ProtoSports Championship News

Laucke's Calder Day

2008-05-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

Laucke backed up his Round One win with another dominant performance at Calder Park, while Shane Otten showed he is capable of running at the front and Michael Gibson was on fire (literally).

Last year it was Tom Drewer at the wheel of the West who set the pace at Calder Park. With Drewer now performing strongly in the USA, the path was clear for everyone else to have a shot. Laucke was the form driver, off the back of his Round One victory, but Michael Gibson, debuting his brand new Saker, with a power advantage (by way of a turbocharged Subaru engine) was expected to enjoy an advantage on the long Calder straights.

Rain fell on the circuit on Friday evening, and the track was a little greasy for official practice on Saturday morning. Laucke set the early pace in what was to be a preview of the rest of the weekend. Laucke was the only ProtoSport to get under a 1 minute laptime, with a 59.7s lap. Close behind was Shane Otten, now driving the ex-Drewer West. Michael Gibson was third fastest. Greg Steer was driving a brand new car, in a spectacular 'urban camouflage' livery, but suffered lubrication system problems and was unable to take any further part.

For Qualifying, again it was Laucke taking the top spot, improving his time to 58.6s. Next up was Shane Otten, followed by Michael Gibson, Bruce Burchett and Rick Otten.

The rain came down hard on Saturday night, and the circuit was still damp for the first race on Sunday morning as the cars came around for the rolling start. Oz BOSS-mounted Muir controlled the start, and powered ahead of Laucke initially. Dale (Oz BOSS) was struggling for grip, and was passed by Shane Otten. Otten saw his chance into the first corner, and slithered into the lead! Otten held the top spot for the first four laps, when Muir was able to

power through. Laucke got the better of Otten five laps later, and then went on to seriously challenge Muir, the two block-parrying for a number of laps. Dale had done his best, but to no avail. Seven laps into the race he lost drive through an output shaft failure in the transmission - the failure would put him out for the remainder of the weekend. Laucke's assault on Muir continued, and almost ended in tears on the final lap. Laucke touched the grass as he came onto the straight for the final time, losing control in the process - he performed three full spins, narrowly missing the wall, and crossing the finish line backwards - he hadn't seen the chequered flag, and carried on for an extra lap. Otten narrowly missed out on passing Laucke during his spin, but placed third ahead of Michael Gibson and Bruce Burchett.

For the second race, the circuit was fully dry. Muir led them away from the standing start, but relinquished his lead on the second lap to Otten. Muir was ahead again a lap later, but then had to contend with Laucke who managed to hold the lead from lap 10 to lap 13. Meanwhile, ProtoSports debutante Michael Gibson suffered a major fire in his Subaru-powered Saker. Muir went on to win the race outright, with the ProtoSports honours going to Laucke, Otten and Burchett respectively.

The result gives Laucke a perfect score of 40 points, to give him a strong lead in the championship. Burchett (25 points) and Shane Otten (24 points) are very close in 2nd and 3rd respectively.

AMRC Presentation Lifted by Super Hoist Plus

2008-03-16T02:34:00.000-07:00

The presentation of teams racing in the 2008 Australian Motor Racing Championships is set to be raised to a new level, with support and prizes from Super Hoist Plus.

The presentation of the cars and teams will be judged by scrutineers at each race weekend. The best three cars will be announced at each event, and will then gain points that will be added to a tally to determine the top three cars at the end of the year. The top three cars in the final tally will be eligible for the following fantastic prizes:

First Place: Tyre Changer and Wheel Balancer Package. The fantastic NHT-821 Tyre Changer makes changing tyres a breeze. Adjustable for wheel diameters from 12" to 23", and widths upto 13", with a bead breaker force of 2500kg, this tyre changer makes a welcome addition to any workshop. And it is complemented perfectly by the NHT-251 Wheel Balancer. Suitable for wheel diameters from 10" to 24", and widths up to 20", and with an amazing accuracy of +/- 1g, the tyre changer will help you totally eliminate vibrations.

