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We preview the 2013 Australian Manufacturers Championship and more in the latest issue of The Racing Magazine!
Citation preview
thenationals.com.au
AUSTRALIAN GT SeNSATIoNAL SUpeRcARS ARe BAck
JAMeS MoFFAT NoRToN RAceR oN eNdURoS
pLUS! All the Round 3 Shannons Nationals information
thenationals.com.au | issue 3, 2013 | $5.00
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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 | 3
WINNING a production car race on Sunday may not lead to
bigger retail sales on Monday as it once did – but showroom-
based racing is gaining an increasingly important place in the
hearts and minds of racing purists around the world.
Where one-make series and tighter controls on development and
ideas continue to flow through much of the sport, it’s refreshing to
have a series that still rewards the best bit of engineering along
with the best driving.
Where else can you see a Japanese four-wheel drive, turbocharged,
four-door saloon dicing with a rear wheel drive, six-cylinder coupe’
from Germany?
Since the collapse of the PROCAR series in 2004, production
car racing has at times struggled for viability in Australia but rule
stability and a shift to more endurance-style events has helped
lead something of a competitor-led resurgence in recent years.
Back then the GTP series was the place to be with more than 10
brands represented, and sensational racing. Fortunately, things
seem to be pointing in the right direction again. The sensational
racing never went away, either.
The appearance of the BMW 1M has offered the strongest
challenge to Mitsubishi since Subaru last had a competitive car –
and a revitalised FPV squad should see the Aussie V8’s competitive
on an outright level on the faster tracks, too.
What is also pleasing is the fact class racing remains strong – with
new Toyota 86s being built to tackle the likes of Mazda’s 3 MPS
and the baby BMWs, amongst others. While we’re at it, here’s
a call out to Opel Australia to enter a new Astra VXR.. they are
very cool.
It is also heartening to see the beginnings of a relationship between
the national competition and the NSW-based Production Touring
Cars. A separation of key regulatory details in the past has kept
competitors (for the most part) locked into one series or another –
but it seems that is slowly changing.
Production Car racing offers fans a chance to see cars that really
do relate to what you see on the road. Let’s hope that the vocal
minority taking pot shots behind internet forum usernames about
certain other series moving away from their roots actually get out
and embrace it.
If they do, we’ll be well on the way to bringing back the concept of
‘Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday’.
Craillsy.
4 Latest News
5 In Brief...
7 Guest Columnist JAMeS MOFFAT
8 Feature AWeSOMe IMAGeS
11 Feature The eNduRANCe eXPeRTS
14 Feature GT: The STORY SO FAR
16 Feature The PRICe IS RIGhT
19 Round 3 - Welcome
20 Round 3 - Categories & entries
29 Speed Shot...
30 Television Coverage Lap Records
Publisher Australian Motor Racing Pty Ltd
Editor Richard Craill
Art Director Sarah Anesbury 121 Creative Hilton
Writers Richard Craill, Rob Curkpatrick
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.
4 | the Racing magazine
BaRnes Wins FoR his mates at mallala
the latest neWs...
IN A ReMARKABLe weekend of unpredictable results, a major Kerrick
Sports Sedan series race named in honour of Mallala’s circuit owner
was won by his good friend.
Sports Sedan series stalwart Jeff Barnes won April’s Clem Smith Cup
feature race – named after his good mate Clem Smith, the Mallala
promoter and a long time fan and competitor in Sports Sedan racing –
after a series of remarkable events ruled out the three major contenders
expected to fight for the crown.
Barnes also won the round overall and dedicated his victory to another
mate of his – Sports Sedan champion des Wall – who passed away late
last year. Barnes is running Wall’s racing number (#38) this season as a
tribute to his mate.
“Clem is a good friend of mine so this victory is very special,” Barnes
said. “I reckon I had a bit of help today... from up above!”
Barnes was handed the Clem Smith Cup race lead when seven-time
series champion Tony Ricciardello was crashed out of the race after
contact with a lapped vehicle.
Key contenders Kerry Baily (sent to the rear of the field due to a lap one
spin) and darren hossack (mechanical issues) were also relegated out
of the running – leaving the Pontiac Firebird racer in the box seat to win
the race named after his mate.
Though based in Queensland, Barnes is a regular at Mallala helping
Clem put on several of the circuit’s major events.
darren hossack won the morning race and Ricciardello rebounded to
win the afternoon’s finale’ to make it three winners from three races –
though both were overshadowed by the stunning turn of events in the
feature race of the day.
WoRds: RichaRd cRaill image: nathan Wong
www.hankooktyre.com.au
thenationals.com.au | 5
the latest neWs...
Follow us at www.facebook.com /TheNationals
TIM MACROW leads the Formula 3 Australian drivers Championship following the opening two rounds, after clean-sweeping the weekend at Tasmania last month.
Macrow rocketed to the top of the standings despite not scoring a single point at the opening round of the championship, at Bathurst, the week earlier.
Less than 10 points cover the top six drivers in the championship with Steel Guiliana, Nathan Morcom and John Magro also in the thick of the fight early on.
The championship will continue in darwin this June before rejoining the Shannons Nationals for the final four rounds, commencing at Sydney Motorsport Park in July.
At least 12 cars will compete the full championship, with the series reportedly working on attracting more NSW State-level support to the Sydney round to showcase the ‘wings and slicks’ appeal of the circuit.
YOUNG Porsche ace Richard Muscat looks to be a strong contender for the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia this season after a stunning debut performance at Mallala.
The 22-year-old Victorian scored pole position and a race victory in the opening round at Mallala, his win coming in the 40-lap ‘Jim Richards endurance’ series opener on Saturday night.
Muscat won 13 of 20 races in last year’s Victorian Porsche 944 Championship, before stepping up to the GT3 Cup Challenge this year with John Morriss’ ‘GT3 Factory’ team. Like Almond and other GT3 young stars including Phil Woodbury and Fraiser Ross, Muscat has targeted a move to Carrera Cup in his long-term future.
The GT3 Cup Challenge continues its Shannons Nationals program at Winton Motor Raceway, in late June.
in BRieF
Vale: michael RonKeThe ShANNONS Australian Motor Racing Nationals was saddened to hear about
the passing of Winton Motor Raceway CeO, Mick Ronke.
Mick was a true supporter of the Nationals concept of opening up national-level
motorsport to as wide an audience as possible, and was pro-active in supporting
and growing the series’ annual Winton round, held each year in late June.
Though Winton only joined the calendar in recent years, the round has quickly
grown and firmly established itself as a key date on the calendar for our competitors.
Through annual rounds held at both Winton and Wakefield Park (also operated
by the Ronke family) the Shannons Nationals management has formed a close
working relationship with the family over the last several years.
It is a relationship that the series’ believes will ongoing for a long time.
Shannons Nationals management, on behalf of our extended competitor, supporter
and sponsorship base, sends its throughs and condolences to Matthew and Adam
Ronke, the close and extended Ronke family and the staff at both venues during
this difficult time.
The Shannons Nationals will race at Winton this June with the goal of putting on
the best possible show for all involved – just the way Mick would’ve liked it.
