Skip to main content
Category

News

Motorsport Australia Officials Training

By Events, News, Wheelspin

Are you looking to become an official and would like to do an official Motorsport Australia training module?

Motorsport Australia and the NSW State Officiating Panel are again running face-to-face Officials Training.  These face-to-face courses are now being focused on those courses not available online. These course include:

  • Bronze Scrutiny
  • Bronze Steward
  • Bronze Fire & Rescue
  • Silver Module
  • Upskilling

There are courses being run at Sydney Motorsport Park, Wakefield Park, Bathurst and Tamworth and can be run in more areas as needed.
To stay across all upcoming courses or to register interest in courses that are not listed but you would like to be run, click the button below to be taken to the Officials Training Registration form.

Register Online

For NSSCC members wanting to complete other Bronze officials courses, you can access the LMS training site through the Motorsport Australia Member Portal.

For information regarding Officials Training please see our Officials Training and Upgrading page.

Training Page

If you have any other queries about officials training or would like to know more, you can contact Motorsport Australia at officials@motorsport.org.au

Supplementary Regulations released and entries open for AMH Auto Group Rally of the Bay

By Events, News, Rally, Rally of the Bay 2021, Wheelspin

The supplementary regulations for the AMH Rally of the Bay have been released and entries are now open for the North Shore Sporting Car Club run event.

Two separate events are on offer, the Bay Stages and a shorter Bay Ramble event for those who only want to compete in the NSW Clubman series.

Crews are set to be flagged away from the Ceremonial Start at Corrigan’s Beach Reserve, Batehaven at 8:45am.

“We’re really pleased with how this year’s event has come together” Event Manager and Club Vice President Nigel Bland said. “We were a bit worried about the condition of some of the roads we normally use, but we’ve managed to work around it and have come up with a route that we know our crews are going to love” Bland added.

“Entries are now open and we’re expecting a big contingent of teams from the NSW Rally Championship and Clubman Rally Series. This rally was always planned for them, and they’ll be our top priority. We know that there’ll be plenty of competition from the State and Clubman competitors and I’m really looking forward to welcoming them to the Bay”.

“But we’re really excited that our rally has also become a promotional round of the Australian Rally Championship. We’ve already had plenty of enquiries from the major ARC teams and I expect we’ll see a good number of them at the AMH Rally of the Bay”, Bland concluded.

Four special stages have been selected and these will be repeated to provide a total of 8 stages for the Bay Stages event, with the first seven stages on offer for the Bay Ramble event.

The rally will be using the 8km Ridge Road/Dog Trap Road to the east of the Princess Highway, just behind the township of Batehaven. This stage has not been competed on for a number of years, but was a favourite amongst drivers, with its fast-flowing corners along the ridgeline.

From the top of the ridge, crews will travel through Mogo to tackle the 14km blast over Buckenbowra Road and into the roller coaster Ross Ridge Road. After a quick splash of fuel, teams will head out to the west of Batemans Bay to the Western Distributor and Clyde Ridge stages, before returning to Corrigan’s Beach Reserve where the Collecting Cars Service Park is located.

Entered crews will be permitted to conduct their reconnaissance from the June Long Weekend with recce roadbooks available as a downloadable PDF, ready to print or for use on tablets.

The AMH Rally of the Bay is set to take place on Saturday the 17th of July in the forests surrounding Batemans Bay on the NSW south coast.

Rally HQ Back At Marina Resort – AMH Auto Group Rally Of The Bay

By Events, News, Rally, Rally of the Bay 2021, Wheelspin

Rally Headquarters for the 2021 AMH Auto Group will be back at the Batemans Bay Marina Resort. The venue has changed its name from the ‘Coachhouse’ to reflect the resorts Batemans Bay location.

The Batemans Bay Marina Resort has once again put their support behind the popular motorsport event as the official accommodation and Rally HQ venue.

In announcing the continued partnership, North Shore Sporting Car Club (NSSCC) President Brett Middleton said “We’re really privileged to have such a great business put their support behind our event. The facilities at the Batemans Bay Marina Resort are perfect for Rally Headquarters and we also accommodate all our key officials here.”

“For all our rally teams heading to the event, this is the perfect place to book their accommodation. It’s the ideal location to stay with most villa’s having a sleeping capacity for six people.” Middleton added. “Plus, it’s right next to Rally HQ, has plenty of parking for trucks and trailers, is only a short distance to the Service Park and is walking distance to Club Catalina across the road, which is also our Social Hub.”

The rally of the Bay Event Manager, Nigel Bland expects that up to 90 rally teams will descend on the Batemans Bay township on the July 17 weekend.