Second Place: Two Post Hoist. The Super Hoist Plus YSJ-3000 is the perfect two post hoist for any workshop. With a lifting capacity of 3000kg, and capable of lifting to a height of 1.8 metres, this two post hoist will help the second best presented competitor to be even better presented and prepared.

Third Place: Moveable Hoist. The Super Hoist Plus YYJ-2800 is the ideal solution for lifting cars where space or installation is limited. The moveable hoist can be used on any flat (and hard) surface, and has a lifting capacity of 2800kg, and can lift to a height of 1.2 metres. This hoist will be awarded to third placegetter in the Super Hoist Plus Best Presented competition.

A fantastic prize pool from the terrific guys at Super Hoist Plus, valued at over $10,000, this provides even more incentive to turn out a well presented car and team.

In addition, Super Hoist Plus are offering a 10% discount to all AMRC competitors. Just quote this article when discussing your purchase.

Super Hoist Plus P/L is a national company with distributors in all states of Australia. They offer a great range of top quality, Australian Standards compliant workshop equipment at very competitive prices. For more information on the company, check out their website: www.superhoistplus.com

The Super Hoist Plus Best Presented Competition will be judged at each round of the Australian Motor Racing Championships, with the scrutineers nominating the top three cars at each event. Judging criteria will include the presentation and preparation of the car, as well as the preparation of the team. First place at each round will be awarded 10 points. Second place will be awarded 5 points, and Third will be awarded 3 points.

The next round of the Australian Motor Racing Championships will be held at Melbourne's Calder Park, 26-27 April. Keep track of all the latest news via the official website: www.amrc.net.au

Free Private Practice and Garages at Round 2 of the 2008 AMRC

2008-03-13T00:26:00.001-07:00

Melbourne's Calder Park Raceway will host the second round of the Bob Jane T-Marts Australian Motor Racing Championships (AMRC) on April 26 and 27.

Calder Park has thrown in a couple of major competitor incentives to further promote the fact that the AMRC has been designed to provide low cost, highly enjoyable motor racing competition for all entrants.

Calder Park will provide FREE private practice for all AMRC round entered competitors on Friday April 25 and in an added value incentive, the popular Melbourne motor racing complex will also supply pit garages (until all available garages are allocated on a first in, first served basis) to all AMRC competitors at no further cost throughout the weekend of April 26 and 27.

The venue will also host a free barbecue for all entrants and officials on Saturday evening, April 26 to further enhance the social interaction that is enjoyed at all AMRC rounds.

According to Calder Park Raceway CEO Bryan Nokes, "The main aim of the Australian Motorsport Club and the AMRC is to provide an affordable and enjoyable national motor racing alternative for everyone from the grass roots levels of the sport to the professional competitor. By providing free private practice and garage use until they are all taken up, we are delivering on our promise to make the 2008 Bob Jane T-Marts AMRC the most affordable and enjoyable national motor racing series in the country. We are expecting a bumper number of entries for our first Victorian round of the year."

Calder Park's AMRC round on April 25 and 26 is the first of two AMRC rounds to be held at Melbourne's traditional home of motorsport. Categories that will be competing over the weekend include:

AASA Australian Touring Car Championship - highly competitive racing with fields containing V8 Giants (V8-powered sedans from all major manufacturers, with older 5 litre V8 Supercar specification cars, 4-litre, quad-cam cars, all the way up to 7-litre pushrod engines, plus the newly introduced 3 litre turbo Giant Killer class.

AASA Production Touring Car Championship - any street legal sedan, fitted with roll-over protection, fire extinguisher and racing seat belt is eligible.

OzBoss ("Big Open Single Seaters") such as F4000, F3000, F/Atlantic and ANF2 cars, plus Prototype Sports Cars - with makes such as Saker (NZ), Minetti, Radicals and West in these fields this year.

Thundersports - Motorcycle engined cars with a fiberglass body, super-fast high power to weight designed cars that allow for extremely low cost racing.