WhILST Jeff Barnes was the big winner
at Mallala, wild and woolly weather on
Sunday threw up some unpredictable
results across the board in an exciting
second round of the Shannons Nationals.
Former Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring
Car Series champion Terry Wyhoon
claimed victory in round two of the series
for ex-V8 Supercars - the Lubrimaxx Falcon
driver winning a wet Race 2 on Sunday
before finished second to young gun
Shae davies in the 20-lap Race 3 to seal
overall victory.
Matt hansen won Saturday evening’s
opening race, his first in his Kumho
V8 Career.
Michael Almond sealed his inaugural
Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge presented
by Pirelli round victory with a pair of
sprint-race wins, beating home Richard
Muscat and Phil Woodbury to the overall
round win.
Young Victorian Muscat won the 40-lap
feature race held under lights on Saturday
evening after a tense affair saw he and
Almond never split by more than two
seconds for the entire race.
Wayne King completed a near-perfect
weekend by winning all three races – and
the round – in the dial Before You dig
Australian Saloon Car Series.
King headed home championship
leader Simon Tabinor in today’s difficult
conditions to seal his maiden national
Saloon Car win after years of state-level
domination. Tabinor finished second yet
extended his overall series lead as he
chases back-to-back title wins.
Series newcomer Luke Fraiser dominated
the opening round of the hi-Tec Oils
Australian Swift Racing Series, backing up
from his race 1 win on Saturday night to
take both heats on Sunday and seal the
overall round result.
The Adelaide driver used his local
experience to the max today, overcoming
difficult conditions in each race to
win against the Swift series strongest-
ever field.
Wild WeeKend at mallala
thenationals.com.au | 7
FOR WhAT IT’S WORTh, endurance
production car racing is a whole heap of fun.
Away from the stresses of the V8 Supercar
championship, the opportunity to get behind
the wheel of a car that isn’t necessarily
engineered as an out and out racer, offers up
a world of challenges.
One weekend that I have particularly fond
memories of is the 2010 Bathurst 12 hour.
For the event I was paired with the very
capable Ken douglas and Ray hislop aboard
an FPV F6 Typhoon. From the outset it was
always going to be a tough challenge– in our
class we were up against the eventual race
winning BMW 335i driven by Garry holt, Paul
Morris and John Bowe, as well as the very
well-engineered Clubsport Wagon driven
by Nathan Pretty, Cam McConville and
Andrew Jones.
Another factor that turned the race on its
head was the weather, which always seems to
have an influence over long distance racing.
In the dry the F6 was pretty decent- you could
roll the car through the corners in a gear too
high, let the turbo spool up, and then step on
it when it was pointing in the right direction.
In the wet, with the R-spec tyres fitted, it was
a proper handful! As it started to bucket
down, things got reasonably hairy…
After a double stint, I was waiting around in
the pits for my next drive when that tree fell
on Conrod Straight. My line of thinking: game
over… but the hard working volunteers,
who had to sit through some horrendous
conditions all weekend long, got the race
going again.
I was scheduled to do a fairly long stint to
the finish, but unfortunately before I got my
chance, the car suffered an off at the Chase,
and we lost a couple of laps.
When I did get back in, I was of the mindset
to drive it as hard as possible… and the car
really stood up to the test incredibly well. The
brakes on the F6 were strong the whole way
through the race, and the run home was one
of the more enjoyable stints I’ve ever had
at Bathurst.
With attrition taking care of a lot of other
competitors, at the finish we wound up in
P5, which was still a fair result considering
the 4Wd drive opposition and the weather
we encountered.
having a four hour race around Phillip Island
this weekend is pretty special. PI is right up
there with the very best venues we have in
the country, and is ideal for long distance
racing- there’s plenty of room to move on the
track, and it has decent pit lane facilities.
I’m looking forward to heading back to the
Island later in the year in my Norton 360 Racing
Nissan Altima. We will have a shortened two
day program and three 120km races, which
will include a 60/60 format on Saturday. I’m
going to put it out there- 28 V8 Supercars
having a rolling start for the second leg of the
60/60 down Gardner Straight is going to be
incredible to watch trackside.
The round will be the second last on the
calendar, so by that stage we should be
well and truly on top of the development
of our new Nissans. We had a really solid
run at Albert Park earlier in the year, which
is another fast and flowing circuit. hopefully
that bodes well for another strong result.
guest columnist...
James moFFat
There’s more to the ‘Moff than just being a factory driver for
Norton 360 Racing’s Nissan Altima team in V8 Supercars..
here, our resident expert tells us about his experiences in the
world of production car endurance racing... WoRds: James moFFat images: noRton 360 Racing
aWesome
8 | the Racing magazine
imagesmatt hansen at speed
image: nathan Wong
Captured here at Sydney Motorsport Park, Matt hansen’s ex-hRT Commodore
has shown plenty of pace in this year’s Kumho V8 Series. Plenty of pace indeed –
so much so that at Mallala a few weeks later, he’d be a winner..
BuRn it doWn image: maRK WalKeR
Sports Sedans can be temperamental things, and sometimes things just go wrong. A year ago at Mallala it was Tony Ricciardello experiencing
the warmer side of life – this year, it was dameon Jameson’s turn. Fortunately, both driver and car
were fine and racing later in the weekend.
tWo Wheel tango image: nathan Wong
Mallala is known for being a superb track for top-level motor cycle racing. Mark Primmer is showing some of that two-wheeled form in the Saloon Cars.
mightY muscat image: nathan Wong
Young driver, first GT3 Cup Challenge race. And it’s dark. And it’s a new track. And you’re under
pressure all the way from your equally determined rival. Richard Muscat dealt with it, and still got the
flag first on Saturday night at Mallala.
thenationals.com.au | 9
oVeRsteeR and undeRsteeR demonstRated images: maRK WalKeR
Those Kumho V8 Touring Car guys are caring souls, and wanted to showcase a visual demonstration of the two chief afflictions when it comes to car set up. On the left is Iain Yeng, aptly demonstrating understeer – when a car ploughs straight ahead at a corner.
On the right is Terry Whyoon, showing what happens when the rear end breaks away from control and tries to flick you at the undergrowth, an available wall or another vehicle. This is called ‘Oversteer’ and is well demonstrated by the Kumho series champion.
Thanks, gentlemen, for the lesson.
Wong BY Wong
image: nathan Wong
They’re not related, but this superb capture of Keith Wong’s
GT3 RS Porsche by Nathan Wong was never going to be left out.
mallala peaK houR
image: nathan Wong
It looks a bit like hindley Street in Adelaide on a Saturday night; wall to wall taillights in close
proximity. except it’s the Swift Series at Mallala, under lights and putting on a show.
10 | the Racing magazine
“WhAT are TMR doing this year mate, I’ve heard all sorts of things?”
This question, posed mid answer to a relatively unrelated question half
way through his chat with The Racing Magazine, is perfectly indicative
of Garry holt.
he may be a two-time Bathurst 12 hour winner and a former GTP and
Production Car Champion, but this competitive Sydneysider is always
thinking about what the potential competition are doing.
