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MEGA rides for another five years at Sydney Motorsport Park

ARDC News, News, SMSP News

November 27, 2023

  • The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) and Motorcycling Events Group Australia (MEGA) jump onboard for another five years of SMSP Ride Days
  • Continues an association that commenced in 1997
  • Your Bike – Our Track program: from beginners to racers on the Brabham GP circuit at Australia’s premiere permanent race circuit

Sydney: The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC) is pleased to announce the signing of a new five-year contract with Motorcycling Events Group Australia (MEGA), ensuring the continued success of ‘Your Bike – Our Track’ riding experiences at Sydney Motorsport Park, a partnership that commenced in 1997.

As operators of the NSW Government-owned Sydney Motorsport Park since 1996, the ARDC believes that to be the best you need to partner with the best; and certainly as far as motorcycle ride day operators go, none are better that Steve Brouggy and MEGA.

With over 600 different events per year, Sydney Motorsport Park is arguably one of the world’s busiest permanent race facilities. Outside of major events, motorsport experiences such as Ride Days, Track Days and Fastrack V8 Race experiences contribute to a significant percentage of calendar slots each year.   

No strangers to hosting the country’s hottest two-wheeled action, throughout the course of a year, over 3,500 individual riders take to the track at SMSP ride days alone, covering over a staggering 750,000 kilometres during the multiple events.  

Glenn Matthews, ARDC CEO, acknowledged the strategy of the Club was to partner with industry-recognised experience providers to present world-class products to the thousands of motorsport enthusiasts looking for the adrenaline rush that only motorsport can deliver, on a globally recognised circuit and in a safe and professional environment.

“Steve Brouggy and his MEGA team first joined the ARDC experiences family as far back as 1997, and have been the mainstay provider for that period. There is no better ride day operator in the country. His reputation and quality of product is without parallel, and the decision by the ARDC to ride pillion with MEGA for another five years to 2028 was a no-brainer”.

Steve Brouggy, MEGA Director, was equally excited about the new contract extension.

“I’m extremely happy to have signed with the ARDC to be the provider of SMSP Ride Days at Sydney Motorsport Park for another five years. Next year (2024) is the 30th year that Motorcycling Events Group Australia (MEGA) has been operating, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than with this new contract” said Steve.

“We became (and maintain) our position as industry leaders due to our constant engagement and attention on what happens during each and every event, and that will not change during the course of this contract period, or indeed any future extensions there might be. We are committed to developing and evolving every element of SMSP Ride Days to maximise every rider’s enjoyment and safety, and can’t wait to welcome new and returning riders in 2024 and beyond!”

Sydney Motorsport Park is located in Eastern Creek in Western Sydney, less than 40 minutes from the CBD, and is one of the country’s only racing facilities within a metro area. 

About Motorcycling Events Group Australia (MEGA)

Motorcycling Events Group Australia (MEGA) is an industry leading provider of non-competitive racetrack activities (Ride Days) to the Australian motorcycle market, with 30 years’ experience in running these type of events. As the provider of SMSP Ride Days, MEGA uses the skills and experiences gained from its core staff having operated a variety of motorcycle training and track activities in 10 x countries at 45 x racetracks, bringing truly world standard flavour to a world standard venue. For further information: www.smsprd.com

2023 NSW MRC Round 3 Wrap

News

Words by Garry OBrien
Pics by Andrew Ryan

It was a huge program at Sydney Motorsport Park for the third round of the NSW Motor Racing Championships with ten categories racing over the May 27-28.

The mega meeting was bolstered by round three of the national RX8 Cup Series which joined nine other categories vying for points advantage in this mid-season outing on the popular Gardner layout.

Two-time title winner Ryan Gorton who missed a year and the first round this year, continued his successful comeback to the RX8 Cup Series with the third-round win. He won the first two races before beaten away in the third by Brad Harris.

Harris qualified last, finished eighth, then second, and won the third. Gorton beat him in the fourth. There were good scraps going on for third overall with Tom Shaw who ultimately took the final podium place ahead of Jack Pennacchia and Justin Barnes.

Justin Lewis was next, although he DNF’d the last when he crashed into his spun brother Terry. Jackson Noakes was also involved in a clash with Luke Webber in race three, which caused a lot of damage to the Noakes Mazda.

