Classic and historic car clubs will hit top gear under a new Malinauskas Labor Government grant program aimed at accelerating the growth of motorsport communities.
The SA Car Club Program – starting today – delivers on another Labor election commitment and is set to fuel the expansion plans for car and motorcycle clubs and the passionate motoring enthusiasts and classic car lovers across the State.
The $2 million program will provide $500,000 worth of grants per year, over four years, to support local clubs host bigger and better events while meeting rising operating costs, including managing their role within the conditional registration scheme.
Funding can be used for projects including:
*Purchase of new safety and operational equipment.
*Systems improvements, such as software upgrades and data collection.
*Training of instructors, officials, administrators, and volunteers.
*Initiatives to boost female participation rates.
The new grant scheme – the first of its kind in South Australia – coincides with the return of the Adelaide Motorsport Festival this weekend, fulfilling a Malinauskas Government promise to bring back the world-renowned event.
The Adelaide Motorsport Festival is a museum in motion, displaying historic, rare and significant racing vehicles around a section of the iconic Adelaide F1 Grand Prix Track, which will also see Alfa Romeo F1 Team Driver, Valtteri Bottas take part in on-track demonstrations.
It also follows the reinstatement and record-breaking success of the Adelaide 500, and recent announcements to an increase in undercover grandstand seating at the 2023 event, as the Government makes huge inroads to reclaim the State’s title as the home of motorsport.
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.
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport will provide ongoing support to applicants throughout the duration of the program.
Applications for the inaugural SA Car Club Program open today and close at midday 24 April 2023.
Eligible clubs must have at least 20 members and been operating for 12 months or longer.
Visit for more information and to apply.
Quotes
Attributable to Nick Champion
Car and motorcycle clubs have a long and proud history in South Australia but rely on dedicated volunteers and membership fees to survive.
We recognise the pivotal role our clubs play in the community, and these grants will help them not only avoid stalling but thrive in the years to come.
Empowering clubs to host world-class events is a win for passionate motoring enthusiasts and classic car lovers – and a win for jobs, the economy and wider tourism, hospitality and retail benefits that follow.
We’ve proven that with the success of the Adelaide 500 return and look forward to delivering another great result at this year’s revived Adelaide Motorsport Festival.
Attributable to Australian Street Rod Federation Club Registration Coordinator Robert Riggs
These grants show that the Government recognises what we’re doing and what benefits registered clubs provide back to business and the wider community.
Our federation is looking to update its IT systems to improve communication with our regional members and help them participate in meetings and organise events.
Grant programs like these have the potential for our clubs and others around the state to expand and put on national or even international events.