The answer is, of course, ‘not much’. TMR’s fleet of eVO Lancers are
all sold and lead driver Stuart Kostera is taking a sabbatical back in
his native Perth, enduring the team that has dominated the Australian
Manufacturers Championship will spend this year on the sidelines,
potentially plotting a return.
But, as holt says, that doesn’t mean there will be no competition in this
year’s series, to which his eastern Creek Karts Mitsubishi will return for
a full-on title tilt.
In fact, he says, it’s likely to be even more competitive than ever.
holt, a former downhill skiing champion and (along with son, James)
a recognised force in the world of ‘competitive’ fishing, is one of
Australian Production Car Racing’s true believers. Few are more
enthusiastic about the all-round challenge that the series offers.
holt became notable for his competitive stint in the V8 Supercars
development series and as one of the start-up partners in New South
Wales circuit Wakefield Park when it was founded in the late 1990s.
But a move into GT performance racing driving a Mitsubishi Lancer
With a rebuilt car and a record of success, GARRY hOLT has a big shot at this year’s Australian Manufacturers Championship. But, as he tells
RIChARd CRAILL, getting success in Production Car Racing’s exciting new era isn’t exactly going to be easy.
WoRds: RichaRd cRaill images: nathan Wong
the enduRance experts
thenationals.com.au | 11
evolution would be what lead him to the success and championship
victories that his competitive nature chased.
he won the GTP title in 2006 and the Production Car crown a year later,
this time driving his newly-developed BMW 335i.
A return win in the same championship – by now running under its
current guise as the Australian Manufacturers Championship - in 2009
completed the job. The pair of Bathurst 12 hour wins dovetailed the
championship successes; his 2007 win a classic and his 2010 effort a
surprise given the strength of the eVO brigade at the time.
And now, he’s back. But what drives this commitment to production-
spec racing when, surely, higher profile categories would be on offer?
“It’s because of that endurance racing factor,” he says.
“The strategy that comes into it and also there’s some damn good
racing. There’s difference. When you come into a long race, you’re
catching up to slower cars and you have to make sure you can catch
them without crashing into them. There’s something always there and
something going on. It’s never, by any means, a ‘boring’ endurance
type race.
“And it’s a sprint race. It’s an endurance race, yes, but we treat them
as sprints. We’re racing as hard all the way and I guess that’s the
other thing.”
The ‘endurance factor’ would prove to be holt’s strength last year; in
the midst of a part-time campaign that started late in the season yet
still delivered proper success.
he and co-driver Ryan McLeod won a thriller at Queensland Raceway
under lights by eking every last millilitre of fuel from his eVO’s tank
whilst being hunted by a flying dylan Thomas’ similar Lancer.
A slightly more comprehensive victory at Phillip Island last year
confirmed the performance, despite what holt says was a car that
wasn’t quite up to the kind of specifications required.
In fact, he says the car was actually less than perfect.
“The car should be good. We’ve got a proper race engine and we’re
going to have a lot more grunt and the other interesting thing was that
we found the car was bent when we bought it,” he explains.
“It wouldn’t turn into a left hand corner so we’ve lined it up and it was
out to buggery!
“So we’ll have a straight car and a new engine but we’ve done no
practice with our stops or anything. dylan’s stops last year – he would
12 | the Racing magazine
gain 15-seonds on an average stop on us. So we’d come in, in-front
and then next minute he’s back in front.
“he’s got his act together and a bloody good co-driver in (Open-wheel
ace, Ryan) Simpson, a super driver, I think they’re the ones to beat.”
Ahh yes, the competition. Like all long-distance racing, it’s about more
than just banging in a hot lap on demand – though raw pace helps. It’s
the combination of strategy, pit work, making the right calls and raw
speed that make the AMChamps races a bigger test than usual.
holt agrees and has already identified his teams deficiencies from last
year; though it may take more than one round to sort them.
“I think our weak point, is where we lost a lot of time was in our pit
stops,” holt says, honest in his appraisal of last season.
“We don’t know where our (new) engine is at. We’re going to be going
into the race with no testing and I honestly don’t think we’re that well
prepared whereas I know dylan (Thomas) is and I know the Pro duct
guys are. I’m pretty sure Beric is, too. I don’t think we’re looking that
good for the first race because we haven’t been able to test the car yet.
“We’re behind the eight ball. It’s not excuses, but it is what it is.
“I think there’s going to be some really close racing and it’s all going to
come down to strategy. It’s all going to come down to fuel economy
and tyre management. It’s going to come down to a lot of things. The
smartest team with good strategy will benefit.”
As he says, this honesty doesn’t come from a need to make excuses.
Years – successful ones at that – have enforced that preparation is
key to performance in this kind of racing, perhaps even more so
than others.
however, there is the fact that starting on the back foot last season led
to a strong series of results, something holt says stands out amongst
his Production Car career.
“Last year was pretty good for us. For us to get a car and go out there
without any testing and win at Phillip Island and also QR was quite
amazing, when we didn’t expect that to happen.
Last year was pretty good. hopefully we can make this better.”
thenationals.com.au | 13
deSPITe being the dominant force for much of the second half of last
season, the eastern Creek Karting Raceway-sponsored team of Garry
holt and Ryan McLeod probably aren’t the early favourites for the 2013
AMChamps season.
And the decision to step away from running their own, frontline team,
also rules TMR Australia out of the running as well. As the champions
for the last three years with Stuart Kostera, they were, are and will
remain the class benchmarks in the outright AMChamps battle.
enter, stage left, the CXC Global Racing outfit headed up by
dylan Thomas.
These stalwarts of Open Wheel racing (Formula Vee, in particular),
have made a near semless transition to the series in the last two years
and, on purchasing their evo X RS from TMR mid season, rocketed into
the front pack.
With father david stepping out of the seat this year, dylan Thomas has
enlisted the gun support of Sydneysider Ryan Simpson to help steer
his ship this year. They will be a force.
And then there’s PRO duCT Motorsport, led by the venerable
Bob Pearson.
Pearson’s eVO team is a force in the NSW Production Touring Car series
with a fleet of identical cars, but will return to the national competition
this season with the support of a gun co-driver in the form of two-time
Australian Touring Car Champion, Glenn Seton.
Seton is a long-term associate of Pearson and has not only raced
the car at state level, but in the Bathurst 12 hour where he went very
quickly indeed.
And then there’s Beric Lynton’s still-new BMW 1M. The only car of it’s
kind racing in Australia, Lynton made a staggering debut last season
and shook the establishment with a series of strong results in the
second half of 2012 – including an ‘at the line’ win over TMR at the
Sandown season finale’.
Then there’s the Sherrins always speedy BMW Coupe, the Robinson
Racing Fords, the GWS (ex-holt) 335i which remains competitive on its
day, and more.
This year’s AMChamps field looks pretty tasty – and that’s before we
get to the class racing, which we will cover off in a later issue of The
Racing Magazine.
Picking a favourite in this years’ AMChamps is a toughie, because the competitors are stacking up to challenge for the prestigious title.