The round for Production Touring Cars comprised three sprint races. Simon Hodges (BMW M4) won all three races. The first came ahead of Chris Sutton (Mitsubishi EVO X) and Matt Holt (HSV Clubsport) before Sutton was relegated to third with a penalty. Anthony Soole (M4) was second before he retired with a wayward turbo hose.

The latter fought back to third behind Sutton and just ahead of Holt in the second encounter before he finished ahead of the pair in the third. Michael Auld (M4) was next best ahead of Alex Bryden (Mercedes A45) and Brent Howard (BMW M3). They were split in one race by Andrew Miedecke in the Ford Mustang which had computer problems in the others.

The three races in the Industrie Clothing Supersports were won by Alex Kenny in his Nova Proto NP-01. In race one he finished clear of Nick Kelly (Radical SR8), Justin Tigani and Chris Perini in RX3s. Jonathon Canavan (SR3) didn’t get off the line while Paul Palmer (Stohr) and Steven Shiels (SR3) had contact and didn’t finish.

Tigani was second in the next encounter from Kelly, Gardner (SR3) and Canavan, and followed up with another second in the last. Garner was third ahead of Perini, and a tight finish between Kelly, Sergio Pires (SR3) and Canavan.

In the leadup to the Yokohama Improved Production Nationals in June, South Australian Adam Poole brought his Holden Monaro over to NSW, easily won the three Over 2.0 litre races, and broke the lap record twice. Ben Algie (Nissan 200SX) scored three seconds and Ben Sheedy (Holden Commodore VE) edged out Steven Engel (EVO) for third overall.

Kurt Macready (Nissan Silvia) accounted for the Under 2.0 Litre field each time where in close contest for second, Matt Birks (Toyota Corolla) finished ahead of Charlie Viola (Honda Integra), Graham Bohm and Aaron Giuntini in Honda Civics.

In Formula Fords, Kaleb Belak (Spectrum) took the Formula Ford outings. In the first he beat fellow Duratec runner Jason Liddell (Van Diemen). The latter had a moment in the race two which allowed Will Lowing (Historic Van Diemen) to get the first of two seconds ahead of Thomas Kalamakis (Kent class Spirit). Dan Holihan (Spectrum) was next but spun out in the last after contact from Christian Read (Spirit).

Racing in Formula Vees was at its usual competitive best over the three races between dual race winner Darren Williams (Sabre), race two victor Tyron Wiseman (Checkmate) and Craig Sparke (Jacer) with William Pym (Jacer) not far behind. In the older 1200s Stephen Butcher dominated.

Reigning HQ Holden champ Chris Molle dominated with three big wins. The fight for the minors was much more fanatic where David Proglio was second three times but relegated four spots in race two with a penalty. Jason Molle was third overall while Dave Allan and Jarrod Harber finished equal fourth. Jeff Mulligan was on for a good result before he ran into a (helped) sideways Proglio in the last.

Doug Barry netted his first Formula Race Car round win after two firsts and a second. In his Reynard 92D Formula Holden, he toppled AGI Sport prodigies Brodie Norris and Kristian Janev in Mygale F4s. Barry led all the way in the first, passed Norris on the final lap in the second, lost several places at the start of the last before he finished second to Norris in the last.

Production Sports had several additions over the previous round and George Miedecke won both half-hour races in a Bentley Continental GT. The minor places went to Porsche drivers Jacque Jarjo and Tom McLennan with a second a third each while Geoff Morgan (Porsche) withstood numerous challenges for a pair of fourths.

The NSW Motor Race Championships will return to Sydney Motorsport Park for round four, a day/night meeting on July 8.

MEDIA RELEASE: POLE POSITION AT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK – A NEW ERA OF RACING

ARDC News, News, SMSP News

TUESDAY MAY 5, 2020: The first of 132 light towers was installed on pole position today at Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP), placing the Western Sydney venue in the spotlight as Australia’s first permanent motorsport facility with the ability to operate both day and night.

The light tower was craned in and installed in front of representatives from the NSW Government, Supercars, and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), signalling a new era of motorsport in Australia.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said he was proud to see the NSW Government’s strategic multi-million-dollar investment at SMSP come to fruition, resulting in permanent circuit lighting and the establishment of Australia’s first and only motorsport Centre of Excellence.

