thiele Chief Pit marshal: Peter South

Chief Paddock marshal: Fire & rescue: Women for Wheels Flag marshals: Sa motor racing Officials Ass

Chief recovery marshal: ambulance and First aid: mallala motorsport Park equipment & Supply: gordon Sweeney & Peter Winton

Chief Flag Marshal: Adam Litchfield asst Chief Flag marshal: ray mcguiness Series Commentator: Darren Smith Credentials Office: Sally Cowan media manager: richard Craill media Centre: Claire Williamson Documentation: Joan Shearer

entRiesThe organisers accept entries and driver nominations in good faith. every effort is made to adhere to the printed program of competitors but the promoter cannot accept responsibility for the failure of any driver or competing vehicle to appear. although every endeavour is made to avoid inaccuracies in the description of competing vehicles, the organisers accept no responsibility for any that may occur. The organisers reserve the right to postpone, abandon or cancel the meeting or any part thereof.

imPoRtant notices anD GeneRal inFoRmation, DisclaimeR exclusionofliabilitY,releaseandassumPtion oF RisKmotoR sPoRt is DanGeRousin exchange for being able to attend or participate in the event, (and as a condition of the purchase or issue of a ticket), you agree: to release Confederation of australian motor Sport ltd (“CamS”) and australian motor Sport Commission ltd, promoters, sponsor organisations, land owners and lessees, organisers of the event, their respective servants, officials, representatives and agents (collectively, the “associated entities”) from all liability for your death, personal injury (including burns), psychological trauma, loss or damage (including property damage) (“harm”) howsoever arising from your participation in or attendance at the event, except to the extent prohibited by law; that CamS and the associated entities do not make any warranty implied or express, that the event services will be provided with due care and skill or that any materials provided in connection with the services will be fit for the purpose for which they are supplied; and to attend or participate in the event at your own risk. you acknowledge that: the risks associated with attending or participating in the event include the risk that you may suffer harm as a result of: motor vehicles (or parts of them) colliding

with other motor vehicles, persons or property; acts of violence and other harmful acts (whether intentional or inadvertent) committed by persons attending or participating in the event; and the failure or unsuitability of facilities (including grand-stands, fences and guard rails) to ensure the safety of persons or property at the event. motor sport is dangerous and that accidents causing harm can and do happen and may happen to you. you accept the conditions of, and acknowledge the risks arising from, attending o or participating in the event and being provided with the event services by CamS and the associated entities.

PRohiBiteD aReasThe organisers of the event have made every effort to ensure the safety of spectators at this meeting. in the interest of public safety, all areas other than the official spectator areas are prohibited. The spectator areas are plainly defined and spectators are requested to keep behind the safety fence at all times. Do not walk on the circuit at any time, or move into prohibited areas. in the event of an accident on the circuit, the public must remain behind the safety fence as their entry to the race track may cause further accidents and hinder officials.

saFetYThe fencing erected around this circuit is there for your protection. it is forbidden to stand, sit or climb on it.

PaRKinGVehicles are permitted to enter and park on condition that the promoters and circuit owners are not under any liability whether in contract or in tort and whether for negligence as an occupier, or on any other basis or for any cause for action, for loss or damage to the vehicle or its contents no matter how or whether such may be caused.

PetsPets are not allowed at mallala motor Sport Park during race meetings, unless approved by State legislation.

aPPReciation anD thanKsmallala motorsport Park thanks the following for their support;

Competitors and Category managers All Officials of the Meeting SAMROA (Flag Officials) Sa Scrutineers Women for Wheels gilbert motor Bodies austin 7 Club Timing Team Shannons insurance hi-Tec oils Southgate holden

