Newsletter

March/April 2026

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter, put together by our hardworking committee member, Belinda Brock.

So far this year we’ve had our presentation night, a Motorkhana, and a Khanacross, so we’re off to a flying start!

We also have a Khanacross in April and a twilight Khanacross in May, which I’m sure will be very popular, with everyone breaking out their big driving lights… bright enough to make you feel like you’re being X‑rayed!!

There has also been some track work happening, with the infields on both tracks slashed and the mounds levelled out to improve visibility for competitors and timing officials, and spectators. We also hope to make some more improvements to the spectator area in the second half of April.

We are always working towards making the best experience we can for competitors and spectators, including our fantastic canteen, which is always a hit 👌

So it’s shaping up to be another great year of racing at the MSCT.

Obviously, the price of fuel is on everyone’s mind at the moment, and I’m hoping - like everyone else - that the madness is only short‑term pain and that we can all continue to afford to keep on racing 🤞

In the meantime… see you out there!
Stay sideways.

Chris Leonard
Vice President

Events …

Members and friends of the Motorsport Club of Tasmania came together at the North Launceston Bowls Club for the 2025 Awards Presentations, marking the end of another successful year of grassroots motorsport.

The evening followed a relaxed social drive from Exeter through Lilydale and on to Scottsdale, with drivers enjoying a spirited run along Ledgewood Lane and the Sidling before parking up for dinner and celebrations. The drive set the tone for the night—social, inclusive, and full of good spirits.

The Awards Presentations provided an opportunity to reflect on a busy season that delivered strong entry numbers, a full calendar of events, growing junior participation, and continued improvement of club facilities. In his address, the President acknowledged the enormous efforts of volunteers, officials, competitors, sponsors, and supporters, all of whom contribute to making MSCT events run smoothly and safely.

A range of perpetual awards and championships were presented on the night, recognising outstanding achievement across Motorkhana, Khanacross, and club service. While the presentations offered a snapshot of each recipient’s achievements, individual award winners will be profiled in more detail across upcoming editions of the newsletter.

The evening was a fitting way to celebrate not just podium results, but the people and community that make MSCT what it is.

2025 Championship Winners

• MSCT Motorkhana Series Champion: Damien Midgley

• MSCT Khanacross Series Champion (AWD): Lyndon Kettle

• MSCT Khanacross Series Champion (2WD): Mark Sutcliffe

• Female Competitor of the Year: Adine Whitcombe

• Male Competitor of the Year: Damien Midgley

A flying start to the 2026 Khanacross Series

The 2026 Khanacross Series burst into life at Symmons Plains on 14 February, with a classic summer’s day drawing competitors out for the opening round. Dust, sunshine, and plenty of enthusiasm set the scene as both seasoned campaigners and up‑and‑coming drivers kicked off the new season in style.

While a handful of regular contenders were absent for Round 1, junior competitor Zander Nickalson made the most of the opportunity, showing impressive developing form. Zander took the win in the 2WD Junior Class, while also securing a strong 3rd outright in the 2WD field - a standout performance and a clear sign of things to come.

Adding to the entertainment were seasoned competitors Justin Nickalson and Damien Midgley, who put on a crowd‑pleasing display in the trusty AU Falcon. Their sideways antics reminded everyone that while competition is fierce, Khanacross is just as much about enjoying the drive and sharing a laugh as it is about the stopwatch.

With great weather, plenty of smiles, and a laid‑back atmosphere, it was another fun and successful day at KhanaX Park.

We look forward to doing it all again at Round 2 - see you there!

Results

AWD Outright:
1st – Matt Von Bertouch
2nd – John Brozek
3rd – Jack Sutcliffe

AWD Junior:
1st – Blake Grundy

AWD Ladies:
1st – Jo Woolley
2nd – Jenna Brozek
3rd – Jazmin Szmekura

2WD Outright Class:
1st - Nathan Bates
2nd - Jason Street
3rd - Zander Nickalson

2WD Junior:
1st – Zander Nickalson
2nd – William Osmond
3rd – Ruby Grundy

2WD Ladies:
1st – Laura Hayes
2nd – Belinda Brock
3rd – Adine Whitcombe

Thank you to all competitors, volunteers, and supporters who made this event possible.

