Motorsport Australia Speed Read – November 2025

CHAMPIONS CROWNED

HAYDEN PADDON, JOHN KENNARD (ARC) AND TRAVIS ROBINSON, PAUL CURRIE (AORC) HAVE BEEN CROWNED 2025 CHAMPIONS

WELCOME TO SPEED READ

As we enter the penultimate month of 2025, there is still so much action still to come.

October and November rank among the top months for motorsport in this country, with four National Champions crowned, a new Australian Rally Champion decided, and an Off Road Champion back on top of the podium. It has been a busy few weeks for the sport.

In Western Australia, Travis Robinson and Paul Currie secured the AORC victory in the third and final section of the Kalgoorlie event ahead of Boston Morgan-Horan and Will Haddock for outright round and Championship honours.

New Zealand rally stars Hayden Paddon and John Kennard were crowned champions of Australia for the very first time in the ARC, while Harry Bates and Coral Taylor picked up the Buckby Motors Rally Tasmania victory.

Motorsport Australia would also like to congratulate all four of this year’s National Speed and Auto Test Championship winners and all competitors for the high standards set.

New South Wales competitor Corinne East-Johnston again returned to the top step of the Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship podium, East Lismore’s Dean Amos secured his third-straight SupaService Tyre and Auto Motorsport Australia Hill Climb Championship at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, Victorian competitor Barry Nowell claimed his third Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship in Bendigo, and Dean Tighe was too strong at this year’s Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship to claim his third title at The Bend.

Motorsport overall continued to have a strong presence across the country. In October, Motorsport Australia permitted 115 events over the four-week span. Victorianbased clubs accounted for the largest share of events with 30, followed closely behind by New South Wales with 29 events hosted. Each event was made possible by many of the 22,412 Motorsport Australia officials.

Motorsport Australia hosted the Speak Up, Drive Change webinar on 12 November, building on the foundations established in the Driving Respect online learning module. Webinar panellists included racing driver Todd Hazelwood, Supercars Steward and Senior Official Trevor Neumann and Motorsport Australia Board Director Petrina Astbury, with content designed and moderated by subject matter expert Kelsey Paske, deepening participants’ understanding of unacceptable behaviours and developing confidence in creating psychologically safe, respectful motorsport environments.

Further to Motorsport Australia’s suite of engaging webinars, we continue to engage our affiliated clubs through our Club Business Workshops. Following on from our successful Grant Writing Workshop and most recently our Attracting and Retaining Women Members Workshop, we encourage clubs to register for our final workshop of 2025, ‘Social Media for Clubs’, designed to provide grassroots clubs with the tools and knowledge to improve their social media capabilities.

As part of FIA Officials Month, Motorsport Australia acknowledged some of the extraordinary officials within our ranks, including 2024 FIA Official of the Year Carol Armstrong, Steward and 2024 Australian Official of the Year Trevor Neumann, and retiring Medical Chase Car Operator Bruce Muhling, who recently clocked up his 30th Gold Coast 500 event.

Lastly, we continue to keep a watchful eye on Oscar Piastri’s Formula One World Drivers’ Championship chase. While recent results have not favoured Oscar, his achievements on the world stage hold strong.

Please enjoy this month’s edition of Speed Read.

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CHILD SAFETY IN MOTORSPORT

The Australian Institute for Motorsport Safety (AIMSS) has today launched its new research study *Child Safety in Motorsport* as part of a national initiative designed to capture the experiences and insights of parents, young competitors, and the wider motorsport community.

Led by AIMSS, the research survey aims to identify gaps in safety awareness, equipment accessibility, barriers to participation, and incident data. The survey findings will directly inform research and development efforts, helping to enhance protection and education for the next generation of competitors.

AIMSS Chairman, Garry Connelly AM, said the research survey ensures safety standards for young competitors are grounded in evidence, not assumption.

“By investigating incidents and monitoring safety trends, AIMSS provides the foundation for informed decisions on child protection in motorsport.” Connelly said.

“Participation in the survey will make a measurable contribution to evidence-based safety initiatives which underpin ongoing safety improvements, industry-wide education and regulation priorities.”

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and submissions close on 17 December.

COMPLETE SURVEY

ABOUT AIMSS

AIMSS is a not-for-profit organisation established in 2007 and is the peak body for motorsport safety and related research in Australia.

AIMSS works in conjunction with Motorsport Australia and Karting Australia in an advisory role and is a research partner of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) to develop safety through research, education and industry liaison.

EAST-JOHNSTON CONTINUES

STELLAR YEAR

WITH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

NEW SOUTH WALES COMPETITOR, AND ASIA PACIFIC MOTORSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP GOLD MEDALLIST, CORINNE EAST-JOHNSTON HAS AGAIN RETURNED TO THE TOP STEP OF THE MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA MOTORKHANA CHAMPIONSHIP PODIUM AFTER A SEVEN-YEAR WAIT.

East-Johnston outdrove all other competitors, including several family members, at the Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship in Mount Gambier, edging ahead of previous champion Aaron Wuillemin by less than two-tenths of a second - with neither participant receiving a single penalty across their 12 total runs. It was evident early on the title would be decided between the two competitors, with each splitting the first six runs for fastest time.

Wuillemin then conducted a sublime run on Waltz Clover, winning the fifth run by almost a second and a half, before East-Johnston stormed home with four consecutive fastest times to claim the crown.

The win marks East-Johnston’s fourth Australian Motorkhana Championship of her motorsport career, dating back to her first in 2011 at RAC Driving Centre in Perth.

East-Johnston finished with an overall time of 4:49.56, 0.15 seconds ahead of Wuillemin’s total time of 4:49.71. Motorkhana up-and-comer and Wuillemin’s son, Hamish EastWuillemin, secured the final podium spot with an overall time of 5:12.88 - 23 seconds off the pacesetters.

Rounding out the top five was James Newell, who finished with a total time of 5:15.52. Meanwhile, Stuart Cotton’s 5:26.64 performance put him in the top handful of results.

Across the classes, East-Johnston would claim the win in the Front Wheel Drive Specials following the outright win, meanwhile Wuillemin

would garner the class win in the Rear Wheel Drive Specials.

Cotton held a 25 second advantage in the 2WD Production Cars up to 2150mm to gain a class win, Reese McIntosh’s overall time of 5:43.76 in the 2WD Production Cars 2151-2390mm category saw him receive class honours, and Nicholas Charrett secured a best-in-class in the 2WD Production Cars 23912574mm with his time of 6:12.58.

In the remaining classes, Jason Sims clocked the quickest time in 12 runs for Class D with a 6:31.29 in the 2WD Production Cars 2575mm and over, whereas Adam Cullen’s 6:13.46 was the quickest in Class E (Four Wheel Drive Production Cars, which must be driven in four-wheel drive mode throughout the Event). Tony Russell (8:27.22) was quicker than Martin Drake (8:58.48) to win the Modified Production Car gong.

The Motorsport Australia Motorkhana Championship was made possible as a result of the efforts of officials from the South Eastern Automobile Club and put a stamp on another successful National Championship for the wider motorkhana community.

CHAMPIONS EAORCOFF

Travis Robinson and Paul Currie have been crowned 2025 Champions of the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship after a thrilling final day at the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race.

CHAMPIONS OFFROADC MOTORSPORTAUSTRALIA OFFROAD CHAMPIONSHIP

ROBINSON+CURRIE OFFROADCHAMPIONS

ONE-TWO IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP, AND WE CAN’T ASK FOR MUCH MORE THAN THAT. TO HAVE TWO CARS DOMINATE ALL YEAR – FINISHING ONE-TWO IN THREE EVENTS – THAT’S A BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT AND IT GOES TO SHOW THE TEAM HAVE DONE A GREAT JOB.

In emotional scenes, Western Australian driver Travis Robinson secured victory in the third and final section of the Kalgoorlie event to narrowly pip Kiwi ace Boston Morgan-Horan for outright round honours. The two cars went back and forth over the entire weekend; in the end, just 20 seconds separated them after 163 kilometres of racing.

The result secured Robinson and Currie their second outright AORC title, having won the crown in 2023. It also caps a

phenomenal year in which Robinson won the outright title, the Finke Desert Race as well as the Loveday 400.

To ice the victory, Travis’ brother Beau Robinson and navigator Shane Hutt finished fourth at Kalgoorlie, handing them runner-up honours in the AORC title race – a dream 1-2 finish. Furthermore, their late father, Brian Robinson, was inducted into the Motorsport Australia Off Road Hall of Fame in the build up to the weekend alongside Ben Erceg.

CURRIE CHAMPIONS

Fellow Western Australian competitor Jared Percival sealed third outright in the Championship after finishing third overall in Kalgoorlie.

“It has been an awesome weekend,” Travis Robinson said.

“I was halfway around the lap there and thinking to myself ‘I can’t end the year like this – I need to make sure we win the event as well’. We just turned the heat on and made sure we won it.

“We’re happy to win a couple of Championships and a Finke. We’ve got the 50th Finke race next year and I’ll probably pack it in after that and ride off into the sunset. It’s overwhelming but it’s good, I’m hoping Beau can do the championship next year – that’s all that’s left for us to accomplish.”

Despite missing out on a first title himself, Beau Robinson was left content with his team’s efforts this season.

“We chipped away at it and it’s worked out for the best,” Beau Robinson said.

“One-two in the championship, and we can’t ask for much more than that. To have two cars dominate all year – finishing one-two in three events – that’s a big accomplishment and it goes to show the [team] have done a great job.”

For Morgan-Horan, the final section presented its challenges, with his trophy truck enduring some torque converter problems through the lap, before finally packing it in as he crossed the finish line.

“It was pretty rough for the last lap. It’s soft, sandy and winding. It’s fun out there, though not fun knowing you’re getting caught,” Morgan-Horan said.