“It’s fantastic to have Rally HQ back at the Batemans Bay Marina Resort” Bland said. “The Resort has been a great venue for us to base our rally headquarters over the past few years and we’re really looking forward to their great hospitality again this year.”

“The Resort is also offering rally teams and event officials some great accommodation deals with discounts for extended stays.” added Bland.

The 2021 Rally of the Bay is conducted by North Shore Sporting Car Club and forms part of the MTA NSW Rally Championship, East Coast Classic 4WD Rally Series, East Coast Classic 2WD Rally Series, NSW Clubman Rally Series, Hyundai Rally Series and the ACT Regional Rally Series.

About the Batemans Bay Marina Resort

The Batemans Bay Marina Resort is a beautiful resort style property overlooking the ocean and tidal lagoon. There are 89 self-contained villas, many featuring a waterfront location and boasting spectacular ocean views.

Corrigan’s swimming beach is just a few minutes stroll away and boat enthusiasts and fisherman benefit from direct access to the boat ramp through the rear of the resort.

The Catalina championship 27-hole golf course and 7-day a week bistro is conveniently located directly across the road. The town centre of Batemans Bay is only a 15-minute harbour side walk away or just a two minute drive.

About North Shore Sporting Car Club

The North Shore Sporting Car Club was created in December 1952 by a small band of die-hard rally fans. 69 years later and the club has grown from this small group to over 500 members. The club is responsible for organising 10 events per year, covering dirt, tarmac and other timed rally-type events. Club members are from all over Sydney and beyond with a myriad of cars in varying shapes and sizes. One common theme, however, is the passion of the members and the legacy of club.

Dalton ready to bounce back in Queensland

By Events, News, Rally, Wheelspin

Shamrock Motorsport and NSSCC Club Member, Richie Dalton is determined to make amends for a disappointing start to the Australian Rally Championship last month.

Dalton was on track for a solid fourth place in the opening round of the series in Canberra, only for a suspension failure to throw his car off the road and out of the event.

This weekend in Queensland, the Toyota Yaris AP4 driver will be back on the horse (so to speak) as he continues to come to grips with his new car.

“It really was a heartbreaking way to end the first round, because we hadn’t put a wheel wrong all rally,” Dalton said.

“But sometimes that’s how it goes in rallying, and we came away with nothing more than a repair bill for the car.”

Since then, the team at Neal Bates Motorsport has repaired the Yaris and it heads in to Rally Queensland in tip-top condition.

This will be the first time the rally has been run since 2016, and all the stages will be new to competitors.

“It’s exciting,” Dalton added.

“Competing in a new event is always a great challenge, and when it’s new for everyone it makes it a real unknown.

“The team that writes the best pace notes and adapts to the new stages the best will come away with the rewards.”

Dalton and experienced co-driver, Dale Moscatt, will complete their pre-event reconnaissance on Friday, after testing the rebuilt Yaris on Thursday morning.

“We knew this year was going to be a learning one, and so far that’s proved to be the case.

“However, we know the car has the speed, and if we put together a solid drive over the 12 stages in Queensland, then we’re confident that we can push for a podium finish.”

Based in Gympie, north of Brisbane, Rally Queensland runs on Saturday and Sunday, May 22 and 23.

NSSCC Partners with Collecting Cars

By AutoBrunch, Events, News, Spectators, Tarmac Rallysprint, Wheelspin
North Shore Sporting Car Club (NSSCC) is excited to announce that Collecting Cars will become the exclusive auction partner of the club and as part of the deal, will become the naming rights partner for Auto-Brunch Events throughout 2021.

“This is a great opportunity for NSSCC and Collecting Cars”, said Brett Middleton, NSSCC President. “Each month we have growing numbers of classic, vintage, sports and collectable cars attend Auto-Brunch, so it’s only fitting that we partner with such a great business that specialise in Auctions of these vehicles.”

“We are really excited to be working with the team at Collecting Cars and we encourage all NSSCC members to check out the auction website. There are some amazing cars on offer and a growing list of Australian Auctions” added Middleton.

Collecting Cars is Europe’s fastest-growing online platform for selling iconic and sporting cars and has now landed in Australia. With over 1,200 lots sold in 2020, Collecting Cars offers NSSCC members both local and international buyers for iconic, sporting, and or competition cars.

