Australian registered mental health charity Drive Against Depression (DAD) is proud to announce an exciting partnership with WD Motorsport, to deliver four unique closed road tarmac rally experiences in 2019.
Thanks to the generous support of Mountain Motorsports, RACESOLUTIONS Motorsport and the Australian Auto Sports Alliance (AASA), the WD Motorsport Touring Super Sprint (the WD Tour) is run as part of the Australian Tarmac Rally Championship (ATRC).
This event delivers a dream driving scenario: experiencing the best roads in Australia, closed to on-coming traffic, with a 130km/h speed limit and motorsport- level safety services on-hand.
Drive Against Depression was created in 2017 to achieve increased mental health awareness, particularly relating to depression and anxiety, through a shared enthusiasm for motoring.
Through hosting regular community-focused motoring events, Drive Against Depression provides a platform for those affected by depression and anxiety to start their conversation in a judgement-free environment.
In 2019, Drive Against Depression is developing a virtual mental wellness project that will align a range of health professionals to individuals in need.
“Connecting with Mountain Motorsports and the WD Tour is a perfect fit for Drive Against Depression’s charitable endeavours. It builds naturally from our community road drives, where we provide a supportive, judgement-free environment for people to discuss the impact mental illnesses can have on lives,” said Sarah Davis Co-founder of Drive Against Depression.
“We’ve discovered that a passion for cars is a fantastic ice breaker, leading to deeper conversations about personal mental health journeys. On the pilot events in 2018, the WD Tour allowed us to cast our message to a wider audience, with lots of time to chat between exciting tarmac rally stages. It reinforced how cathartic cars and driving can be,” added Sarah.
SHOUT OUT: Pre-event information night for newcomers and experienced punters alike
To encourage potential and current entrants to more completely understand the tarmac rally environment, a pre-event information night is slated for Wednesday 13th February at 7pm. Basic event setup and safety requirements will be covered and participants are encouraged to bring their own vehicle for tailored setup advice.
The pre-event information event will be held at the RACESOLUTIONS Motorsport facility, 13 Sahra Grove, Carrum Downs, Victoria, from 7pm.
Entries to the WD Motorsport Touring Super Sprint received via the www.driveagainstdepression.com.au website attract a set donation that goes directly to the charity’s community endeavours.
2019 ATRC Calendar
Mount Baw Baw Sprint – February 23 and 24, 2019
Lake Mountain Sprint – March 23 and 24, 2019
Snowy River Sprint – September 21 and 22, 2019
Great Tarmac Rally – October 12 and 13, 2019
“WD Motorsport is proud to be associated with Drive Against Depression and its partners. WD was born from two great friends getting together to enjoy the competition and camaraderie of motorsport. It was a progression from racing ourselves to event management and our experience with driver training is a great fit for educating our Tour entrants,” Stephen Whyte co-owner of WD Motorsport.
“The weekend is as much about having fun with like-minded people as it is about the cars and the wonderful roads we utilise. AASA’s enthusiasm for the sport creates a fantastic environment, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic future with DAD,” continued Stephen.
More information on the ATRC and WD Tour can be accessed via www.australiantarmacrally.com
Photographs by Drive Against Depression.