MotorSports NT

CENTRAL AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING ASSOC - NT GOVERNMENT CAPITAL GRANT

The Central Australian Drag Racing Association received some fantastic news this week with the announcement that $500,000 would be given to the club in the upcoming NT budget in the form of a capital grant.

The money will be used to extend the current barriers from the 1/8 mile (half track) all the way through the 1/4 mile and the braking area, thus bringing the safety barriers to International standards. The return road will also be widened to allow two-way traffic. All of these works will ensure that we continue to provide the safest facility for our racers, and by doing this we will be able to allow cars to race to their full potential. With currently having a 200mph limit, these upgrades will allow us to run side by side over 200mph over the ¼ mile.
Being the only 1/4 mile regional track in Australia, this will enable us to use the track to its full potential. With a National event this year, being run over the 1/8 mile, it looks like next year we will be able to run it over the 1/4 which will be fantastic for both competitors and spectators.

A scrutineering shed with scales will also be constructed to conform to national standards. This will also include a disabled toilet.

The club would like to extend a huge thanks to Chief Minister Adam Giles, Sport and Recreation Minister Matt Conlon and the NT Government. We believe this will be a positive investment for the community as we build on our national events. Through these events, local tourism and the Alice Springs Inland Dragway will both benefit.

There will be some exciting times ahead at the Alice Springs Inland Dragway.

16 May 2013

Katherine Speedway News

Recently we had local drivers head down to Tennant Creek for two nights of racing over the May Day long weekend. Well I can say they did us proud. Brett Thomsen was our star who took out the feature both nights. Tom Pfenning took out third place, Holly didn't finish the weekend as she had engine troubles. Raymond Thomsen finished in fourth place in the juniors, and Colin Menzies made it through without hitting the wall. They had a great weekend and thankyou to Tennant Creek Speedway for putting on a great weekend for our drivers.

This weekend the Thomsens headed to Darwin for the opening night of Northline Speedway. Young Raymond Thomsen started out well but didn't finish ,breaking an axle. As mum said you can travel to Mackay and Tennant Creek and have minor problems but you drive 300 kms to Darwin and break an axle but that is racing.
We have our AGM on the 26th of May down at the track at 4.30pm. Barby afterwards, if anyone interested in coming down and getting on the committee, etc and seeing what we are about.

For more info you can call Brett Thomsen on 0427187525 and don't forget our opening night on the 29th of June. You can expect a good exciting year of racing, with all our new drivers.
Junior karts are going to have a good number with four new drivers having a go Tim Wood and the Cavanaugh family. They are all pretty excited kids and cant wait till the 29th. So hope to see you there.

14 May 2013

Track Champs fire up this Saturday

Round 2 of the Hidden Valley Drag Strip Track Championship Series kicks off this Saturday and entries suggest the big guns are coming back out to play.
After disappearing for a fishing trip last month, its Matt Abel and his 1957 Chev Top Doorslammer that may be the wildcard come Saturday night. Not having raced since September 2012, Abel is looking for a fast start to the new season.
Playing double duties for the first time, Abel will also join the ranks of many local families with both father and daughter racing for the first time ever at the same event.
Eight year old Danielle Abel completed her Junior Dragster licensing earlier this year and went on to win her inaugural Super Toyworld Junior Dragster round last month. This weekend Danielle will be in good hands with veteran JD driver Jodie Coles helping crew for the 2013 rookie.
Jodie’s father, and Top Doorslammer pilot, Peter Coles is also eagerly putting the final touches on his Camaro ahead of his maiden run this weekend.
The Top Alochol Funny Car of Scott MacLean returns to find the performance he was lacking from last event. With two clean 6.1 second passes at 227mph he is still chasing his first 5 for 2013.
Gates open 1:30pm with qualifying throughout the afternoon before feature racing from 6pm.