View the full results

Partnering with the MG Car Club, MSCT hosted round 2 of the 2026 Tasmanian Motorkhana Championship on Saturday 14 March.

There’s something special about a grassroots motorsport event - the kind where passion outweighs polish, and every driver, volunteer, and spectator shares the same love for cars and competition. That spirit was on full display on March 16th at Symons Plains Raceway, where we hosted another fantastic Motorkhana event that delivered a full day of action, camaraderie, and plenty of tyre smoke.

From the early hours of the morning, the paddock was already buzzing. Engines fired to life, toolkits were unpacked, and drivers walked the course, mentally mapping out their lines. The weather couldn’t have been better - clear skies and just enough warmth to keep conditions consistent throughout the day.

The event itself featured a great mix of cars and drivers. Everything from nimble hatchbacks to powerful rear-wheel-drive machines took to the course, each tackling the layout in their own unique way. It was a true showcase of driving styles, with some opting for smooth, calculated runs while others pushed the limits with aggressive entries and spectacular slides. As the runs got underway, the atmosphere really came alive. The sound of engines echoing across the track, the squeal of tyres fighting for grip, and the occasional cheer from spectators created a vibrant backdrop.

Drivers improved run after run, chasing tenths of a second and refining their approach with every lap. What stood out most, however, was the sense of community. Between runs, competitors shared tips, helped each other with quick fixes, and swapped stories. It didn’t matter whether someone was a seasoned regular or a first-timer - everyone was welcomed and encouraged. Of course, no event is without its challenges. A few cones took a beating, and there were the usual moments of overcooked corners and last-second corrections, but that’s all part of the fun. Each mistake became a learning opportunity, and each success felt earned!

Results

Outright:
1st – Damien Midley
2nd – Maklyn MIdley
3rd – Howard Colvin

Junior:
1st – Levi Midgley
2nd - Jonathan Marshall
2nd - Lucas Marshall

Ladies:
1st – Angie Howie
2nd – Joanne Woolley
3rd – Adine Whitcombe

View the full results

Next events …

Dates for your diary

18 April - MSCT Khanacross Series Round 2
16 May - MSCT Khanacross Series Round 3 (Twilight)
27 June - MSCT Ladies Day
26 July - State Motorkhana Championship Round 3*
1 August - MSCT Driftkhana and Come & Try Day
22 August - MSCT Khanacross Series Round 4
12 September - State Motorkhana Series Round 4
31 October - Tasmanian Khanacross Championship (2-day event)
21 November - MSCT Khanacross Series Round 6

* hosted by the MG Car Club of Tasmania.

Members …

The Motorsport Club of Tasmania is proud to announce Chris Russell as the recipient of the 2025 Dennis Cooper Patron’s Trophy for Outstanding Service to the Club.

While Chris has long been known as a fierce outright competitor, this award recognises his exceptional contribution off the track. In recent years he has been an instrumental member of the MSCT committee, deeply involved in club operations, decision‑making, and the hands‑on work required to continually improve events and facilities for all members.

Chris has played a key role in maintaining and resurfacing the club’s Khanacross tracks, often providing equipment and working tirelessly alongside others to keep the venue in top condition. He is consistently one of the first to arrive at MSCT events, assisting with scrutineering, setup, and pack‑up without hesitation.

One of his most significant contributions has been his leadership in establishing, maintaining, and improving the club’s electronic timing system — a project that has transformed event efficiency and accuracy. His efforts at KhanaX Park have also been invaluable, including his involvement in the club’s recent acquisition of a tractor and slasher to support ongoing facility maintenance.

Respected widely and considered an integral part of the MSCT team, Chris embodies the spirit of service and dedication that this award represents.

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