“From what I knew we were on par until the tight and twisty section – the last 20km. The entire lap for me, the truck was overheating. I got through the lap and heard the pop at the end.”

Earlier in the day, it was Morgan-Horan that shone in Section Two. Setting out first in clear, still conditions, the New Zealand driver posted a 1:05:05.9 lap to pip Travis Robinson by a mere 3.5 seconds.

Beau Robinson finally shook the effects of a poor Prologue to finish third in section two, three minutes behind Morgan-Horan.

Pro Buggy driver Jared Percival came home fourth outright in section two, before moving up one

position for section three – completing a strong, consistent year for the Western Australian.

“We’ve had a great year, we’ve been consistent and where we can we’ve been pushing – third outright for the year, we’re stoked with that,” Percival said.

“It has been a great year. The car has been awesome and I feel like we’ve been quicker and quicker as the year as gone on.”

Stop five of the AORC, the Kalgoorlie finale also decided the competitive Motorsport Australia SXS Champions for 2025 – and it went well and truly down to the wire.

In the end, Lachlan Bailey did just enough to hold off a fast-finishing Glen Ackroyd to take SXS Drivers’ honours for 2025. However, it was Ackroyd’s navigator Michael Price that secured the SXS Navigators’ title. Greg Campbell and Ryland Burt secured third in the SXS standings after finishing sixth in class in Kalgoorlie.

" WE’RE HAPPY TO WIN A COUPLE OF CHAMPIONSHIPS AND A FINKE. WE’VE GOT THE 50TH FINKE RACE NEXT YEAR AND I’LL PROBABLY PACK IT IN AFTER THAT AND RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET..."

“That last lap was a lot. I heard banging going on and we broke the sway bar midway through the lap –the car was a pig of a thing to drive but we got it home,” Bailey said.

“Glen was definitely on a charge. We knew that we had to almost DNF for him to beat us. We weren’t too worried about pushing the car.

“It was massive relief to finish. The Championship has been a lot this year and it’s good to finish.”

Ackroyd and Price arrived in Kalgoorlie sporting a new SXS entry, having written off their previous vehicle at the St George stop of the championship in August.

“I was definitely busy out there. There was no dust out there but I had oil all over our car and it sprayed onto my feet as well. It was very slippery trying to go for the brake pedal,” Ackroyd said.

“Our goal for this weekend was to come here and win it. Congratulations to the [team] who built the car. They did an awesome job.”

The Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race was a fitting finale to a fascinating year in the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship across the outright title race and various class championships, with other class titles to be confirmed in the coming days.

Competitors will now take a break before gearing up for a mega 2026 campaign.

TOYOTA AUSTRALIA PARTNERS WITH FIA GIRLS ON TRACK

Motorsport Australia is pleased to announce Toyota Australia as an FIA Girls on Track partner, which sees the manufacturer use its global motorsport credentials to give more girls the opportunity to get involved in motorsport.

Kicking off the partnership at the Repco Bathurst 1000, the team at TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia gave one young girl the opportunity to work alongside Toyota’s Bathurst team: across events, sponsorships, PR and social properties.

Toyota Australia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Vin Naidoo stated it was an easy decision to partner with Motorsport Australia’s FIA Girls on Track program.

“It’s a unique opportunity to show young girls how they can thrive in motorsport, while shaping the future for generations to come,” Naidoo said.

“The Bathurst 1000 experience provided handson experience at a world-class motorsport event, with a world-class team.”

Motorsport Australia’s Partnerships Manager Loren Di Pietro praised the partnership and its broader benefits to the sporting community, noting the strength of Toyota Australia’s reputation and its investment in people development.

“Motorsport Australia is pleased to see a trusted global brand like Toyota supporting and strengthening pathways to participation,” Di Pietro said.

This partnership comes at an exciting time as Toyota Australia enters the Supercars category in 2026 with its GR Supra, extending its commitment to motorsport participation, which already includes onemake grassroots TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia (TGRA) Scholarship Series and GR CUP, and the TGRA Rally Team.

“Toyota Australia is a stalwart of the Australian automotive industry, and this partnership cements their support of Australian motorsport at all levels,” Di Pietro said.

“Strategic partnerships like the one we’ve created with Toyota Australia allow the FIA Girls on Track program to bridge the gap between simply being curious and building a career in motorsport.”

Toyota Australia’s GR CUP events will provide a work experience opportunity for participants via Motorsport Australia’s FIA Girls on Track - Empower initiative, in what is a very exciting time for Toyota in Australian motorsport.

Following the announcement, Toyota Australia hosted FIA Girls on Track experiences at the 2025 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 on 24-26 October and the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 on 14-16 November, which will then be followed by activations at every GR CUP round in 2026.

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AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONS

New Zealand duo Hayden Paddon and John Kennard have been crowned 2025 EROAD Australian Rally Champions (ARC) after doing enough in Burnie to seal the title, after finishing third at Buckby Motors Rally Tasmania.

AUSTRALIANRALLY AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPIONS CHAMPIONS

PADDONANDKENNARD RALLYCHAMPIONS

" WE’RE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SO MUCH SUPPORT. IT’S THE SAME SUPPORT WE GET AROUND THE WORLD AND ACROSS THE DITCH HERE. IT’S GREAT THAT KIWIS EMBRACE THIS RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP AS WELL."

KENNARD CHAMPIONS

“I can tell you though, it was still quite stressful. This is my 20th year as Hayden’s co-driver, so I think it’s really cool that after all these years, we’re still competitive and still winning championships together.”

Paddon dedicated the Championship to his countryman, the late Possum Bourne, a seven-time Australian Rally Champion.

Paddon stated Bourne’s rally feats in Australia and around the world was his inspiration to his own rally career.

“A lot of this is for Possum. He was the inspiration over the last couple of years to keep going and to come over and do something he really dominated. It’s pretty cool,” Paddon said.

“We’re so lucky to have so much support. It’s the same support we get around the world and across the ditch here. It’s great that Kiwis embrace this rally championship as well.

“Honestly, I’ve loved it over here. Everyone’s been so welcoming. The rallies have brought new challenges for us, and the competition with the Bates brothers, Scott [Pedder] and Alex [Rullo], has been great. We’ve loved that.

“We’ve done it on a shoestring budget, despite what people might think - it’s been a pretty tight budget. So it’s cool to tick it off the list, and something cool to add to John’s and my CV, and keep building on everything we’ve been doing around the world.”

The third-place finish for Paddon and Kennard capped off what has been an almost-perfect debut season in the championship for the New Zealand duo, claiming four of the six rounds.

As for Harry Bates, it’s been a frustrating year for the three-time ARC champion, however a faultless weekend behind the wheel of the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 handed him his first win of the season.

Second place for the weekend was Bates’ Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia teammates Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin.

From the moment they took the outright lead on Saturday, Harry and Taylor never looked back as they charged away from the rest of the field during Sunday’s six stages, producing strong stages – four of which they won – including the Power Stage.

In the lead up to the final stage of the season, Paddon’s Hyundai sustained a blown shock which saw him drop behind Lewis Bates and McLoughlin, however the Kiwi nursed the car home to become champion.

Kennard exclaimed it was “really cool” to win the title.

“It’s great to come to a new championship and do well, especially against a field that is really competitive and at events that are really well run,” Kennard said.

“We really paced ourselves this weekend. We had a good title lead and as we were going through, we wanted to push, but there was too much to risk. We had a good buffer, so we didn’t want to risk it.

“I can tell you though, it was still quite stressful. This is my 20th year as Hayden’s co-driver, so I think it’s really cool that after all these years, we’re still competitive and still winning championships together.”

PADDON DEDICATED THE CHAMPIONSHIP TO HIS COUNTRYMAN, THE LATE POSSUM BOURNE, A SEVEN-TIME AUSTRALIAN RALLY CHAMPION.

Paddon wasn’t the only EROAD Australian Rally Championship winners to be decided this weekend. WOLF Production Cup winners Bodie Reading and Brad Jones sealing the title after dominating the Cup category, the third consecutive year that Reading has won Production Cup honours.

ARC Junior Cup winner Jackson Long finished in seventh place outright and won the Subaru WRX Challenge as a result, however it was the ninth-placed Glenn Brinkman who ended up winning the class title following his class runner-up. WRX Challenge rival Andy Van Kann’s co-driver Catherine Saayman claimed the co-driver title for the WRX Challenge.

Making up the final place in the Buckby Motors Rally Tasmania top 10 were ARC 2WD Cup winners,and 2025 Motorsport Australia New South Wales Rally Champions, Tony Sullens and Kaylie Newell.Shane and Sylvie Garner survived a couple of scares throughout the event to claim the ARC 4WD Classic Cup for the year.

Other ARC Cups included Tony Oates claiming the ARC 2WD Classic Cup for Drivers, and West Australian Caleb Ash taking the co-driver title.

Rally Tasmania is proudly supported by the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania’s Major Event Partnerships Program.

The EROAD Australian Rally Championship will reset over a six-month break before the 2026 season begins in Gympie for Accent Benchtops Rally Queensland on 17-19 April.

RC

OFFICIATING IS A LIFESTYLE FOR ROGER

Chirnside has been a Motorsport Australia Official for almost 60 years, first taking on an officiating role at the Tasman Series at Sandown in February, 1966 at the suggestion of a close friend at the time.

It was there that Roger was bitten by the officiating bug, which lead to a number of other roles in the years to come.

Chirnside would take on roles to include crowd control, flag marshal, grid marshal, pit lane marshal, sector marshal, a chief flag marshal of 19 years from 1992 to 2010, and as a chief marshal since 2011.

Chirnside said he hopes to continue to represent Motorsport Australia at all event levels, citing how welcoming the officials community is overall.

“To witness marshals rising through the ranks to levels of significant responsibility is what makes me happy in the role I play in motorsport,” Chirnside said.

“The camaraderie of the motor racing family in Australia and around the world is next to none, and it’s a place I love to be.”

