It’s been less than a week since club motorsport returned to action after the South West Touring Car Club held a Test and Tune in Western Australia, and already more clubs are starting to follow suit.

 

Following the outbreak of the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were put in place across the world, with motorsport forced into hibernation, however with restrictions starting to lift across the country, and the comprehensive Return To Race strategy outlining how motorsport can return, events are starting to resume across Australia.

Ahead of this weekend, motorsport.org.au previews the three events taking place around Australia. 

Weekend of Speed

Great Southern Street Machine Association Inc

30 May – 1 June

Albany Windfarm/ Pendeen Industrial Estate – Western Australia

 

The Great Southern Street Machine Association is the state’s second club to run an event since WA lifted its restrictions and they start with their highly anticipated Weekend of Speed.

 

Originally scheduled as state-wide, the three-day speed event will now run as a club level event in and around the community of Albany.

 

Run to the Motorsport Australia Return to Race strategy, the City of Albany has also shown its support with a set of guidelines to make sure the event runs smoothly and safely without a crowd.

 

The event will begin with High Voltage Albany Windfarm Hill Climb on Saturday, before members park their cars around the city on Sunday – allowing the public to drive past and check them out while enjoying a coffee. A state-wide public holiday on Monday will see the club run their Pendeen sprint around an industrial area.

 

“We’re really excited to be able to have the event. We’ve also completed all the preparation, including officials so we’re geared up for it,” Event Secretary Christine Sargent said.

 

“We’ve kept officials down to a minimum and all drivers will arrive at different times so there will be only 10 cars at any one time. They will do their runs and leave so the next lot can come in.

 

“Competition-wise, we have introduced a novice section, so those people who have not driven before can come and see if they have an interest in the sport.”

North Australian Motor Sport Club

31 May

Hidden Valley – Northern Territory

 

In just the second time for the year, the North Australian Motor Sport Club will hold an event and the club have opted to run another Test and Tune day.

 

While they were supposed to have the first round of their club series take place this weekend, the club chose to utilise the track for another practice session, ahead of June’s first round – pending state restrictions.

 

The event is open for people who want to put their road car on a track and have a bit of fun, as well as to those who have race cars and want to have a bit of practice ahead of next month.

 

NAMSC Vice President Jake Burgess was thrilled the club could get the event up and running and was confident about their strategy in adhering to the safety guidelines.

 

“We have the COVID-19 safety plan which is implemented through the NT government and there will be no spectators in attendance, just officials and drivers,” Burgess said.

 

“Some of the other things we’re doing is limiting entries to online, so we reduce the number of people at sign in.

 

“It’s been a bit of break from when we ran our last event, so we’re looking forward to getting back out even if it is just a practice session. I know there are quite a few people keen to get back on track.

 

“A lot of work has gone into this by the committee, who have made sure we are following the right policies and procedures. We are looking at how it goes this weekend so we can start racing in June.”

 

Ballarat Light Car Club

31 May

Ballarat Airport

 

Victoria is another state holding an event this weekend and the Ballarat Light Car Club will run a small motorkhana for its simple return to motorsport.

 

With just three tests available to competitors, the club is going to have strict social distancing measures in place as well as no food, beverage or sign-up stalls set up, while each test will enforce a maximum of 10 people at any one time.

 

Club spokesman David Haddon was really excited about the club finally able to get back into action.

 

“We’re very excited about running this event. We are all very passionate about motorsport and getting this event up has been tough, but our perseverance has paid off,” Haddon said.

 

“We’re not quite sure how many people are competing, but we don’t really care how many attend.

 

“Even if we only get five or six cars, it will be very exciting to get motorsport back on the map for Victoria. It may just be a motorkhana, but it’s a start. We want motorsport to move forward in a positive way and motorkhanas are great because anyone can have a go.

 

“Everything is done online which has been a challenge as we do everything by hand. We have had to rejig things, but we have amazing people volunteering their time to help us put the event on.”