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Car clubs turbocharged with handy cash boost

Saturday, 29 July 2023

South Australian car and motorcycle events are set to get bigger and better following a huge injection from the State Government’s Car Club Program.

The $2 million Car Club Program will fuel local clubs to host successful events while meeting rising operating costs.

Applications for the first round of grants, worth $500,000, were open to eligible car and motorcycle clubs that had their sights set on operational improvements, hosting events and activities and infrastructure upgrades.

The Festival of Motorcycling, a flagship event held over five days each October drawing international crowds to the Hills, Barossa Valley, and Southern Vales, has been granted money to continue growing the involvement of women’s motorcycle groups.

Hahndorf will also be showcased when it hosts the prestigious BSA Motorcycle 60th International Rally in November, touted to attract large interstate and international crowds.

Meanwhile, the Sporting Car Club of South Australia will celebrate its 90th birthday next year with a boost to its 2024 All Historic Day, an event in the Clare Valley that will take attendees on a journey back in time with a street parade that is sure to make for an extraordinary automotive experience.

The Port Pirie Motorcycle Club and Mount Gambier Veteran and Vintage Car Club will upgrade and improve their club room facilities, providing their members with a pit stop that’s second to none.

The Barossa Valley speed track is also in line for a makeover, improving safety for all users.

Funding has also been allocated to metropolitan and regional clubs to upgrade existing and purchase new IT equipment, undertake medical and traffic management training, purchase first aid equipment, enhance interaction with members and improve their administrative processes, including managing their role within the conditional registration scheme.

There are more than 200 recognised motoring clubs in South Australia with over 39,000 vehicles registered through the recently expanded conditional registration scheme, comprising a mix of historic, left-hand drive and street rod vehicles.

As part of the State Government’s commitment to accelerating the growth of motorsport communities, $2 million will be provided over four years. Round two of grants will be available in late 2023.