The Australian Racing Drivers Club

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SMSP News

SYDNEY SHINES BRIGHT NEW LIGHTS ON THE FUTURE OF MOTORSPORT IN NSW

Saturday 23 February 2019: Today’s announcement by the NSW Government of a strategic multi-million-dollar investment at Sydney Motorsport Park in permanent circuit lighting and the establishment of Australia’s only Motor Sports Centre of Excellence has been overwhelmingly welcomed by the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) – operators of Sydney Motorsport Park since 1997.

The news is part of an all-encompassing $33M package of Government initiatives for the broader Western Sydney motorsport precinct, which also includes work to find a new operations site for Motorcycling NSW and improvements to the adjacent Sydney Dragway.

ARDC President Andrew Leithhead commented “The ARDC views this additional Government investment in Sydney Motorsport Park as an important continuation of the Club’s long-standing commitment to excellence within the Australian motorsport industry.”

The ARDC has a proven record of co-investing with Government in the SMSP venue. In just the last 8 years well over $23M has been invested back into the Park, with the not-for-profit ARDC contributing over $16M of its own funds, combined with a 2012 Government contribution of $7M towards the new Brabham circuit extension. Each year the ARDC invests well over $1M in track maintenance and development, and this is set to continue and grow.

“The ARDC projects a 40% increase in access capacity at the perennially booked-out Government venue.

A newly expanded SMSP calendar allows for strong increases in the level of innovative high-demand Tier 1 motorsport events headlined by the Supercars Championship night racing and other major events.

“This is a great step forward in our plans for Sydney,” said Sean Seamer (Supercars CEO).

“The 2018 night race was a fantastic proof of concept and since then, Glenn Matthews and his team have done a wonderful job to secure these significant upgrades which will establish Sydney Motorsport Park as an elite, 24/7 motorsport facility. We look forward to the SuperNight format returning in 2020 and moving on to the second phase of our partnership with the ARDC and NSW Government, which is to establish a Supercars team in Sydney, based at SMSP.” Seamer added.

Seamer said a Sydney-based team would have the advantage of calling the booming western corridor home along with the premium facilities offered at Sydney Motorsport Park.

“A Sydney franchise would have premium facilities on their doorstep,” he said.

“This initiative will provide a manufacturer, team and their partners with immediate access to an international race track, premium function facilities for major corporate events, vehicle launches, drive days, vehicle appreciation sessions, product R&D and conferences.

“This also provides the catalyst to link Supercars’ technology, education and training with Western Sydney’s strong tertiary education and engineering communities.

“A Sydney-based team will also have the growing greater Western Sydney community as a support base given the huge number of Supercars fans in the western corridor of Australia’s largest city.” Seamer said.

“It’s also a lot more than just expanding traditional motorsport activity at the track.” Leithhead continued.

“Circuit lighting now opens the doors for substantial opportunities to further grow the Western Sydney night economy, local tourism, as well as significantly expanding the existing on-site programs targeting performance engineering education and training, innovation and technology development. Investments such as these can only further leverage major game-changing infrastructure projects such as the Western Sydney Airport to deliver more jobs, investment and visitors to Western Sydney and help ensure Sydney Motorsport Park builds on its reputation as Australia’s number one motorsport venue.” Leithhead added.

The ARDC delivers year-round events which attract 330,000 visitors p.a. and includes over 35 major events and multiple grassroots racing and car club events annually, plus many school and community events from across Greater Sydney. For the past two years, the not-for-profit ARDC has also been developing plans and engaging with leaders across the motorsport, skills and education, government and private sector industries both here and abroad to capitalise on the opportunities that exist within the SMSP site and broader Western Sydney area – one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

SMSP is already the new permanent home to motoDNA TECHNOLOGY, the research and development division of the motoDNA Group as part of the ARDC’s emerging SMSP Motorsport Institute and Innovation Hub.  motoDNA TECHNOLOGY utilises its close association with the ARDC and immediate access to the circuit to rapidly advance its developments in the areas of rider safety research and technology which it recently embarked upon in conjunction with Yamaha Australia.

ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews noted “We have a long-held, strong working relationship with the Confederation of Australian Motorsport. The location of the new Motor Sports Centre of Excellence at Sydney Motorsport Park is fantastic, and we certainly don’t underestimate the opportunities that will arise from working more closely with CAMS and key industry partners such as Supercars.”

