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▪ARDC welcomes motorsport industry stakeholders and thought-leaders to its first-ever Sustainability in Motorsport Roundtable
▪Sydney Motorsport Park continues to lead the way as Australia’s #1 venue on the global Sustainable Circuits Index™
▪Supercars begins its own sustainability journey with a range of initiatives and programmes

March 1 , 2024: The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC), operators of Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP), has welcomed Australia’s motorsport industry to its first-ever Sustainability in Motorsport Roundtable this week.
The roundtable, hosted at the recently-opened Australian Motorsport and Innovation Precinct (AMIP) along the main straight at SMSP, was attended by thought-leaders, delegates and ARDC board members, all coming to learn more about the positive steps Australia’s leading permanent motorsport circuit is taking towards greater sustainability at the venue, and to understand the shared objectives of Australia’s major motorsport entities.
Under the ARDC’s stewardship, SMSP continues to be ranked Australia’s number-one venue on the global Sustainable Circuits Index™ – a ranking it has maintained since the Index was first published in 2021. Like everything in motorsport, this achievement has been a team effort with industry stakeholders, partners, suppliers and venue hirers all contributing; a result that ratifies the ARDC Board and management’s strategic vision.
Providing attendees with an update on projects at SMSP the ARDC revealed that through significant improvements to EV charging infrastructure, new and existing partnerships with suppliers, and impressive landfill diversion results, 2023 was a year for sustainability at SMSP, with 2024 to continue that focus.
However, just as in motor racing, being in front comes with its own set of pressures and responsibilities; which is why the venue continues to look for new initiatives for SMSP and to encourage collaboration with all stakeholders.
Speaking at the roundtable, Supercars Chief Operating Officer, Tim Watsford, stressed the importance of motorsport playing its part in sustainability.
“We have begun our journey; we’re the biggest motorsport category in Australia and we want to get it right,” Mr. Watsford explained.
As a leading Australian sport and premiere motorsport category, Supercars is already taking several key steps to reduce its environmental impact, with its lower carbon bp E75 racing fuel, tyre recycling programme and a host of initiatives to address waste reduction, energy management, transport and water conservation.
ARDC CEO, Glenn Matthews, explained why the time was right to host the club’s first sustainability roundtable with industry colleagues:
“As a venue, Sydney Motorsport Park continues to lead the way in pushing for sustainable practises in everything it does, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the support of our partners and collaborators to achieve the results we have in 2023,” Mr. Matthews said.
“Our first-ever Sustainability in Motorsport Roundtable is a chance to share ideas and find new ways of working together. When the ARDC opened its AMIP facility in mid-2023, we did so with the promise that it would be a centre of excellence, and a home of progressive thinking for the motorsport industry – the discussions and shared insights from this week are just another example of the ARDC fulfilling that promise,” he continued.

ARDC Sustainability Workshop in Focus: The Speakers
Speaking at the Sustainability in Motorsport Roundtable is a panel of leaders from all sides of the industry, covering topics that speak to addressing the future of motorsport with a greener, more sustainable approach.

Dr. Cristiana Pace, CEng – CEO, Enovation Consulting UK
Illuminating the latest sustainability trends in motorsport, decorated engineer, FIA consultant and former commission member, Cristiana Pace, discussed the Sustainable Motorsport Index™, citing case studies from the UK’s Silverstone Circuit, and SMSP’s progress in obtaining FIA 2-Star Accreditation.

Joe Costanzo – CTO, PMY Group
As a major partner of the ARDC and SMSP, global tech giant, PMY Group’s Joe Costanzo’s discussion at the roundtable focused on how increased technology uptake has positive implications for sustainability – using SMSP as proof-positive of this insight.

Prof. Richard Hopkins – University of NSW, Walkinshaw Andretti United
Former Red Bull F1 COO, Sunswift Solar Racing Team Principal and inaugural AMIP ambassador, Professor Richard Hopkins, shared insights on creating a sustainable formula, developed over a career living in the pits, and the winners’ circle, of elite motor racing.

Tim Watsford – COO, Supercars
As Chief Operating Officer of Australia’s premier racing category and event series, Supercars’ Tim Watsford spoke with attendees on how the sport is addressing its responsibilities towards a greener future, and what are some of the key areas of
attention that the category is focusing on right now, as new technologies come to the fore.

Robert Pascoe – CEO, Closed Loop Environmental Solutions
A significant contributor to SMSP’s continued efforts toward increased venue and operations sustainability is through its partnership with Closed Loop. At the roundtable, Closed Loop CEO Robert Pascoe delved into the organisation’s own approach to the circular economy.

Tan Nguyen – Sustainability Manager, Australian Racing Drivers’ Club Providing an insight to the ARDC’s own journey, Sustainability Manager, Tan Nguyen, gave guests an update on the club’s activities and sustainability projects at SMSP, along with highlighting the achievements over the past decade.

