By Aiden Cale

In the midst of all the rider and team changes that the off-season usually treats us too, a rider has flown under the radar and has announced his plans of racing in the C7 Solo category at the City of Mount Gambier 8 Hour in the first round of the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series. 

The C7 Solo category is a subcategory within C7 Open and is where a trike can only be ridden by a singular rider in an event. The rider competing can pull into the pits as many times as they please, although rider changes throughout the race are prohibited. 

21 year old Nelson Harris will be the first entrant into this category for 2023, racing in the number 244 trike for Old Concordians Racing, which will be named Raptor (Pictured above).

When asked about why he chose McNamara Park, Harris said, “We only had 9 riders for Mount Gambier, as a joke my dad said why don’t you do a solo attempt and then the other trike will have 8 riders which is perfect. 

“A few days passed and I actually started to think about it. I was speaking to Kyle [Lierich] and we figured out with the time I had left to train that it was possible. I also knew that no one had ever done it before [at McNamara Park], and it would be really cool to be the person to do it.”

The inspiration as to why people enter the C7 Solo category varies, with Harris’ inspiration stemming from an endurance runner and his personal coach. 

“My inspiration for this solo ride mainly came from a guy named Nedd Brockman who ran across Australia to raise money for the homeless. That really inspired me to push myself harder and really find out what I could achieve. 

“Another inspiration for this ride has also been my coach Kyle [Lierich]. Some of his solo records he has set in a trike are incredible and that made me really think about what the human body can do.” 

Harris began training seriously for HPV racing at the end of September last year, which has led to a painful few months in preparation for the 8 hour event. 

“The lead up to this event has been a huge rollercoaster of emotions and physically punishing myself. There have been so many ups and downs, and it even got to the point where I was thinking about pulling out, but I was so happy I didn’t.”

Although the focus is usually directed towards the top end of the timing sheets, make sure to keep an eye out for the number 244 trike of Nelson Harris, as he embarks on the toughest challenge one can do in Australian HPV racing. The completion of an event as an individual. 

The City of Mount Gambier 8 Hour will be the first round of the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series on Saturday, April 1 from 9am to 5pm (ACDT).

By Aiden Cale

With the beginning of the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series on the horizon, let’s take a deeper look into the first round of the series at the scenic McNamara Park for the City of Mount Gambier 8 Hour.

McNamara Park, an operating motorcycle circuit, offers 2.4km of fast straights, sweeping bends and technical banked hairpin sections, all of which favours riders with a vast skill set.

This year will see 84 trikes take to the startline at McNamara Park. A significant increase in numbers from last year’s 70 trikes that entered.

There is a certain level of unpredictability heading into the first round, as reigning National Champions, Aurora Racing, have decided to not defend their 2022 title, leaving the number 1 vacant for the 2023 series. With Aurora on the sidelines, there will be a close battle between teams for the overall victory.

Platt Racing have shown strong improvements in their race pace, claiming an overall victory in the Victorian HPV Series at the back end of 2022, and finishing on the same lap as Wattle Racing in the inaugural race of that state’s racing calendar in Casey Fields.

2019 National Champions, Wattle Racing, will also be contending for the overall victory in Mount Gambier, and they look to be the favourites on paper, as they were the only other team to claim an overall victory last year on South Australian soil, clinching the Adelaide event by an 80 second margin.

Trump Trikes Factory Racing have shown that they are aiming to achieve nothing less than to capture an overall win in 2023, after taking home the National Championship in the C6 Under 20’s category and claiming 4th overall in all but one of the races held in South Australia last season.

Peninsula Human Power, GTrikes, and Reload Racing have all been regulars at the top end of the standings in previous years, and they will be looking to claim spots within the top 5 to start their 2023 campaigns off on a high.

Although Aurora themselves will remain off the entry list, their race winning trikes will be raced by BRT [Bendigo Racing Team], and newcomers UniSA Pedal Prix Team. The former placed a respectable 10th overall in their debut outing at the 24hr Australian International Pedal Prix at Murray Bridge last season.

