Written by Adam Davis:
- Australian registered mental health charity Drive Against Depression formalises partnership with WD Motorsport to deliver bespoke ‘Touring Super Sprint’ tarmac rally events in 2019
- Events are run in conjunction with the Mountain Motorsports-promoted Australian Tarmac Rally Championship and are proudly supported by RACESOLUTIONS Motorsport and the Australian Auto Sports Alliance
- The WD Motorsport Touring Super Sprint offers four opportunities per year to experience the best roads in Victoria, closed especially for the event, with no oncoming traffic and a 130km/h speed limit
- The category allows for drivers of all experience levels, with driver coaching and training available for each entrant
- Drive Against Depression’s purpose is to start, then continue, the conversation around mental health, via a shared enthusiasm for motoring
- Drive Against Depression receives a portion of each entry to further its charitable community work and fund important community projects
- First event for 2019 is the Mount Baw Baw Sprint, from February 23-24
February 1, 2019: Australian registered mental health charity Drive Against Depression (DAD) is proud to announce an exciting partnership with WD Motorsport, to deliver four unique closed road tarmac rally experiences in 2019.
Thanks to the generous support of Mountain Motorsports, RACESOLUTIONS Motorsport and the Australian Auto Sports Alliance (AASA), the WD Motorsport Touring Super Sprint (the WD Tour) is run as part of the Australian Tarmac Rally Championship (ATRC).
This event delivers a dream driving scenario: experiencing the best roads in Australia, closed to on-coming traffic, with a 130km/h speed limit and motorsport- level safety services on-hand.
SHOUT OUT: Pre-event information night for newcomers and experienced punters alike
To encourage potential and current entrants to more completely understand the tarmac rally environment, a pre-event information night is slated for Wednesday 13th February at 7pm. Basic event setup and safety requirements will be covered and participants are encouraged to bring their own vehicle for tailored setup advice.
The pre-event information event will be held at the RACESOLUTIONS Motorsport facility, 13 Sahra Grove, Carrum Downs, Victoria, from 7pm.
Entries to the WD Motorsport Touring Super Sprint received via
the www.driveagainstdepression.com.au website attract a set donation that goes directly to the charity’s community endeavours.
More information on the ATRC and WD Tour can be accessed via
http://www.australiantarmacrally.com/
2019 ATRC Calendar
Mount Baw Baw Sprint – February 23 and 24, 2019
Lake Mountain Sprint – March 23 and 24, 2019
Snowy River Sprint – September 21 and 22, 2019
Great Tarmac Rally – October 12 and 13, 2019
KEY QUOTES:
Drive Against Depression Co-Founder, Sarah Davis
“Connecting with Mountain Motorsports and the WD Tour is a perfect fit for Drive Against Depression’s charitable endeavours.
“It builds naturally from our community road drives, where we provide a supportive, judgement-free environment for people to discuss the impact mental illnesses can have on lives.
“We’ve discovered that a passion for cars is a fantastic ice breaker, leading to deeper conversations about personal mental health journeys.
“On the pilot events in 2018, the WD Tour allowed us to cast our message to a wider audience, with lots of time to chat between exciting tarmac rally stages. It reinforced how cathartic cars and driving can be.”
WD Motorsport co-owner, Stephen Whyte
“WD Motorsport is proud to be associated with Drive Against Depression and its partners.
“WD was born from two great friends getting together to enjoy the competition and camaraderie of motorsport. It was a progression from racing ourselves to event management and our experience with driver training is a great fit for educating our Tour entrants.
“The weekend is as much about having fun with like-minded people as it is about the cars and the wonderful roads we utilise. AASA’s enthusiasm for the sport creates a fantastic environment, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic future with DAD.”
Head of Mountain Motorsports, Peter Washington
“Mountain Motorsports and the ATRC are committed to increasing mental health awareness through motorsport. We are pleased to support both DAD and WD Motorsport on an on-going basis.
“The WD Tour and complementary activities run by DAD within our events further signifies the potential of this partnership, and our commitment to it.”
RACESOLUTIONS Motorsport Clerk of Course, Martin Doxey
“Mt Baw Baw Resort is an exciting venue for the third round of the 2018-19 ATRC, and we are honoured to partner with DAD to deliver this unique motoring experience.
“Baw Baw boasts the steepest tarmac incline in Australia and really challenges drivers and navigators, especially on the longer runs.
“This year there’s a prime opportunity for spectators to engage with our world, with a prime view from the Mount Baw Baw turnoff.
“It promises to be a fantastic event for the community as well as the crews.”
Australian Auto Sports Alliance Chair, Bruce Robertson
“The AASA is pleased to acknowledge the foresight and sheer hard work that Mountain Motorsports and RACESOLUTIONS have put into developing this championship. Moreover, seeing the WD Tour component evolve into a space where vehicles can be enjoyed in a safe, controlled environment has been very satisfying.
The WD Tour allows participation at an event that has supervision, mentoring and a culture of safety as keystone requirements. The fact it supports the Drive Against Depression charity is icing on the cake.
“Via the assistance and co-operation of authorities, the AASA is pleased to sanction such a well-planned event, one that stands for the enjoyment of motoring.”
About Drive Against Depression
Drive Against Depression is a registered Australian mental health charity with full Deductible Gift Recipient status.
Created in 2017, Drive Against Depression achieves increased mental health awareness, particularly relating to depression and anxiety, through a shared enthusiasm for motoring.
Through hosting regular community-focused motoring events, Drive Against Depression provides a platform for those affected by depression and anxiety to start their conversation in a judgement-free environment.
In 2019, Drive Against Depression is developing a virtual mental wellness project that will align a range of health professionals to individuals in need.
For further information please contact:
Sarah Davis
Co-Founder, Drive Against Depression
E: connect@driveagainstdepression.com.au
P: +61 (0)401 080 402