Chirnside’s accolades as an official are as extensive as they are impressive.

His earliest of note came in 1990 when Motorsport Australia (then CAMS) awarded Chirnside with a Service Award.

Other accolades include receiving Victorian Flagmarshalling Team Life Membership in 1994, being named the Australian Official of the Year in 2000, and the FIA Outstanding Official of the Year 2017.

Chirnside was awarded Motorsport Australia Life Membership earlier this year at the Motorsport Australia National Awards Gala.

TO WITNESS MARSHALS RISING THROUGH THE RANKS TO LEVELS OF SIGNIFICANT RESPONSIBILITY IS WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY IN THE ROLE I PLAY IN MOTORSPORT..."

BEING AN OFFICIAL CAN BE A LIFELONG COMMITMENT, AND FOR ROGER CHIRNSIDE, THAT IS CERTAINLY THE CASE.

be part of the motor racing fraternity, but to also be able to usefully serve a purpose whilst taking part in something I love doing, Chirnside explained.

“I strongly encourage aspiring officials to enjoy the experience of being a valuable part of motorsport and that part is marshalling.

“I spoke of a dear friend at this year’s awards night who introduced me to crowd control many years ago - that friend was Barry Petersen.

“Barry was all of 6’4” and his height was an advantage in a couple of ways at the race track. If there were some unruly spectators, sometimes the sight of Barry looming could possibly calm things down a little, and as I frequently said to him ‘I’m right behind you’, but also in the heat of the day, he was a good source of shade.

“Above all, none of these awards, honours, thrills, would have been possible without the unwavering support from my dear wife Joy.”

Chirnside’s biggest officiating thrill to this day remains standing trackside in 1995 on the Mulsanne Straight at the Le Mans 24 hour with a blue flag in his hand.

It is the efforts of officials like Roger that makes motorsport possible throughout Australia.

As part of FIA Officials Month in October, Motorsport Australia acknowledged the work of the 12,249 officials currently registered with Motorsport Australia who make our sport a great community to be part of.

12,249 officials

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FEENEY SCHUMACHER + CLAIM GT WORLD CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA TITLE

THE RACE 2 WIN GAVE THE KELSO ELECTRICAL AUDI A REMARKABLE CLEANSWEEP OF GT FESTIVAL HAMPTON DOWNS, TAKING BOTH POLES AND BOTH RACE WINS BEFORE BEING CROWNED PRO-AM CHAMPIONS POST-RACE FOLLOWING A PENALTY TO ARISE RACING GT’S JAXON EVANS AND ELLIOTT SCHUTTE.

In heartbreaking circumstances, the Ferrari 296 GT3 pilots had led the Championship from the opening race at Shannons SpeedSeries - GT Festival The Bend, and only needed to finish fourth in today’s finale to secure the title. Schutte looked to have done enough to secure the title after crossing the finish line in second place behind Schumacher, who had taken the lead after pouncing on the Ferrari with two laps to go, only for the Ferrari to be handed a time penalty for accelerating too early at the restart of the late Safety Car, dropping him to seventh.

SCHUMACHER

THE FIRST PERSON IN AUSTRALIA TO SECURE THE TRIPLE CROWN

In the end, it saw Arise Racing GT lose the title by three points and made Schumacher the first person in Australia to secure the triple crown – Trophy class champion 2002, Am class champion 2023 and now ProAm, while giving Feeney his maiden Australian GT title.

Taking out second place for Race 2 after being promoted from third was the Audi R8 LMS EVO II of Wolfbrook/Melbourne Performance Centre’s Ryan Wood and Steve Brooks, while Tigani Motorsport’s Jayden Ojeda and Paul Lucchitti rounded out the podium after crossing the line in fourth.

Like the Pro-Am champions, Grant Donaldson and Darren Currie also secured the clean sweep of the Am Cup in New Zealand, having converted their pole position to victory.

Feeney and Schumacher’s victory came off the back of a super-strong start from the former, building a solid margin over the first three corners until the first safety car was called when the OnlyFans/Team MPC Audi R8 LMS EVO II of Damien Leitch was sandwiched between the two Tigani Motorsport Mercedes of Ojeda and Geyer Valmont Racing’s George King.

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WESTERN DISTRICT CAR CLUB COMMENDS INTRODUCTORY SESSION FOR WOMEN

Victoria’s Western District Car Club has hailed Motorsport Australia’s Women’s Introduction to Motorsport program as a major benefit to its membership base, following another successful event at the club’s Geelong Motorsport Complex.

Western District Car Club President Andrew Caddy stated it was the third Women’s Introduction to Motorsport session the club has run, praising its effectiveness in attracting women of all ages to get involved with motorsport.

“The events of this type that we’ve run, each one has been very successful,” Caddy said.

“The quote ‘turning curiosity into confidence’ applies here I think. Some of the participants start off as complete novices who only have an interest in motorsport, but do not know how to get involved. This program gives women those tools and turns getting in motorsport into a really positive experience. It’s awesome.

“From each of these events, we’ve had a few women join the club and have gone on to become regular competitors as well taking part in events consistently.”

The program is designed to give women a welcoming and hands-on entry into the world of motorsport, and in the comfort of their own road cars, or cars supplied by the hosting club.

Participants learnt how to prepare a vehicle for scrutineering, engaged in track exercises focused on car control and driving skills, and were guided

by experienced motorsport professionals and grassroots mentors every step of the way.

RallySchool Melbourne also gave the participants a hot lap around the track at the end of their sessions.

Caddy recommended the program to any other clubs eager to expand its reach to women looking to get into motorsport.

“For other clubs looking to host one of these events, I think the key is to stick to the basics, having other women involved in the program as mentors, just to make it a low-key and inviting event.

“We’re also happy to provide advice to any other clubs that want to run a similar event.”

Motorsport Australia Affiliated Clubs are invited to get involved with the Women’s Introduction to Motorsport Club Program by running a Women’s Introduction to Motorsport event.

If a club is interested in delivering this event, complete an expression of interest for a copy of the Women’s Introduction to Motorsport Club Guide.

Motorsport Australia Affiliated Clubs are welcome to collaborate with other Motorsport Australia Affiliated Clubs to deliver these events.

ENTRIES OPEN FOR FORMULA FORD 1600 NATIONALS

Entries are open for the 2025 edition of the Australian Formula Ford 1600 Nationals from 20-22 November, that will support the penultimate round of Trico Trans Am Series at Mallala Homecoming in Western Australia.

A single marquee event featuring contemporary specification Kent engines, the Formula Ford 1600 Nationals is an event that garners an abundance of attention each year from competitors, teams and spectators.

Victorian-based Formula Ford Association Administrator Phil Marinnon takes on event delivery personally this year and expects the additional presence of Victorian and Historic competitors and support from Queensland and New South Wales’ Formula Ford associations and competitors will see continued growth for the event.

The weekend will consist of an unofficial practice day Thursday, an official practice session, qualifying session and two heats on Friday, then Saturday’s two additional heats plus “The Final” to conclude the event.

Last year, the Australian Formula Ford 1600 Nationals leapt forward with the selection of Morgan Park as the 2024 host venue, seeing competitors from across the country form a 19-car all Formula Ford 1600 field.

Variety is a key ingredient of Formula Ford 1600, featuring Spectrum, Mygale, Spirit, Van Diemen, Stealth, Vector, Mondiale and Swift models in 2024.

This year South Australia is home base and the 2025 event is standalone and does not include any State Championship component.

The Mallala Homecoming is the return of Motorsport Australia national-level racing to Mallala and headlined by Trico Trans Am’s penultimate round.

All State Formula Ford 1600 Championships will be completed ahead of the event.

The ‘Analogue Cup’ also returns. An award unique to Formula Ford 1600 Nationals, being irrespective of the car’s year of build or level of modifications over time or the age of the driver, the only requirement is that after inspection the car is confirmed as having no data logging assistance for the driver and solely analogue displays for engine parameters.

With no representation by Historic Group F specification cars in 2024, organisers expect there will be a change in 2025 and some Historic racers will take the opportunity to join their contemporary cousins with an all-Kent engine grid.

The Australian Formula Ford 1600 Nationals is open to both the freely modifiable contemporary cars and the locked in to a period specification historic cars, with each using their respective control tyres and minimum weights.

FIRE SAFETY IN FOCUS RACER

INDUSTRIES LEADS THE CHARGE IN FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

When every second counts in motorsport, fire safety technology becomes as critical as horsepower.

Behind the scenes of Australian motorsport, Racer Industries is equipping competitors with the latest in fire suppression systems, helping them stay ahead of evolving Motorsport Australia Schedule H regulations.

As the authorised Australian dealer for Lifeline Fire Extinguisher systems, and an authorised service agent for Lifeline, Sparco, and FEV fire extinguisher systems, Racer Industries offers precisionengineered solutions developed through decades of motorsport innovation.

This ensures teams and competitors have access to approved products, genuine servicing, and expert guidance - all crucial for performance and compliance.

“Fires in motorsport can spread extremely quickly due to high-performance fuels, lubricants, and confined engine bays, making automatic or manual extinguishing systems essential,” said Mathew Nilsson from Racer Industries.

Under Schedule H, competitors must fit approved systems depending on the vehicle category.

Racer Industries carries an extensive range to suit every level of competition, from hand-held extinguishers to FIA Technical List 16 and 52 plumbedin systems, as well as SFI 17.1 and 17.3 systems.

For FIA-approved systems, customers can choose between mechanical or electrical activation, and gas or liquid suppressants, balancing weight, simplicity, and cost.

WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS IN MOTORSPORT, FIRE SAFETY TECHNOLOGY BECOMES AS CRITICAL AS HORSEPOWER.

“Crucially, motorsport fire extinguisher systems aren’t about saving the car. They’re designed to delay the development of a fire and give drivers and co-drivers valuable seconds to exit safely.