Team Director and Rider of the UniSA Pedal Prix Team, Darcy Strudwick, talked about the team’s expectations for their inaugural outing.

“While we would love to do well, we more want to see a successful application of University level technology and knowledge into this awesome sport. We think we have a really good starting point for it all, however starting a team from scratch isn’t easy!”

“We are in a good position for the beginning of the UniSA AHPVSS. With a FCR Velodrome experience being crucial for testing procedures and practices, we just need to iron out a few organisational challenges. However the vehicle is running incredibly fast and we are feeling very motivated!” Strudwick said.

Strudwick claimed three overall fastest laps in 2022 and is aiming to build on those achievements for the 2023 season.

“Last year was an awesome year for me, racing for Gtrikes and getting the successes that we did was really a big mental step forward. I am feeling the fittest I ever have. However just the implication of the team and completing some of our own internal objectives would feel enough for me. However, I might have to go for a few more fastest laps.”

In the C7 Open Females category, She’s The Man from Wattle Racing look to be the ones to beat based on previous form, as they took home 4 wins and were crowned National Champions last year. Fast Cats Racing will return to challenge Wattle Racing, competing in the C7 Open Females category for the first time at McNamara Park since 2019.

The City of Mount Gambier 8 Hour is the first round of the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series on Saturday, April 1 from 9am to 5pm (ACDT).

 

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – The UniSA Australian HPV Super Series (AHPVSS) is excited to announce the launch of its 2023 season. This year’s series promises to be the most thrilling yet, with a lineup of innovative teams and cutting-edge vehicles set to compete across multiple events.

The AHPVSS is a unique and exciting competition that challenges the design, building and racing of human-powered vehicles. The series attracts participants from around the country and has become a premier event for schools and open teams in the Australian engineering and innovation community.

The 2023 season will feature a number of exciting events, including the iconic 24 Australian International Pedal Prix at Murray Bridge and the popular Festival of Pedal Prix at Victoria Park in the heart of Adelaide. Teams will also compete in a range of other events from Mount Gambier to Busselton, providing a range of challenges to test the speed, endurance, and design of their vehicles.

The AHPVSS is proud to partner with the University of South Australia for the 2023 season. UniSA is a leader in engineering and innovation, and the partnership reflects the shared commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the next generation of engineers and designers.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the University of South Australia for the 2023 season,” said AHPVSS CEO, Marcus Lacey. “Their support and commitment is invaluable to the success of this year’s Series, and the sport. We look forward to working together to deliver an exciting and innovative competition.”

The AHPVSS also welcomes new teams to the competition, including an entry from from UniSA Sport itself, and local high schools. The Series is committed to promoting STEM education and encouraging young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Other highlights for the Season include:

The southern City of Mount Gambier will host Round 1 of the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series as the opening event of the year on Saturday 1 April. Ideally positioned halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, the location offers excellent accessibility for the thousands of competitors spread across the two southern states, and provides the perfect start to the season.

After a lengthy COVID induced hiatus, Junior School teams, Category S1, will again have the opportunity to participate in the 24hr Australian International Pedal Prix at Murray Bridge in 2023.

For 2023, after the first time in four years a full Series has been run, the previous year’s seven category winners have been awarded the coveted single digit race numbers to adorn their machines, signifying their top performances.

The 2023 season promises to be a showcase of innovation, teamwork and engineering excellence. The AHPVSS invites spectators to come along and witness the excitement firsthand, as teams battle it out for the coveted title of 2023 UniSA AHPVSS champion.

For more information on the 2023 UniSA Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series, including event dates and locations, visit the AHPVSS website ahpvss.com.

 

The full calendar for the 2023 UniSA Australian Human Powered Vehicle Super Series is:

Round 1               1 April                   McNamara Park                               Mount Gambier, SA

Round 2               20 May                  The Bend Motorsport Park              Tailem Bend, SA

Round 3               17-18 June            Victoria Park                                     Adelaide, SA

Round 4               5 August               The Bend Motorsport Park               Tailem Bend, SA

Round 5               20 August             Geographe Bay                                  Busselton, WA

Round 6               16-17 September   Sturt Reserve                                    Murray Bridge, SA

Experienced Pedal Prix designer and racer, Richard Bekker has joined the Board of Australian International Pedal Prix Inc, organisers of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series.