Already, Collecting Cars has over ten amazing cars LIVE, with new Australian auctions going live daily.
“The Collecting Cars team in Australia is excited to be part of the tight-knit enthusiast community at NSSCC. If you have any questions about how to sell or consign your vehicle, please don’t hesitate to contact our local team; we are here to help guide you through the process.” said Rich Fowler, Collecting Cars Australia.
You can contact the Australian team directly on 0403 263 509, rich.fowler@collectingcars.com or submit details of your car at www.collectingcars.com/sell.

Visit the Collecting Cars Website

Visit Collecting Cars on Instagram

Visit Collecting Cars on YouTube

Visit Collecting Cars on Facebook

DOWNLOAD the Collecting Cars sellers guide for a complete overview of how to sell on collectingcars.com

Moynihan Swaps Seats for Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally

By Caves Classic 2020, News, Rally
Moynihan in action at the Bulahdelah Rally. PHOTO: Gravel Pics

Eoin Moynihan is well known in rallying circles as the affable co-driver for Tom Demody. Dermody and Moynihan were the winners of the inaugural East Coast Classic Rally Series in 2018 in a Mk2 RS1800 Ford Escort.

However, whilst Moynihan may be experienced in calling the notes from the passenger side, he has also sat in the opposite seat, and back in 2014 and 2015 drove a Toyota Sprinter in a number of events.

On a few return trips to his Irish homeland, Moynihan competed as a driver in several rallies in a Mk 2 Classic Escort, built by his uncle. That car was recently imported into Australia and now Moynihan has entered it in the Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally.

“The Escort arrived in Australia in June,” Moynihan said. “We drove it at the Bulahdelah rally a few months ago, and the Caves Classic Rally is the first opportunity we’ve had to enter another event.”

“It’s a proper classic Escort rally car, with a BDG engine and ZF five speed and I can’t wait to have another drive of it.”

“I’ve actually driven in a rally up in the Black Springs area a few years ago in my Sprinter, and of course I’ve co-driven for Tom in a few previous Caves Classic rallies, so I know the area fairly well and I’m really looking forward to see the new roads that North Shore Sporting Car Club have included for this year,” Moynihan added.

The Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally is not the last event in 2020 that we will see Moynihan and co-driver John Brophy in the 1978 model Escort. They will back up their visit to the Oberon Forests with a trip to the Monaro Stages rally later in October.

“Tom and I were originally planning on doing the Monaro Stages in his Escort, but he’s since pulled it apart and decided not to do any more rallies in 2020. So, I’ve taken over his entry and we’ll hopefully do really well down on those roads,” Moynihan said.

But the partnership with Dermody is not over for 2020, with the pair planning on entering the Tarmac Adelaide Rally in November.

“As you might know, Tom now also has a Mk1 Escort and we are planning on entering the Adelaide Rally. This will be something new for us, but I’m really looking forward to trying out some tarmac rallying and I’ve heard a lot of good things about the event, so it should be a lot of fun,” concluded Moynihan.

The Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally will get underway on the 10th of October, starting in the Hoosier Service Park at the Oberon Rugby Leagues Football Club grounds at 11am.

Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally on track for 10th of October

By Caves Classic 2020, News, Rally

In just over two weeks, the Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally is set for some intense competition in both the MTA NSW Rally Championship and also the East Coast Classic Rally Series.

With 37 entries received to date, North Shore Sporting Car Club (NSSCC) are expecting a rush of entries over the next few weeks in the lead up to the second big rally in NSW since the COVID-19 Pandemic led to many event cancellations and postponements.

After successfully running the first round of the MTA NSW Series in July, NSSCC will be using the expertise gained in running a COVID safe event and applying it to the Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally.

“This is the first rally in NSW organised since restrictions were tightened following the second wave of the virus” said Jon Thomson, Event Director. “We could have easily just cancelled our event and waited until next year, but we felt we owed it to the rally community to get an event up and running as soon as we could.”

The event was originally planned to be conducted on the weekend of the 5th of September, however further restrictions were introduced by the NSW government and the event was postponed to the 10th of October.

“Since moving the date of the event, Oberon has had storms, rain and a massive dump of snow. Overall the roads are in fantastic condition and we think the drivers and co-drivers are going to love the new roads we’ve chosen in the Beemerang and Roberts State Forests”, Thomson added.

Tom Clarke in the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO at the 2019 Caves Classic Rally

The Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally will also be a round of the NSW Clubman Rally Series and this event will also be their second rally for 2020 after several cancellations of other events.

“With so much turmoil in the country from the virus pandemic, it’ll be great to see rally cars back in the Forest again. We’ve been putting a lot of effort into making sure this event is a success and we’re sure that it won’t disappoint”, Thomson concluded.

