StreetScene

The latest car events and media in Australia

Author: StreetScene

Tri-Series Hillclimb SDMA

The Tri-Series is a friendly hillclimb competition in 2025 between members of Cooma Car Club, Southern District Motorsports Association, and Wollongong Sporting Car Club, featuring one event at each club’s circuit. It consists of three events, multiple vehicle classes, a points-based club championship, and limited entry slots, with various participation and vehicle restrictions.

This round is in Canberra at the SDMA Hillclimb.

Cars & Culture Melbourne

Cars & Culture Melbourne returns to the St Kilda Triangle on Sunday, August 3, 2025, featuring a diverse display of supercars, custom builds, classics, bikes, live music, and free entry for all. Attendees can enjoy food vendors, exclusive event merchandise and charity raffles.

Canberra 7s Day 2025

MazdACT is back with their annual Canberra 7’s Day, hosted this year at a fresh new venue — The Spanish Club in Narrabundah. A full-throttle celebration of rotary legends, and JDM culture. This year raising money towards the charity organisation Fearless Women.

Row of white sports cars parked outside a building with people standing nearby.
White sports cars parked with people standing nearby at an outdoor car meet under trees.
Silver Mazda RX-7 with black wheels parked at a car meet with people in the background.
Two Mazda RX-7 sports cars parked outdoors, one blue with gold wheels, one white with pop-up headlights.
Blue Mazda RX-7 with gold rims parked next to a vintage car in front of a white building.
Blue Mazda RX-7 sports car parked with other cars and people in a casual outdoor car meet.
Rear view of a blue Mazda RX-7 with a large spoiler and gold wheels parked outdoors.
Rear view of a row of classic sports cars parked at an outdoor car show.
Two blue sports cars parked in a lot near a building with a "Spanish Australian Club" sign.
Light blue Mazda RX-7 parked next to a red classic car with its hood open at a car meet.
Red sports car with hood open in parking lot, two men standing nearby, trees in background.
Silver Mazda RX-7 parked in a lot on a cloudy day with people and a building in the background.
Four vintage sports cars parked in a row with people chatting in the background on a cloudy day.
Close-up of a silver Mazda RX-7 with pop-up headlights on a street, with people and other cars in background.
Two Mazda RX-7 cars parked side by side at a car meet with people and other vehicles in the background.
Red Mazda RX-7 and a purple sports car parked at a car meet with people walking around.
Two vintage Mazda RX-7 cars, one blue and one red with hood open, parked side by side outdoors.
Red Mazda RX-8 and black sports cars parked at an outdoor car meet with people in the background.
Two sports cars, one black and one white, parked side by side in an outdoor lot with trees.
Rear view of a white Mazda RX-7 with a large spoiler at a car meet.

There were plenty of visitors from interstate who joined the event, including an RX4 from Adelaide.

Dark green vintage car with gold rims parked in front of a white building with red trim.
Close-up of a polished turbocharged engine bay with visible Mazda branding on components.
Close-up of a vintage car's rear lights and bumper at an outdoor car meet with people in the background.
Three vintage cars parked outdoors near a white building with a yellow directional sign.
Yellow classic car in the center of a car show with people and other cars around.
Rear view of a silver classic Mazda RX-3 car with black rear window louvers, parked next to a black sports car.
Red Mazda RX-8 with white rims parked on a paved road near trees and onlookers.
Bright green race car number 80 parked on grass next to a yellow vintage car and leafless trees.
Row of colorful sports cars parked on grass near a road with people in the background.
Bright green modified compact car parked on a street with bare trees and buildings in background.
Bright green modified small pickup truck parked on street with bare trees and buildings in background.
Bright green modified vintage car with lowered suspension at an outdoor car show.
Two white convertible sports cars parked on grass with bare trees in the background.
Green race car parked on grass near a tree with other cars and trees in the background.
White Mazda sedan with lowered suspension parked in an empty outdoor parking lot.
Close-up of a red sports car front headlight and hood with a black car parked beside it.
Two convertible sports cars, one red and one pink, parked on grass at a car meet with people nearby.
Yellow vintage pickup truck driving on an empty street with trees and bushes on the sidewalk.
Yellow vintage car engine bay showing a detailed turbocharged engine setup and components.