“In choosing a fire extinguisher system, competitors want not only choice, but the right system for their car, category, and budget. At Racer Industries, we carry both mechanical and electrical systems, with gas or liquid suppressant options, so competitors can tailor their setup without compromise.

“From January 2026, plumbed-in fire systems will become mandatory across several off-road categories, phased in over three years. Our team is ready to guide competitors through this transition, from product selection and installation, to ensuring every system meets homologation and performance standards.”

Meanwhile, the new SFI systems from Lifeline USA – available exclusively through Racer Industries - offer mechanical or automatic activation, bringing nextlevel protection and peace of mind.

The installation of these fire suppression systems is critical. All plumbed-in systems must be installed according to manufacturer guidelines to maintain homologation and ensure system effectiveness.

Regular inspection is equally as important, with competitors recommended to check for damage, corrosion, and system pressure before each event.

Fire extinguisher bottles must also be serviced every two years by an authorised agent for the brand.

This is a process Racer Industries completes at its Box Hill (Victoria) and Yatala (Queensland) facilities, with an average turnaround time of two to five days, depending on demand and freight time.

Competitors are encouraged to check their service dates early to avoid off-season bottlenecks, with the Racer Industries’ team able to assist with freight logistics and lead times to minimise downtime.

Established in 2004, Racer Industries has become the go-to source for motorsport parts in Australia.

With a commitment to supporting all levels of motorsport, Racer Industries is proud to provide competitors with high-quality gear at affordable prices, sourced directly from local and international manufacturers.

RESPECT IN MOTORSPORT REMAINS PARAMOUNT

The world of motorsport is a special community. At its core, it is filled with generous and passionate members who share a common love of motorsport in all of its forms. The community performs and functions at its best when everyone is treated with respect and consideration.

When this is done, motorsport events are a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

In line with sporting best practice and to help safeguard the motorsport community, Motorsport Australia has a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying and is proactive in eradicating such behaviour in all its forms.

As part of the Motorsport Australia Respect Code, members commit to valuing each other’s differences and opinions.

Members, through the Code, recognise that “people of all backgrounds can offer a valuable contribution to motorsport and support Motorsport Australia’s commitment to be inclusive and welcome all members of the Australian community into our sport”.

Motorsport Australia General Counsel and Head of Integrity Gabriella Bornstein stated when the motorsport community maintains a high level of respect between members, the whole community and sport benefits, and it performs at its best.

“When every person in the motorsport community treats one another with respect, the sport thrives,” Bornstein said.

“It creates safe, fair, and more enjoyable experiences for everyone involved. It’s part of what keeps people involved with the sport"

“Respect isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about understanding the impact of our words and actions.”

Motorsport Australia encourages all members of the motorsport community to call out poor behaviour or discrimination when it happens, this helps us keep the motorsport community a welcoming and enjoyable place to be. Motorsport Australia is here to support individuals who have suffered from discrimination, bullying or harassment and achieve this we rely on members to report their concerns via the Integrity team

If you believe anyone is in immediate need of protection from harm or in a life-threatening situation, please contact 000 and request Police.

Bornstein added “Respect is for and from everyone, from Motorsport Australia’s officials, volunteers, staff and competitors through to spectators and fans,” Bornstein added.

“Motorsport Australia officials and volunteers are the backbone of motorsport at all levels and they deserve an inclusive, respectful environment.

“Respect is not a concept reserved for race weekends; it’s the standard we hold ourselves to in every interaction.”

Competitors, officials, volunteers, crew, staff, and spectators together maintain a motorsport community that is welcoming, friendly and fair.

HEAD TO THE MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA WEBSITE FOR MORE ON THE SPEAK UP, DRIVE CHANGE WEBINAR

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WOMEN OFFICIALS INTEGRAL IN KALGOORLIE

The Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race provided off road competitors and spectators with an enthralling end to the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship where overall champions and class winners were decided.

Motorsport Australia’s dedicated officials were there every step of the way, efficiently running the event not only on the weekend, but also in the days leading up to Prologue to ensure the off road season came to a satisfying conclusion.

Among the cohort of 115 officials, 32 women were integral to the running of the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race taking on a variety of different roles throughout the event.

Of the women officiating, three served roles in senior positions in race control, four teams lined up at checkpoint, women were positioned in five course cars, 50 per cent of the medical team were women, two teams of women acted as Spectator Marshals and in total women made up 25 per cent of officials in attendance.

Motorsport Australia Off Road Manager Campbell Smith stated it was a welcome sight seeing so many women officiating at the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship and he looks forward to see this grow in the years ahead.

“The off road community is a terrific community to be a part of, not just as a competitor, but also as a member of our team making these extraordinary

events possible across the country,” Smith said.

“Motorsport Australia’s Officials Training is the benchmark nationwide and widely respected internationally, and to see more and more women getting involved with off road officiating at such a professional level is awesome to see.”

Motorsport Australia encourages women of all ages and backgrounds to consider becoming an official for rally and off road events.

Motorsport Australia’s world-class Bronze Rally/Off Road training program is extensive, and includes the roles of the senior officials of the event, preparing for the event, arriving at the event, safety and personal conduct, a checklist of personal items, stage/control setup, securing a stage in preparation for competition, roles of control officials/spectator marshals and more.

The learning objectives for this module also touch on the application of communication techniques appropriate to the various roles within a Rally/Off Road team environment, identifying event safety management principles at Rally/Off Road events, resolving environmental impacts at a Rally/Off Road event and more.

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SINGLE EVENT SPEED LICENCE

TO GROW PARTICIPATION

Motorsport Australia is pleased to introduce a new Single Event Speed Licence, designed to make participation in grassroots motorsport more accessible through a simple, low-cost, low-commitment entry point to the sport.

The Single Event Speed Licence was developed following feedback from Motorsport Australia-affiliated car clubs and competitors as a means of helping interested newcomers experience the excitement of participating in motorsport for the first time.

From this licence, clubs will be able to provide more opportunities to people who want to get involved in the sport through a less daunting process for first-time participants, by creating a simple pathway to grassroots motorsport at the club level through the Single Event Speed Licence.

Motorsport Australia Club and State Competition Manager Bruce Astbury stated the new licence will provide an easy option for those looking to get involved in the sport.

“Grassroots motorsport is the foundation of our sport, and this initiative is about making our sport as accessible to new members as possible. We want newcomers to feel welcomed, supported and confident as they take their first steps on track,” Astbury said.

“By reducing barriers, we’re giving more people the chance to experience the fun of motorsport first-hand.

“This Single Event Speed Licence provides a simple, flexible and affordable entry point. It’s a positive step for clubs, competitors and the broader community. Most importantly, it helps maintain the growth of motorsport in Australia.”

Participants can complete a Single Event Speed Licence application before or on the day of an event through the Motorsport Australia Member Portal.

Upon submission of an application, the Member Services team will activate the licence for seven days.

If submitted on the day of the event, the licence may appear as under review for a short time. Applicants are approved to participate in the event in such cases, provided they have not disclosed any adverse medical conditions.

On-the-day applications completed using the paper form will be checked by event organisers to ensure all sections are completed, all declarations are signed, and no adverse medical conditions are declared without prior clearance.

These forms are submitted to the Member Services team following the event.

APPLY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is the Single Event Speed Licence for?

First-time participants who want to experience a Speed event before committing to an annual licence. What types of events does it cover?

It can be used for most Speed events (such as Hill Climb, Regularity, Sprints and Supersprints) and Non-Speed events (such as Khanacross and Motorkhana), except where the event’s Supplementary Regulations mandate a higher grade of licence.

Can someone use multiple Single Event Speed Licences throughout the year?

No, it is intended that participants can only obtain one Single Event Speed Licence per year. Motorsport Australia Member Services will assist repeat applicants to upgrade to an annual Speed Licence as appropriate.

Do competitors still need to complete a medical or provide other documentation?

No medical is required for a Single Event Speed Licence, unless a participant declares an adverse medical condition. In that case, prior clearance must be obtained before participating. All applicants are required to complete the Health Statement on the application form.

Does the event organiser need to do anything differently?

Event organisers should ensure the correct form is used and that all sections are signed. Completed on-the-day applications must be submitted to Motorsport Australia Member Services post-event.

What happens if a participant wants to upgrade to an annual Speed Licence?

Participants can apply their $85 payment as credit toward an annual Speed Licence at any time.

VIEW LICENCES

NOWELL REPEATS AT AUSTRALIAN KHANACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

VICTORIAN COMPETITOR

BARRY NOWELL HAS FURTHER SOLIDIFIED HIS POSITION AS ONE THE COUNTRY’S BEST KHANACROSS COMPETITORS, CLAIMING HIS THIRD MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA KHANACROSS CHAMPIONSHIP IN BENDIGO

The Geelong Motor Sport Club representative drove to his third Australian Championship by six seconds overall, with over 50 competitors participating over the two-day event at the Bendigo Saleyards and Bagshot Motorsports Complex.

Driving his Baztec 23 machine, Nowell’s total time of 13:30.18 was enough to finish him ahead of Brad Hall and his Subaru WRX’s time of 13:36.41, which sat at a 10-second margin prior to the final run.

Both drivers secured F Class and MP4 Class wins respectively from their results, meanwhile Lyndon Kettle rounded out the outright podium in his #39 Subaru WRX, tallying a total time of 14:25.98 and claiming the G Class win.

Nowell’s win continues his reign at the Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship, following his winning performance in 2024 and his maiden title in 2022.

Jeffrey Salmon (14:29.28) and Tony Strokes (14:30.59) closed out the top five with strong results over both days.

Other class results saw Ross Batson secure the MP2 category with an overall time of 14:32.52 and finishing sixth outright.