Page 22: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

RounD 2 mallala, sa

scheDuleFRiDaY 25th aPRil

700 Gates Open

830 Practice 1 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 20 min

855 Practice 1 Australian Formula Ford Series 20 min

920 Practice 1 Australian Sports Racer Series 20 min

945 Practice 1 Kerrick Sports Sedan Series 20 min

1010 Practice 1 Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series 20 min

1035 Practice 2 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 20 min

1100 Practice 2 Australian Formula Ford Series 20 min

1125 Practice 2 Australian Sports Racer Series 20 min

1150 Practice 2 Kerrick Sports Sedan Series 20 min

1210 Lunch Break Documentation to Category Managers 30 min

1240 Practice 2 Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series 20 min

1305 Practice 1 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 30 min

1340 Practice 3 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 20 min

1405 Practice 3 Australian Formula Ford Series 20 min

1430 Practice 3 Australian Sports Racer Series 20 min

1455 Practice 3 Kerrick Sports Sedan Series 20 min

1520 Practice 3 Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series 20 min

1545 Practice 2 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 30 min

1620 Sponsor Rides Aust Super Six Touring Cars 20 min

1640 Sponsor Rides Aust V8 Touring Cars/Porsche GT3 CCA 30 min

Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:

n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discountsn Limited Use & Club Plate cover n Laid up cover n One excess free windscreen claim per year n Total Loss Salvage options n Home Contents Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by the month premiums at no extra cost

Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast.

INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU

Shannons Limited ABN 91 099 962 636 an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. First refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at shannons.com.au or by calling 13 46 46.

“ N O O N E K N O W S Y O U R

P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”

22 | the RacinG maGazine

Page 23: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

RounD 2 mallala, sa

scheDulesatuRDaY 26th aPRil

700 Gates Open

915 Practice 1 Australian Formula Ford Series 20 min

940 Practice 1 Australian Sports Racer Series 20 min

1005 Practice 1 Kumho Tyres Aust. V8 Touring Car Series 20 min

1030 Practice 1 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 20 min

1055 Qualifying 1 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 20 min

1120 Qualifying 1 Kerrick Sports Sedan Series 20 min

1145 Qualifying 1 Australian Formula Ford Series 20 min

1205 Officials Break 20 min

1230 Qualifying 1 Kumho Tyres Aust. V8 Touring Car Series 20 min

1255 Qualifying 1 Australian Sports Racer Series 20 min

1320 Qualifying 2 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 20 min

1350 Qualifying 1 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 20 min

1420 Qualifying 2 Kerrick Sports Sedan Series 20 min

1450 Race 1 Kumho Tyres Aust. V8 Touring Car Series 15 laps

1520 Race1 Australian Sports Racer Series 15 laps

1550 Race1 Australian Formula Ford Series 12 laps

1620 Race 1 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 8 laps

1645 Officials Break & Demonstrations 30 min

1720 Race 1 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 40 laps

Jim Richards Trophy Race

sunDaY 27th aPRil

700 Gates Open

915 Warmup Kumho Tyres Aust. V8 Touring Car Series 10 min

935 Race 1 Kerrick Sports Sedan Series 12 laps

1005 Race 2 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 14 laps

1035 Race 2 Australian Formula Ford Series 10 laps

1105 Race 2 Australian Sports Racer Series 15 laps

1135 Race 2 Kumho Tyres Aust. V8 Touring Car Series 15 laps

1205 Race 2 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 8 laps

1235 Race 2 Clem Smith Cup 15 laps

Kerrick Sports Sedan Series

1300 Clem Smith Cup Podium on Track 15 min

1315 Demonstrations 10 min

1335 Race 3 Kumho Tyres Aust. V8 Touring Car Series 20 laps

1415 Race 3 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 14 laps

1445 Race 3 Australian Formula Ford Series 14 laps

1515 Race 3 Australian Sports Racer Series 15 laps

1545 Race 3 DBYD Aust.Super Six Touring Car Series 8 laps

Des Wall Trophy

1615 Race 3 Kerrick Sports Sedan Series 12 laps

Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:

n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discountsn Limited Use & Club Plate cover n Laid up cover n One excess free windscreen claim per year n Total Loss Salvage options n Home Contents Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by the month premiums at no extra cost

Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast.

INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU

Shannons Limited ABN 91 099 962 636 an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. First refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at shannons.com.au or by calling 13 46 46.