KingsTHeY WoULd Be
14 | the Racing magazine
TWO ROuNdS of the Australian GT Championship presented by Pirelli
are complete and a championship picture is beginning to take shape.
The trip to Phillip Island for the third round, however, is just as likely to
reverse the running order and send things in a completely different way
– it’s just the way things work in the GT Championship.
As was the case in 2012, the championship has become a battle
between the German brands, with reigning title-holder Klark
Quinn currently leading the points in his Porsche GT3-R, against
the versatile Craig Baird in the mighty erebus Motorsport
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
After a tumultuous opening round as part of the Liqui-Moly Bathurst
12-hour with Quinn and co-drivers Shane Van Gisbergen and Mat
Kingsley taking maximum points, the bulk of the field backed up at
Clipsal in Adelaide three weeks later for round two.
Baird had stepped from the second-placed Ferrari in the 12-hour,
into the prime erebus seat alongside another new Mercedes recruit,
former F1-regular Christian Klien. Klien out-gunned his team-mate in
the dying stages of qualifying, before Baird returned the favour during
the two one hour races for back-to-back wins, in the process moving to
within striking distance of points leader Klark Quinn.
however at this stage Baird’s ride was a one-off and it’s unlikely
he’ll remain a title contender if his appearances are only sporadic.
That makes the forthcoming rounds even more open.
So how to pick a contender? Well, it’s probably appropriate to look
towards defending champion, Klark Quinn. despite his busy business
interests outside of racing, Klark seems to be driving better than
ever and his form this year has been strong. Look too, to Ferrari, with
Peter edwards and John Bowe returning in their recently rebuilt and
upgraded Ferrari 458 Italia GT3. The screaming 458s have received
the 2103 FIA specification upgrade, which should significantly improve
its mid-corner speed, something which will come in handy on Phillip
Islands fast flowing sweepers.
gt: the story so far.The prestigious Australian GT Championship has already ticked several rounds off its calendar this year – and things are just starting to fire up.
We take a look at the story so far..WoRds: austRalian gt & the Racing magazine images: austRalian gt
thenationals.com.au | 15
PhilliP island Great Southern 4 Hour
sydney Ms 3 Hours + Australian 6 Hour Option
Queensland Raceway 2 x 200km
wakefield PaRk 2 x 200km
sandown 3 Hours
PRODUCTION TOURING CAR ENDURANCE RACING
amchamp.com.au
CARS FOR LEASESPRINT & ENDURANCE OPTIONS
swiftracing.com.au
There is a possible dark-horse too this year, in the form of two-time
Victorian state champion Justin McMillan. McMillan is a local and
calls Phillip Island his home circuit and as such may well provide an
unexpected challenge at the front of the field in his Lamborghini
Gallardo LP600+. he is another to receive recent 2013 upgrades on
his Italian Supercar.
Former Bathurst 12-hour champion Rod Salmon will be back at Phillip
Island after suffering an off at the treacherous Adelaide turn-8, the New
South Welshman campaigning the Audi R8 LMS that Craig Lowndes
took to victory at Phillip island last September, but in a very much
revised (2013-spec ‘ultra’) form.
Throw in names like Roger Lago (Lamborghini LP560), Tony Quinn
(Aston Martin Vantage GT3) and team-mates dean Koutsoumidis
and Andrew McInnes (Audi R8 LMS), and you have a recipe for some
serious outright action.
In the classes, Jan Jinadasa has made the switch from Porsche to
Lamborghini, whilst Ben Foessel will look to continue his winning force
in his German thoroughbred. Four of the British-built Ginetta G50s add
depth, too.
16 | the Racing magazine
A DRIVE THAT almost didn’t happen ended up working wonders for
Queensland driver Andrew Price in the opening round of the Hi-Tec
Oils Australian Swift Racing Series, at Mallala.
With his original ride not arriving in time, the 24-year-old headed to
the event anyway and was able to secure a seat after all when another
driver was unable to compete.
“I was absolutely shattered when just days before my scheduled
debut, I was told my entry in the Suzuki Swift Racing Series wasn’t
going to be at the track in time,” he told The Racing Magazine.
“The Australian Swift Series team and Trans Tasman Motorsport
did their best to come up with a drive for me, however due to
circumstances outside of their control my car did not arrive in time.
“Having already scheduled the time away, I decided to head to
Adelaide from my home in Queensland anyway, to soak up as much
as I could and to see if something might come up - you never know
after all!
“Thankfully, when Tom Monkhouse was unable to drive at the last
minute I was able to take over his spot on the entry list – with this
happening at the very last minute, I was certainly thrown in the deep
end mentally and had to wrap myself around a set-up and a car that I
hadn’t worked with until minutes before hitting the track.”
Despite the pressure, Price was sure to wring the most out of the
opportunity and ran as high as second across the weekend.
“The weekend started off pretty hairy as I got used to the car and the
set-up, and that first race on Saturday night was definitely out there –
the nerves were in full flight and I had some big moments, including
one where I nearly put the car on its roof coming out of the final turn!”
said Price.
“Thankfully I got it together from there, and the second and third
races (held on Sunday) saw me able to work my way up through the
field.
“In the second race I was fighting for a podium finish on the final lap,
the pRice isright
What do you do when your scheduled drive doesn’t arrive in time? You head to the circuit and hope something comes your way.
It worked well for Swift series racer, ANdReW PRICe.WoRds: RichaRd cRaill images: WWW.andReWpRice.net.au & nathan Wong
thenationals.com.au | 17
but just missed out with fourth. In the final race a gamble on track
conditions didn’t pay off for us when it continued to rain, but even so I
ran as high as second during the race and enjoyed some great battles
with the leading pack.
“Overall, it was a great weekend. I learnt a lot and considering aside
from one other driver I had the least amount of experience in the field
I think I definitely made an impact and showed I have the pace to
compete with the front-runners.”
Despite the last-minute chance to jump in the hot seat, Price is now
planning ahead for the full season in the increasingly competitive one-
make series.
“I just now need to develop my race craft further and the lessons from
the weekend will definitely go into that,” he says.
“I have made some big steps with both my ability to set up the car
and in making on-track decisions under pressure, so overall I am really
excited about having that first round under my belt and I am looking
forward to the next round at Phillip Island.”
Like many drivers, Price is continually seeking funds for his racing –
mixing his driving ambitions with skills in another area.
Price is a qualified Justice of the Peace and also a principal of his own
business – South East Legal Services – but explains he also uses some
writing skills to push his racing news.
“I can offer media exposure through my own personal journalistic
endeavours through leading Australian motorsport blog downshiftaus.
com,” he explained.
“Motorsport just fuels my competitive fire – it is the modern day
version of the old chariot races, once that helmet lid goes down there
is nothing left to do but drive your hardest,” said Price.
“At the end of the day there is absolutely nothing like racing two or
three cars wide at more than 200 kilometres per hour around a corner,
battling for a piece of tarmac or that spot on the race podium – I just
love it.”