A fantastic range of businesses are putting their support behind the event, led by naming rights partner, Midstate Freight. A range of other partners are supporting individual stages and providing accommodation for officials. Hoosier will be the naming rights partner for the Service Park and our Club Partners: Shannons, GFB, Whiteline and Shamrock Haulage are all involved in the event. Lazer Lighting will be providing a lighting package as a prize for one lucky team who finish the event in the dark.

The event will start at 11am on Saturday the 10th of October at the Oberon Rugby Leagues Football Club.

Unseeded entries received as of 25th September:

Bethany Cullen / Mel Mcminn – Mitsubishi Evo 6.5 2000
Justin Griffin / Mathew Critchlow – Toyota Corolla 2002
Sean Mc Aloon / Muireann Hayes – Ford Escort 1979
Taylor Gill / Peter Harris / Dallas Gill – Subaru Wrx 1999
Alexander Neill / Joshua Neill – Hyundai Excel 1997
Tony Jordan / Richard Davidson – Triumph Stag 1974
Matthew Ruggles / Guy Ruggles – Triumph Tr7 V8 1980
Eoin Moynihan / John Brophy – Ford Escort 1978
Andrew Travis / David Travis – Nissan Gazelle 1984
Chris Giddins / Katie Giddins – Mitsubishi Evo Ix 2003
Chris Fitzgerald / Corey Bryant – Subaru Impreza 2000
Jamie Neale / Tommi Flegl – Honda Civic 1999
Sid Sparkes / Paul Fletcher – Datsun 1600 1971
Benjamin Vanzyl / Nadine Bucher – Hyundai Excel 1998
Tony Sullens / Kaylie Newell – Citroen Ds3 2012
Andrew Penny / Rhys Llewellyn – Subaru Wrx 1995
Robert Gorst / Wesley Gorst – Datsun P510 1971
Peter Thompson / Ken Hind – Toyota Ra 23 Celica 1976
Mal Keough / Andrew (Pip) Bennett – Audi Quattro S1 E2 Replica 1985
Tim Joass / Peter Joass – Mitsubishi Evo 2 1994
Evan Bollard / Phillip Bonser – Mazda Rx2 1972
P.j. O’keeffe / Tba Tba – Ford Escort 1978
Jake Bramble / Josh Love – Datsun 1600 1969
Riley Walters / Jeffery Williamson – Subaru Wrx 2007
Michael Stewart / Matthew Portus – Subaru Wrx Sti 1997
Terry Gunter / Stephen Newell – Ford Escort Mk2 1975
Phillip Chisholm / Peter Stringfellow – Nissan Skyline 1988
Ron Moore / Jo Moore – Mitsubishi Evolution Vi 1998
Edward Mulligan / Robert Males – Ford Escort 1978
Tom Clarke / Jim Gleeson – Mitsubishi Evo 9 2003
Chris Jaques / Hugh Taylor – Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 2001
Michael Curtin / Pierce Lennon – Datsun 1600 1972
Nathan Quinn / Ray Winwood-Smith – Mazda Rx2 1970
Declan Foley / Ken Murphy – Volkswagon Golf 1996
Brian O Neill / Mac Kierans – Ford Mk 11 1979
Ron Mckinnon / Steve Mckinnon – Mitsubishi L A Lancer 1976
Joe Chapman / Adrian Grabham – Subaru Wrx 1997

Accommodation Partners Announced

By Caves Classic 2020, News

Several leading Accommodation facilities in Oberon have joined the Midstate Freight Caves Classic Rally as Partners. These Partners are getting ready for the weekend of the 5th of September with deals available for Rally Teams and Officials.

Hathaway Accommodation
Contact Vicki on 0408 228 846 to book

Hathaway has 13 Rooms all with ensuite and 3 communal Kitchens. Queen Deluxe Rooms are $125 per night and King Single Rooms are $115 per night.

Hawkes Rest

Contact Vicki on 0408 228 846 to book special rally rates
Hawkes Rest is a 4 bedroom house in Oberon with 4 Queen beds and 2 Single Beds. 4 nights is $1,000 (normally $1800) or 2 nights is $700 (normally $930).

https://business.facebook.com/hawkesrest/

Big Trout Motor Inn

Contact Pav and Chandra Ratnan on 0428 714 236
The Big Trout Motor Inn is in the township of Oberon, with 33 ground floor units, there are facilities to suit everyone. Two units in the complex also have luxurious spa baths

http://www.bigtrout.com.au/
bigtroutmotel@gmail.com

Titania Motel

Contact Brad Gorrell on 02 6336 1377
The Titania Motel is situated close to Oberon Town Centre and has a fully licensed restaurant offering both Indian and Australian meals. Rally guests are welcome and are well catered for.