Bekker brings a wealth of knowlegde and experience to the organsiation, with over 10 years of active particiaption. He is currently Team Owner and Manager of Wild Boar Racing which competes in the Masters category.

“I’m looking forward to giving back to a sport that has given us so much. As a current competitor, I’m keen to bring a rider’s focus to the board & to be a voice for all riders, particularly from our community teams,” he said.

“Richard’s thoughtful approach and detailed knowledge will be of significant benefit. His passion for the sport and enthusisam to see it prosper will make him a valuable contributor as we move forward,” said CEO Marcus Lacey.

Bekker is the developer of the innovative side by side tandem HPV raced at Victoria Park in 2021. The wide body vehicle provides the opportuniity for a second person to sit alongside the driver and experience the trhrill of “seat of your pants” racing. The team used the opportunity to provide track time for children with disabilities.

 

Former CEO and Chairperson, Andrew McLachlan, has been appointed Treasurer of Australian International Pedal Prix Inc., organiser of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series.

The role will incorporate oversight of accounts, invoicing and financial reporting. It will also include managing the entry database, providing entry confirmations, assisting with entry changes and invoicing for entries.

“Andrew is ideally suited to the role and the Board is very pleased to have him with us for 2023,” said CEO Marcus Lacey. “With a long history of management in the sport, and extensive experience as an accountant, Andrew brings a sound perspective and skilled approach to our financial administration and entry management.”

The 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series has experienced strong demand with the opening of entries last week establishing a sound footing for the season’s activities. McLachlan’s appointment is fitting and timely, with some 240 vehicles registering to race in 2023.

Round 1 of the Series will be held at Mount Gambier’s McNamara Park on Saturday the 1^st of April.

The significant level of demand and enthusiasm for human powered vehicle racing in Australia has been clearly demonstrated after entries for the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series opened yesterday.

The six round series has seen 235 teams enter from New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia in the first 24 hours.

“Entries began flooding in from the strike of 10:00am when registrations opened,” reported Marcus Lacey, CEO of the Series. “The bulk of these were submitted in the first 60 minutes, so we can see our sport is strong, with teams eager to lock in their spot on the grid.”

Round 4 of the Series at Tailem Bend’s international motor racing circuit, The Bend Motorsport Park has been the first to pass it’s registration limit of 180, with a waiting list now created. Adelaide’s secondary school event in June, the first race at The Bend, and the much anticiapated 24hr Australian Internastional Pedal Prix at Murray Bridge are all aprocahing entry limits. The season opening Round 1 at Mount Gambier is seeing close to the best numbers for this event in it’s history.

“We are thrilled to welcome teams from all across Australia to our events in 2023. The many thousands of people who gather to race and experience the thrill of Pedal Prix, as it is traditionally known, have created a very special community, one that is both expansive and inclusive, one where they themselves create and reap so many positive attributes and benefits while simply having a great time. We would like to thank the University of South Australia for their support and helping to make all of this possible” said Lacey.

The Series gets the green light in Mount Gambier on 1 April when teams take to the track at McNamara Park.

Registrations are expected to abate, but continue over coming days and can be made via the online portal here.

The full Series calendar is

Round 1               1 April                    McNamara Park                                Mount Gambier, SA

Round 2               20 May                  The Bend Motorsport Park             Tailem Bend, SA

Round 3               17 June                  Victoria Park                                     Adelaide, SA

Round 4               5 August               The Bend Motorsport Park             Tailem Bend, SA

Round 5               20 August             Geographe Bay                                 Busselton, WA

Round 6               16 September      Sturt Reserve                                    Murray Bridge, SA

Retiring Board member of Australian International Pedal Prix Inc., Bruce Dodd, has left a legacy of generosity and a contribution beyond what the eye might see.

Bruce announced his retirement at the end of 2022 after joining the Board in 2008, a 14 year commitment to building the sport and events to ever improving standards.

