What Is 2019 Aussie Racing Car Series

Overview

The 2019 Aussie Racing Car Series was a national motorsport championship in Australia designed for open-wheel, single-seater race cars built to ARC specifications. It served as a competitive platform for both emerging and experienced drivers seeking high-speed track action in a cost-controlled environment.

Organized under the auspices of Motorsport Australia, the series emphasized close racing, technical parity, and driver skill. The 2019 season attracted a diverse grid of competitors across multiple classes, with events integrated into major race weekends such as Shannons Nationals.

• Seven rounds were held from April to November 2019, with events scheduled at premier circuits across Australia including Sydney Motorsport Park and Queensland Raceway.
• The Super Sprint class was the premier category, featuring the ARC-08 chassis powered by a 1.6L motorcycle-derived engine producing approximately 180 horsepower.
• Championship contender Michael Almond secured the 2019 Super Sprint title after consistent podium finishes, including a decisive win at the final round in November.
• Each event weekend included two sprint races and one endurance race, testing driver versatility and team strategy under varying race conditions.
• The series promoted affordable motorsport with controlled costs, with entry-level budgets starting around AUD $60,000 per season including car, transport, and entry fees.

How It Works

The Aussie Racing Car Series operates on a formula that balances performance, safety, and accessibility for amateur and semi-professional racers. Technical regulations ensure parity while allowing for driver development and competitive racing across the field.

• ARC-08 Chassis: All cars are built on the ARC-08 carbon-fiber monocoque chassis, designed in 2008 for lightweight durability and standardized safety features including a roll hoop and front crash structure.
• Engine Specifications: The series mandates a 600cc 4-cylinder motorcycle engine, tuned to produce about 180 horsepower, with a regulated air restrictor to maintain competitive balance.
• Class Structure: The 2019 season featured three classes: Super Sprint (ARC-08), Clubman (older ARC-03/05), and Junior (for drivers under 19 with performance restrictions).
• Points System: Drivers earned points based on finishing positions, with winners receiving 40 points, second place 35, and third 32, plus bonus points for fastest lap and pole position.
• Event Format: Each round included two 15-minute sprint races and one 40-minute endurance race, with mandatory pit stops and driver changes in longer events.
• Safety Protocols: Full FIA-compliant safety gear is required, and all cars undergo technical inspection to ensure compliance with crash resistance and fire suppression standards.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2019 Aussie Racing Car Series with similar national-level single-seater series in terms of cost, performance, and accessibility.

The Aussie Racing Car Series stands out for its low entry cost and longevity of chassis eligibility, making it ideal for privateers and long-term racers. Unlike higher-tier series with strict homologation rules, it allows older cars to remain competitive through class divisions, reducing financial pressure on teams.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Aussie Racing Car Series played a vital role in Australia’s motorsport ecosystem by offering an accessible, high-performance racing platform. Its structure supports driver progression while maintaining cost efficiency and safety standards.

• The series acts as a feeder category for drivers aiming to enter Supercars or international single-seater competitions, providing real-world race experience.
• By standardizing chassis and engines, it ensures close, competitive racing where driver skill is the primary differentiator.
• Events held alongside Shannons Nationals increase exposure and media coverage for sponsors and teams.
• The inclusion of a Junior class encourages youth participation, with drivers as young as 16 eligible to compete under supervision.
• Cost control measures help retain competitors long-term, reducing the attrition seen in more expensive motorsport formulas.
• Integration with national events boosts fan engagement and promotes grassroots motorsport across regional circuits.

Overall, the 2019 season reinforced the series’ reputation as a sustainable, competitive, and driver-focused championship in Australian motorsport.