“ N O O N E K N O W S Y O U R

P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”

thenationals.com.au | 23

Page 24: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

austRalian FoRmula FoRD seRieson the weB:

RounD 2 mallala, sa

24 | the RacinG maGazine

car sPonsoR DRiVeR state Vehicle2 Sonic/kTEQ Nick Rowe Vic F/Ford

3 Sonic/Mornington Peninsula Brewery Hamish Hardeman Vic F/Ford

4 Sonic/Calista Property Group Christian Morina Vic F/Ford

10 State Fleet Services Matthew Roseler SA F/Ford

11 Colin M Hill Engineering Cameron Hill ACT F/Ford

13 Shockwave Signs/ToolForce Jimmy Vernon NSW F/Ford

15 Borland Racing Developments Tom Grech Vic F/Ford

20 Synergy Motorsport Caitlin Wood NSW F/Ford

24 Express print Nick Ellen Vic F/Ford

27 Synergy Motorsport Jake Parsons NSW F/Ford

31 Gippsland Body Builders James Golding Vic F/Ford

33 Gregory Edwards Gregory Edwards SA F/Ford

49 CKAS/Kerkick/Voluparts/SnapOn/Mobil1 Thomas Randle Vic F/Ford

58 Symes Race Engineering Steve Courtis Vic F/Ford

74 ZenGarage/SmogCarWraps/H2CoCo/Synergy

Trent Grubel NSW F/Ford

75 Phoenix Project Management Julian Lunetta SA F/Ford

77 James Garley James Garley NSW F/Ford

87 Tim Hamilton Tim Hamilton Qld F/Ford

88 Synergy/www.gregholloway.com Greg Holloway Vic F/Ford

91 Light and Power Electrical Christopher Slusarski SA F/Ford

94 Littleblackfox.com/CLPS Jordan Lloyd Qld F/Ford

96 All Security Northside Fasteners "Browns" Jimmy Bailey Qld F/Ford

97 Coates Hire Liam McAdam Qld F/Ford

For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au

Page 25: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

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thenationals.com.au | 25

dialbeforeYoudigaustraliansupersixtouringcarserieson the weB: www.salooncaRs.net.au

car sPonsoR DRiVeR state Vehicle2 501 Performance Ben Grice QLD AU Falcon

3 Inland Motor Body Works Jason Leoncini VIC VT Comm

4 Auddino First National Tony Auddino WA AU Falcon

6 Morphett Vale Garage Wayne King SA VT Comm

7 Buyaustralianmade.com.au Phil Gray VIC AU Falcon

10 BRE/ Morphett Vale Garage Tony James WA VT Comm

16 Kleenduct Australia P/L Harley Phelan VIC VT Comm

17 Batteries Direct & Nippys Matt Lovell SA AU Falcon

18 Truckphones.com.au Brent Edwards VIC AU Falcon

21 AG Panel & Paint Dylan Richter SA EB Falcon

25 Steet Fighter Brad Day SA VT Comm

27 Transley Solutions Luke Westall NSW AU Falcon

38 Blackwell Race Engines Gavin Ross VIC VT Comm

41 Dial Before You Dig Mark Primmer NSW AU Falcon

42 Dial Before You Dig Cameron Moss NSW AU Falcon

51 Casey Accident Repair Travis Lindorff VIC VT Comm

56 PPG Racing Kane Baxter-Smith QLD AU Falcon

64 Cachet Homes Chris Lillis WA VT Comm

81 Rick Gill Motorcycles Rick Gill WA AU Falcon

56 Baxter Electrical Kane Baxter-Smith QLD AU Falcon

64 Cachet Homes Chris Lillis WA VT Comm

67 Scotts Rods Exhausts Lindsay Kearns QLD AU Falcon

68 Wayne Bates Racing Wayne Bates VIC AU Falcon

81 Rick Gill Motorcycles Rick Gill WA AU Falcon

For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au

Page 26: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

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26 | the RacinG maGazine

car sPonsoR DRiVeR state Vehicle2 Fleetplus Scott Taylor QLD Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

