The Australian Racing Drivers Club is committed to giving back to the community. As part of our mission to drive change, we regularly donate or provide contra track time to charities, tertiary institutions, start-ups, individuals and groups, allowing access our world-class facilities or to receive expert tuition from our experience partners and knowledge base.
We are also proud to have supported numerous tertiary institutions and start-ups in their quest to develop innovative new technologies. Our goal is to continue supporting worthy causes and helping to drive positive change in the community.
CURRENT PROJECTS
NIGHTDRIVE FOR LEARNERS
Annual track time donated: $67,732
NIGHTDRIVE is a driver safety initiative from the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club to provide Learner Drivers with a unique opportunity to increase their on-road experience – especially at night.
NIGHTDRIVE is a free monthly event suited to first-timers as well as L-Platers with some experience on the road.
Learner Drivers and their supervisors can gain much needed experience in a safe and less-stressed environment, getting an improved feel for the road and vehicle handling as the day turns to night.
Since 2016, the ARDC 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.
NIGHTDRIVE is made possible by the time and funding donated by the ARDC, Driving Solutions, the NSW Highway Command, and SEAA Events.
FORMULA SAE UNIVERSITIES CHALLENGE
Annual track time donated in 2022: $110,050
Annual track time donated since January 2023: $104,955
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.
TRISH FOUNDATION SKIDPAN DAYS
Annual track time donated: $2690
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
Annual track time donated: $10,400
SMSP hosts five to six inter-school cross country carnivals each year to support our local schools with a safe and challenging running course. Thousands of school children from various schools in the Sydney and Greater Sydney region compete at these events.
ANZUP CHALLENGE – Below the Belt Pedalthon
Annual track time donated: $2690
The Below the Belt Pedalthon was founded in 2013 to increase awareness of below the belt (testicular, prostate, bladder, penile and kidney) cancers and raise vital funds to improve the lives of so many patients through clinical trials research.
Whether you are an avid cyclist, new to the sport or just looking for a challenge, we invite you to ride to help those living with cancer. The Pedalthon promises to provide a unique event to network with the community, promoting teamwork, healthy competition, plus some fun.
Every cent raised by the Pedalthon goes directly towards clinical trial research to improve the lives of over 27,500 Australian and New Zealand men and women affected by testicular, prostate, kidney, penile and bladder cancer every year.
SMSP provides a safe, traffic-free environment to help this worthy cause.
7 YEARS // 1,800 RIDERS // 32 RESEARCH FUNDED PROJECTS // $1.95m RAISED
PAST EVENTS AND INVOLVEMENT
SOAR AND ROAR
ARDC has been proud to support the Special Olympics Australia with its Soar & Roar Festival; a unique event providing people with an intellectual disability the opportunity to experience the thrill of a luxury car Dream Ride.
Luxury car brands and motorbikes from around NSW make their way to Sydney Motorsport Park to celebrate Special Olympics Australia athletes, their families, support networks and importantly to raise much needed funds for the not-for-profit organisation: 100% of the funds raised going towards Special Olympics Australia so that they can continue to create an arena for athletes to exercise, have fun and make life-long friends.
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.
VISION AUSTRALIA
First run in 2014, the annual Angus Suttor Memorial Driving Day held by not-for-profit organisation Vision Australia allows 50 people with blindness or low vision to get behind the wheel and take part in a drive around Sydney Motorsport Park at speeds up to 100km/h.
The free event commemorates a former Vision Australia client who was a keen motorsport fan, Angus Suttor, who died after battling a terminal illness.