Track Championship Series Round 2
Saturday 18 May 2013
Gates open 1:30pm
Qualifying 2:30pm
Feature Racing 6:00pm
Adults $20
Children under 13 FREE
Bar and catering available. No BYO, no glass

14 May 2013

Scott White Racing 2013 Nitro Champs Post Event

May 10, 2013, The 2013 Nitro Champs was an event that gave Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Scott White something to smile about. He was able to qualify in the top half of the field and got past the first round of eliminations. In fact White was so happy to have gone into the semi-finals that for the Darwin racer it may as well have been the finals.

“We came to the Nitro Champs with some hesitation because we have had a possible ignition problem that was effecting the timing on the AMPAC Suzuki, but having found someone in Darwin who gave us some advice we came to Sydney with our fingers crossed,” said White.

The first qualifying pass on Saturday saw those fingers uncross when White put down a solid run of 7.400 seconds at 179.18 mph. At the end of the session that was good for No.1. The second session White recorded a 7.617 at 172mph and while it was no improvement White remained number one heading into the third and final qualifier. Unfortunately White, as well as a few other riders, struggled in the left lane and spun the tyre at the hit and resulted in a 10-second pass. In the third pairing Luke Crowley who was in the right lane put down a pass of 7.38 seconds to bump White into second place.

“It would have been fantastic for the AMPAC Suzuki to have stayed in No.1 but we were still wrapped with the number two as we felt the position would still give us the edge to give us one of the teams long standing goals to get past the first round,” said White.

Round one saw a match-up with number seven qualifier Mark Hancock. On the green Hancock was away first with a quicker reaction time and the result was a close race in favour of White. “That was a tight race,” said White. We had some new clutch plates in but they torched themselves immediately so we almost pretty lucky to have got through that round. We felt like the Masters of the Universe and had just won our first gold ANDRA Christmas Tree trophy. Well not quite (grin) but at this stage we felt like winners as far as we were concerned.”

For the semi-finals White was up against the number two qualifier - Maurice Allen.

“We’d been learning a lot about the carburettors on the bike and why we were torching pistons and little did we know that we had a lot more to learn. Before E2 we had one that was sticking a little bit higher so I leaned it just a touch on the needle but it went away in the race against Maurice and torched a piston in fourth gear.”

White recorded a 7.55 ET to a winning 7.44 from Allen with a margin of .0786 of a second.

“On the green the bike was in the right lane and went a little wide towards the outer wall but I stayed in it and felt that I was gaining on him just as the piston went away.”

The team headed back to the pits were it was confirmed that the engine had burnt a piston. With the next round of the championship at Willowbank Raceway’s Winternationals, White and his crew worked on swapping the spare engine and by midday the following day they were packed and heading up to Brisbane where they would leave the bike before flying home.

“We are already chasing up new pistons and hoping that they will arrive before the Winternationals so we can rebuild the good motor. "

SCOTT WHITE RACING INFO:

Hometown: Darwin, NT
DOB: 18-8-1965
Motorcycle Brand: 1570cc 4 Valve Suzuki
Career Best ET: 7.38
Career Best MPH: 183.9
How many years in the sport: 26
Crew: Dave Denner, and Paul Grey
Career Highlights: Won Pro Stock Bike Round July 1993 at Hidden Valley
Marital Status: Happily married with two great boys.

Sponsors:
White is proudly supported by AMPAC ADVANCED WARNING SYSTEMS - Manufacturers and suppliers of advanced fire detection and occupant warning systems.

