Blog

AGI Sport takes on the world!

· December 11, 2023 ·

A familiar site on-track, and now too at the AMIP complex at SMSP, is legendary race team operator, Adam Gotch, and his crew from AGI Sport. On top of competing at the highest level in several race categories, AGI Sport also mentors and develops the next generation of Australia’s racing talent, including F4 wunderkind, Jack Beeton.

In recent competitions, AGI Sport and Jack have dominated the field, picking up wins in the first and third races of the South East Asian F4 Championship in Sepang, as well as challenging academy drivers from the likes of Red Bull and Prema Racing at the Macau F4 Grand Prix.

To give an indication of the depth of talent Jack and AGI Sport are taking the fight to, to quote Adam himself, “Prema Racing from Italy is considered the most successful junior single seater team in the world and regularly win championships in F2, F3, and F4. They are heavily tied to Ferrari F1 but also run most of the F1 Academy drivers for Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren and of course Ferrari.”

In the Feature Race at Macau, Jack was only cruelled a spot on the podium by a safety car in the final laps; still coming in fourth and much to the delight of his team. This, just mere hours before AGI Sport race engineers worked through the night to thanks to a broken chassis in practise.

Adam summed things up perfectly:

“Considering where we were on Saturday morning with a broken chassis, we were excited to be P4 in the main race. With only 3 Prema cars in front of us, we were ahead of two French cars, and well ahead of all the Asian teams,” Adam explained.

“What I was personally most excited about was that we took the fight to the biggest team in Europe, Prema Racing. A great result!”

Congratulations to Adam, Jack and the AGI Sport team, we can’t wait to see where this amazing partnership will lead to next!

UNSW Sunswift Solar Racing Team Wins World Solar Championship

· December 11, 2023 ·

UNSW Sydney’s student-built Sunswift 7 solar-powered car has been declared the winner of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in the Cruiser Class. It is the first time an Australian car has won the Cruiser Class category in the World Solar Challenge since it was first introduced back in 2015.

The team, led by former Red Bull F1 Chief of Operations and AMIP’s inaugural ambassador, Professor Richard Hopkins, was dominantly leading the points classification on day four of the 3600km race from Darwin to Adelaide, before weather conditions threw the competition into disarray.

Up until fierce winds drew the unfortunate conclusion to the on-road race, Sunswift was significantly ahead on points throughout the competition thanks largely to its high rating for ‘person kilometres travelled’, boosted by carrying three passengers as well as its driver, as well as being ahead of the other Cruiser cars in each completed stage.

Still, the team still had to wait until a final scrutineering session on Saturday when a panel of judges gave an additional score to each car based on criteria such as design innovation, environmental impact, ease of access and egress, occupant space and comfort, ease of operation (driving and charging), versatility, and style and desirability.

Following all calculations, Sunswift finished top of the rankings with a total score of 91.1 points to claim the trophy, lightyears ahead of the University of Minnesota in second place on 22.4, with Team Solaride from Estonia finishing third with 14.7.

Sunswift 7 already holds a Guinness World Record after completing 1000km on a single charge in under 12 hours in December 2022.

Sunswift Racing team principal, Professor of Practice Richard Hopkins, said: “I could not be more proud of this team for what they have achieved.

“The work the students have done is simply amazing and I can only say positive things because they have been so focused and committed and professional.

In a recent cover story profile for MTA Magazine, Richard shared his unique perspective on working with budding engineers.

“The beautiful thing about working with students is that nobody tells them they can’t do it. They wake up in the morning with an idea, and all they need is a bit of support and guidance to get them to where they want to go; and I’m someone who never says no to a great,” he told MTA.

While speaking on the AMIP facility and his ambassador role, Richard described it as the ‘Tinder of motorsport’ – and does see a common thread between his work with students, race teams and the ARDC:

“I think [in Australia] there is the passion, there just isn’t necessarily the opportunities –it’s about joining the dots. It’s there –we just need to stoke the fire a little bit.”

MEGA rides for another five years at Sydney Motorsport Park

· November 27, 2023 ·

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: kurt@weareprimal.com.au
M: +61 413 135 334

Peter Larum – CMO – ARDC and Sydney Motorsport Park
E: peter@ardc.com.au
M: +61 419 732 029

Steve Brouggy – Motorcycling Events Group Australia
E: steve@ridedays.com.au
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

ARDC’s new Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct receives Western Sydney’s prestigious Outstanding Innovation Project Award

· November 20, 2023 ·

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: kurt@weareprimal.com.au
M: +61 413 135 334

Peter Larum – CMO – ARDC and Sydney Motorsport Park
E: peter@ardc.com.au
M: +61 419 732 029

Nicholas Rupolo – Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue
E: nicholas@westernsydney.org.au
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.

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

Australia’s First Motorsport Precinct is On Track to Drive World Class Innovation

· August 16, 2023 ·

Media release: Wednesday 16 August 2023

The launch of the groundbreaking Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct (AMIP) in Western Sydney has put Australia on track to become a world leader in high-performance technology.