Super TT - Utes, Commodore Cup, Sports Sedans and 3.3 Litre Holdens - popular old classic Touring Cars, also including HQ Holdens.

Of course, the all new 2008 Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship returns to Calder Park at Round 2, with a number of exotic Maserati, Porsche and Dodge sportscars taking part.

Laucke for Some

2008-03-03T03:33:00.000-08:00

ProtoSports debutante, Mark Laucke has taken out the first round of the 2008 ProtoSports Championship, driving a WEST WR1000.

Laucke, who had not previously raced the WEST, made his first appearance in the Australian Motor Racing Championships at Goulburn's Wakefield Park. Consistently the quickest of the ProtoSports, Laucke headed a field made up of two other WESTs, a Prosport, a Radical and a Saker. Also making his debut in the category was Shane Otten, driving a 2003 Prosport, and joined by his father, Rick Otten in a Radical.

In qualifying, it was Laucke with the upper hand, setting a time of 1m00.6s, Shane Otten was close behind, with a 1m01.2s lap. Rick Otten rounded out the top three, with a 1m04.0s lap. John Biddlecombe bettered the remaining WESTs, of Bruce Burchett and Gregory Steer.

For Race One, Laucke again dominated proceedings, breaking the 1 minute laptime barrier in the process of taking out the top spot. His fastest lap was 59.4s - mighty impressive. Shane Otten kept him honest though, finishing just 2 seconds behind after 12 laps, and improving his own laptime to 1m00.9s. Burchett rounded out the top three, getting the better of Steer, Biddlecombe and Rick Otten.

For the second race, a startline incident saw a number of cars out of the race, with Shane Otten and Gregory Steer not making it past the first corner. Laucke had no such

problems though, again lapping under 1 minute, and again taking the win. Burchett took second place, ahead of Rick Otten in third. John Biddlecombe was forced to retire after 11 laps.

For the round results, Laucke took out the win, with Bruce Burchett taking second overall, and Rick Otten third. In the clases, Laucke won the UPTO 1000cc "Pluto" Class, Shane Otten won the 1001-1400cc "Mercury" Class, Rick Otten won the 1401-2000cc "Mars" Class and John Biddlecombe was the winner of the 2001-3000cc "Saturn" Class.

With more cars coming online all the time, the action really is hotting up in ProtoSports. The next round will be held at Melbourne's Calder Park circuit, 26-27 April.

Drewer Debuts in the Top 10 in the USA

2008-03-03T03:27:00.000-08:00

Tom Drewer has finished 9th outright at the SCCA Tom Nehl Classic XXX at the 3.25 kilometre Roebling Road circuit near Savannah, Georgia in his debut race in the USA.

Drewer qualified 4th fastest in the DSR class with an IMSA Spec car, out qualifying his experienced team mate, Eric Vassian, and was the highest placed WEST.

The highly modified Stohrs of Jean-Luc Liverato, Dorian Foyil, and Ken Tyrrell set a blistering place all weekend and in the end proved too strong for the IMSA spec WEST, but never the less Drewer was pleased with the performance of the car and himself.

‘We really set out to use the Roebling Road race as a test session. It was fantastic to finally get a chance to push the new tunnelled floored WEST on a high down force circuit like Roebling Road. I thought Phillip Island and Eastern Creek (Australian circuits) had their moments but this place is unreal’.

I was extremely happy with the performance of the car. It felt very balanced and the grip levels were maintained through out the race. We had a very neutral car.

The racing in the SCCA series is great. I didn’t know what to expect but these guys have some awesome machinery and race extremely hard. I didn’t think I would be able to catch or stay with a worked Stohr at the start of the weekend but we did pretty well considering we were about 40hp down on those cars and this is a really high speed circuit with my average race lap speed being around 180 kilometres per hour.

“I took a fairly conservative approach on the start experiencing my first rolling start and found my self behind the Stohr of Garry Cook after pulling away from my team mate, Eric Vassian.