14 May 2013

HIDDEN VALLEY TO UNDERGO MAJOR UPGRADES

Minister for Sport and Recreation Matt Conlan has announced the Hidden Valley race track in Darwin will undergo a multi-million dollar revamp as part of the May Budget.
Mr Matt Conlan said $9.42 million will be invested in upgrades to the track over the next two years while attending today’s Holden HQ 2013 National Titles at Hidden Valley.
“Territorians are mad about motor sport and these upgrades will ensure Hidden Valley remains in peak condition so Darwin can continue to host national events like the V8 Supercars, the Australian Superbikes Championships and this weekend’s HQ Nationals for many years to come,” Mr Conlan said.
“Events like the V8 Supercars have multiple flow-on effects to tourism, local businesses and the economy - not to mention they are a great day out for the entire family.
“Last year’s V8 Supercars attracted 48,000 local and interstate visitors and injected 32 million into the Northern Territory economy.
“Territorians love to enjoy sporting events and our great outdoors and this investment will enhance our unique lifestyle and ensure it remains the best in Australia.”
More than $5 million has been allocated for Hidden Valley in the 2013-14 Budget for:
- resurfacing the track circuit (2.9km) and;
- upgrading concrete barriers to meet the national standards required to host national and regional motor sporting events

An additional $4.12 million will be provided in 2014-15 to upgrade sewerage, toilet blocks and drainage and redesign Turn One of the Hidden Valley circuit.
With higher profile events the safety requirements increase so the redesign of Turn One will ensure the Territory doesn’t miss out on these events while improving the safety of drivers in the V8s and regional motor sport meets.
The circuit surface at Hidden Valley deteriorates over time as a result of general usage and the extreme weather conditions and has not been upgraded since its construction in 1997.
“The normal life span of a track is 10 years, so 16 years on these upgrades are long overdue,” Mr Conlan said.
The quality of the circuit is a consideration for the Licencing of the complex by the Confederation of Australian Motorsports (CAMS). Without the Licence most of the major events at Hidden Valley could not take place.
These upgrades will ensure the track remains in top condition and meets licencing standards.
The Northern Territory Government has secured a V8 Supercars event in Darwin until 2018.
Its expected the upgrades will begin mid-2014.

07 May 2013

Scott White 2013 Nitro Champs Preview

For most racers, the week leading up to a big race is usually spent in garages and sheds making last minute adjustments, fine tuning and looking for any performance advantage they can gain over their opposition.
In the case of Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Scott White he will spend three days on the road and will have plenty of time to think about the changes he has made for the up and coming Nitro Champs this weekend at Sydney Dragway.

His journey began at his home in Darwin, NT on Monday and some 4000 km later his trip will end in Blacktown, NSW.
During the three days White will encounter good roads, bad roads, shower stops at roadhouses, kangaroos at night that slow his speed down to 80ks and plenty of other kinds of wildlife such as wild pigs that have the potential to do a lot of damage in the advent of a collision.
“Let me tell you that if someone told me that drag racing is easy, I’d say show me,” laughed White.
“Living in Top End of Australia is certainly not the best location especially if you are a Pro racer chasing championship points and calendar dates that are on the eastern side, but this is what I do and its my choice. I’m what you would call a budget Pro racer (grin) and this is how we do it.
“Try explaining what I do to a novice that I’ve just travelled 4000 plus kilometres to race 22.5 seconds in qualifying and a further 22.5 seconds if I go three rounds in eliminations. He’d say I’m nuts.”
“The plan prior to the Adelaide Championship round in February was to leave the bike there at the end of the race, then fly home. With the next round this weekend I would have flown back and driven up to Sydney for this weekend and then driven up to the Brisbane for the Winternationals and left the bike with some friends. When the rounds are scheduled like this, it is possible to do this however because we had hurt the engine in Adelaide I needed to go home and make repairs.
“The engine has two new pistons in it and we took it out to Hidden Valley for some testing and all went to plan. We have been chasing a gremlin and it looks like we are getting on top of it.
“It would be easy for even myself to question why I do this. But I have always had a passion for going fast and drag racing gives me the outlet I needed in a safe and controlled environment.
“Racing at this level has its moments and one of those happened in a split second at Adelaide. I was racing against Maurice Allen and at three-quarter track I could just see him out the corner of my eye. The speed and the noise of having a bike right besides you is just so much fun. I like the feeling of moving very fast especially when you have someone in the other lane. These bikes are very light and you sit very low. You are out there in the air and it almost feels like you are flying. Its nothing like being in a car.
“And that is why I do this,” finished White.
The Nitro Champs is held at Sydney Dragway from 3-5 May 2013.