Dear Enthusiast,
Last year the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club celebrated its sixtieth birthday and we now at the start of another decade of great motor racing at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Welcome to this event promoted and organised by the PIARC, and welcome to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. Under the current owners, Linfox, the circuit has been developed to a point where it matches the other world-class circuits in the world and we are continually thrilled to have the opportunity to present our motorsport here.
In December the circuit was given a totally new racing surface, and track records have been dropping ever since. Not all competitors are happy yet, because the tyre grip is so good that many are having to relearn just how to get the most benefit from the new surface. The kerbing has been altered as well are many drivers and riders are finding new and faster ways around the corners.
This Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals has been developing as a series for a number of years now and has progressed into a very compact and enjoyable event, and one which we eagerly look forward to each time it returns to Phillip Island. This series allows us to show off many national categories at the same Meeting and features a blend of most types of cars seen on our race tracks. The series is set up so that we can plan on the categories to be allocated to our round of the series from a list of about twelve, and whatever happens, it is an interesting blend of cars to be enjoyed by all.
This May Round 3 of the Series features a number of endurance races. A four hour race for Production Cars leads the program, with shorter endurance races for Australian GT Championship cars, and Radical Sportscars. We also have sprint races for PRB Clubman cars and the Suzuki Swift category.
All of the marshals here today are volunteers who are trained by the sport for their various roles, and the majority of marshals here today are PIARC members. The remainder come from other dedicated groups who lend their specialities to what we are doing. These extend to services such as Medical, Fire, Flags, Timing and Scrutiny. We work in close cooperation with the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) and in conjunction with CAMS, we have a licensing and training program for marshals at all the circuits in Australia. This provides for a consistently high level of skills and application of the rules at the CAMS events; a standard that is widely recognised around the world.
If you are interested in taking your involvement further than watching from outside the track fencing, have a look at the PIARC website at www.piarc.com.au . Follow this through as an official, and you can also get involved with the International Motorcycle races held here at Phillip Island each year. You will find further detail in the website, and also a membership form.
Regards from the Club, and we look forward to seeing you again at our clubrooms at the Moorabbin Airport, or perhaps at other race meetings here, later in the year.
Peter Nelson Secretary – PIARC.
If today is of interest to you, make sure you do not miss our next car race meeting of the year. Round 7 of the Shannons Australian Motor Racing Nationals on September 20-22.
And with motorcycle racing, we have the 2013 Moto GP on October 26 to 28.
thenationals.com.au | 19
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
Welcome to Round 3
20 | the Racing magazine
2013 shannons austRalian
motoR Racing nationals
this Meeting is conducted under the international Sporting Code of the FiA, the national Competition rules of the CAMS ltd, the race Meeting Standing regulations of CAMS, Phillip island Standing regulations 03/2012,and Supplementary regulations issued for this Meeting. caMs Permit : 813/2605/01
EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY, RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK MOTOR SPORT IS DANGEROUS
in exchange for being able to attend or participate in the event, 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 or participating in the event and being provided with the event services by CAMS and the Associated Entities.
PhilliP island GRand PRiX ciRcuiT 25-26 MAY 2013
seRies diRecToR rob Curkpatrick
MeeTinG diRecToR Peter nelson
sTewaRds of the MeeTinG Steve lisk, Bob Fraser, david Bellenger
cleRk of the couRse Colin Smith
dePuTy cleRk of the couRse Matt Balcombe
assisTanT cleRks of the couRse Ken Smith
secReTaRy of the MeeTinG Jean Bellenger.
JudGes of sTaRT & finish C.Smith, M.Balcombe, i.leech, & B.taylor
chief Paddock MaRshal danny Jonas
chief of RecoVeRy Ken Johnston
couRse MaRshal Skip taylor
chief MaRshal roger Chirnside
chief fiRe MaRshal neil Wilson
chief MaRshallinG aRea Barry Parker
chief flaG MaRshal terry O’Callaghan
coMPliance checkeR danny Jonas
oRGanisinG coMMiTTee Colin Smith, Matt Balcombe,
Jean Bellenger, Geoff Bull,
Peter nelson.
officials of The MeeTinG
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
thenationals.com.au | 21
GeneRal noTices
Apart from when permitted by law, dogs and other pets are not permitted on the race circuit property at any time while the Meeting is in progress.
the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the Paddock area until after the last practice session or race has finished on any day.
Please use The RuBBish Bins PRoVided
acknowledGeMenTs
The thanks of the motorsport fraternity in general must go to the following groups for their assistance with this Meeting.
• Phillip Island Auto Racing Club officials for their manning and management of the meeting.
• Phillip Island Operations P/L for their work in presenting the circuit and facilities as they are.
• Victorian Fire & Rescue Service for the fire fighting equipment, the driver rescue facilities, and their expertise.
• Victorian Flag Marshalling team for flags and marshals.
• Rob Curkpatrick as the series director for his untiring efforts to make the series a success.
• competitors and the competitor groups for their participation & cooperation.
• Team Medical Australia for medical services
• “RSEA” for their support of the recovery team
• PIARC Recovery Team with the help through the year from Concours Towing (Sean Finn), Warragul Towing (Phil Golding), Magic Towing (Mick Kidd), Cowes Total Car Centre (Brad Rodwell), SAS Towing (Aaron Stokes), Bunyip Crane Trucks (Syd Smith), Powerful Enterprises (Daryl Poynton)
• Dazzle Signs for assistance with event signage.
• Bass Coast Shire for assistance with promotion
PRohiBiTed aReas
the 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.
safeTy
the fencing erected around this circuit is there for your protection. it is forbidden
to stand, sit or climb on it.
PaRkinG
Vehicles 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.
PeTs
Pets are not allowed at Mallala Motor Sport Park during race meetings, unless
approved by State legislation.
coPyRiGhT
All material in this program is copyright and may not be used without permission
of the publishers. the opinions of the contributors are not necessarily those held
by the publishers or the event organisers.
enTRies
The 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.
VICTORIAN
FLAGMARSHALLING T
EAM
VICTORIAN
FLAGMARSHALLING T
EAM
Come and join the team who can get you closer to the action!
www.vicflag.org.au
For more information simply email [email protected] or
call 03 8796 5321
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
22 | the Racing magazine
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
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.”