The Stohr would pull around fifteen metres on me down the main straight, but I was reeling him in under brakes at turn 1 and turn 2.

I spent a lot of time hustling him through the twisty back section because he was holding me up, and I was filling his mirrors for most of the race apart form a short stint in front when I passed out of the last corner.

I was just waiting to pounce again towards the end of the 23 lap race but got tagged on my right rear wheel which resulted in spin and a deflating tyre. It was just a racing incident but it was a shame as I think I was in line for a genuine fourth or fifth outright given that I was running sixth at the time

But I come out of this event with a lot of positives. My car is performing extremely well and I feel comfortable and confident with both my machinery and my team. To be so strong with the outright DSR cars is great. I think we will have a very competitive package at the Sebring IMSA event.

I take this opportunity to thank all my supporters back home in Australia’.

Laucke wins on Debut

2008-03-02T01:31:00.001-08:00

Mark Laucke has won the opening round of the 2008 ProtoSports Championship. And on his debut no less.

Check back tomorrow (Monday) for a full report, and the full results.

Round 1 Preview

2008-02-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

As the 2008 ProtoSports Championship is about to get underway, four different manufacturers are preparing to do battle at Goulburn's newly resurfaced Wakefield Park layout.

The strongest representation will be from 2007 Thunder Sports champions, West, with three of the high-tech rocketships set to do battle. Missing from the lineup will be Tom Drewer, but hoping to follow in his tyre tracks will be: Bruce Burchett, Greg Steer (owner of WEST Race Cars Australia) and newcomer Mark Laucke, only one can take the honours, but the battle is bound to be intense.

Representing the Saker marque will be John Biddlecombe, hoping for a strong showing. He won't be joined by Michael Gibson just yet, as his car is still getting some finishing touches. And father and son duo, Rick and Shane Otten will be battling it out, with Rick driving a Radical, and Shane pedaling his Prosport.

If you can't make it to Wakefield Park to take the action in live, stay abreast of the latest developments on www.protosports.net.au, and make sure you keep an eye on the News page, and the Live Gallery page as both should receive updates from the circuit.

Recognising the Unsung Heroes

2008-02-21T03:18:00.000-08:00

From its very first days as the AMRS, the Australian Motor Racing Championships has been about innovation and pioneering new paths in Australian Motorsport. And in 2008, the tradition continues - the latest development is about recognising the often overlooked efforts of the officials that make our events possible.

Every race meeting has an army of officials working behind the scenes, working in race control, working on the circuit, manning flagpoints and recovery vehicles, driving the course car, and keeping things in order in pitlane. Without these hardworking, and for the most part volunteer, people, there could be no racing.

Quite frequently, drivers will thank the officials when accepting awards, and give them a wave on the slow down lap, but now, in 2008, the AMRC, in conjunction with V8RACE Experience and QR Raceway RACE Experience, officials at Australian Motor Racing Championships events will have the chance to enjoy one of the fantastic experiences on offer from V8RACE Experience and QR Raceway RACE Experience.

The experience includes Pre-Drive Tuition, Use of Race Suit and Helmet, a Personal in-car coach, and the chance to drive a V8RACE car, at one of Australia's premier circuits. One experience will be up for grabs at each AMRC round by way of a raffle draw.

For more information on V8RACE Experience, head to the official website: www.v8race.com.au
For information on QR Raceway RACE Experience, head to the official website: www.qldraceways.com.au

For information on how you can become an official, head to the AASA Contact Us page, and get in touch with the AASA staff.

To our officials we say THANK YOU, and good luck in the next draw to win a V8RACE Experience!

2007 Champion Making it Overseas

2008-02-14T21:05:00.000-08:00

Young Australian driver Tom Drewer heads to the famous Sebring circuit, Florida, this week in preparation for the 2008 IMSA Lites Championship.

Drewer is competing in Lites 2 this year in the latest generation IMSA spec WEST WR1000 ‘Tunnel car’ for Atlanta based PVM Racing after dominating and winning the 2007 Australian Thundersports Championship in a ‘flat bottomed’ factory backed WEST.