As always plenty of other car brands were welcome to join the event.

Cars parked on grass with people gathered around at an outdoor car show event.
Red "7s Canberra" sign on a pole near a grassy roadside with trees and a parked silver car.
Two sports cars, one red and one black with number 33, parked on grass by a tree.
Red Honda NSX and purple Nissan Silvia parked on grass with people in the background at a car meet.
Row of parked cars on grass beside a road, cloudy sky and leafless trees in background.

Halfwaynats 2025

The annual Geminats Trackday is back for 2025 at the Pheasant Wood Circuit in November. 1 hours drive from Canberra and 1.5 hours from Sydney.

Feature image provided by We love our cars on Instagram and Facebook.

Canberra Skyline Day 2025

July 31st is a special date for owners of the R31 Skyline. The “31” is obvious, and July being the 7th month is significant as the R31 represents the 7th generation of the Skyline. As such, R31 owners celebrate the date with a get-together.

How to Get Into Motorsport in Australia: A Beginner’s Guide

Motorsport in Australia is a vibrant, accessible, and exhilarating pursuit open to people of all ages and experience levels. Whether you dream of racing wheel-to-wheel or just want to enjoy the thrill of driving on a track, here’s how you can get started.

1. Join a Motorsport Australia Affiliated Car Club

  • First step: Become a member of a Motorsport Australia affiliated car club. There are over 580 clubs across the country catering to a wide range of interests, from classic cars to modern racers and everything in between.
  • Why join? Clubs are the gateway to motorsport events, offer a supportive community, and provide essential information on getting started as a competitor or volunteer.

2. Try a “Come and Try” Day

  • Beginner-friendly: Motorsport Australia and its clubs regularly host Come and Try Days—relaxed, welcoming events designed for newcomers.
  • No race car needed: You can participate using your everyday road-registered vehicle. These events focus on safety and fun, making them ideal for your first taste of motorsport.
  • How to find one: Use Motorsport Australia’s Event Entry portal or contact your local club to find upcoming dates.

3. Understand the Types of Motorsport Events

Australia offers a wide range of entry-level motorsport disciplines:

Event TypeDescription
MotorkhanaLow-speed precision driving around cones; great for all cars and ages.
KhanacrossOff-road timed events, slightly faster than Motorkhana.
SupersprintTimed laps on a circuit, competing against the clock, not wheel-to-wheel.
HillclimbTimed runs up a hill course, focusing on car control and speed.
  • Motorkhana and Khanacross are especially popular for beginners, requiring minimal modifications to your car.
  • Supersprints are ideal if you want circuit experience without the pressure of door-to-door racing.

4. Get Your Motorsport Australia Licence

  • Speed Licence: Required for most timed events (Motorkhana, Supersprint, etc.). You can apply online via Motorsport Australia. The process is straightforward and affordable, with a basic medical statement required (not a full medical exam).
  • Club Membership: A prerequisite for a competition licence is being a member of an affiliated club.

5. Prepare Your Car and Gear

  • Roadworthy car: Most entry-level events allow standard road cars. Ensure your car is well-maintained, with working brakes, good tyres, and no loose items inside.
  • Safety gear: For most beginner events, you’ll need a helmet, long sleeves, long pants, and closed shoes. Some events may require a fire extinguisher and basic safety stickers (battery, tow points).
  • Servicing: Have your car serviced before your first event and remove all loose items from the cabin.

6. Learn and Improve

  • Instruction days: Many clubs and tracks offer instruction days or driver coaching. These are invaluable for learning track etiquette, safety, and driving techniques.
  • Track days: Regular participation in track days helps build confidence and skill in a safe, controlled environment.

7. Progress at Your Own Pace

  • After your first few events, you can choose to stay at the club level or move into more competitive racing, such as circuit racing or rallying. The motorsport community is supportive, and there are clear pathways for progression.

8. Get Involved as a Volunteer or Official

  • If driving isn’t your only interest, clubs are always looking for volunteers and officials. This is a great way to learn the sport from the inside and contribute to the community.