3 Eva Racing/Evolve Technic Peter Fitzgerald VIC Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

6 SAFE-T_STOP Richard Gartner NSW Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

7 Racing Dynamics/Fabeto Racing Jack Falla WA Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

9 Fleetplus Tim Miles NSW Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

13 htfu Sam Shahin SA Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

15 ULX110 Blend Oil Veloce Motorsport Keith Wong SA Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

16 Kinpath Group John Karytinos SA Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

22 Bill Campbell Builders Matt Campbell QLD Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

44 Merry Sparks Art Grant Sparks QLD Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

51 Warrin Mining Volvo Construction Adam Wallis SA Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

65 Porsche Centre Brighton/TRP/Torque Money Fraser Ross VIC Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

66 Gap Solutions/Sektor John Goodacre SA Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

68 Superbullitt Racing/Thomson Geer Michael O'Donnell SA Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

69 Dial Before You Dig Jon MNcCorkindale NSW Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

99 Southern Star Windows Ross McGregor VIC Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

PoRsche Gt3 cuP challenGeon the weB: www.Gt3cuPchallenGe.com.au

For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au

austRalian sPoRts RaceR seRieson the weB: www.sPoRtsRaceR.com.au

car sPonsoR DRiVeR state Vehicle1 AP Racing Adam Proctor NSW Stohr

2 AP Racing Darren Barlow NSW Stohr

3 West Race Cars Aaron Steer SA West

7 Yasser Shahin Yasser Shahin SA Radical

14 Ken's Exhaust Systems Roger I'Anson SA West

16 MSR Motorsport Fabrication Mark Short SA Prince

53 Bryan Stoeckel Jonathan Stoeckel VIC West

56 West Race Cars John-Paul Drake QLD West

61 Laucke Flour Mills Mark Laucke SA West

65 Racemoves Graeme Cook SA West

66 West Race Cars James Winslow NSW West

88 CRC Industries/ Kitten Gerrit Ruff SA West

For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au

Page 27: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

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thenationals.com.au | 27

car sPonsoR DRiVeR state Vehicle1 BJ Banks Electrical Bruce Banks Tas Mazda RX7

4 Auto Union Deutsche Darren Hossack Vic Audi A4

5 B&M Ricciardello Motors Tony Ricciardello WA Alfa Romeo GTV

8 Pfitzner Performance Gearbox Simon Pfitzner SA Falcon

9 Domain Prestige Homes Steven Tamasi Vic Holden Calibra

21 Moonbi Oil Traders Phil Crompton Qld Ford Mustang

32 Bell Real Estate Michael Robinson Vic Holden Monaro

44 MR Automotive Colin Smith Qld Holden Monaro

67 Stawell Cartage Bruce Henley Vic Mazda RX8

68 Aston Air Conditioning Shane Bradford Qld Chev Camaro

81 The Car Mine/Liqui Moly/Meguiars Charlie Senese Qld Chev Corvette

KeRRicK sPoRts seDan seRieson the weB: www.sPoRtsseDans.com.au

Kumho tYRes austRalian V8 touRinG caR seRieson the weB: www.V8touRinGcaRs.com.au

car sPonsoR DRiVeR state Vehicle3 Fernandez Motorsport Jose Fernandez NSW Ford Falcon BA

4 Kustom Workz/Supercar Parts & Sales Shane Hunt Qld Ford Falcon BF

8 Poco Racing Steve Briffa NSW Commodore VY

12 JCV Automotive John Vergotis NSW Ford Falcon BA

14 selby.com.au Simon Tabinor VIC Ford Falcon BF

18 Falcon Spares/Engine Master Matt Chahda NSW Ford Falcon BA

21 Century 21 Hazelbrook Chris Delfsma NSW Ford Falcon BA

24 STR Truck Bodies Ford Falcon BF

38 Eggleston Motorsport Commodore VZ

39 Vectra Corp/Lubrimaxx Chris Smerdon SA Ford Falcon BA

45 THR Motorsport/Wemake Horsepower Commodore VZ

48 STR Truck Bodies Matthew Palmer Vic Ford Falcon BF

51 THR Motorsport/Wemake Horsepower Craig Dontas SA Commodore VZ

54 Eggleston Motorsport Justin Ruggier NSW Commodore VZ

57 ADG Engineering/Precise Precut/GCPF Lyle Kearns Qld Commodore VZ

88 Parramatta Smash Repairs Ryan Simpson NSW Ford Falcon BF

For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au

For more entry information, visit www.thenationals.com.au

Page 28: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

28 | the RacinG maGazine

heRe’s to anotheR 75..The opening round of the 2014 Shannons australian motor racing Nationals was held at Sandown raceway in late march.. and it was an absolute belter! relive all of the thrilling action from the season opener – the historic 75th Nationals round held since it’s inception in 2006!

