The Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC) August Access returns this weekend, once again welcoming a variety of grassroots motorsport competitors looking to compete at a professional circuit and gain invaluable competition experience. 
 
Hosted by PIARC at its iconic headquarters, the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, the stand-alone event will see 105 competitors across a number of categories including Radicals, Production Sports Cars, Formula 5000 and Superkarts.

Event Secretary Gale Smith was looking forward to the weekend.
 
“The PIARC motto is ‘access to motorsport,’ so it’s basically a meeting that exists to attract the grassroots-level categories, but we vary it from year to year,” Smith said.
 
“This year, Formula 5000s don’t really have anywhere to run except a historic meeting, so there’s about seven of those drivers who have come together to give it a crack.
 
“And for categories like Superkarts, we give them more of an opportunity to race at a racetrack rather than a beginner’s track.
 
“Production Sports Cars have also been dropped off the state championship calendar this year because of a lack of numbers. So, they’re pushing to get their numbers back up to get in the state championship calendar.
 
“And Radicals are much the same – they’re looking for any opportunity they can get to run.
 
“The entry fees are not high for this meeting. PIARC has a philosophy that some events are going to make money, some events are going to lose money, but if we can cover costs for the event, we’re happy doing it. And if we can get new competitors and officials, that’s a bonus.”
 
As well as the August Access competitions running on Saturday and Sunday, the event will also feature a private practice on Friday for competitors outside the categories that are running to practice and test their vehicles for future events they’re competing in.
 
More information, including how to enter, can be found on the PIARC website.
 
The August Access takes place at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 18-20 August.