“It’s important that together we have been able to break the dominance of Melbourne and the Gold Coast as the sole location of technical development in Australia.  The new Centre of Excellence is a standout example of the high regard the NSW Government, CAMS, Supercars and other key players hold both the venue, and the ARDC Club”. Matthews added

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB (ARDC)

The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, known as the ARDC, has promoted motorsport in NSW for over 67 years. Commencing in 1952 at Parramatta Park, the ARDC has conducted events for cars and motorcycles at Mount Panorama Bathurst, Mt Druitt, Castlereagh, Catalina Park Katoomba, Amaroo Park and at its current home, Sydney Motorsport Park in the booming suburbs of Western Sydney.

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

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

ABOUT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK

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

It is Sydney’s only permanent race track, and one of just two permanent race circuits in Australia that holds a FIA/FIM Grade 2 International Licence. The purpose-built 92ha motorsport facility west of Sydney features four race circuit configurations to suit a number of motorsport activities; the Brabham Circuit, Gardner GP, Druitt (North) and Amaroo (South), along with the Skid Circuit.

The North Paddock boasts fifty garages lining pit lane, offering easy access for transporters and a secure base for cars, bikes, equipment and personnel. The support paddock has a bitumen surface, a dummy grid for fifty cars, multiple carports and a scrutineering building. Sydney Motorsport Park is also Sydney’s main hub for driver safety, education and vehicle testing. To accommodate these activities, the venue features Sydney’s largest purpose-build, floodable Skidpan, and a separate Figure 8.

ABOUT SMSP MOTORSPORT INSTITUTE AND INNOVATION HUB.

Modelled off the United Kingdom’s Silverstone Park’s University Technical College (UTC) and Innovation Centre, the ability to co-locate with the auto industry, technical education and exhibition sectors will enable SMSP to become home to cutting-edge employment and education programs and increase its appeal as an attractive and highly unique events venue.

Media contact, ARDC/SMSP:
Glenn Matthews (CEO)

(02) 9672 1000 or M: 0418865924
email:  glenn@ardc.com.au

THE NEW MOTORCYCLE LANDSCAPE AT SMSP IN 2019

OFFICIAL RELEASE, 08/11/2019: THE AUSTRALIAN Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), operators of Sydney Motorsport Park, is excited to announce a new and exciting motorcycle experiences line-up for 2019.

Leading at the first turn will be Motorcycle Events Group Australia (MEGA) directing the SMSP RIDE DAYS track-based program, alongside the motoDNA Riders Academy taking charge of all rider coaching and training needs. Completing the grid is the globally-recognised California Superbike School (CSS).

The selection of MEGA, motoDNA and CSS to spearhead the program came after an exhaustive six-month review by the ARDC of bike activity at Sydney Motorsport Park, and investigations into best practice procedures around the country and overseas. Extensive research was conducted into what riders really enjoyed about their time on track, and track users and ARDC Bike Members also submitted their suggestions and ideas for improvement.

This included rider/group selection, scheduling of experiences across the week and year, circuit selection, maximising rider track-time, the involvement of manufacturers and industry, coaching and rider safety, the opportunity to develop special interest days, building rider community events, and last but not least offering riders the widest selection of rider experiences at the best value for money available.

This research was followed by an Australia-wide call for expressions of interest to the country’s best operators, and as the saying goes, cream rises to the top.

“We are particularly excited about the MEGA/motoDNA collaboration which will see over sixty days of two-wheel action at the Park throughout the year,” said ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews.

“We’ll see the welcome return of long-standing SMSP partner, MEGA, and motoDNA have really ramped up their operations to become SMSP’s inaugural Resident Rider Training Provider.

“Steve (Brouggy, MEGA) and Mark (McVeigh, motoDNA) have been working closely together over the past few months to begin building what will be an amazing 2019 for the rider community,” added Matthews.

MEGA promises not only to bring back its industry-leading format, but to also make some major leaps forward in the process of how Ride Days are presented with cutting edge technology matched with good old-fashioned customer service.

“We’re really happy to be returning to Sydney Motorsport Park and partnering with the ARDC for the provision of SMSP Ride Days,” said Steve Brouggy of MEGA.

“MEGA’s focus for the past 24 years has been on providing the best possible rider experience for each and every attendee of our events, and we’re more enthusiastic than ever to be doing exactly that at SMSP for the next five years… As far as we’re concerned, January 1 can’t come soon enough!”

motoDNA’s Mark McVeigh said: “I’m very excited to partner with ARDC as both the motoDNA Riders Academy and motoDNA TECHNOLOGY companies are now based on the racetrack at Sydney Motorsport Park.

“The ARDC have some great plans for the future at SMSP and we feel very privileged to be a part of it.