The ShaNNoNS australian motor racing Championships concluded their celebratory 75th round in style with a packed weekend of racing at Sandown raceway in melbourne, between march 28-30. Six top categories put on a show with a series of ultra-competitive sprint and endurance races entertaining in perfect conditions at the suburban melbourne venue and in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. The day finished with the Australian manufacturers Championship (amChamP) Sandown 3-hour Classic, won by melbourne father-son combination rob and Shane marshall, driving a mitsubishi lancer evo X rS.The pair survived the gruelling race that claimed several fancied runners early, to take the victory by less than 50-seconds ahead of the Sherrin rentals BmW 135i driven by grant and iain Sherrin. The two leading cars completed 123 laps (380km) across the three hours and led home the third-placed mazda 3 mPS driven by Jake Camilleri and Scott Nicholas by four laps. Just twelve cars finished the tough race with the pole sitting mitsubishi of garry holt and Stuart kostera amongst the casualties – that car sidelined with mechanical issues on lap 60. The cars finishing on the outright podium also each won their respective class battles (a, B and C) whilst the Class D battle came down to a fight to the line between two honda teammates: the Conroy motorsport pairing of Jake Williams / geoff rands edged out the sister car of kev herben and luke king by just 0.2 seconds in the fight for class victory and fifth outright. The amChamp season of endurance continues at Phillip island in may with the second running of the epic great Southern Four hour enduro. richard muscat wrapped up a perfect weekend in the australian gT Championship Presented by Pirelli, sweeping to his second victory in as many starts in his erebus motorsport SlS amg gT3

– but it wasn’t an easy victory. The Victorian star had to work his way through the field following the compulsory pit stops and only worked his way into the lead within the last fifteen minutes after a competitive battle with aston martin driver Tony Quinn. muscat then had to hold off a chasing John Bowe in the maranello Ferrari in the closing stages before he could secure the victory and an early lead in the gT standings. Bowe and co-driver Edwards finished second in the Ferrari with an impressive drive from Ben eggleston seeing his aston martin DBrS9 ultimately score third and the trophy class victory. A late race scuffle including Tony Quinn and lapped runner Jim manolios (Ferrari 458) saw both cars damaged in the closing stages, Quinn losing a potential podium in the process. The australian gT Championship returns to the Shannons Nationals in may this year, with the running of a 101-lap endurance race on the Saturday of the may 23-25 event. Tim Berryman defeated Neale Muston in the final radical australia Cup 50-minute enduro, leading the defending class champion for much of the race before holding him off in a tense finish to the race. muston was closing on the leader within the final few minutes of the race however a rare mistake saw him run off the circuit, surrendering any chances of continuing his incredible run of victories in the competitive Sports Car class. Jon Corbett finished third, Chris Medland fourth and Greg Smith fifth – all running the V8-powered Sr8 entries. oliver Smith edged out robert Baird by just 0.9 seconds to win the Sr3 ‘race within a race’ battle. he’d never raced a Porsche at his home circuit before the Sandown round, but that didn’t stop Porsche gT3 Cup Challenge presented by Pirelli series leader Fraser ross from sweeping to victory in round two of the one-make series at Sandown. Following John goodacre taking the race one

