There are 30 grants for clubs right across the state. The funding will address gaps in motorsport infrastructure and equipment, train volunteers and officials, support young motorsport participants and help more women and girls to get involved.

The Community Motorsport Programis part of the Victorian Government’s $7.4m Racing Into a New Era for Motorsport initiative. Grants from the Community Motorsport Program are available under two categories.

Twelve clubs will receive funding to upgrade and improve motorsport tracks and facilities through the Infrastructure Upgrades and Equipment Category, which helps clubs buy equipment (up to $50,000), and supports minor (up to $100,000) and major infrastructure developments (up to $500,000).

Among the projects backed by the first round are six grants worth more than $250,000 towards facility equipment, $50,440 towards the installation of safety barriers at the Ararat Hill Climb, and $500,000 towards a track circuit extension upgrade at the Oakleigh Go-Kart Racing Club.

The second round of the Infrastructure Upgrades and Equipment Category will open for applications in July 2021.

The Motorsport Club Assistance Category funds the purchase of safety and operational equipment (up to $10,000), trains volunteers and officials to build club capacity (up to $5,000), initiatives to boost women and girls’ participation (up to $5,000), and host events and activities (up to $20,000).

Eighteen projects have received funding through this category, including three grants totalling more than $9,000 for women and girls come and try events, and more than $8,000 towards two-way radios and noise meters at the Pakenham Auto Club.

The Motorsport Club Assistance category remains open for applications.

Motorsport in Victoria supports more than 4,000 jobs and contributes almost $700 million to the Victorian economy.