“Ultimately our job at motoDNA is to turn ordinary people into extraordinary riders in a fun and safe environment and collaborating with MEGA will help us both provide awesome new products for all levels of our motorcycle community at the Park.”

Both MEGA and motoDNA have confirmed five-year agreements, locking in their tenure at SMSP until 2023 and allowing both businesses to build, invest and consolidate their commitment to SMSP and the loyal rider base that call Sydney Motorsport Park their home.

It also paves the way for the ARDC to work on further developments in the areas of rider safety research and technology which it is advancing with motoDNA TECHNOLOGY, the research and development division of the motoDNA Group which resides at SMSP as part of the emerging SMSP Innovation Hub.

“There’s never been a better time for riders to consider becoming a Member of the ARDC,” said Matthews.

“Bike Members will be able to take advantage of a myriad of great Member-Only offers, incentives and invitations by our experience partners, and it also offers complimentary access to events at SMSP throughout the year.”

There’s a lot to look forward to on two-wheels in 2019, and we’d love to see you trackside.

For more information contact:
Samantha Stevens, Media and Communications Manager
The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, Sydney Motorsport Park.
T +61 2 9672 0207
F +61 2 9672 0209
M +61 411 494 414
E samantha.stevens@ardc.com.au

2018 QBE INSURANCE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF SPEED

With 15 years experience in running world-class historic motorcycle race meetings, the International Festival of Speed returns to Sydney Motorsport Park on March 22nd – 25th 2018.

Bring the family and join the action to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the World Superbike Championship, spearheaded by multiple world champions Troy Bayliss and Troy Corser.

Watch over 400 classic race bikes battle in the 50+ event race program over four action filled days, with Trans Tasman and International racers fighting for class honours and a spot in the much-anticipated Top 50 QBE Superbike Shootout.

Highlights of the International Festival of Speed include the ever-popular spectator parade laps, trade stands, motorcycle club stands, legends autograph sessions as well as general public access to pit garages and main grandstand.

Meet your heroes with guest legends including:

– Troy Bayliss (3 Time Superbike World Champion and MotoGP Rider)

– Troy Corser (2 Time Superbike World Champion and MotoGP Rider)

– Pierfrancesco Chili (Superbike, 250cc & 500cc GP Rider)

– Randy Mamola (500cc GP Winner)

– Jeremy McWilliams (250cc GP Winner & MotoGP Rider)

– Steve Parrish (500GP Rider & Factory Team Manager)

– Graeme Crosby (500cc GP Rider and TT Formula One Winner)

– Kevin Magee (500cc GP Winner)

– Chris Vermeulen (2003 World Supersport Champion & MotoGP Rider)

– Sir Alan Cathcart (Motorcycle Journalist)

Buy tickets online for special offers and to purchase raffle tickets to enter the draw to win a brand new Honda CBR600RR.

For tickets and further information visit www.internationalfestivalofspeed.com Check out the 2018 sizzle reel here.

The QBE Insurance International Festival of Speed is promoted by the PCRA (Post Classic Racing Association) of NSW.

SMSP Free Wheel Festival, Sunday January 28 2018

The SMSP Free Wheel Festival is your FREE invitation to enjoy the park’s wonderful facilities! Plus there’s also a heap of fun activities for all ages… all FREE!
– Walk, run, skate, cycle the racetrack
– Bus tour of the racetrack
– Motorkhana demo and passenger rides
– Drifting demo and passenger rides
– Clunker Challenge: you against the clock in our Clunker!
– Jump in the car and experience cool new car tech in our Driver Training Interactive sessions
– Jumping castle, face painting, inflatable slide for the littlies
– Police, Fire and Rescue vehicles
– SMSP display with REAL race cars + bikes, and loads of ‘’Car Candy” vehicles in the Cars n’ Coffee area
– Tour of Race Control with our Officials
– Remote Control Car racing
– Racing Simulators
And so much more… AND IT’S ALL FREE! Plus a Pepsi Max or Cool Ridge water for every attendee, thanks to Presenting partner Pepsi Max.
We hope to see you at the track!
When: Sunday 28th Jan 2018
10am – 2pm
Cost: FREE
Note: Passengers must be 16+ years, and be in wrist-to-ankle clothing and closed shoes. U18 will need the signature of a parent or guardian.

SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK’S GP CIRCUIT A SHINING LIGHT IN 2018 VASC CALENDAR

OFFICIAL RELEASE: Supercars has finalised plans to race under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park next August.
The confirmation follows a lighting test held ahead of the Sydney SuperSprint this year and will mark the first Supercars night race on Australian soil since 1997.
Dubbed the Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300, the August 4 event will feature a single 300km race run in a three-hour window from 7-10pm.
“We’ve made no secret we wanted to stage a night race next year and I am delighted to say it is now a reality that we will hold this race under lights in Sydney,” said Supercars CEO James Warburton.
Sydney Motorsport Park CEO, Glenn Matthews, praised Supercars’ determination to make a night race at the venue a reality.
The Supercars event will run with temporary lighting as the circuit continues to lobby the New South Wales State Government for funding to erect permanent lights.
“Sydney Motorsport Park is already open 360 days of the year, and the introduction of circuit lighting and extended operating hours would introduce a whole new level of access for all motorsport and automotive enthusiasts, from after-work racing and spectating, endurance racing, driver and rider safety programs, corporate hospitality, job creation, education, exhibitions, and much more,” said Matthews.
“The Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300 is the first exciting step towards making this as a reality.
“Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the busiest sites in Western Sydney, hosting more than 600 events with more than 330,000 visitors coming through our gates annually.
“We want to make Sydney Motorsport Park the premier destination for the industry in Australia – not just for motor racing and motorsport, but for automotive technology, innovation, education, tourism and community engagement.
“We are committed to working with our partners, promoters, and the NSW Government in realising this vision.”

MEGA MUSCLE CAR LINE UP ANNOUNCED

The Australian Muscle Car Masters (MCM) on October 28-29 is a celebration of our country’s Muscle Car heritage and a tribute to the drivers that raced.
MCM is a race down memory lane for those that grew up spending the October long weekend viewing the Great Race on TV or spectating trackside on Mount Panorama.
As a return to the gutsy glory days of Bathurst, the MCM is a horsepower heaven for motorsport fans! Unlike other motorsport events, fans can get up close to the machinery and chat with the drivers and their mechanics.

OFF-TRACK ENTERTAINMENT
Off-track attractions include ‘meet and greet’ sessions with legend race drivers, a mega show n’ shine (what we call the Pit Straight Car Club Corral) for road registered muscle cars and merchandise alley. Our 2017 Feature attractions include:
– Recreation of the Ron Hodgson Toranas on a fully loaded Transporter, immortalised at Bathurst 1973 with the original car, and both Bob Morris and John Leffler on site!
– Gil Tucker, the TV Star of Cop Shop, plus Mad Max 1 and the face of Torana Hatchback from the 70’s. Gil will be joined by a collective of old and newer NSW Highway Patrol Cars!
– A Collection of Bo Seton racecars, plus an on track tribute including his son Glenn and Grandson Aaron (Sunday only)
– A selection of GTR XU-1 road car Toranas celebrating this year’s Torana-only race, with special guest Don Holland to present Awards to placegetters.
– John Goss to unveil his 1976 Bathurst Concept Car surrounded by a collective of Falcon Coupes.
– Significant cars from the 1979 Repco Reliability on display, along with HDT Team Members.
– Ray Kaleda Static Display and on track Parade (Sunday only).
– Australian Beach and Outback Display with Palm Trees, Surfboards and, of course, Panelvans!
– Tickford / Prodrive Transporter with the new 77 Moffat Ford Dealer-inspired Mustang on display.
And more to be confirmed!

ON-TRACK ACTION
Six categories are now confirmed for the Masters weekend/ The full line-up is:
– Heritage Touring Cars (Group C/A)
– Historic Touring Cars to 1964 (Group Nb)
– Historic Touring Cars 1965-72 (Group Nc)
– Sports Sedans (National level)
– Kumho V8 Touring Cars (superseded V8 Supercars)
– Production Touring Cars
– Historic Touring Cars of NSW Torana Challenge, celebrating 45 years of Bathurst
– Master Blasts demos featuring 30 of the countries historic and significant races from the last 50 years
Other track sessions will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Every year we dip our lids to a handful of muscle car milestones – the big events and most famous models that shaped our
country’s legendary heritage of homegrown high
performance. This year we celebrate:
– 50th anniversary of XR Falcon GT
– 45th anniversary of Brock’s 1972 XU-1 win
– 40th anniversary of the Torana A9X
– 40th anniversary of Ford’s 1977 1-2
– 30th anniversary of Bathurst’s 1987 WTCC round and the hard-fought ’87 ATCC.

Spectators are admitted free of charge to the competitors paddock and undercover grandstand, and kids 15 and under are FREE!
Buy your tickets today!