Dubbed Sydney’s answer to Silverstone, the $10 million trackside precinct at Sydney Motorsport Park in Eastern Creek is being developed by the Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC), with support and investment from the NSW Government.

Officially opened today by the Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy and Jobs and Tourism, John Graham said the precinct will be a driving force for the night-time economy, innovation and jobs.

“Keeping the best in the business here in Western Sydney, we will help create the smart jobs and technology of the future, which will fuel our economy and further support an already hugely popular sport that’s attracting visitors day and night to this first-class circuit,” Mr Graham said.

“These events help to identify, develop and foster the next generation of motorsport talent, creating a direct pathway for young Australian motor racing drivers.

“For generations, motorsports have driven innovations that have benefited millions of ordinary drivers. This precinct will supercharge this process.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct was a key part of the NSW Government’s $32 million investment in Sydney Motorsport Park.

“The NSW Government recognises and understands the passion for motorsport in western Sydney,” Mr Kamper said.

“We are an enthusiastic supporter of the Australian Motorsport Innovation Precinct at Sydney Motorsport Park which will create a cluster of world-leading businesses to drive innovation and create employment opportunities in western Sydney.

“This project comes on top of our investment in a major track extension and the installation of permanent circuit lighting at the circuit as well as upgrades to Sydney International Dragway which includes a new world-class surface, grandstand and lighting.”

AMIP was inspired by the Silverstone Innovation Park Precinct at the iconic British Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit in the UK. Bringing together more than 70 businesses specialising in advanced engineering, electronics and software development, the precinct is now recognised as a world-leading cluster of high-tech businesses.

Natalie Turmine, the first female President and Chair of the ARDC and a keen two-wheel and four-wheel competitor, said the opening of the AMIP building was the first step in creating an Australian high-performance technology and motorsport hub.

“We’re writing the next chapter in Australia’s rich motoring history,” Ms Turmine said.

“By offering a dedicated on-track centre for innovation, education, STEM and motorsport skills training, precision engineering and safety technology, this precinct will create opportunities that will benefit not just the motorsport industry but every road user.

“It is also vital that we create a professional environment that supports, attracts and encourages female participation in motorsport, engineering and smart manufacturing.”

Glenn Matthews, ARDC CEO, said the new precinct offered a unique environment for the industry.

“What’s unique about AMIP is its trackside location within SMSP – undoubtedly Australia’s busiest and most diverse permanent race facility. The attraction of working alongside a smorgasbord of different car and bike events and experiences, race categories, teams and engineers creates a real honey-pot effect.

“This isn’t just a launch, this is also an invitation – we want to attract the brightest minds to join us here at Sydney Motorsport Park to collaborate with the leaders in the automotive industry to create the jobs and technology of the future.”

Formula 1 Chief Operations Officer Richard Hopkins, High Performance Advisor to Walkinshaw Andretti United, UNSW Professor and Team Principal of the Guinness World Record holders Sunswift Racing Team, has come on board as the AMIP’s inaugural ambassador.

“This is an opportunity to nurture the talent of tomorrow, with enormous potential to create a competitive motoring ecosystem that will put Australia alongside the industry’s best,” Professor Hopkins said.

“This precinct is a vital step in creating a globally competitive motorsport collaboration for high performance technology, cleaner energy-efficient products and sustainable solutions that we can take into mainstream manufacturing.”

Adam Gotch, principal of globally recognised professional racing team AGI Sport, has set up his new Formula Four race academy garage in the new building, housing more than a dozen competitive F4 race machines.

In conjunction with the ARDC, AGI Sport will also use AMIP as an international base for the new F1 Academy for women to scout for drivers and offer elite driver coaching and training of potential female F1 drivers of the future.

“Our aim is to establish the number one elite race academy in Australasia at Australia’s number one race circuit. The on-track location is a real drawcard for the sport’s rising stars as we nurture Australia’s next F1 driver. The shared passion and support from the ARDC is the fuel injector to make this vision become a reality,” Mr Gotch said.

AGI Sport’s resident tenancy neighbour is the motorcycle technology company, Forcite, makers of the world’s first mass produced smart helmet. The Australian start-up has recently gone global with its latest generation of smart helmets, the Forcite MK1S. Co-founders Julian Chow and Alfred Boyadgis have established their design and testing headquarters, Forcite Labs, at the AMIP hub.

“Forcite has motorsports in its DNA, so being in a smart precinct on track is an exciting opportunity for our company,” Mr Boyadgis said.

“Forcite Design Engineers will now be able to collaborate with the industry’s best and test our technology on a world-class track day and night. I have no doubt this will help us speed up innovation.

“We are already in discussions with the ARDC and their technology partners to begin cut-through on-track testing for breakthroughs in rider safety and event broadcast,” he added.

For media enquiries, contact Belinda Wallis:
M: 0466 386 887

EMAIL: belinda@westernsydney.org.au

For motoring media requests, contact Kurt McGuiness:
M: 0413 135 334
EMAIL: kurt@weareprimal.com.au

OR Samantha Stevens,
Media and Communications at the ARDC/AMIP/Sydney Motorsport Park
media@ardc.com.au
0411 494 414