The Australian Racing Drivers Club is proud to be able to support and celebrate our local community of Western Sydney.
While we host and help individuals and large groups alike on a daily basis, below are a few of the recent initiatives of which we are particularly proud:
SYDNEY MOTORSPORT PARK
Powering Sydney Motorsport Park since 1996, the ARDC is a for-purpose, not-for-profit club: all profits are put back into the track. In the past decade alone, the ARDC, alongside the NSW Government and key partner organisations has invested over $52.5M in track extensions, major facility upgrades, permanent night track lighting, camera networks, LED digital screens and smart technology. Of this investment, the ARDC has contributed over 40% of this significant funding, and continues to invest over $1m per annum back into the venue.
NIGHTDRIVE FOR LEARNERS
Our Learner Driver initiative NIGHTDRIVE, which has run since 2016, has seen over 2000 young drivers take to the track to experience driving at night in safety, with a donated track tome of approximately $340,000 in track time alone. Our partners Driving Solutions has invested thousands of hours to run the event, as has the NSW Highway Command, in making this event such a success for the community
FORMULA SAE UNIVERSITIES CHALLENGE
The ARDC proudly supports and facilitates the testing of vehicles designed by NSW university teams in the Formula SAE: an international student competition centred on the design, construction and racing of an internal combustion or electric race car up to 710cc/80kW.
The competition presents students with the opportunity to develop their skills in design, management, manufacturing, communication and business operations.
ENDURE FOR A CURE
Endure for a Cure is an annual 12-hour closed-circuit, endurance cycling challenge at SMSP, where individuals and teams register and fundraise through a 12 hour cycling enduro, putting much needed dollars towards research into childhood cancer.
SMSP provides a safe, traffic-free environment to help this worthy cause.
TRISH FOUNDATION SKIDPAN DAYS
The Trish Multiple Sclerosis Research Foundation was inspired by Trish Langsford who, having lost her battle with multiple sclerosis, passed away at the age of 30. The Foundation was established with the specific goal of finding a cure or preventive strategy for multiple sclerosis. Trish’s parents made a promise to her that they would not give up in the pursuit of the Trish Foundation’s goal.
SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY
SMSP hosts several inter-school cross country carnivals each year to support our local schools with a safe and challenging running course.
FREE WHEEL FESTIVAL
The ARDC opened up its gates at the start of the new year for the SMSP Free Wheel Festival, a free open day for the local community (and beyond) to discover and enjoy the park’s wonderful facilities and experiences.
The track is open to foot traffic, scooters and cycles, plus demonstrations on the skid circuits and tours of race control encourage people of all ages to get involved. Visits by by local fire, rescue, police and the PolAir helicopter are especially loved by the children, who also get free face painting, jumping castles and clowns, making it a great day for all ages.
COLEMAN GRIEG CHALLENGE
The ARDC is both a Platinum sponsor and a participant in the Coleman Greig Challenge, which raises funds for children with special needs and newborn care in the local area.
In 2017, almost 500 enthusiastic participants including 10 ARDC staff raised $213,000 for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC), St Gabriel’s School and My Westmead, participating in the 2.5km walk, 5km run and 10km run.
ARDC Staff as a team of 10 have competed in the challenge every year since 2017.
ONE MEAL – IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The not-for-profit community aid organisation One Meal – It Makes A Difference is driving change in Western Sydney for the homeless and people in need with the help of the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club (ARDC).
One Meal – It Makes A Difference is a 100% volunteer based community organisation that helps to feed, clothe and support the homeless and underprivileged across Sydney.
SMSP’s on-site fuel bowsers allowed us to provide the fuel for the One Meal van as a means of supporting this great initiative.