scheduleTIMe deSCRIPTION CATeGORY dURATION
0700 Gates Open
905 engines may be started
930 Practice 1 PRB Motorsport Series 20 mins
955 Practice 1 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins
1020 Practice 1 Australian GT Championship 20 mins
1045 Practice 1 Radical Australia Cup 20 mins
1110 Practice 1 hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 20 mins
1135 Practice 2 PRB Motorsport Series 20 mins
1200 Practice 2 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins
1225 Practice 2 Radical Australia Cup 20 mins
1250 Practice 2 Australian GT Championship 20 mins
1315 Practice 2 hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 20 mins
1340 Practice 3 PRB Motorsport Series 20 mins
1405 Practice 3 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins
1430 Practice 3 Radical Australia Cup 20 mins
1455 Practice 3 Australian GT Championship 20 mins
1520 Practice 4 Aust Manuf. Champ combined 20 mins
1520 Practice 3 hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 20 mins
1545 Sponsor Rides PRB Motorsport/Radical Aust 20 mins
1610 Sponsor Rides Australian GT Champ 20 mins
1630 Sponsor Rides Aust Manufacturers Champ/Swift 20 mins
satuRdaY 25th maY
700 Gates Open
900 engines may be started
905 Practice 1 hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 15 mins
925 Qualifying 1 PRB Motorsport Series 15 mins
950 Qualifying 1 Radical Australia Cup 20 mins
1020 Practice 1 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins
1050 Qualifying 1 hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 20 mins
1120 Qualifying 2 PRB Motorsport Series 15 mins
1145 Qualifying 2 Radical Australia Cup 20 mins
1215 Qualifying 1 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins
1245 Qualifying 1 Australian GT Championship 30 mins
1325 Qualifying 2 Australian Manuf. Championship 20 mins
1355 Race 1 Radical Australia Cup 8 laps
1425 Race 1 PRB Motorsport Series 8 laps
1455 Race 1 hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 8 laps
1525 Race 2 Radical Australia Cup 8 laps
1555 Race 1 Australian GT Championship 1 hour
sundaY 26th maY
700 Gates Open
900 engines may be started
905 Warm up Radical Australia Cup 10 mins
920 Race 2 PRB Motorsport Series 8 laps
945 Warm up Australian GT Championship 10 mins
1000 Warm up Aust Manuf. Champ/Swift Combined 10 mins
1020 Race 3 Radical Australia Cup 50 mins
1120 Race 3 PRB Motorsport Series 8 laps
1145 Race 2 Australian GT Championship 1 hour
GREAT SOUTHERN 4 HOUR
1255 Race 2 hi-Tec Oils Aust Suzuki Swift Series 1 hour
1255 Race 1 Australian Manuf. Championship 4 hours
FRidaY 24th maY
thenationals.com.au | 23
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
24 | the Racing magazine
gReat southeRn FouR houR
Car # Class SPONSOR COMPeTITOR dRIVeR State VeHICLe CC COLOUR
11 B Lovton Coal Michael Benton Michael Benton Qld Falcon FG FPV GT 5000 Red co-driver Geoff Russell NSW
13 C Osborne Motorsport Colin Osborne Colin Osborne NSW Mazda 3 MPS 2300 White co-driver Hadrian Morrall NSW
19 B Sherrin Rentals Sherrin Racing Grant Sherrin Qld BMW 135i 5064 Orange co-driver Iain Sherrin Qld
20 B Eastern Creek Karts Garry Holt Garry Holt NSW Mitsubishi Evo 10 2000 Wh/R/Y/Blue co-driver Ryan McLeod Qld
21 D Disc Brakes Australia Terry Conroy TBA Honda Integra R 1998 Black/White co-driver TBA
23 A Alphera Financial Services/ Beric Lynton Beric Lynton Qld BMW 1M 2979 White Bruce Lynton co-driver Tim Leahey NSW
26 C GWS Personnel Peter O’Donnell Scott Gore Qld BMW 130i 2998 Black/Yellow co-driver Michael Gore Qld
28 B GWS Personnel Peter O’Donnell Peter O’Donnell NSW BMW 335i 2997 White co-driver John Bowe Vic
30 A Bob Pearson Bob Pearson NSW Mitsubishi Evo 10 2000 Silver co-driver Glenn Seton Qld
31 C Osborne Motorsport Colin Osborne TBA Mazda 3 MPS 2300 White co-driver TBA
33 A Bob Pearson TBA Mitsubishi Evo 10 2000 Silver co-driver TBA
36 C Grand Prix Mazda Jake Camilleri Jake Camilleri Qld Mazda 3 MPS 2300 Blue co-driver Scott Nicholas Qld
51 D Network Clothing/Dentbuster Mark Eddy Mark Eddy Vic Honda Integra 1998 Black co-driver Francois Jouy NSW
54 A Donut King Tony Alford Tony Alford Qld BMW 1M 2979 Pink co-driver Peter Leemhuis ACT
68 A CXC Global David Thomas Dylan Thomas NSW Mitsub Evo 10 1998 White/Blue co-driver David Thomas NSW
69 C West End Mazda/Bell Heavy Haulage Adam Dodd Adam Dodd NSW Mazda 6 MPS Chrome/Red/Blue /Valvoline Aust co-driver Mark Bell Qld
72 I Sherrin Rentals Michael Sherrin Michael Sherrin Qld Mini Cooper S 1598 Orange co-driver David Ayers Qld
86 E Pedders/Valvoline Racing Grant Phillips Grant Phillips Vic Toyota 86 GTS Red co-driver Andrew Turpie Vic
97 D Safe T Stop Richard Gartner Richard Gartner NSW Renault Clio 1997 Yellow/Black co-driver Franck Donniaux NSW
IT’S APPROPRIATe that the opening round of the AMChamps will be held at the sweeping, majestic and sensational Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
After all, the 4.46km circuit was basically the birthplace of Australia’s most famous endurance race – a 500km race that started on the Island in 1960 moving to Bathurst a few years later to become the October classic that we all know and love to this day.
This weekend marks the formation of a new major endurance race, the Great Southern Four hour set to introduce a new distance race into the AMChamps calendar.
A four hour race offers more strategic elements into the proceedings, making fuel strategy and pit stops the priority, even over outright race pace.
As our extensive preview earlier in this issue covers off, the field assembled is a feisty one.
The Garry holt / Ryan McLeod, dylan Thomas / Ryan Simpson and
Bob Pearson / Glenn Seton Mitsubishi Lancer evolutions must be considered the three most favoured cars ahead of the round, their endurance and driving credentials already well established.
Beric Lynton has never raced his still-new BMW 1M at the Island, but it’s pace at another horsepower circuit – Sandown – late last year, should see it well if they can get the chassis balance sorted on the long, flowing corners.
Another variable is the first-time introduction of a control tyre to the series. hankook’s new rubber will introduce another variable into the equation with most of the field lacking any meaningful experience on the new rubber.
The recently resurfaced track surface will add in another unknown element, making this truly a race into the unknown.
Watch for the class battles between the baby BMWs and Mazda 3 MPSs, plus the exciting debut of the Pedders Racing Toyota 86, making it’s first-up start at a national level.