https://titaniamotel.com.au/
reception@titaniamotel.com.au

Royal Hotel

Contact Amber on 02 6336 1011
Accommodation is comfortable and simply styled to create an inviting country feel.  The Hotel itself is conveniently located in the centre of Oberon

https://royalhoteloberon.com.au/
office@royalhoteloberon.com.au

Jenolan Holiday Park

Book and pay online. Jenolan Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation in Oberon to suit rally groups and families. Relax in the peaceful environment and enjoy the modern facilities

https://www.jenolanholidaypark.com.au/
jenolancaravanpark@bigpond.com

Toyota stamp their name on the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Harry Bates and John McCarthy have won the 2020 AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay, taking the win convincingly over teammate and brother Lewis Bates with co-driver Anthony McLoughlin. Bates was in the Toyota Yaris AP4 rally car that also took him to victory in the 2019 Australian Rally Championship.

“A really tough day, the roads were very challenging, but very happy to be here and have the win” Bates said at the end of the final stage on River Road. “It’s a really challenging road, even in the day, but at night it was even more challenging.” added Bates.

Bates led from the start, winning every stage, and ending the event with a one minute and twenty second margin over the other Toyota Yaris AP4, driven by Lewis Bates.

“It’s been a really good day,” said Lewis. “It’s good to be back in the car, it’s been nine months since we’ve done a rally. We’ve got a bit of homework to do to catch Harry, but we’ve had a solid day and we’re happy with second,” Lewis added.

On the third podium position was Victorians Darren Windus and Joe Brkic in a Subaru WRX STi. Windus was battling with his son Arron for outright positions when the younger Windus went off the road in special stage 4.

“We’ve had an absolute gem of a time,” Windus said sitting in the car after just completing the final stage. “It’s probably a good result by the look of it today too, so that makes it all worth it” he continued.

In the East Coast Classic Rally Series, Mal Keogh and Andrew Bennett came out on top to win the Classic section by almost 4 minutes in an Audi Quattro S1. Keogh also finished well in the outright results with eighth place.

The two-wheel drive victory went to Tony Sullens and Kaylie Newell in a Citroen DS3. Whilst the front wheel drive car is at a disadvantage against its four-wheel drive counterparts, Sullens drove the small pocket rocket into sixth outright.

“Wow, is all I can say” Sullens said. “It’s the best field we’ve ever seen in a state rally in the history of Australia I reckon, and a top six I’ll take any day” he continued.

“I’ve driven as fast as I’ve driven in all my life today and I’m really happy and rewarded. I’ve found new levels of comfort with the car, so it’s good.” Sullens said.

The next round of the MTA NSW Rally Championship is the Caves Classic Rally on September the 5th in the Oberon district.

Full results are available online at ChrisSport

Narooma Rally winner to take on AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay

By News, Rally of the Bay 2020

Jamie Price and Maisie Place will line up at the AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay this weekend in a MkII Ford Escort. The pair had a series of strong results last season, most notably claiming outright honours in the NSW South Coast based Narooma Forest Rally.

The Rally of the Bay, also held in the Eurobodalla Shire, gives teams the option to choose to use a basic roadbook with route charts or more complex and detailed pace-notes. Price and Place have chosen to use the route charted option, often called a ‘Blind Rally’, which from previous form shows they will be up for a great result.

The Rally of the Bay was originally to be the second round of the Motor Traders Association NSW Rally Championship, but with the COVID Pandemic putting a stop to all motorsport, the event will now be the first round and also the first rally to run in Australia since COVID.

Even though there has been extra time to get rally cars prepared, many teams have been waiting months to get into the forests.

“We’re really happy about our first rally for the year,” Price said. “The car has a new gearbox fitted for me to try out but other than that, it’s how it was at Narooma. We aren’t too fussed about results, we’re just really just hoping for a clean run and get out there and enjoy ourselves,” Price added.

Place is also looking forward to being back in the car and competing in the Batemans Bay Forests.

“I’m really excited to be back in the car with Jamie,” Place said. “This is the first we’ve competed since our victory at Narooma last year. We’re hoping we can pull together a similar result, but we’re really just excited to be back out there and competing.

“There’s a very strong and impressive line-up for Rally of the Bay, so it’ll definitely be an exciting rally. There’s been such a big break between events, so I’m very excited to finally be back in a rally car,” Place concluded.

The AMH Automotive Group Rally of the Bay is based in Batemans Bay, with Head Quarters at the Coachhouse Marina Resort and supported by the Village Centre and Bridge Plaza shopping centre.