victory on Saturday, Ross confidently won both of Sunday’s 12-lap sprint races to firmly entrench himself on top of the gT3 Cup Challenge standings heading into the endurance races that make up the middle segment of the season. Jon McCorkindale finished third, behind Goodacre, for the round to continue his good run of form. matt Campbell won the Class B battle in his slightly older-specification 997 GT3 Cup Car. Ben gersekowski continued his good form to take out round two of the Formula 3 australian Drivers Championship, winning both races and the round in emphatic fashion. The gilmour racing Dallara driver had never won prior to this weekend, but Sandown delivered strong results for the Queenslander and helped close him to within three points of championship leader Simon hodge. Hodge finished third in the feature race after battling teammate – and 2013 championship runner-up – John magro for the duration of the18-lap feature. local driver Chelsea angelo continued her good form in the F3 National Class, taking victory in style after nearest rival garnet Patterson found the wall. 16-year-old roland legge and Nathan gotch battled for the kumho Cup, legge winning the feature race and gotch taking the class points lead. Gavin Ross charging from third to first in a single corner mid-race to take the victory in the final race of the Dial Before you Dig australian Super Six Touring Car Series season opener, but it was Travis lindorff who won the round overall. Two race wins on Saturday was enough for lindorff to continue his good Sandown form (he won at the circuit last year) and take the round victory ahead of ross and kane Baxter-Smith.Lindorff won the first two races in style and leads the championship, but was unable to hold back the irrepressible ross and Baxter-Smith in a race-three thriller. Ross jumped from third to first mid-race in a breathtaking sequence of corners that had the trio scuffling for nearly a full lap.

Page 29: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11
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30 | the RacinG maGazine

Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:

n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discountsn Limited Use & Club Plate cover n Laid up cover n One excess free windscreen claim per year n Total Loss Salvage options n Home Contents Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by the month premiums at no extra cost

Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast.

INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU

Shannons Limited ABN 91 099 962 636 an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. First refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at shannons.com.au or by calling 13 46 46.

“ N O O N E K N O W S Y O U R

P A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”

TELEVISION COVERAGE

laP RecoRDs

RounD 2 mallala, sa

ShannonS nationalS tV

Speedweek on Sunday at 2pm on SBS1

RounD 2 mallala

Show 1 Sunday 11th May (1 Hour)

Aust Super Six Touring Car Series

Kerrick Sports Sedan Series

Kumho Tyres Aust V8 Touring Car Series

Show 2 Sunday 18th May (1 Hour)

Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge

Formula Ford National Series

Australian Sports Racer Series

‘ShannonS nationalS’ on Fox SPEED dates & times TBA

liVE intErnEt tV From 9.00am on SunDay via www.thenationals.com.au

Category Driver vehiCle Date timeV8 Touring Cars Scott Loadsman Commodore VY 15/05/2011 1.10.3755

Porsche GT3 David Stevens Porsche GT3 25/06/2006 1.09.7070

Sports Sedan Tony Ricciardello Alfa Romeo GTV 18/05/2008 1.05.9536

Saloon Car Bruce Heinrich Commodore VT 23/08/2008 1.18.8580

Formula Ford Roger I’Anson Van Diemen RF06 24/08/2008 1.11.1108

Sports Racer James Winslow West WR 1000 2/11/2013 1.06.4538

Page 31: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

SAFETY CARS

VF International sedan• 5 star ANCAP rating• Holden My Link infotainment system• 18” alloys• Leather seats• LED running lights• Blind spot & rear traffi c alert •

For more information about these or any of the 200 cars we have in stock please call Vikki 08 8321 0000

VF SV6 sedan• 5 star ANCAP rating• Remote start• Automatic park assist• Dual zone climate control• Sports suspension & seating• Rear view camera, front & rear park assist•

Page 32: The Racing Magazine - Issue 11

Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:

n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discountsn Limited Use & Club Plate cover n Laid up cover n One excess free windscreen claim per year n Total Loss Salvage options n Home Contents Insurance including $10,000 enthusiast cover for your collectables & tools n Towing & storage costs as a result of loss or damage n Pay by the month premiums at no extra cost

Call Shannons on 13 46 46 for a quote on your special car, daily drive, bike or your home, and speak with a genuine enthusiast.

INSURANCE FOR MOTORING ENTHUSIASTS | CALL 13 46 46 FOR A QUOTE | SHANNONS.COM.AU

Shannons Limited ABN 91 099 962 636 an authorised representative of Australian Alliance Insurance Company Limited ABN 11 006 471 709 (AFSL 235011), the product issuer. Some benefits only apply to comprehensive vehicle cover. Shannons has not taken account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. First refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement at shannons.com.au or by calling 13 46 46.

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