‘I am over in the USA to further my motor racing career. I believe that you have to test yourself in a new environment and I am looking forward to learning from the American drivers, from the crew at PVM and WEST, and of course to learn circuits that I have never raced on. This year is all about learning.’

The official Sebring test will only be Drewer’s second time in the brand new WEST, following a brief shake down at Little Talladega.

‘We turned only a couple of laps on Saturday to test a new dry sump system, that PVM has developed, and to bed in the brakes plus the engine. I had to take a conservative approach but the car felt fantastic. WEST and PVM have done a great job.’

‘Sebring will be my first real opportunity to test with the tunnel car and on Hankook radial tyres– we raced on cross-plies in Australia. Given that I’ll be taking the same conservative approach as I did at Little Talladega. It’s very much a matter of getting some laps in, bedding in the car and getting a little data as a starting point for the season.’

‘I am determined to reach the top levels of international motorsport and follow in the footsteps of a fellow South Australian, Le Mans winner Vern Schuppan, who has endorsed my decision to race in America, but for now this is a small step in a very big learning curve.’

Drewer’s USA race debut is at Sebring International Raceway, Florida on March 13/14.

New Car, New Driver for ProtoSports

2008-02-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

Followers of ProtoSports in the previous incarnation within the Thunder Sports category will be familiar with the Saker make of sports car, with John Biddlecombe's example racing during 2007. In 2008 though, a different variant of Saker will join the field, with the open-top version making its debut in the hands of new driver to the series - Michael Gibson.

Whilst the car will be brand new, the driver has a level of experience that belies his age. 24 year old Gibson started out in Go Karts at age 12. He made his circuit racing debut at Winton Raceway in 2002, and lists his best result to date as coming two years later, at a 2004 Winton Historic meeting, where he took his Clubman to victory in all three races, and broke the class lap record.

Gibson's steed should see him have an excellent chance to continue his success, as he moves into the ProtoSports ranks. The car features a 400 horsepower Mitsubishi V6 Twin Turbo, a 6 speed Hewland transmission, and a proven chassis package.

Gibson is sponsored by ACS Devco Group, and Deniliquin Infotech Solutions. More information on Saker Sports Cars is available from their website.

Gibson's hometown is Benalla, making his home track Winton Raceway, but he'll have to wait until the third round of the ProtoSports championship makes it there. The first round is at Goulburn's Wakefield Park, 1-2 March 2008. The rest of the calendar can be viewed by clicking here.

Round One Entry Form and Schedule Now Available

2008-02-01T05:32:00.000-08:00

Work is continuing on putting the finishing touches on the 2008 ProtoSports Championship regulations, and they should be available for download very shortly.

The entry form for Round One is now available for download, and can be accessed via the "Admin" page, or directly by clicking here.

The Meeting Rules for Round One will be available imminently, but the schedule is available now. Again, via the "Admin" page, or click here to go direct.

Driver Profiles & 2008 Registration Now Being Accepted

2008-01-15T02:36:00.000-08:00

Drivers intending to compete in 2008 are requested to complete a Driver Profile & Registration Form.

This information will be passed to TV commentary teams, circuit commentators, print media and will form the basis of some "Featured Driver" articles on this website. The form also doubles as a registration form for the 2008 Championship, and is an opportunity for drivers to request their preferred race number.

The form can be found by clicking here or clicking the icon on the right. There is also an opportunity at the bottom to attach a headshot of yourself.

If you can't submit the form over the internet, please email profiles@amrs.net.au and request a form you can print out. Or, you can visit the website and print it from your browser, and fill it in by hand. Then post to: PO Box 163, WEST KEMPSEY, NSW, 2440. If you can't send an email call 0412 785 486 and request a printed form.