After an involvement with Aberfoyle Hub teams, he turned his passion for pedal prix to assisting the growth and development of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series, where he took on responsibility for facilities management at events. On site he dealt with many issues and kept the smooth operation running, providing valuable behind the scenes management.

“Bruce made a significant impact on me at AIPP Inc.” said CEO Marcus Lacey. “His cheerful friendly attitude and unwavering positive approach, combined with his extensive experience and knowledge of Pedal Prix really made a difference, both at Board level and at event operations. He will be missed. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the many years of voluntary contribution and positive impact he made.”

He had an excellent rapport with teams, and fellow volunteers, his good natured and often humorous approach enhancing his “nothing is too difficult” approach. He was always willing to pitch in and do the hard yards. Bruce always had the needs of facilities, teams and the organisers at the front of his mind – promptly addressing issues and getting things done.

With so many years of involvement, Bruce had a great understanding of the sport, particularly around circuit design, facility layout and safety. Over the years, his inclusive approach in dealing with fellow volunteers and staff contributed significantly to the development of cohesive and well functioning event management teams.

Bruce is looking forward to spending more time with his family, and will always be a close ally of our community.

 

 

 

 

 

Junior School teams, Category S1, will again have the opportunity to participate in the 24hr Australian International Pedal Prix at Murray Bridge in 2023.

The event at the riverside circuit of Sturt Reserve, is the jewel in the crown of the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series. It is the grand finale of the season and it’s challenging 24 hour format a strong drawcard for all.

It has been unable to be held since 2019 due to Covid, and with its return in 2022, did not include Junior School teams. This decision was made in the interests of safety on the basis that none of the Junior School competitors would have ever raced there before, all of them would have had limited HPV racing experience, and the grueling 24 hour format, incorporating night-time running and significant speed differentials, created a scenario where extra care had to be taken.

For 2023 it has been resolved that Junior School teams can return to the event, with certain criteria. In the interests of safety, provision will be made for up to 10 vehicles in the Junior School category to enter. The 10 teams will be decided by the entrants’ standings in the UniSA Australian HPV Super Series Junior School category (S1) at the completion of round five at Geographe Bay, Busselton, on 20 August, 2023.

Those standings will be determined by the combined total of points scored from two rounds, those rounds being Round 3 at Adelaide, plus the highest point scoring round from any other round having been entered at that time. The criteria emphasises the value of the round three event at Victoria Park, and the flexibility open to teams by being able to add any other round to the point score tally.

Series CEO Marcus Lacey elaborated just how significant the development is. “The return to Murray Bridge for Junior School teams is long overdue. By the time they get there for the 2023 event, some four years will have passed since they last raced at Sturt Reserve. We are thrilled to be able to again provide the opportunity for Junior School teams to race at this iconic event. The criteria will maintain the high level of safe running achieved in 2022.”

“This is s a significant and exciting opportunity for all junior school teams to put their best pedal forward and secure their place on the grid for the 24hr Australian International Pedal Prix at Murray Bridge in 2023,” he said.

 

 

AIPP Inc. is pleased to announce the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series Provisional Calendar.

Following last week’s release of Mount Gambier’s McNamara Park as host of Round 1 of the Series on Saturday 1 April, the following six round Series provisional dates and venues can now be announced.

 

Round 1               1 April                    McNamara Park                               Mount Gambier, SA

Round 2               20 May                  The Bend Motorsport Park             Tailem Bend, SA

Round 3               17 June                  Victoria Park                                    Adelaide, SA

Round 4               5 August               The Bend Motorsport Park            Tailem Bend, SA

Round 5               20 August             Geographe Bay                                 Busselton, WA

Round 6               16 September      Sturt Reserve                                    Murray Bridge, SA

 

In what is becoming somewhat of a tradition, South Australia’s second largest city will be the first destination for Pedal Prix teams and supporters in 2023. Ideally positioned halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, the location offers excellent accessibility for the thousands of competitors spread across the two southern states and provides the perfect start to the season.