Key Contacts and Resources

  • Motorsport Australia: The national governing body for four-wheel motorsport, offering licences, event calendars, and club directories.
  • Local Car Clubs: Find one that matches your interests and location for the best support and event access.

Final Tips

  • Don’t be intimidated—motorsport in Australia is welcoming and designed for all levels.
  • Start small, ask questions, and enjoy the camaraderie and excitement that come with every event.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the thrill of motorsport in Australia, whether as a competitor, volunteer, or passionate fan.

Melbourne Motor Show 2026

The Melbourne Motor Show is returning in 2026 and will be held from April 10-12 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). 

Motorsport Photography Tips for Australia: Capturing Speed and Drama on Track

Motorsport photography in Australia offers a thrilling blend of speed, colour, and adrenaline. Whether you’re shooting at iconic circuits like Mount Panorama or a local club meet, mastering the craft requires a mix of technical skill, creativity, and a keen understanding of the sport. Here are expert tips tailored for Australian conditions to help you capture stunning motorsport images.

1. Master the Art of Panning

Panning is the essential technique for motorsport photography. By tracking a moving car or bike with your camera at a slow shutter speed, you create dynamic images with a sharp subject and a motion-blurred background, conveying the sensation of speed. Start with a shutter speed around 1/120s and adjust as you gain confidence—some pros go as low as 1/60s or even slower for more dramatic blur. The key is smooth movement: plant your feet, rotate at the hips, and follow through as if swinging a golf club. Practice is crucial, so don’t get discouraged by early misses.

2. Camera Settings: Find the Right Balance

  • Shutter Speed: For panning, use 1/60–1/125s. For freezing action, especially head-on shots, go up to 1/1600s or faster.
  • Aperture: A wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4) helps isolate your subject with a blurred background, but if you’re shooting in bright conditions or with slow shutter speeds, you may need to stop down (f/8–f/16) to avoid overexposure.
  • ISO: Australian daylight is often intense, so keep ISO low (100–400). For dusk or night events, increase ISO as needed.
  • Autofocus: Use continuous autofocus (AF-C/AI Servo) to track fast-moving vehicles and increase your hit rate.
  • Burst Mode: Enable high-speed burst to maximise your chances of nailing the perfect moment, especially in unpredictable racing scenarios.

3. Composition: Tell a Story

  • Rule of Thirds: Frame your shots to give cars “space to move” within the image, enhancing the sense of motion.
  • Leading Lines: Use track edges, barriers, or grandstands to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame.
  • Angles and Perspectives: Move around the circuit to find unique vantage points—try shooting from low angles, over crests, or at corner apexes for variety.
  • Creative Techniques: Experiment with dutch tilts or head-on shots to hide the wheels and create a sense of speed, especially for open-wheelers and bikes.

4. Preparation and Trackside Tips

  • Scout Locations: Arrive early to explore the circuit and find unobstructed views. General admission areas often offer surprising angles, especially at Australian tracks with elevation changes.
  • Light and Weather: Shoot with the sun behind you for well-lit subjects, but don’t shy away from backlight or shadows for artistic effect.
  • White Balance: Set to sunny or cloudy based on conditions for accurate colours.
  • Focus Point: Use single-point autofocus and aim for the helmet or driver’s face for maximum impact.

5. Safety and Etiquette

  • Always follow trackside safety rules and stay behind barriers.
  • Watch how professionals position themselves and be alert to on-track action.
  • Respect marshals, officials, and fellow photographers.

6. Gear Recommendations

  • Lenses: A fast telephoto lens (70–200mm f/2.8 or longer) is ideal for most circuits. Bring the longest lens you can, especially for large tracks like Albert Park.
  • Support: A monopod provides stability without restricting movement, making it preferable to a tripod for panning shots.
  • Accessories: Pack spare batteries, memory cards, and a lens cloth to deal with dust or rain.

7. Practice and Develop Your Style

The best way to improve is to shoot as much as possible at different events. Experiment with techniques, review your results, and refine your approach. Over time, you’ll develop a unique style that stands out in the vibrant Australian motorsport scene.

Motorsport photography is as much about anticipation and storytelling as it is about technical proficiency. With patience, practice, and a passion for speed, you’ll soon be capturing images that do justice to the excitement of racing down under.