Bendigo youngster Henry Moorhead claimed the Junior honours in his Hayabusa Buggy with an overall time of 14:49.29. Darren Colgan’s work in the #5 Ford Fiesta XR4 impressed onlookers as he secured the C Class nod with a finish time of 15:01.74.

Western District Car Club’s Stephen Lanham walked away with the E Class win in a VW Polo

clocking an overall time of 15:40.83, and Joanne Woolley was crowned the Ladies winner in the #51 Subaru WRX with a time stamp of 15:50.25.

The remaining class gongs involved James Neilsen (15:50.41) locking up Class A in the #1 1973 Leyland Mini and Harrison Gibson (16:48.93) in Class D driving the #9 Nissan EXA Pulsar.

Event Secretary Craig Button was extremely pleased with how the event panned out, with competitors needing to adjust to two different course types.

“There was enough breeze in the lead-up to the event, so the dust moved away from the track and away from the competitors,” Button said.

“Spectators got a bit filled in a couple of times, but a lot of smiles and faces, very few frowns.

“A couple of the fancy guys had big hiccups through the day, which put them back down the order at times. But there were a few surprises and a lot of joy had by all.

“A special shoutout to our officials as well, it would not have been possible without them and congratulations to all of the winners from the weekend.”

Full the full results, head to Motorsport Australia Khanacross Championship.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR VENUES TO HOST NEXT YEAR’S MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA AUTO TEST AND SPEED CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE ALSO NOW AVAILABLE

13:30.18

15-16 AUGUST 2026

THE HISTORIC LEYBURN SPRINTS, ONE OF QUEENSLAND’S BIGGEST ANNUAL MOTORSPORT FESTIVALS, WILL CELEBRATE ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE 2026 EVENT ON 15-16 AUGUST.

Moving it forward one week from its previously-advertised slot, the change will avoid a clash with the Queensland round of the Supercars Championship in Ipswich.

The Sprints, which attracted more than 300 vehicles and around 18,000 people this year, commemorates the running of the 1949 Australian Grand Prix on an exwartime airfield near the little Darling Downs town.

It has previously been judged Queensland Motor Sport Event of the Year in 2024 and 2017.

“The 30th anniversary is planned to be a big one for us and our team has a lot of work to do,” Sprints President Tricia Chant said.

“We have some very exciting news to share with everyone soon on what we have planned to celebrate our 30th, including a special evening on Thursday, 13 August – one not to miss.

“We’re going to put a positive spin on this and use it to create more excitement for our event.”

The highlight of the Historic Leyburn Sprints is its time trials for around 250 historic, classic and performance cars ranging in vintage from the 1920s to modern-day.

Most recently, Australian Hillclimb Champion Dean Amos scored his 10th outright trophy at this year’s event.

Regular attractions off-track include a Show ‘n’ Shine competition, vintage caravan display, VIP appearances by well-known former drivers, a Motorsport Alley display of rare cars, charity auction, fun run and live entertainment.

The Historic Leyburn Sprints is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and the Southern Downs Regional Council, which provide financial assistance to help promote the Sprints and attract visitors to the Southern Downs region.

Proceeds from the community-run event assist local organisations and projects through the Historic Leyburn Sprints Community Benefit Fund.

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A CHAMPION OF TASMANIAN MOTORSPORT

The North West Car Club (NWCC) is celebrating a major milestone this year with the club rounding out seven decades of operation on Tasmania’s northwestern coast, and being a champion of motorsport in the region.

Days removed from Buckby Motors Rally Tasmania, an event the club has supported for decades and and served as the season finale of the 2025 EROAD Australian Rally Championship and Tasmanian Rally Championship, North West Car Club President Stephen Peters stated it is a proud time to be a member of the Burnie-based organisation.

“The ability to adapt, to change, a different genre of membership, and the ability to run a diverse amount of motorsport disciplines has been crucial over the years to the sustainability of our club,” Peters said.

“A lot of other clubs probably stick to the one discipline, whereas we do not. I think that’s been our strength and the major key to our success over the years.

“It’s a wonderful community to be a part of. I’m a life member, I’ve been a member for 45 years, I’m currently in my fifth stint as the president of the club, and a lot of us have dedicated our lives to motorsport and this club because we think it offers a great benefit to the state.”

As part of the 70-year milestone, the NWCC also established a special anniversary committee to enhance celebrations throughout the year - such as the purchasing and development of 14 acres of land to allow junior motorsport participants as young as the age of 12 to drive with the club.

The origins of the North West Car Club date all the way back to 1954 when John Laverick called those interested in forming a new motoring club. A North West division of the Light Car Club of Tasmania (LCCT) was then formed providing social and competitive events for its members.

However, in 1955, club members broke away from the LCCT, forming their own club, the North West Car Club.

In the early days treasure hunts, trials, standing and flying quarter miles, and khanacross-style events were popular.

Among the most successful events was the Penguin Hillclimb, which was held from 1955 to 1971 and was a major highlight on the Tasmanian motorsport calendar.

Penguin hosted the Tasmanian Hill Climb Championship and attracted the cream of Tasmanian drivers such as Lyn Archer, John McCormack and David Sternberg, as well as top mainland drivers such as three time Australian Hill Climb Champion, Paul England.

Following the eventual conclusion of the Penguin Hillclimb, the club started the Highclere Hill Climb in 1975 which has attracted top drivers such as John Bowe and David Parsons and continues to run today. It still stands as the longest running hillclimb in the state.

Trials, now rallies, in the 1950s and 60s could be up to 24 hours long with no breaks and using some very challenging roads. The organising committee also targeted top mainland competitors such as Australian Rally Champions Colin Bond and Ross Dunkerton to compete at the Mersey Valley Rally in 1977 and 1978 respectively.

The concept set the blueprint for events such as The Advocate Fairford Rally, which became a round of the Australian Rally Championship, a first for Tasmania.

Now named Buckby Motors Rally Tasmania, the event has more than 40 years of history on the Apple Isle as part of the Australian Rally Championship.

CLUB

“We take great pride in the role we play when Rally Tasmania comes around, not just because of the amount of volunteer officials from our club that assist with the event, but the lead we take in welcoming officials from all over the state in assisting us in the smooth running of the event,” Peters added.

“As the rally does have a lot of gravel roads in the forestry, we have to physically man the stages to close them so there’s no horse riders, motorbike riders, pushbike riders, generally people in the areas. So, that’s a big thing.”

In 2024, Rally Tasmania was awarded Community Event of the Year by the Burnie City Council.

In 1996, the club formalised a number of different bitumen events into a series becoming known as The Black Tack Series. Motorkhana events at

the Wynyard Airport and the Trowutta Hillclimb are a couple of events to have come and gone and come back again, but the series itself continues today and run for the 30th year in 2025.

Sticking to its roots, the NWCC still champions hill climbs and a number of different venues have been used over the years.

The club helped resurrect the Tasmanian Hill Climb Championships in the mid80s and again in 2005, which led to a state-wide series being run today.

The North West Car Club credits its success over the years to the principles introduced by founding members. Offering well-organised, affordable and fun events aimed at the club-level competitor.

“We take great pride in the role we play when Rally Tasmania comes around...”

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MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA MEDIA AWARDS

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Motorsport Australia will accept nominations in the following five categories, with award recipients announced at the National Awards Gala in Sydney on 22 February 2026:

· PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

· PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR

· JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

· VIDEOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR (NEW)

· BEST USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA

Nominations for the 2025 Motorsport Australia Media Awards are now being accepted across five media award categories.

Motorsport Australia is pleased to introduce a new category to the suite of media awards, with the addition of the Videographer of the Year award which acknowledges the growing and exceptional quality of video work across Australia’s motorsport landscape.

The Motorsport Australia Media Awards are open to all media working in the motorsport industry, including but not limited to those accredited with Motorsport Australia. It’s easy to apply or nominate someone via motorsport.org.au/awards

The 2025 Motorsport Australia Media Awards nominations are now open, and close on Friday 12 December 2025.

NOMINATE FOR THE MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA MEDIA AWARDS

2025 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA MEDIA AWARDS CRITERIA

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR

· Photographers may submit a (maximum of two photos)

· Photographs should capture a moment in time that reflects the people and/ or passion of motorsport in Australia

· All photos must be from Motorsport Australia events in the 2025 calendar year

· Photos of crashes will not be considered

JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

· Journalists may submit a minimum of two, to a maximum of four published works

· Submission should include links or copies of content as published in the 2025 calendar year

· Journalists must be based in Australia

BEST USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA

· A category available to individuals or teams

· Submissions should demonstrate exemplary work in the digital media including, but not limited to:

· Video: short films, documentaries, webinar series, animations

· Audio: podcasts, audio story telling

· Graphics: digital illustrations, brand campaigns, infographics, 2D/3D art

· Interactive media: websites, apps, games or virtual experiences

· Social Media content: campaigns, influencer collaborations, personality content, digital storytelling

· Individual or team must be based in Australia

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

· Photographers may submit a minimum of three, to a maximum of five photos

· All photos must be from Motorsport Australia events in the 2025 calendar year

· Photographs submitted should demonstrate breadth of skill and capture moments in time that reflects the people and/or passion of motorsport in Australia

· Photos of crashes will not be considered as part of your submission

· Photographers must be based in Australia

NEW AWARD FOR 2025

VIDEOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

· A new award category for 2025

· Videographers may submit a compilation of clips or showreel of up to 90 seconds duration

· All videos must be from Motorsport Australia events in the 2025 calendar year

· Submissions should include original works captured entirely by the entrant, and should demonstrate breadth of skill and capture moments in time that reflects the people and/or passion of motorsport in Australia

· Raw, ungraded, unedited vision will not be considered

· You do not require copyright clearance to submit your showreel, however you must have had prior eligibility to capture vision at an event, including ontrack vision at Supercars, Formula 1, etc.