2008 ProtoSports Website Launched

2008-01-14T00:20:00.000-08:00

The 2008 ProtoSports website has officially launched today. With a slick new look, and plenty of nice features, the ProtoSports website is the place to go for all the latest news and information regarding the championship. It's also the central place for competitors to get all their information, and keep up-to-date on everything.

The new website is laid out to provide a wealth of information on ProtoSports to fans, and provide important information and documents to the competitors.

The website is arranged into the following areas:

Home: The front page that links everything together, and provides a brief outline of ProtoSports plus the 2008 Calendar.

News: The central location for all the latest developments. Press releases, information bulletins and category and series news items will be available from the News page.

Results: All the results from the year will be available here. Round results will appear as the events occur, and the Championship standings will be available on this page.

Features: From time to time, the ProtoSports site will publish feature articles. In the past our sister site has had articles on a lap of various circuits, a comparison of data-logging from a V8 Supercar and a Super Tourer, and analysis of how tyres work. We plan to have more of these technical articles in 2008, and also feature articles on some of the drivers of ProtoSports.

Multimedia: Previously known as the Gallery, this part of the site has been renamed to better reflect it's true content. As we move into 2008, the Multimedia section will feature not only photos from all the rounds, but will also feature selected videos, and possibly some other multimedia downloads like wallpapers and screensavers. If you have anything special you would like to see on the Multimedia page, visit the Contact Us page, and share your ideas with us.

Admin: Previously known as Competitor Info and/or Downloads, the Admin section of the site groups together all the administrative aspects of ProtoSports that competitors need to know about. From Registration and Application Forms, to access to the online Entry Form System, to Technical and Sporting Rules, to Event Information like Schedules and Meeting Rules, and even to logos for use by signwriters or graphic artists, the Admin section of the site is a one stop shop for all the little bits and pieces competitors might need throughout the year. The Admin section also features links to the Contact Us page which provides a contact form that allows readers to send a message to the Category Director, and/or Webmaster. If you have feedback about the site, a question, or a suggestion on how to make it better, head to the Contact Us page, and let us know your thoughts.

AMRS EVOLVED

2007-12-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

For three years, the Australian Motor Racing Series has brought exciting, affordable and accessible racing to competitors and fans across Australia. The AMRS accomplished this task with a small team of dedicated personnel, and in order to keep costs to a minimum, with relatively modest marketing and promotion. Despite this, the series has built an excellent reputation, and a strong core of top-quality competitors and categories.

Today sees the announcement of the evolution of the AMRS into the newly titled AUSTRALIAN MOTOR RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS (AMRC), a development that is designed to promote further growth, and secure the future of the series into the future.

The series will cater for Racing, Touring, Sports and GT cars at five different circuits through 2008, commencing 1-2 March. The rounds will be sanctioned by the Australian Auto Sport Alliance (AASA) and run under the auspices of the Calder Park-based Australian Motorsport Club (AMC). The 2008 series will be the first season of a five-year plan that will provide competitors with Australia’s most affordable National competition.

Sponsored by Australia's leading tyre, wheel and battery retail group, Bob Jane T-Marts, the series will comprise of nine meetings at the following AMC circuits: Calder Park (VIC), Winton Motor Raceway (VIC), Adelaide International Raceway (SA), Wakefield Park (NSW) and Queensland Raceway.

Owner of the Calder Park and Adelaide raceways, Bob Jane, joined with Michael Ronke of Winton Motor Raceway and Wakefield Park in announcing details of the exciting new Championship programme.

"This series answers the call by drivers and fans for affordable motor racing," Mr Ronke said, "and they'll find it friendly and enjoyable as well."

"With the inclusion of Queensland Raceway, the rounds will be run on circuits right along the Eastern seaboard," Bob Jane added, "enabling competitors and their sponsors to reach a huge market of enthusiasts."

It is planned that a highlights package from all nine rounds will be televised nationally, with details yet to be announced.

Principal categories in the Series, with rounds run at each of the nine meetings, will be the AASA Australian Touring Car Championship and the AASA Australian Production Car Championship.