Photo of Scott White Pro Stock Motorcycle. Provided by Ed Forman, www.highrpm.com.au

02 May 2013

Round Three of the 2013 Sheds N Homes Darwin Motorkhana Series

The North Australian Motor Sports Club (NAMSC) held Round Three of the 2013 Sheds N Homes Darwin Motorkhana Series at Hidden Valley on Sunday 28 April. There was a great turnout, with 25 competitors attending in a wide range of vehicles, from Holden Gemini’s through to highly modified Nissan drift cars. With several new competitors trying motorkhana for the first time, the ongoing growth of the series seems assured, with 2013 on track to be the biggest year on record.

In scorching heat, young and old battled through six courses with varying success. To try and cool things down, officials ran sprinklers on the skidpan for two courses. While it may have reduced temperatures a little, the slippery track surface challenged most drivers, with many a cone knocked over as vehicles overshot turns. A standout performance on these two courses came from Travis Humm, who seemed to thrive in the wet, taking out first and then third place, and providing his best results for the event.

There was a close fought battle between the ladies, with Tara Davis, Jennie Cordingley, and Wilasinee Moulding taking out 11th, 12th and 13th places respectively, followed by Keely Wilkinson in 15th place. Tara Davis can’t seem to catch a break, not only battling to keep her lead on best female in the series, but also under pressure from husband Grant who now trails her by only one point in the annual pointscore.

At the top of results, reigning champion Tim Feehan fought hard, but struggled on the wet courses, finishing up in third place for Round Three. Drifter John Fillingham was consistently fast, with two third places and four second places enough to secure him second place outright for the day. A stellar performance from young gun Zach Davis, with fastest times on four of the six courses, meant that he recorded his first round victory. Seventeen year old Zach has shown consistent improvement throughout 2012 and so far in 2013, and this is a well-deserved victory. He edged out many drivers with newer and more expensive machinery than his Hyundai Excel, clearly demonstrating that motorkhana rewards practice over price.

Zach’s victory in Round Three puts him within two points of second placed Tim Feehan in the outright point score, and only ten points behind current leader, John Fillingham. There is a gap opening up between the top three positions and the rest of the pack, but each event can change this, making for more excitement ahead in the 2013 Sheds N Homes Darwin Motorkhana Series.

Round Four will be held under lights at Hidden Valley on Friday 17 May from 5.30pm. Entries may be submitted at www.namsc.org.au until Sunday 12 May. Anyone who has not previously entered a NAMSC event may enter the motorkhana on the day for just $55. Spectating at motorkhana events is free. For more information on this and other NAMSC events, visit www.namsc.org.au, or look up “North Australian Motor Sports Club (NAMSC)” on Facebook.

30 Apr 2013

Darwin Karting Assoc Round 2 Results

Round two of the Darwin Karting Association saw plenty of tight racing under lights last Saturday night, where two relatively new competitors grabbing podium positions.
Young cadet driver Zac Hannon, taking third overall behind Benjamin Atkinson and overall winning Harrison Avery.

In the rookie class, it was debutant, Brock Dunn, taking 3rd overall, showing real pace in his very first race meeting. Luke Burt secured second overall, as no could catch the fast flying arrow of Eloise Avery, who took the round win.

In the Junior National Light class, Tommy Maxwell dominated the event, leaving Jake Smith (2nd), Reece Webster (3rd), Jordan Smith and Ben Jennings to fight for the remaining podium positions.

The Hidden Valley Kart Supplies entry of Filip Kapitula, had a clean sweep in the Junior National Heavy class, although Matthew Sealy put plenty of pressure on him throughout the heats, to finish second overall ahead of Kyle Wiseman.

The action stepped up in Clubman Light, with Brent Nott winning race one in a close battle with Brodie Green in the dying laps. Green went on to dominate the remaining races, but was under constant pressure from Kevin Norman, who came in second overall, with Brent Nott third.