· Amateur fan or spectator vision will not be considered

· Videos of crashes will not be considered

· Videographers must be based in Australia

A brief written statement should accompany the submission detailing the grounds for nomination and any supporting information about the nominee and their involvement in motorsport media (250-word maximum)

45 TH

CALENDAR ANNOUNCED FOR 2026

The 2026 Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) calendar has been revealed with a revised schedule meaning each round will become more important with four rounds forming the make-up of next year’s fixture.

The 2026 Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) calendar has been confirmed with an exciting four-round schedule headlining the 45th year of the Championship season.

The Championship travels to four Australian states and territories starting with New South Wales for the Pooncarie Desert Dash, which again hosts the opening round of the season on 10-12 April.

The 50th edition of the iconic Tatts Finke Desert Race enters a milestone year of its own on the 2026 calendar, taking place in its traditional timeslot on the King’s Birthday weekend on 6-8 June.

The Finke round of the AORC remains a marquee attraction on the off road calendar, with hundreds of machines and thousands of spectators expected to make the journey to Alice Springs.

The Loveday 400 takes place on 23-26 July as the setup event to the season finale at Kalgoorlie.

South Australia’s event for the season, competitors at the Loveday 400 will aim to put themselves in the best possible position to contend for a Championship glory heading into the final round.

Again rounding out the 2026 season, the Kalgoorlie Desert

Motorsport Australia’s Off Road Manager, Campbell Smith, has had positive discussions with off road stakeholders in setting up a strong season in 2026.

“After an unforgettable 2025 season that showcased incredible competition across all rounds, we’re excited to carry that momentum into 2026,” Smith said.

“With a four-round calendar, every event will take on even greater significance. Each stop on the tour offers something unique such as Pooncarie’s toughness to Kalgoorlie’s tricky course.

“We’re confident fans and competitors alike are in for another spectacular year of off road competition.”

The AORC also enters a historic 45th year, celebrating a rich history of competition and thrilling events over several decades.

Smith expressed his excitement in celebrating the milestone year.

“It is a chance to honour decades of competitiveness, unforgettable victories, and historic moments on courses across the country,” Smith added.

“From legendary battles at Finke to the grit and determination shown at Kalgoorlie, the Championship’s history is rich and inspiring.

A fourteen-round Repco Supercars Championship calendar has been revealed for 2026, a year in which Toyota officially joins the grid to challenge the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro and racing debuts on New Zealand’s South Island.

In a landmark move, the opening day of the 2026 Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park—Friday, 20 February— will be free for all fans to attend.

It’s a chance for everyone to witness the first-ever Supercars race of the Toyota GR Supra, as the brand makes its long-awaited debut on Australian soil.

The new calendar features 14 rounds, the most since 2019. For the first time, fans will witness a New Zealand doubleheader in April, with Taupō followed by a historic debut in Christchurch— bringing the Championship closer to Kiwi fans than ever before.

Perth’s round shifts to follow Townsville, creating a fresh rhythm in the middle of the season. After Tasmania in May, the calendar’s improved cadence ensures teams and supporters enjoy a more balanced journey from start to finish.

2026 CALENDAR THE BATHURST 12

where the 2026 Supercars Champion will be crowned on Sunday, 6 December.

“We’re incredibly proud to present a calendar that not only delivers more racing but also breaks new ground for our fans and teams,” Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton said.

“The New Zealand double-header is a historic moment, and the debut of Toyota at Sydney Motorsport Park is something we’ve all been looking forward to. Making the

The battle for the Sprint Cup will play out over nine events up from eight in 2025, with the winner to be crowned at Queensland Raceway in August.

Co-drivers join the grid to compete for the Enduro Cup at The Bend and the Repco Bathurst 1000. The 2025 edition of the Great Race will go down in history as one of the greatest ever and fans will be hoping for much of the same on 11 October.

The top ten drivers in the Championship standings after the Enduro Cup events will qualify for the Finals Series which begins on the Gold Coast in October. The winners of both the Sprint Cup and Enduro Cup will be guaranteed a Finals spot.

The championship will reach its crescendo with three blockbuster finals: the Gold Coast 500, Sandown 500, and a Grand Final on the streets of Adelaide,

HOUR EVENT WILL RUN 13-15 FEBRUARY, THE WEEK PRIOR TO THE SYDNEY 500.

opening day free for everyone is our way of saying thank you to the fans who make this sport so special.”

“We would like to thank all our stakeholders for their vision and support in bringing this calendar to life. We’re ready for a season that will be remembered for years to come. We’re proud of the access we’re able to provide for our fans.”

Fans watching at home will continue to enjoy every session, every round, live and in full on Fox Sports and Kayo. Five Championship events will be broadcast live and free on the Seven Network and 7plus, and every race at

the Australian Grand Prix will also be available live and free to all Australians.

In New Zealand, fans will be able to watch the entire Supercars Championship live on Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now, thanks to a new four-year broadcast deal that runs through to the end of 2029.

This extended partnership ensures Kiwi audiences won’t miss a moment of the action, including the historic Christchurch debut and the return to Taupō.

The Championship will continue to be broadcast into more than 455 million homes worldwide. When tickets go on sale, fans can expect even more exciting news, with fresh ticketing packages designed specifically for young fans and families. These new offerings will make it easier than ever to experience the thrill of Supercars live—bringing the next generation closer to the action and making the sport more accessible for everyone.

Accompanying the Repco Supercars Championship at six key events in 2026 will be the Dunlop Super2 Series—the proven pathway for emerging talent and future champions of the sport.

The series will feature across a mix of sprint, enduro and finals rounds, with races staged in Sydney, Darwin, Perth, Bathurst, Sandown and the grand final in Adelaide.

The Bathurst 12 Hour event will run 13-15 February, the week prior to the Sydney 500.

Further information regarding formats and test days will be released in due course.

CHASE CAR OPERATOR CLOCKS UP MAJOR MILESTONE

A WELL-KNOWN MEMBER OF THE BOOST MOBILE GOLD COAST 500 MEDICAL TEAM REACHED A BIG MILESTONE OF SERVICE AT THE MOST RECENT ROUND OF THE SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP.

Queenslander Bruce Muhling was congratulated by his peers at the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, celebrating 30 Gold Coast events dating back to the 90s as the Chase Car Operator for various categories including Supercars, NASCAR and IndyCar - all of which have graced the Gold Coast over the years.

Having grown up with and competed on motorbikes in endurance-style forestry events, Muhling made the jump to officiating when his riding days came to a close in 1980. He began as a flag marshal at Lakeside after joining the Queensland Motor Racing Officials Association.

Shortly after, Muhling noticed a vacancy in the chase car, so he promptly volunteered himself for the position and has stayed connected to motorsport in that capacity since.

“My first event I took on in the chase car was at Queensland Raceway back in 1985 and after the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit was created in the early-90s, I began conducting my role at that event each year,” Muhling said.

“In 1995, it was my first time officiating the IndyCars back when they used to race there at the street circuit. That in particular was a great memory.

“The years roll on, I never really kept count of how many events I did in the lead-up to 2025, but it was a nice moment of reflection when the team had told me I had reached my 30th event.”

Muhling, who holds certifications as a General Official, in Event Command (Bronze) and Circuit (Gold), plays a pivotal role each year at the Gold Coast 500.

As the Chase Car Operator, Muhling is responsible for being one of the first officials to respond to on-track incidents and is one of the first to act in the scenario of a medical episode.

Muhling understands the importance of his role and takes an abundance of pride in executing his job to an elite level of professionalism and capability, which he credits to the supportive team around him.

“The medical team itself is filled with likeminded people, they all enjoy their motorsport on top of what they do,” Muhling added.

“For me, I've always liked my V8s, so to be involved on a national level with the V8s with a professional team like mine is very good.

“There’s been a few iterations of the medical teams over the years, such as the Army assisting for the IndyCars way back when.

“Then there was Queensland Ambulance Service, Emergency Medical Technician Queensland came along, and in more recent years it has been Team Medical Australia, who I’m very grateful for as they were happy to pick me up to continue helping at the Gold Coast 500 each year when they took over”

To become an official like Bruce Muhling, check out Motorsport Australia’s pathways to becoming an official.

" IN 1995, IT WAS MY FIRST TIME OFFICIATING THE INDYCARS BACK WHEN THEY USED TO RACE THERE AT THE STREET CIRCUIT. THAT IN PARTICULAR WAS A GREAT MEMORY."

KATRINA BARNETT

KATRINA BARNETT HILLCLIMB OFFICIAL MAKES VENUE FEEL LIKE HOME

A well-liked figure in South Australia’s hill climb circles, Katrina Barnett has been a valuable official at the iconic Collingrove Hillclimb venue in Mount McKenzie and makes it her mission to welcome any and all drivers with open arms, no matter their level of experience.

More commonly known by Trina, the Tailem Bend local has put herself out there to support her colleagues, co-workers and competitors according to Ms Barnett’s nominator.

Barnett provides a social presence between competitors, officials and spectators alike, liaising between groups, playing a crucial role in the club’s operations, and upholding Collingrove Hillclimb’s reputation as a respected Australian grassroots motorsport club.

Praised by her peers as a creative club member and official, she is also willing to do the hard yards and contribute long hours during rain, hail or shine.

At a Come and Try Day earlier in the year, Barnett added a warm and genuine sense of humour and friendliness to welcome all participants to the venue. It made the atmosphere more positive, and made it memorable for all drivers new to hill climb.

Do you know someone like Katrina; a Motorsport Australia official who deserves to be recognised for going above and beyond their duty?

Nominate now and your friend could win a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin, and certificate - with their story shared in Speed Read.

SUBMIT NOMINATION

The Sporting Car Club of South Australia owns and operates the Collingrove Hillclimb track, located in the picturesque Barossa Valley, approximately 7km south of Angaston.

The track has been in operation since 1952 and has hosted some of Australia’s most famous hill climb vehicles and competitors on its challenging course.