Round 1 oF the 2013 austRalian manuFactuReRs championship
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
thenationals.com.au | 25
austRalian gt championship pResented BY piRelli
Car # Class SPONSOR COMPeTITOR dRIVeR State VeHICLe CC COLOUR 1 Champ VIP Petfoods VIP Holdings (Aust) Klark Quinn Qld Porsche GT3-R 4000 Black 3 Chall Motor School George Fossel George Fossel Qld Porsche 911 Carrera 3600 White 4 Chall Motor School George Fossel Ben Fossel Qld Porsche 996 GT3 Cup 3600 Blk/Wh/Red 6 Champ One World Bar Rod Salmon Rod Salmon NSW Audi R8 LMS Ultra 5200 Orange 7 Champ darrell Lea VIP Holdings (Aust) Tony Quinn Qld Aston Martin Vantage GT3 5955 Multi-stripe 9 Sport TM Motorsports Tony Martin Tony Martin Qld Ginetta G50 GT4 3500 White Lee Castle Qld 19 Sport Vawdrey Semi Trailers Mark Griffith Mark Griffith Qld Ginetta G50 GT4 3500 Silver Jack Perkins Vic 23 Champ JBS Roger Lago Roger Lago Qld Lamborghini LP560 5200 White 25 Chall Walz Group/ Surelift Crane Hire Mcelrea Racing Brendan Cook Qld Porsche 997 Cup 3598 29 Champ Trefeo Motorsport/Pirelli Trefeo Motorsport Jim Manoloios Vic Corvette 7000 Blue/Black 36 Champ erebus Motorsport erebusMotorsport Merc SLS AMG GT3 6200 Black/Yellow 48 Champ M Motorsport Justin McMillan Justin McMillan Vic Lamborghini LP600 GT3 5224 White 71 Champ equity-One Mortgage Fund dean Koutsoumidis dean Koutsoumidis Vic Audi R8 LMS 5200 Burgundy/Wh Andrew McInnes Vic 73 Sport HHH Racing Michael Hovey Michael Hovey Qld Ginetta G50 GT4 3500 Black 75 Troph JAMeC PeM RACING Steven McLaughlan Steven McLaughlan Vic dodge Viper 8300 Black 77 Troph JJA Consulting Group Jan Jinadasa Jan Jinadasa Vic Lamborghini LP520 5000 White 88 Champ IL Bello Rosso Maranello Motorsport Peter edwards Vic Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 4500 Red John Bowe Vic
The Australian GT Championship presented by Pirelli will make its
return to the Shannons Nationals for the first time this year at Phillip
Island, providing teams with an opportunity to be back on what is
widely regarded as the best drivers’ circuit in the country.
Coming to Phillip Island, it is still at best a 50/50 chance that the erebus
team will return to a venue that saw them record two victories in 2012,
one for former lead driver Peter hackett, and one for the team’s 2013
V8 Supercar recruit Maro engel. The other two races in the series two
visits to Phillip Island last year, were won by Greg Crick (dodge Viper),
and Craig Lowndes (Audi R8), neither of whom will be entered this year.
There is a possible dark-horse too this year, in the form of two-time
Victorian state champion Justin McMillan. McMillan stepped up to the
GT Championship this year, and has so far shown impressive speed at
both Bathurst and Clipsal, two venues he’d never raced on previously.
At Phillip Island though, the series regulars are competing in his back-
yard on a circuit he knows intimately, and if his recent testing pace is
any indication (turnings laps in the sub-1:30s), he may well provide
an unexpected challenge at the front of the field in his Lamborghini
Gallardo LP600+. And guess what.. he too has just recently upgraded
his car to 2013-specification, with the V10 powered Lamborghini also
receiving a significantly updated aero package.
Last year’s GT races at the island were thrillers and this year is likely to
be no exception, with a competitive field across a multitude of classes
entered.
They should go pretty quickly, too and it will be worth keeping an eye
on the pace of the leading championship class cars, especially. Last year
the leaders were below the pace set by the V8 Supercars just weeks
prior to the May round, and engel was faster again in September. With
the circuit having been resealed at the end of the 2012 season, and
the renowned pace of Pirelli’s dh slick tyre, you will see the lap record
shattered for the GT category, and in all likelihood, a benchmark set
that will not be broken this year by a V8 Supercar!
on the WeB: WWW.austRaliangt.com.au
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
26 | the Racing magazine
Radical austRalia cup – Round 3on the WeB: WWW.RadicalspoRtscaRs.com.au
Car # CLASS SPONSOR COMPeTITOR dRIVeR State VeHICLe CC COLOUR
1 SR8 excalibur Racing Neale Muston Neale Muston NSW Radical 2700 Red
5 SR3 haggarty Racing Team Simon haggarty Simon haggarty NSW Radical 1500 White
6 SR3 haggarty Racing Team Tony haggarty Tony haggarty NSW Radical 1500 White
7 SR8 Apartment hotel Ash Samadi Ash Samadi NSW Radical 2700 Black
9 SR8 Radical Australia Chris Medland Chris Medland NSW Radical 2700
16 SR3 WT Partnership Greg Smith Oliver Smith NSW Radical 1500 Black
17 SR3 PJS Air Peter Johnston Peter Johnston NSW Radical 1500 Black
22 SR3 Radical Race experience Liam Talbot Liam Talbot NSW Radical 1500
26 SR3 Team Tilton Interiors Kostinken Pohorukov Kostinken Pohorukov NSW Radical 1500 Blue
27 SR8 First Neon Peter White Peter White NSW Radical 2700 Yellow
29 SR3 Tachac Pty Ltd Andy Plummer Andy Plummer NSW Radical 1500 Black
32 SR3 hughes Motorsport Sue hughes Sue hughes NSW Radical 1500 Green
48 SR3 Radical Team Melbourne Gary Walker Robert Baird VIC Radical 1500
51 SR3 IMAK-KWIKMIT Andrew Macpherson Andrew Macpherson NSW Radical 1500 White
58 SR8 RAW Racing Richard Kimber Richard Kimber NSW Radical 2700 White
63 SR8 Koala Furniture Ross Lilly Ross Lilly Radical 2700 Green/Wh
66 SR8 django Racing John Corbett John Corbett NSW Radical 2700
68 SR3 RAW Racing Kim Burke Kim Burke NSW Radical 1500 Multi
88 SR3 Radical Australia Rowan Ross Rowan Ross NSW Radical 1500 White
89 SR3 Sales Net Group dane Stokes Simon Baxter Radical 1500 Yellow
99 SR3 Industrie Nick Kelly Nick Kelly NSW Radical 1500 Red
ROuNd 3 of the Radical Australia Cup at Phillip Island marks the first
trip ‘South of the Border’ for the series this season – and the first visit to
the circuit by the SR8 entries amongst the field.
The newly resurfaced 4.46km circuit has offered stunning lap times in
qualifying and should see the 400hp-plus V8 powered SR8’s go way
under lap record territory, and close on the outright lap record to boot.
Rounds one and two were held at Sydney Motorsport Park and both
were won by Neale Muston – though Ash Samadi continues to be a
thorn in the defending champions’ side.
At round two, Saturday’s 50 minute race proved to be the most eventful
right from the off, Neale Muston dropping back to 3rd after getting
swamped at the start by Samadi & Nick Kelly. however it only took 8
laps to claw back the lead from Ash Samadi – the 2 enjoying a close
race long battle, Samadi unable to put an end to Muston’s winning
streak on his home track.
In his effort to regain the Race 1 lead early on, Muston went about
setting a new lap record for the SR8’s on their first official run on SMP’s
3.9km GP circuit - at 1.28.222.
Muston and Samadi continued their stranglehold on the front during
Sunday’s second 50 minute race of the weekend, whilst SR3 pilot Ben
Porter battled hard in the early stages with the SR8’s of Chris Medland
and Richard Kimber, with Liam Talbot again holding onto their tail.