Glenn Matthews – CEO, Australian Racing Drivers’ Club
The ARDC’s CEO, Glenn Matthews, concluded the roundtable and thanked the speakers, while at the same time stoked further discussion and debate about maintaining a sustainable mindset, which all speakers agreed must permeate motorsport at all levels for future success.
ENDS

For more information or to request an interview with ARDC CEO, Mr, Glenn Matthews, or the Sustainability Roundtable guest speakers, please contact:
Peter Larum
Chief Marketing Officer
ARDC/Sydney Motorsport Park
E: [email protected]
M: +61 419 732 029
Kurt McGuiness
Founder
PRIMAL Storytelling
E: [email protected]
M: +61 413 135 334
Link: http://sustainability.smsp.com.au

Media release: 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.

-ENDS-

For press enquiries or further information, please contact:

Kurt McGuiness – PRIMAL Storytelling
E: [email protected]
M: +61 413 135 334

Peter Larum – CMO – ARDC and Sydney Motorsport Park
E: [email protected]
M: +61 419 732 029

Steve Brouggy – Motorcycling Events Group Australia
E: [email protected]
M: +61 490 281 840

About the ARDC
Since 1952 the ARDC has been the premiere automotive racing body hosting high profile motorsport events across NSW (most notably Mount Panorama Bathurst from’63–’98) as well as managing many of NSW’s leading motorsport circuits including Amaroo, and since 1996 Australia’s Home of Motorsport, Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) at Eastern Creek, Sydney.

The ARDC vision is to create a global leading venue for motorsport competitors and enthusiasts and to become the central home for motorsport in Australia. SMSP is a multipurpose venue that hosts more than 350,000 visitors per annum via 600+ events including the SUPERCARS Championships, World Time Attack, Shannons Nationals, NSW Motor Race Championships and multiple grassroots car and bike racing and experiences, auto manufacturer days including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes plus brand launches, community events, festivals and more.

SMSP is a New South Wales Government venue. ARDC is a not-for-profit entity with 3,800+ members. For further information: www.ardc.com.au www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au

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

Media release: November 20, 2023

Australia’s largest and most innovative motorsport organisation, the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club, is proud to announce that it has received the Outstanding Innovation Project Award at last week’s Boomtown! Gala Dinner.

The Boomtown! Project of the Year Awards were established by the prestigious Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue to acknowledge completed (or near completed) major projects over the previous 12 months that have, or will, significantly contribute to the sustainable growth of Greater Western Sydney.

The AMIP, dubbed Sydney’s answer to Silverstone, is the $10 million trackside precinct at Sydney Motorsport Park in Eastern Creek driven by the ARDC with support and investment from the NSW Government.

Glenn Matthews, ARDC CEO, said the new precinct offered a unique environment for the industry, and this award was worthy recognition of the club’s leadership in motorsport, inspired by its 71-year history, and driven further by its desire to create a lasting legacy for the future. 

“What’s unique about AMIP is its trackside location within SMSP – undoubtedly Australia’s busiest and most diverse permanent race facility. Where businesses, race teams and individuals can work alongside, and be inspired by, a smorgasbord of different car and bike events and experiences, race categories, teams and engineers.

“As one of Australia’s major event destinations, Sydney Motorsport Park is home to some of Australia’s biggest events and community activations – each offering enormous opportunities for consumer engagement,” Mr. Matthews said.

Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s CEO, Adam Leto, was equally enthusiastic.  

“The AMIP precinct keeps the best and brightest talent in Western Sydney,” Mr Leto said. 

“It’s an important step for future innovators and bright sparks to get hands-on experience and help generate smart jobs in the region. The precinct will fuel Western Sydney’s motorsport, engineering and manufacturing future.”

The Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct is located adjacent to the Brabham main straight at Sydney Motorsport Park 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.  

-ENDS-

For press enquiries or further information, please contact: 

Kurt McGuiness – PRIMAL Storytelling
E: [email protected]
M: +61 413 135 334

Peter Larum – CMO – ARDC and Sydney Motorsport Park
E: [email protected]
M: +61 419 732 029

Nicholas Rupolo – Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue 
E: [email protected]
M: +61 468 921 230 

About the ARDC

Since 1952 the ARDC has been the premiere automotive racing body hosting high profile motorsport events across NSW (most notably Mount Panorama Bathurst from’63–’98) as well as managing many of NSW’s leading motorsport circuits including Amaroo, and since 1996 Australia’s Home of Motorsport, Sydney Motorsport Park (SMSP) at Eastern Creek, Sydney. 

The ARDC vision is to create a global leading venue for motorsport competitors and enthusiasts and to become the central home for motorsport in Australia. SMSP is a multipurpose venue that hosts more than 350,000 visitors per annum via 600+ events including the SUPERCARS Championships, World Time Attack, Shannons Nationals, NSW Motor Race Championships and multiple grassroots car and bike racing and experiences, auto manufacturer days including Audi, BMW, and Mercedes plus brand launches, community events, festivals and more. 

SMSP is a New South Wales Government venue. ARDC is a not-for-profit entity with
3,800+ members. For further information: www.ardc.com.au, www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au

About the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue

The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue was established in 2015 as a way to shine a light on the key issues in the region, to spark and nurture a national conversation about the West and to help ensure it is better equipped to shape its future. Through the power of connecting the right people, we shape progress and effect positive social and economic change for a thriving Greater Western Sydney. For further information: www.westernsydney.org.au