To thank Katrina for her invaluable contribution to the sport, she will receive a $100 Supercheap Auto gift card, commemorative pin and certificate.

FORMER TEAMMATES REUNITE IN INDYNXT

AUSTRALIAN DUO NICOLAS STATI AND JACK BEETON WILL BOTH BE TESTING THEIR METTLES IN 2026 AS PART OF THE INDY NXT BY FIRESTONE SEASON NEXT YEAR.

REUN ITED

In what will be a reunion of sorts, the pair will race again in the same category for the first time since they were both at AGI Sport in the UAE F4 Championship.

Cusick Morgan Motorsports announced on 15 October Stati will compete with the team in the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season.

Stati, still just 16, has competed in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship, Formula Regional Americas, GB3 Championship, F4 US Championship, F4 UAE Championship and F4 Australian Championship, among others.

FIRST

“It’s an honour to represent Cusick Morgan Motorsports, and I’m looking forward to learning everything I can as we start this journey.”

HMD Motorsports announced October it has signed Australian Jack Beeton as one of its four drivers in the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season.

TIME SINCE

THEY WERE BOTH

AT AGI SPORT IN THE UAE F4 CHAMPIONSHIP

In 2024, he finished second in the F4 US Championship, falling just 4.5 points short of the title. Stati also was second in the F4 Australian Championship that year.

“I’m excited to make my INDY NXT by Firestone debut with Cusick Morgan Motorsports,” Stati said.

“This is a big step in my career, and I believe the team and I can grow together as we take on this challenge for the first time.

Beeton arrives to the team following a standout rookie season with Prema Racing in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, which included multiple podiums and a race win.

“I’m excited to join HMD Motorsports and take the next step in my career,” the 17-year-old said.

“Competing in the INDY NXT by Firestone series will be an important challenge, and I’m looking forward to gaining experience and building on the open-wheel success I’ve had so far.

“The team has already made me feel at home, and I can’t wait to get started.”`

Both drivers now look to confirm their season debuts on Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St Petersburg.

WHARTON RETURNS TO PREMA RACING FOR 2026 FORMULA 3 SEASON

JAMES WHARTON HAS REJOINED PREMA RACING, WHERE HE WILL COMPETE IN THE 2026 FIA FORMULA 3 CHAMPIONSHIP.

For the young Australian, this marks a return “home” after a one-year stint with ART Grand Prix in 2025. Wharton made his single-seater debut in the Italian Formula 4 Championship with Prema Racing in 2022. Wharton drove for the team spanning three years, with James going on to claim vice-champion honours in the 2023 Euro 4 Championship and fourth place in Italian F4. In 2024, Wharton continued his progression in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine,

securing another runner-up position in the Drivers’ Championship, scoring more points than any other competitor in the second half of the season, and contributing to the team’s triumph in the Teams’ Championship.

The 2026 season will mark Wharton’s return to the squad that has guided his career from the very beginning, this time for his second campaign in FIA Formula 3.

Wharton stated it was truly delighting to be returning to Prema, which he considers his “second family”.

“Over the next month, we will focus on post-season testing to ensure we are fully prepared for the 2026 season,” Wharton said.

“The goal is to start on the right foot in Melbourne and immediately compete at the highest level. There is still plenty of work ahead, but I’m very happy to be back and extremely motivated for what lies ahead.”

CRAIG BAIRD CONFIRMED AS MUSTANG CUP AUSTRALIA DRIVING STANDARDS ADVISER

Mustang Cup Australia has confirmed Craig Baird has been appointed as Driving Standards Advisor for its inaugural season in 2026.

Baird is vastly experienced in the role having been the Driving Standards Advisor for the Repco Supercars Championship since the beginning of the 2017 season.

The former racer is highly respected as a Driving Standards Advisor in Australian motorsport, currently holding the role for the Supercars Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup, GT World challenge Australia and GT4 Australia.

Mustang Cup Australia Series Manager Liam Curkpatrick said Mustang Cup Australia is thrilled to have Baird join it for the inaugural season.

"He is regarded as the best in the business. The drivers and teams respect him and an approach that suits drivers of all skill levels,” Curkpatrick outlined.

"Being the 'referee' in motorsport is not an easy job, to have Craig joining us is fantastic for the series and our competitors."

Baird brings vast judicial experience to Mustang Cup Australia following a racing career spanning more than 35-years including 21 Bathurst 1000 starts, five full-time Supercars seasons and the winner of five Porsche Carrera Cup Australia titles.

Baird will be responsible for monitoring on-track conduct, reviewing incidents and advising race stewards on whether driver behaviour complies with regulations and sporting fairness.

**Baird** declared his excitement being involved in something new and something fresh to the Australian motorsport landscape.

“Mustang Cup Australia certainly has a home in our motorsport landscape. Supercars is the pinnacle,

and Mustang Cup's big, V8-powered race cars are an ideal stepping stone to Supercars.

“On the other hand, the series could also be a great way to start a GT racing journey. It looks like the class is going to have a mix of young drivers and gentlemen, and that is something that I feel I can manage very well.

“We have both Pros and Ams in GT World Challenge and Carrera Cup, and in my role, you talk to those types of drivers differently – you need a different approach.”

The inaugural Mustang Cup Australia in 2026 will kick off at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries on 27-29 March, 2026.

MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS KIDS UNDER COVER

Motorsport Australia has teamed up with youth homelessness charity Kids Under Cover in a partnership to raise greater awareness in preventing young people from experiencing homelessness before it begins.

Launched in 2006, the Kids Under Cover’s Donate Your Car program has been an integral fundraising program of Kids Under Cover, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for at-risk youth facing the stresses of home insecurity, with more than 31,000 donated cars raising over $20 million to support Kids Under Cover’s programs and initiatives.

Motorsport Australia Interim CEO Nicky Lennon reiterated the importance charities like Kids Under Cover have in supporting young people around the country, and how Motorsport Australia hopes to raise more awareness through the motorsport community in supporting the charity through the Donate Your Car program.

“Motorsport Australia is proud to stand alongside such an impactful organisation like Kids Under Cover,” Lennon said.

“Motorsport is a community built on passion, teamwork and opportunity, and we want to see those values extended to young people who need support the most.

“Through promoting the Donate Your Car program, Motorsport Australia is encouraging members, volunteers and the wider community to consider how they can make a difference.”

Kids Under Cover Chief Executive Officer Stephen Nash welcomed Motorsport Australia’s support of the Donate Your Car program.

“We are thrilled to partner with Motorsport Australia and connect with the motorsport community to be proactive in preventing youth homelessness before it starts,” Nash said.

“Every young person deserves the stability, support and opportunity to build a bright future, and this partnership plays a meaningful role in making that possible.

“For many people, donating a vehicle they no longer need may seem like a small act, but the impact is profound. Each donated car contributes directly to safe accommodation and life-changing support services for young people most at risk.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistic’s 2021 Census reported that nearly a quarter of Australia’s homeless population (then 28,204) are aged 12-24 years.

These funds help deliver vital housing and support programs that keep more than 1,000 vulnerable young people safely housed each night - connected to family, community and the opportunities they deserve.

Being involved is easy. Kids Under Cover will collect your vehicle free of charge in metro areas such as Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane or Perth, as well as smaller cities such as Newcastle, Townsville, Darwin and Hobart. The car is sold at market value via auction or specialist sales formats, depending on the car being sold.

All car donations are 100% tax deductible for the final sale amount.

More information on the work of Kids Under Cover can be found at kuc.org.au

Five easy steps

Step one: Complete the donation form to tell us a bit about the car you want to donate.

Step two: The team will get in touch to arrange the collection of your vehicle. We will collect your vehicle – you don’t even have to be there!

Step three: Your car will be sold at auction.

Step four: Once sold the proceeds will go directly to funding Kids Under Cover’s programs – and we’ll send you a tax receipt so you can claim a deduction.

Step five: We’ll deliver studio accommodation and other supports to young people and help them to change the course of their lives.

VOLUNTEER OF THE ROUND ALISTER COLLEY

Following another successful scrutineering stint at the Black Diamond Drilling Kalgoorlie Desert Race last month, Alister Colley has deservingly received the final BFGoodrich Volunteer of the Round Award for 2025 while also announcing he would also be stepping down from his post from next year.

When it comes to individual contribution to the Australian off road community, not many others have dedicated as much of their life to the sport than outgoing Kalgoorlie Chief Scrutineer, Alister Colley.

Having been a Motorsport Australia official for more than four decades, Colley revealed at last month’s BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship (AORC) season finale he would be stepping down as Chief Scrutineer after four consecutive years in the position at Kalgoorlie.

“I’m not really good with words, I’m more into this sort of thing [officiating],” Colley said after receiving the award.

“I’m actually retiring, not fully from scrutineering, but from attending events in Western Australia.

“I’ve been in the game for 43-odd years, I’ve had a good run and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it working with Jase [Galea] and Dan [Rogers] and everyone part of the AORC. It’s been a good journey.”

Motorsport Australia Off Road Manager Campbell Smith stated Colley will remain a general member of the off road officials cohort moving forward.

“Alister has been an integral part of our scrutineering team at Kalgoorlie for the past few years and we’ll miss his presence there moving forward,” Smith said.

“We look forward to still seeing him around the course, albeit in a different capacity to what we’re used to.”

Colley outlined he will miss the camaraderie above all, as well as the way the competitors acknowledged his safety advice and how they took onboard his findings from a safety perspective.

“It’s been good to be part of,” Colley added.

“The Kalgoorlie Desert Race, it’s massive now, I’ve been here since day dot and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger.

“I’ve got a very heavy heart because I won’t be part of this event in the same capacity moving forward. I’ll probably be here next year, but only as a helping hand or a spectator.

“Dan, I and Jason have worked well together for many years, it’s been an absolute pleasure and it will always be in my heart.”