Overall Muston’s winning streak continued and put him on the top spot
in the overall weekend results, with Ash Samadi hot on his heels and
works SR8 driver Chris Medland filling the remaining spot on the SR8
class podium.
In the SR3 class Queenslander Liam Talbot’s 1st and 2nd places
resulted in a deserved win, with father and son combination Greg and
Oliver Smith enjoying a proud family moment to share 2nd and 3rd
places on the podium.
Teams and drivers now have some time to regroup before the Shannons
Nationals visit Phillip Island for Round 3 late on 25 - 26 May – no doubt
the Islands unpredictable Autumn weather will spice up the action as
it did during both of last year races, on the famous Motorcycle Grand
Prix circuit.
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
thenationals.com.au | 27
hi-tec oils austRalian suzuKi sWiFt Racing seRieson the WeB: WWW.sWiFtRacing.com.au
Car # SPONSOR COMPeTITOR dRIVeR State VeHICLe CC COLOUR
1 Achilles Radials Trans Tasman M/sp Allan Jarvis QLd Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 Black
6 Finance ezi Trans Tasman M/sp Ben Grice QLd Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 Yell/Black
7 hi-Tec Oils Trans Tasman M/sp Luke Fraser SA Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 Blue
13 downshift Australia Trans Tasman M/sp Andrew Price QLd Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 Red
17 BVC Racing Trans Tasman M/sp Rob Jarvis NSW Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 White
33 Shannons Nationals Trans Tasman M/sp Callan Sayers QLd Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 White
57 Speedweek Trans Tasman M/sp Keishi Ayukai QLd Suzuki Swift Sport 1600 White
Series newcomer Luke Fraser dominated the opening round of the hi-
Tec Oils Australian Swift Racing Series, backing up from his race 1 win
on Saturday night to take both heats and seal the overall round result.
The Adelaide driver used his local experience to the max today,
overcoming difficult conditions in each race to win against the Swift
series strongest-ever field.
The racing was close and particularly furious at the South Australian
circuit, with a host of drivers having a share of the lead. Fraser didn’t
have it easy, however, on one occasion having to work his way through
from the back of the field, but that didn’t stop his charge.
In six laps he went from the back to the race lead and ended up
winning by a comfortable margin – although there was an all-out war
on for the minors behind.
Mike Gore, Allan Jarvis Callan Sayers and Keishi Ayukai, in particular,
were all in the thick of the action.
Meanwhile, series newcomer Ben Grice impressed in his first national-
level racing competition by qualifying his Finance ezi-sponsored Swift
on pole position, and dominating practice as well. The son of two-time
Bathurst champion, Allan, raced competitively all weekend and gained
experience that will see him in a good place for the remainder of the
year.
There was a countback for second overall in the round, Allan Jarvis
edging out Mike Gore for the remaining spots on the podium by virtue
of finishing higher in the deciding final race of the weekend.
Round 3 PHilliP iSlAnd GrAnd Prix CirCuit, ViCtOriA
Round 2 MAllAlA, SOutH AuStrAliA
CAR # CLASS SPONSOR COMPeTITOR dRIVeR STATe VeHICLe CC COLOUR
1 A Trans-West Insurance Brokers Stefan Versluis Stefan Versluis NSW Composite 1900 Black/Gold
6 A Speed Racer Sportscars Chris Barry Chris Barry NSW Composite 2000 Yellow
7 A John Moyes John Moyes NSW S2 2000 BRG
9 B Chris Barry Tony Blanche NSW Composite 1587 Green
25 A Stuart Shirvington Stuart Shirvington NSW S3 1900 Orange/Alum
37 B Jos Kroon Jos Kroon NSW S2 1587 Red
45 A Zeppelin Pty Ltd Ivan Srjeber Ivan Srjeber NSW S3 1970 Blue/Alum
48 A emu Car Care James dick James dick NSW Widebody 1995 Blue
50 A Malcolm Lee Malcolm Lee TAS S3 1900 Blue
52 B Trans-West Insurance Brokers Stefan Versluis Stefan Versluis NSW S3 1587 Black/Alum
98 B Mike Cole Mike Cole NSW Composite 1587 Green/Yellow
The PRB Racing series returns to the Shannons Nationals this weekend
for round three of their expanding, nearly-national series.
Closely following Round 1 at Sydney Motorsport Park, the second
round this year was held at Wakefield Park on April 14th, following a
practice day on the Saturday. As usual, the racing at the front was very
close and no one person dominated all the races.
division A was won by Stef Versluis, who scored two race wins to Chris
Barry’s one (44 points against 38); in div B Jos Kroon won 2 races to
Tony Blanche’s one, to take div B with 42 points from Tony with 38.
Overall after 2 rounds it is Tony Blanche leading the Series with 84
points from Stuart Shirvington and Chris Barry equal on 78 points.
pRB motoRspoRt seRies
on the WeB: WWW.pRBaustRalia.com.au
28 | the Racing magazine
thenationals.com.au | 29
Shannons insurance is for motoring enthusiasts just like you, with features like:
n Choice of repairer n Agreed value n Multi-Vehicle & Multi-Policy discounts
n 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 costCall 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 RP A S S I O N L I K E S H A N N O N S.”
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IntErEstED In ADvErtIsIng In thE nExt IssuE oF
‘thE rAcIng MAgAzInE’?IT WAS very wet on Sunday at Mallala’s Shannons Nationals round. Very
wet indeed. Whilst the Kerrick Sports Sedans dealt with the conditions with
wet-weather tyres and an ‘easy on the throttle’ approach to acceleration,
the fans on the hill had it a little tougher. This gentleman, for example,
found the nearest available pice of cardboard to shield him from the worst
of the wind and driving rain.
how’s the dedication of the Shannons Nationals fans!
speed shots...
30 | the Racing magazine
Round 2 MAllAlA, SOutH AuStrAliA
lap RecoRds
PhilliP island GRand PRiX ciRcuiTciRcuiT lenGTh 4.45kMs
CATeGORY dRIVeR VeHICLe eVeNT dATe FASTeST LAP V8 SuPeRCARS CRAIG LOWNdeS COMMOdORe Ve11 19/05/2012 1.33.4389
GT ALLAN SIMONSeN FeRRARI 458 GT3 23/09/2012 1.31.2837
PROduCTION TOuRING RYAN SIMPSON MITSuBIShI eVO 10 29/04/2012 1.46.1658
RAdICAL BeN PORTeR RAdICAL SR3RS CuP 29/04/2012 1.33.5948
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
SHANNONS NATiONAlS TV
Speedweek on Sunday at 2pm on SBS1
ROUND 3 (Phillip island)
2nd June Amchamp-Great Southern 4 hour
9th June Aust GT Champ
Suzuki Swift
Radical Aust Cup
‘SHANNONS NATiONAlS’ ON FOx SPEED dates & times TBA
liVE iNTERNET TV FROm 10.00Am ON SUNDAy via www.thenationals.com.au
For almost 20 years, Speedweek hasbeen beamed into every loungeroom inAustralian Capital Cities and Regional;Nothing’s changed...
At a brand new time of 2pm EST every Sunday!
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.”