Coffs Car Club’s annual Coffs Coast Tarmac Autocross

THE helmets couldn’t completely hide the smiles at Raleigh International Raceway for the running of the Coffs Car Club’s annual Coffs Coast Tarmac Autocross.

Building on the success of previous years, 2026 proved a bumper event with a solid field representing all levels of experience.

Drivers who have been campaigning for decades, first time competitors, juniors, men and women were all represented.

The vehicles were just as varied, ranging from modern road cars to all-out highly developed classic race cars.

Martin Smith, spokesperson for Coffs Harbour & District Sporting Car Club, said the venue and the format of Autocross provided a safe yet exciting way for people to explore their capabilities, and those of their car, while competing against the clock.

Having cars separated on the track and ordered by pace ensures risk remains low, he said.

Events are run to strict plans and rules which must be approved by Motorsport Australia, the national governing body.

For these reasons, many junior competitors and their families choose these types of events as an entry point for their career in motorsport. Some have a view of working towards higher-tier events while others simply wish to further develop their driving skills and experience beyond what can be safely taught on public roads.

“As a testimony to the skills and experience developed in this environment, it’s often not the most-powerful vehicle that sets the quickest time but a balance of predictable handling, performance and driver experience,” Smith said.

Smith said people did not need to spend thousands of dollars to get started.

“Observe the top three outright contenders,” Smith said.

“We have a virtually standard road car, recycled from vehicle auctions; a classic car, highly developed and mostly hand-fabricated over many years; and a solid performance production car with intelligent enhancements to make it built for purpose.

“That’s just the first three. I bet there is a story for each car and driver entered.”

Smith says that venues like Raleigh International Raceway and resources like Coffs Harbour & District Sporting Car Club have been supporting the community for over 40 years.

“Events like this, and many with minor variations, including varying surfaces and formats, are happening all over the Coffs Coast and beyond,” Smith said.

“Raleigh Raceway itself hosts bitumen, grass and gravel events, and a regular Autocross series where a circuit of gravel and tarmac is used.

“If you would like to try your hand at motor racing, improve your car-handling skills, or simply have a whole bucketload of fun, I suggest you contact either the Raleigh Motorsport Complex or Coffs Harbour & District Sporting Car Club and make a start,” Smith said.