2026 MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA

AU4 CALENDAR

Motorsport Australia and AU4 promoter AGI Sport have locked in the 2026 Championship calendar, setting up a strong season which sees the series visit Winton Raceway, Sydney Motorsport Park and The Bend across five rounds from May through to September.

Next year is shaping up as the biggest season yet for AU4 in Australia, with early indications of up to a dozen Gen2 F4 cars on the grid alongside around 10 Gen1 vehicles.

The combination should deliver closer racing, more development opportunities for young drivers, and a clearer formula car pathway for young Australian drivers to explore championships in Europe, the UAE and America.

The mix of Australian circuits in 2026 will offer a good balance between speed and technical strengths.

Winton Raceway replaces Phillip Island for the Victorian round this year, and brings a fresh challenge of tight, flowing sectors and no room for error.

The Bend double-header will test consistency and smart race craft across two distinct layouts, the West circuit and International circuit, while Sydney Motorsport Park will again anchor the New South Wales rounds, hosting the second round in May and the season finale in September.

The 2026 season builds on the growth the category has enjoyed since returning to the Australian motorsport landscape in 2023.

Drivers as young as 14 will compete in Gen1 machinery, while those aged 15 and above can step into the newer Gen2 cars.

The Championship gives rising talent the opportunity to experience national-level competition from the moment they can get their circuit licence.

The prizes for the Gen2 and Gen1 Championship and details of the 2026 drivers and teams will be announced in the following weeks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE AU4 CHAMPIONSHIP, VISIT AU4-CHAMPIONSHIP.COM.AU.

TIGHE ADDS ANOTHER SUPERSPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP TO COLLECTION

After a year off the Motorsport Australia calendar, the Motorsport Australia Supersprint Championship returned with a fury as competitors descended on Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in late-October.

However, the result would end in a similar fashion to 2023 with Queenslander Dean Tighe emerging victorious from the 47 entries for the third consecutive time, his third National Championship in four years.

Tighe went on to clock a 1:47.17 in his Dallara F395, 12 seconds faster than outright runner-up Matt Roesler driving a Tatuus FT50 who was timed going 1:59.866 on his fastest lap.

Victorian Jordan James rounded out the podium finishing third outright with a fastest time of 2:01.193 in the #89 Subaru WRX STi.

The event involved five 15-minute sessions, which on the international circuit, approximately 20 laps in total for each competitor.

The Marque Sports Car Association of South Australia

TIME ATTACK - Club Sprint 2WD: Paul Lummis (VIC) - Audi RS3 LMS - 2:07.327

(MSCASA) was out in force, representing almost half of the total entry list. The fastest among the cohort, Dean King, was the fastest 2.02.45 in his Sprite, meanwhile Gavin Ward was a second behind him.

Event Deputy Clerk of Course Adrian Flynn praised the competitors for the spirit in which they conducted themselves over the weekend.

“Even though this was the National Championship everybody took a fairly relaxed attitude to which class they were in and just enjoyed a cheap day out,” Flynn outlined.

“This attitude was greatly appreciated by the organisers. Two or three red flags, followed by recoveries, no crashes, good weather and happy competitors. It doesn't get much better than that.

“Thanks to everyone who entered, particularly those who travelled from interstate, and a big thank you to the MSCASA members who supported the event.”

SUPERSPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP | CLASS WINNERS

FORMULA LIBRE: Patrick Mullins (SA) - Van Diemen RF86 - 2:21.761

FORMULA LIBRE - 1301-2000cc: Matthew Roesler (SA) - Tatuus FT50 - 1:59.866

2A SPORTS CARS OPEN/CLOSED - Up to 1600cc: James Hepworth (VIC) - Mazda RX7 Series 1 - 2:26.343

ROAD CAR - 2001 to 4000cc: Anthony Sullivan (SA) - Porsche GT4 - 2:14.938

3J IMPROVED PRODUCTION - 2001cc & 3000cc: Craig Florance (SA) - BMW E30 325I Sedan - 2:26.635

TIME ATTACK - Open 2WD: Gavin Ward (SA) - Honda Civic - 2:03.655

ROAD CAR - 1601 to 2000cc: Zexuan Gong (NSW) - Mitsubishi Lancer - 2:20.409

INVITED: Henry Bray (VIC) - Subaru Impreza WRX - 2:14.179

3C RALLY CARS 2WD - 2001cc & Over: Paul Healey (SA) - Mitsubishi Evolution 2000 - 2:11.165

HISTORIC OTHER: Andrew Ford (SA) - Birrana 274 - 2:05.222

2B/2F MARQUE SPORTS/PRODSPORTS - Up to 1600cc: Andrew Keen (SA)Amaroo Clubman - 2:34.823

3J IMPROVED PRODUCTION - 3001cc to 6000cc (inc Groups 3K&H: Jason Palmer (SA) - BMW E30 - 2:07.051

TIME ATTACK - OPEN 4WD: Jordan James (VIC) - Subaru WRX STi - 2:01.193

SPORTS SEDAN 3D 3001-6000CC: Rhys Munro (SA) - Datsun P510 - 2:18.695

ROAD CAR 4000CC & OVER: John Davies (SA) - Holden Commodore VL - 2:21.928

3J IMPROVED PRODUCTION - 1601 to 2000cc: David East (SA) - Toyota GT86 - 2:16.158

3J IMPROVED PRODUCTION - Up to 1600cc: Magnus Poole (SA) - Hyundai Excel - 2:25.296

FORMULA LIBRE - 2001cc & Over: Dean Tighe (QLD) - Dallara F395 - 1:47.144

2A SPORTS OPEN/CLOSED 2001 - 4000cc: Dean King (SA) - Austin Healey/MG Mk - 2:02.449

REIMAGINED GOLD STAR

NOW A RACE BETWEEN TWO

ONLY TWO DRIVERS CAN WIN THE REIMAGINED MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA GOLD STAR AWARD IN 2025.

Reimagined this year by a pointscore method after years of being awarded to Australia’s champion driver in various eras of single-seater racing, this year’s Gold Star can be won by a driver from a range of different categories.

The season-long chase to determine Australia’s champion driver of 2025 sees drivers from all forms of circuit racing scored based on their positions in championship standings, combined with performances in high profile, marquee events.

The battle for this year’s Gold Star Award is now between Formula 1 star Oscar Piastri and sportscar hero Matt Campbell.

Their closest rival remains Supercars points leader Broc Feeney, who boosted his current points tally to 85 courtesy of dramatically snatching the GT World Challenge Australia title in the closing moments of the final race of the season.

However, 85 points is the maximum that Feeney can score provided he wins the Supercars Championship, meaning he will fall one point shy of Campbell.

The Porsche driver’s tally is locked in following the final race of his season at the FIA World Endurance Championship in Bahrain earlier this month.

A rough showing for the factory Porsches in their final WEC appearance left Campbell to slip from sixth to eighth in the championship standings, trimming his Gold Star haul from 102 to 86.

That leaves the ball in Piastri’s court: he will beat Campbell to the Gold Star if he either wins the F1 world championship or finishes second, while a third-place finish will see him fall six points shy.

The rest of the top five has also changed as the Supercars, Super2, GT World Challenge Australia and GT4 Australia seasons draw to a close.

Chaz Mostert’s sweep of the Gold Coast 500 and success at Sandown moves him to fourth place on 46 points courtesy of sitting second in the Supercars standings.

Future Dick Johnson Racing Supercars driver Rylan Gray retains fifth place on 40 points, 10 of which are locked in courtesy of finishing second in the final standings for GT4 Australia.

Gray is tied with reigning Supercars champion Will Brown, whose storming recovery drives netted him both a grand final berth and third in the standings, which gets him 40 Gold Star points.

– AS OF NOVEMBER 17, 2025

1. OSCAR PIASTRI (120 POINTS)

2. MATT CAMPBELL (86 POINTS)

3. BROC FEENEY (85 POINTS) 4. WILL BROWN (46 POINTS) 5. RYLAN GRAY (40 POINTS)

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GARRY ROGERS

1945 - 2025

Motorsport Australia joins the wider motorsport community in honouring the life of former driver and team owner, Garry Rogers.

A member of the Supercars Hall of Fame, Rogers was a recognisable figure in the motorsport community for more than six decades.

As a driver, Rogers competed in Sports Sedan categories across the 1960s and 1970s, before making the jump into touring cars.

He would make 14 Bathurst 1000 starts in his career between the years of 1978 and 1993.

However, Rogers’ greater contributions to motorsport would come through his work as a team owner in the Australian Touring Cars Championship/Supercars Championship from 1996 to 2019.

Garry Rogers Motorsport provided plenty of opportunities to up-and-coming drivers, including names such as Lee Holdsworth, Scott McLaughlin, Garth Tander, Jamie Whincup, Steven Richards and Jason Bargwanna.

Garry Rogers Motorsport would go on to win the 2000 Bathurst 1000, driven by Tander and Bargwana, as well as the inaugural Bathurst 24 Hour in 2002, leading the Nations Cup Holden Monaro Program.

Garry Rogers Motorsport continues to play a significant part in Australian Racing Group categories such as Trans Am and TCR Australia Series after the team departed the Supercars Championship in 2019.

In a statement released by Garry Rogers Motorsport, it wrote the team is mourning the passing of its founder and leader.

“His mantra was always to press on and get on with things, and that’s exactly what we will be doing,” the statement continued.

“Garry was an amazing man with a deep love for his family, his horses and his motorsport.

“He lived a fast life, but always had time for his family, his kids and his grandchildren. He put others first and was generous with his time and in so many other ways.

“Garry was a strong supporter of the Fred Hollows Foundation – if you’d like to donate in memory of Garry, we’d be so very appreciative.

“Our thoughts are with Garry’s family, his wife Kaye, son Barry and daughters Michelle and Krissie.”

Motorsport Australia extends its condolences to Garry’s family and friends. Garry Rogers was 80 years old. Vale.

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