TaG 125 provided plenty of action, with Denny Nott taking 2 wins, Damo Stevens and Chris Gatt a win a piece. But no one could catch Denny Nott in the final, who led from start to finish to take the round win ahead of Damo Stevens and Chris Gatt.

Round 3 of the Darwin Karting Association is on again this weekend under lights, racing from 5pm, entry is free, canteen and bar facilities available

Making his debut in Rnd 2 of the CIK Stars of Karting Series, held at the Bolivar Raceway in Adelaide, Darwin’s Bryce Fullwood was super impressive as he diced near the front of the Pro Junior (KFJ) field with his more experienced rivals. The Birel driver secured a top three finish in the opening final before backing it up with a fine fourth placing in the second final to secure the Blackberry Powerful Award along with a Blackberry Playbook.

30 Apr 2013

Darwin Karting Championship Round 3

Darwin Karting Association is holding there championship round 3 this Saturday night at 5pm

Canteen and toilet facilities available

Bring your chairs or a rug down and watch some awesome racing.
Free entry

30 Apr 2013

Return to finals form for Mainland

2013 may just be the year of comebacks with Territory Modified Bike competitor Clive Mainland making it through to the finals at the 2013 Season Opener at Hidden Valley Drag Strip on Saturday night.
Mainland last made a finals berth over four years ago. After debuting the eye catching new Kawasaki in late 2012 Mainland broke the drought by meeting Colin Sainsbury in the Modified Bike final. Unfortunately it was not going to be a fairy tale ending with Mainland jumping the start and red lighting, automatically handing the win to Sainsbury who finished with a 9.578 second pass on a 9.40 dialin.
Super Sedan was again the largest field to watch with Steve Schruers defeating Grant Rowe in an all Holden final. Schruers got a holeshot victory with a 0.088 reaction off the line and running through with a 9.325 second pass on a 9.19 dialin against Rowe’s 10.233 on a 10.13 dialin.
Grant Radcliffe has his name down in history after being the first winner of the new Top Sportsman category with an 8.596sec on an 8.46 dialin against a faltering Allan Arthus.
Dieter Herrmann continued his dominance of the Outlaw category after being handed the automatic win when rival Todd Knight failed to start. Knight will be one to watch after making the massive leap from a street car to now a personal best of 8.324 seconds at 165.7mph.
Rookie Danielle Abel, daughter of well-known Top Doorslammer driver Matt Abel, was also rewarded with her first ever win against Mitchell Sperrer in the Super Toyworld Junior Dragster bracket.
In other categories, Ellen Musk took out the Street Car title against Bob Czerniawski while Mark Tattingham defeated Josh Schuit in Street Bike. Super Street saw Shaun Boyer victorious against reigning champion, Troy McGregor.
Several Group 1 teams also used the night to perform testing.
Scott White destroyed a motor in Adelaide earlier this year and with an imminent departure to Sydney for the Nitro Champs where he will be competing in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category he used the fully prepped quarter mile to ensure everything was once again in order.
Scott MacLean also completed three full noise passes in the AllTools Top Alcohol Funny Car as he finds the right tune up ahead of the ANDRA Drag Racing Series on 16-17 August in Darwin. He was somewhat off his pace compared to 2012, running a best of 6.054sec and 227mph.

Beat the Heat Off Street racing returns on Friday 3 May before the next round of the Track Championship Series fires up on Saturday 18 May.