The ATCC will cater for such categories as V8 Giants, while the inclusion of the 3-litre Turbo "Giant Killer" class is expected to rapidly swell the existing field of around 15 cars.

"We plan to have longer races," Mr Ronke said, "and handicaps will be eliminated, so competition will be close and rewarding."

A similar number of cars will be on hand to start the 2008 Production Car Championship, Bob Jane said. With "hot hatches" ideally suited, growing fields are expected.

"This category will also contest every one of the nine rounds," he said, "and there will be handsome rewards for them," Bob added.

The popular Rod Dale, creator and director of the original AMRS, will continue to play an important part in the running of the series, with his primary responsibility as competitor liaison, ensuring that the re-developed series is smooth running and enjoyable.

"Rod will also work with us to cost out entry fees," Mr Ronke said, "as well as to innovate and manage the website for the various categories."

An exciting new category will be competing for the Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship, with organisers expecting to flag away at least 15 cars.

"Most of them initially will be high performance, late model Maseratis," Mr Ronke enthused, "with a few Lotus and Porsche models ready to register.

"One innovation we'll be looking at," said Rod, "is an online entry system - and anything else to make life easier for competitors."

Despite the health of the categories, AASA and AMC are on the lookout for new racing categories for entrants to compete in and lift the profile of the Championships.

"This is a big step forward and the AMRC for 2008 looks very exciting," Mick Ronke offered. "There's still a long road ahead, but with us all committed to making it work I am certain that it will get there."

As might be expected, Bob Jane had the final word: "We're here to conduct a series with no bullshit," he said, "with everything done in a friendly and enjoyable manner that excites people to come to the events.

"This is the affordable future of Australian motor racing," he said with the same colour and enthusiasm that has marked the 50-year career of the legendary racer!

THE Australian Motor Racing Championships includes a comprehensive line-up of classes designed to cater for just about everything racing on four wheels.

The principal categories are:

AASA Australian Touring Car Championship - highly competitive racing with fields containing V8 Giants (V8-powered sedans from all major manufacturers, with older 5 litre V8 Supercar specification cars, 4-litre, quad-cam cars, all the way up to 7-litre pushrod engines, plus the newly introduced 3-litre turbo "Giant Killer" class.

AASA Production Touring Car Championship - any street legal sedan, fitted with roll-over protection, fire extinguisher and racing seat belt is eligible.

Pirelli Gran Turismo Championship – Maserati, Porsche, Lotus and many more GT Sports cars fight for the prestigious title.

Oz BOSS - "Big Open Single Seaters" such as F4000, F3000, F/Atlantic and ANF2. Seriously the fastest cars in Australia.

Thunder Sports - Motorcycle engined cars with a fiberglass body, super-fast, high power to weight designed cars that allow for extremely low cost racing. This category was well represented in 2007 and fields of approximately 15-20 cars are expected to take part in 2008.

Prototype Sports Cars - with makes such as Saker (NZ), Minetti, Radical and West in the fields this year, and with several new Wests coming off the jigs, 2008 will be a great year for Sports Cars.

Super TT - in the closing 2007 races there were excellent fields, culminating in 27 cars at Oran Park. Areas of growth are older Utes, Commodore Cup, Sports Sedans and 3.3 Litre Holdens, with the latter representing an important base for the category. The popular old Classic Touring Cars are well catered for as well, with everthing from Utes to HQ Holdens ready to burn rubber in "Super TT".

THE 2008 BOB JANE T-MARTS AMRC CALENDAR

March 1-2 - WAKEFIELD PARK (NSW)
April 25-27 - CALDER PARK (VIC)
May 17-18 - QUEENSLAND RACEWAY
June 14-15 - WINTON RACEWAY (VIC)
July 26-27 - ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY (SA)
August 30-31 - CALDER PARK (VIC)
September 27-28 - QUEENSLAND RACEWAY
November 1-2 - WINTON RACEWAY (VIC)
November 29-30 - WAKEFIELD PARK (NSW)