Racing: A competitor hits the track at Geelong Motorsport Complex.
JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
MOTOR sport is usually considered high-cost but Western District Car Club offers relatively inexpensive automotive enjoyment.
As Geelong’s first car club, it has been a going concern since 1946 and established Geelong Motorsport Complex at Avalon in 1983.
The 21-hectare complex is at the northern end of Avalon Airfield.
Vice-president Adrian Johns said the club initially bought the land to provide a venue for Geelong and Melbourne motor sports clubs.
“We saw it as a place for club members and the community to hold autocross, motorkana and off-road race events as well as to conduct driver education,” he said.
In 1990 the club joined forces with Geelong’s motor sport, MG and off-road buggy clubs to create the complex.
Adrian said the club adhered strictly to safety rules, with all events run under Confederation of Australian Motor Sport affiliation, requiring competitors to be licensed.
The club is also affiliated with Victorian Club Rally Series and Association of Motoring Clubs.
Adrian explained that the club was a VicRoads-authorised participant in the Club Permit Scheme.
“If you only intend to use your vehicle at club events and functions then this permit to drive, at around $94 per year, is much less expensive than normal registration for cars more than 25 years old.
“To be eligible for a competition licence you must be a financial member of a CAMS-affiliated club, such as ours.
“There are several grades of licence depending on what level of motor sport you wish to pursue. For club rallies both driver and navigator need a minimum CAMS level two licence.”
Adrian said club members competed in a wide variety of motor sports, from simple timed checkpoint events right through to production rally car events needing national rally driver and navigator licences.
“Successful completion of a rally is usually equal parts driver skill, navigator skill and car preparation,” Adrian said.
“Autocross is a sport where competitors race against the clock on an established, unsealed surface on different length tracks.
“The course is often restricted by use of witches-hats or flags to avoid unsuitable areas or to make the course more challenging. A five-second penalty often applies for each marker dislodged.”
Adrian said members often competed in autocross or motorkhana events in standard cars.
“Motorkhana is a low-cost, entry-level category of motor sport catering for ages from 12. The vehicles don’t require expensive modifications.”
Adrian said family and friends often become involved as event organisers and officials.
He said anyone with membership inquiries could phone Brett Ross on 0418 528 881, email brettr@data fast.net.au or visit the club website at www.wdcc.com.au.