In 2023, The Bend Motorsport Park will host two rounds of the Series. Considered to be one of the fastest, yet safest tracks on the calendar, the smooth and wide international motor racing facility has a special character and atmosphere all of its own. With magnificent hotel accommodation above the pits, first-class in-house dining, and spectacular viewing areas along the top of the pit straight complex, it is unique in the Series.

Adelaide’s Victoria Park will be back with a big mid-season weekend once again. What will change the nature of the 2023 event is the absence of the COVID testing station and the resurfacing of the pit straight as a result of the recent re-introduction of the Adelaide 500 Supercar event. These factors could make the Victoria Park race a whole new ball game.

The beautiful coastline of Western Australia will again provide the stunning backdrop to Round 5 of the Series at the state’s Event Capital, Busselton. Racing along the Geographe Bay foreshore is a prime location for challenging and technical racing, while sampling one of the best regions to visit in Australia.

Murray Bridge will once again provide the climactic season finale with the magnificent 24hr event spanning the weekend, a hugely exciting challenge for all participants. The slightly earlier date of 16 September, being the first weekend of Victorian school holidays, will provide greater opportunity for Victorian school teams to participate, while still avoiding a clash with the Adelaide Royal Show which ends the weekend prior on 10 September. Additionally, the date sits nicely as the weekend prior to the Murray Bridge Show and does not clash with the AFL Grand Final, expected to be 30 September.

Details regarding the format for each round are being further developed and will be announced as they come to hand. The provisional calendar is subject to change.

 

In exactly four months to the day, the southern City of Mount Gambier will host Round 1 of the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series as the opening event of the year on Saturday 1 April.

In what is becoming somewhat of a tradition, South Australia’s second largest city will be the first destination for Pedal Prix teams and supporters in 2023.

“It is a tremendous outcome to once again make our way to Mount Gambier for the opening Round of the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series,” said CEO Marcus Lacey. “Thanks to the ongoing support of City of Mount Gambier, we will again be able to offer the opportunity for our teams and supporters to come to this wonderful part of Australia and experience great racing at McNamara Park Raceway and see the many local attractions.”

Ideally positioned halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, the location offers excellent accessibility for the thousands of competitors spread across the two southern states, and provides the perfect start to the season.

The race will be held at the unique McNamara Park Raceway on the fringe of the city. Better known as Mac Park, it holds the distinction of being the only club owned national standard racetrack in Australia (and quite possibly the world) and is steeped in a rich history dating back over 100 years.

The sealed road race circuit is 2.4 km long. It is a mix of technically demanding slow and fast turns over undulating terrain. The track runs in a clockwise direction with 12 turns ranging from the sharp hairpin at turn 1 to the fast and sweeping turns 7 and 8.

Over the last decade, circuit owners Mount Gambier Motorcycle Club, have spent more than $1.5 million on improvements to McNamara Park Raceway. The track has been completely resurfaced and widened to 10m, with a width of 12m along the start/finish straight. Club President, Alex Trnovsky expressed the club’s excitement to see the teams back again. “We are delighted to welcome Pedal Prix to our circuit as the season opener again in 2023. The sport is unique and challenging. It brings something special. We are thrilled to be part of it and can’t wait to see everyone here again next year.”

Mount Gambier itself is a thriving progressive community, with many attractions and wide range of accommodation, shopping and entertainment surrounded by volcanic craters, lakes, caves, limestone and underground aquifers. It offers a multitude of attractions including  Blue Lake/Warwar, craters, caves, sinkholes, underground waterways, beautiful gardens, combined with wineries, markets, galleries, festivals and events, and fresh local produce and food.

Scrutineering of vehicles will be held at the historic Railway Lands in the heart of the city on Friday 31 March, before the race gets underway on Saturday.

The full Provisional Calendar for the 2023 UniSA Australian HPV Super Series is expected to be released shortly.

Date: Friday 31 March 2023 Scrutineering, and Saturday 1 April 2023 Race

Venue: Railway Lands, Railway Tce, Mount Gambier, SA 5290 and McNamara Park Raceway, McNamara Park Rd, Mount Gambier, SA 5290