“It’s a new era of racing and the 2020 Lighting Project at the Western Sydney Motorsport Precinct couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said.

“We know that COVID-19 is taking its toll on this State, and racing can be a real morale boost for those isolating at home, so it will be fantastic when motor racing gets back on track.”

The project will see SMSP lead the field to become the ‘Silverstone of the southern hemisphere’; not only opening up track access for motorsport, but also substantial opportunities to further grow local tourism, investment, employment, and the development of existing on-site programs targeting performance engineering, education and training.

“ARDC’s strategic direction will build on motorsport engineering excellence to develop a Western Sydney hub for technology innovation and education,” said ARDC President, Andrew Leithhead.

“This lighting project will enable Sydney Motorsport Park to become a 24/7 home for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in motorsport, driver training, tourism, entertainment and manufacturing in the heart of Australia’s fastest growing urban area.”

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said the introduction of lights at SMSP offered significant opportunities for the future of motorsport in Australia.

“Seeing this project come to life is fantastic for Supercars and our fans across the state,” he said.

“To be able to race at night under permanent lights here at SMSP is something we’ve been working towards for a long time. We look forward to getting on track as soon as possible.”

SMSP delivers year-round events which attract 330,000 visitors annually, with over 35 major events and multiple grassroots racing and car club events, plus many school and community events from across Greater Sydney.

“Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the busiest tracks not just in Australia, but in the world,” said ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews.

“We enjoy an occupancy rate of around 96%, and that was one of the reasons the Government was happy to support us in providing funding for the permanent lighting project.

“Lighting allows us to fit even more events into our calendar; not only enabling motorsport fans and enthusiasts, competitors and manufacturers more access to our world-class facility, but also opening doors for substantial opportunities to further grow the Western Sydney night economy.”

The $33M package of Government initiatives for the broader Western Sydney motorsport precinct saw $16.4 million go towards creating Australia’s first motorsport circuit with permanent lighting.

The 2020 Lighting Project will see 132 light towers with 864 individual light fittings placed around the four circuits and training Skidpan at SMSP. Advances in technology have allowed a minimum 400LUX lighting for all circuit configurations, and 800LUX on the main Brabham Straight, with the ability to run the circuits independently to save power. The system itself has a green tick, utilising the latest LED Technology from world leaders in floodlighting systems, MUSCO Lighting.

The unfortunate circumstances surrounding COVID-19 from February this year saw the temporary shutting of the Eastern Creek track, however this allowed the lighting project to move ahead rapidly, while maintaining approximately 100 jobs on site. The installation of the lighting at SMSP will continue at racing pace during this enforced track shutdown, ready for racers to get back on track when current restrictions lift.

DETAILS: The SMSP Lighting Project

  • $16.4 million Government investment
  • 132 light towers, including 864 individual light fittings.
  • Lighting all four variations of the circuit, plus paddock and skid pan.
  • Power is 800LUX main Brabham Straight, with a minimum of 400LUX on the rest of the circuit. Temporary lights seen in the inaugural Sydney SuperNight in 2019 had temporary generator-powered lights capable of 150LUX.
  • Ability to light individual parts of the track and precinct, plus change the colour of the lighting on the main straight.
  • Over 100 jobs created and maintained through COVID-19, plus local manufacturing support.
  • Technology: Lighting the smaller Druitt North Circuit five years ago quoted at $17 million, now entire circuit and precinct for $16.4 million with fibre optic connection.
  • Projected 40% increase in access capacity.
  • The first official event to mark the return of racing at SMSP (after and subject to COVID-19 restrictions) is hoped to be Supercars under lights, using a combination of the new light towers and generator light towers.

ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN RACING DRIVERS’ CLUB (ARDC)

The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, known as the ARDC, has promoted motorsport in NSW for over 68 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 and 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.

ardc.com.au

ABOUT SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK

Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP, 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 racetrack, 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). SMSP is also Sydney’s main hub for driver safety, education and vehicle testing, featuring a floodable Skidpan, Skid Circuit, and 4WD training track.

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.