Finalists
- Outlaw Winner DIETER HERRMANN
- Outlaw Runner Up TODD KNIGHT
- Top Sportsman Winner GRANT RADCLIFFE
- Top Sportsman Runner Up ALLAN ARTHUS
- Super Sedan Winner STEVE SCHRUERS
- Super Sedan Runner Up GRANT ROWE
- Modified Bike Winner COLIN SAINSBURY
- Modified Bike Runner Up CLIVE MAINLAND
- Super Street Winner SHAUN BOYER
- Super Street Runner Up TROY MCGREGOR
- Street Winner ELLEN MUSK
- Street Runner Up BOB CZERNIAWSKI
- Street Bike Winner MARK TATTINGHAM
- Street Bike Runner Up JOSH SCHUIT
- Super Toyworld Junior Dragster Winner DANIELLE ABEL
- Super Toyworld Junior Dragster Runner Up MITCHELL SPERRER

Photo - Clive Mainland, Kawasaki Modified Bike.
Provided by Ed Forman - www.highrpm.com.au.

30 Apr 2013

Alice to be put on drag racing map

Northern Territory Minister for Sport and Recreation Matt Conlan has announced that Alice Springs and the town’s dragway will be beamed into television screens around the country later this year, putting the Centre on the drag racing map.

Mr Conlan said the Territory Government had provided $17,000 to the Central Australian Drag Racing Association to help with presenting The Desert Nationals on the SBS television program, Speedweek.

“This support will provide terrific exposure for the Centre with thousands of viewers around Australia to watch the show,” Mr Conlan said.

“The two-day drag racing event will be filmed and then presented in a one hour show on ‘Speedweek’, a motorsports show aired on SBS around Australia on Sundays.

“This will help to grow the sport here in the Territory while showcasing the Centre as a tourist destination to viewers around Australia.”

The Desert Nationals is round seven of the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championships and will be held in Alice Springs from June 28-29.

“This is the first time a series of the national championships has been held in Central Australia and we’re expecting around 150 teams plus their drivers and pit crews to attend the event, with most travelling to Alice from interstate,” Mr Conlan said.

“This is great news for the local tourism industry and economy with the teams expected to enjoy the town’s many attractions during their time in Alice Springs.”

ANDRA CEO Malcolm Bulley said Alice Springs was a perfect location to host a round of the national series.

“Alice Springs has an excellent drag strip and is a prime tourist location,” Mr Bulley said.

"One of the great growth areas of drag racing in the last 12 months has been to expand the Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship into regional areas and the Alice Springs event is a round we are really looking forward to.”

The Central Australian Drag Racing Association's Guy Watts said the Northern Territory Government's support in getting Alice Springs Inland Dragway up and running was invaluable and now the results of that investment were being seen.

“CADRA was able to establish our sport in Central Australia during 2007 with overwhelming community support and we were keen to grow and expand into the future," he said. "Five years on we have a great opportunity to showcase Alice Springs in presenting the Desert Nationals, a round of the national Aeroflow Sportsman Drag Racing Championship."

Story courtesy ANDRA

23 Apr 2013

Round Four of the 2013 Sheds N Homes Motorkhana

Want to enjoy your car in the appropriate environment? Here's an upcoming motorsport event that caters for nearly all ages and budgets!

Come and join Round Four of the 2013 Sheds N Homes Motorkhana at Hidden Valley under lights, Friday 17 May 2013 from 5.30pm.

Motorkhana involves maneuvering a car through tight tests as quickly as possible, one car at a time. Test your skills at sliding and spinning your own road car accurately while maintaining speed through the test course. You don’t need a fast car as the best cars for competing are small, maneuverable cars, as they can handbrake slide round the cone or flag.
Entries for this event are now open at www.namsc.org.au, so please visit the website and get your entry submitted now to avoid disappointment. Entries close midnight Sunday 12th May!

And don't forget, Round Three of the series will be held at Hidden Valley on Sunday 28 April along with Learn2Drift from 9am. While entries for both events have now closed, you can still come and watch (spectators free), or even lend a hand!

Check out www.namsc.org.au for information on this and other NAMSC events. See you trackside!

18 Apr 2013

<< Previous 1 2 3 Next >>

Archived News Stories

home

About MotorSports NT

Affiliated Club Info

2013 NT Motorsport calendar

How to volunteer

Come and Try Events

Funding and Assistance

Useful Links