SydneyMotorsportPark.com.au

Media contacts:

ARDC/SMSP:                                                             SUPERCARS:
Samantha Stevens                                                           Felicity Hamblin
M: 0411494414                                                               M: 0467 785 203
email:  samantha.stevens@ardc.com.au                         Email: fhamblin@supercars.com

 

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

News, SMSP News

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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.”

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SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK SHINES UNDER LIGHTS

News, SMSP News

18/08/17: Supercar night-racing at Sydney Motorsport Park could be a permanent fixture, following successful lighting tests at the Eastern Creek venue last night.

Sydney Motorsport Park CEO, Glenn Matthews, said he had held positive discussions with the NSW Government over the installation of permanent floodlights at the park, providing year-round, site-activation and serving a host of motorsport and industry uses, including Supercar racing.

“Last night’s testing highlighted the potential of night-time racing and activities here at Sydney Motorsport Park and we’re very hopeful that this is a sign of things to come,” Mr Matthews said.

“Full-time, permanent lighting will not only add a whole new level of excitement to motorsport racing, and the spectator experience in this country, but open up a range of commercial and tourism opportunities at Sydney Motorsport Park, including driver safety programs, corporate hospitality packages, and more track access for all levels of racing.

“We’ve held some preliminary, and positive, discussions with NSW Government which is supportive of our long-term vision for Sydney Motorsport Park, and we’re looking forward to continuing to collaborate with all of our partners to set the benchmark for Australian motorsport facilities.”

The 92ha Sydney Motorsport Park precinct is one of the busiest sites in Western Sydney, hosting more than 600 events and over 300,000 visitors annually, and is nearly fully booked a year in advance.

Mr Matthews said the Park’s proximity to the proposed Western Sydney Airport, as well as one of the fastest growing populations in the region, are two of its key strategic drivers.

“Our long-term plans are focussed on making the most of our central location and looking at the opportunities to leverage Western Sydney’s growth as a visitor destination, and provide jobs and education for its vast, and diverse skilled labour,” he said.

“We’ve looked closely at the UK’s integrated education, industry and innovation facility at Silverstone and see no reason why Sydney Motorsport Park can’t adopt a similar model – one that’s heavily focussed on partnerships, education and innovation for Western Sydney.”

“The introduction of permanent lights is the first step towards establishing the necessary infrastructure to support our long-term vision for the site, and we’re committed to working with Government and our partners to make it happen.”

For further information, please contact the ARDC on (02) 9672 1000 or email media@ardc.com.au.

Ferrari Racing Days Sydney hailed a success

ARDC News, Blog, News Archive, SMSP News

For three days, Sydney has been awash with a sea of red as the first ever Ferrari Racing Days to be held in Australia commanded the attention of the city. Thousands of people travelled from across the country to experience the three-day festival, held at the iconic Sydney Motorsport Park, the home of motor sport in Sydney.

Saturday morning however marked the true foray into the festivities, as a cavalcade of 150 Ferrari’s travelled en masse from Glebe Island, across the Sydney Harbour Bridge onto the Sydney Motorsport Park. Marking the official kick off to Australia’s first Ferrari Racing Days, the largest gathering of Ferrari’s in Australia ever, the cavalcade totaled an impressive $70 million worth of new and classic Ferrari’s.

On-track, visitors saw Max Blancardi take the top podium spot on Saturday and Sunday for the Pirelli Pro classification, while Philippe Prette took the honours in the Pirelli classification for experienced drivers and David Tjiptobiantoro took first place in the Coppa Shell race for newcomers for both races.

While the first-ever leg of the Ferrari Asia Pacific Challenge was a key highlight of the weekend, one of the stand out moments was when the Ferrari F1 car took to the track with F1 test driver Marc Gene behind the wheel. Gene commanded the full attention of thousands when he reached over 300km/h on a flying lap.

Throughout the weekend visitors on-site were treated to the full ‘Festival of Ferrari’ with five showroom spaces in full operation, with Ferrari fans taking in the Supercar Chronicles and Classiche displays, featuring the stunning LaFerrari and the $5 Million 166MM. The kids were buzzing as they experienced an array of Ferrari opportunities including the ‘Podium Finish’ picture stand in the F1 Kids Zone and a chance to get behind the virtual wheel, with the F1 simulators kept busy all weekend.