For almost two decades now, attending the BMW Motorrad Days has been a must for motorcycle fans from all over the world. Visitors from countries such as the USA, Japan or Australia, sports, touring and enduro riders, customizing freaks or motorsports enthusiasts will all find their personal highlight to feel great and have loads of fun at the BMW Motorrad Days.
Following a two-year break - caused by the Covid 19 pandemic - BMW Motorrad invites fans and friends of the brand to the BMW Motorrad Days again on 2 and 3 July 2022. This time the location will be in the Summer Garden of the Messe Berlin trade fair grounds. The event will immediately follow the Pure&Crafted Festival, which will take place on 1 July 2022 at the same location and for which BMW Motorrad is once again the initiator and title sponsor.
Currently, the fourth edition of the Berlin Pure&Crafted Festival held on 17 and 18 September 2021 has already impressively shown that the new location in the heart of City-West has what it takes not only to become the permanent new home for the Pure&Crafted Festival, but at the same time also offers perfect conditions for the BMW Motorrad Days.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad: "The new concept is based on establishing a long-term presence at the BMW’s Berlin plant location with the BMW Motorrad Days. We can make use of the synergies with the already well-known and proven Pure&Crafted Festival. However, they will continue to be two separate and independent events: BMW Motorrad is a partner and sponsor of the Pure&Crafted Festival, while we host the BMW Motorrad Days, the brand's biggest customer event worldwide, ourselves."
On the first weekend of July next year, Pure&Crafted will offer its magic, charm and special moments to visitors already on Friday. As a unique event, the festival will thrill everyone attending with a distinctive mix of live music, motorcycle culture and new heritage lifestyle before the BMW Motorrad Days take the reins on Saturday and Sunday.
Lasting two days, the gathering will once again be dedicated entirely to the international BMW Motorrad fan community and riding fun on two wheels. In addition to new products, spectacular stunts, motorsports celebrities, test rides and a great deal more, guests can particularly look forward to the now legendary party atmosphere of the BMW Motorrad Days, garnished with a dash of Bavarian lifestyle. Visitors to the BMW Motorrad Days 2022 in Berlin can look forward to a varied programme of activities that is broader than ever. The tastes of both young and old are catered for with fun and high spirits being guaranteed for everyone.
The stunt shows push the limits of driving physics and in the original Motodrom, the oldest Wall of Death in the world, the great tradition of wall-of-death riding will be revived. Customizing fans will get their money's worth in the Heritage Area where they can inspect a whole series of custom bikes and the respective equipment".
On top of that, the Berlin hinterland can be explored by motorbike both onroad and offroad on organised tours with local guides. Once again in 2022 there will also be a wide selection of current BMW Motorrad models available for test rides.
BMW PRESS
Its uncomplicated functionality, progressive character profile and range of standard equipment – which comfortably exceeds that of the predecessor model and stands out against its rivals – make the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer a particularly attractive proposition for active, lifestyle-oriented target groups. Four model variants with front-wheel drive and outputs ranging from 100 kW/136 hp to 160 kW/218 hp will be available at launch in February 2022. The new model will be built at BMW Group Plant Leipzig and its vehicle architecture is designed to accommodate both combustion engines and electrified drive systems. Two plug-in hybrid models will be added to the line-up a few months after launch.
The exterior design of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer brings lifestyle attributes and aesthetic sophistication together into a modern crossover character profile. The clean, reduced surface treatment exudes sporting prowess and assured presence. At the front end of the car, these qualities are expressed most prominently by the striking BMW kidney grille, with its increased dimensions, and the slim contours of the headlights. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer comes as standard with full-LED headlights. Adaptive LED Headlights with cornering light function, non-dazzling matrix high beam, urban lights, a motorway beam pattern and bad weather light are on the options list.
Much more heavily raked A-pillars compared to the predecessor model, a stretched side window graphic, flush-fitting door handles and slim C-pillars also play their part in the new car’s dynamic silhouette. The newly designed door shoulders around the A-pillars create much improved all-round visibility. With its broad shoulders and slim LED light units, the rear of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer cuts a particularly muscular figure. The exhaust tailpipes are integrated into the rear apron out of sight on all model variants.
Depending on the model variant, 16-inch or 17-inch light-alloy wheels are fitted as standard. Light-alloy wheels up to 19 inches in size are available as an option. The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer can also be ordered in Luxury Line trim or with an M Sport package as alternatives to basic specification. Two non-metallic and nine metallic paint finishes are available for the exterior.
The size and versatility of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer’s interior are emphasised by the fundamental redesign introduced by the second-generation car. The cabin geometry and a host of details take their cues from the interior concept of the BMW iX technology flagship. This creates a progressive premium ambience, the key features of which include the slim instrument panel, the BMW Curved Display, the “floating” armrest with integrated control panel and an across-the-board reduction in the number of physical control elements.
The space underneath the armrest is used as a storage compartment, while the area in front of it houses generously sized cup holders and a newly designed smartphone slot. The phone remains visible to the driver and front passenger here and can be wirelessly charged as an option.
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer offers occupants in its five seats noticeably better long-distance comfort that of its predecessor. The newly developed, multi-adjustable seats can also be ordered in optional Sensatec perforated or Vernasca leather. Also on the options list are sport seats with prominent bolsters and shoulder areas, electric seat adjustment (including memory function), lumbar support and a massage function. Acoustic comfort and occupant protection have been stepped up too. Indeed, a new interaction airbag between the driver and front passenger is added to the integrated passive safety concept.
An array of storage areas and the multi-adjustable rear seats also contribute to the car’s uncomplicated functionality in everyday use and on longer tips away. With the rear backrests in their cargo position, boot capacity increases by as much as 90 litres. The rear seats can also slide forwards by up to 13 centimetres. This and the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrests present customers with a load compartment that can be used for a multitude of purposes. Boot capacity is 470 –1,455 litres in the BMW 218i Active Tourer and BMW 218d Active Tourer and 415 – 1,405 litres in the BMW 220i Active Tourer and BMW 223i Active Tourer. Automatic tailgate operation comes as standard, while an electrically operated trailer tow hitch can be ordered as an option.
The progressive premium character of the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is also underscored by its extensive standard specification. Fitted as standard alongside the BMW Maps navigation system are four USB-C ports and a 12V power socket in both the centre console and the boot, intelligent two-zone automatic climate control, a Sport leather steering wheel, a rain sensor with windscreen wiper control and automatic headlight activation, a much larger number of driver assistance systems compared with the predecessor model, and Park Assist with Reversing Assist Camera.
Newly structured equipment packages enable extremely specific individualisation of the car. Customers can order high-quality interior trim strips, as well as Sensatec surfaces for the instrument panel and front door shoulders with eye-catching contrast stitching. Other contributors to the premium feel include a mirror package, ambient lighting, a panoramic glass sunroof and a Harman Kardon Sound System.
The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer is also at the vanguard of powertrain technology. The extensively updated combustion engines increase driving pleasure while reducing fuel consumption and emissions, and the latest generation of the seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission – now standard for all model variants – is likewise extremely efficient. A new version of 48V mild hybrid technology is making its debut in the BMW 223i Active Tourer (fuel consumption: 6.6 – 6.0 litres/100 km [42.8 – 47.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 149 – 137 g/km in the WLTP test cycle) and BMW 220i Active Tourer (fuel consumption: 6.5 – 5.9 litres/100 km [43.5 – 47.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 148 – 133 g/km in the WLTP test cycle). The electric motor integrated into the automatic transmission supplements the combustion engine with a power boost now increased to 14 kW/19 hp.
The new BMW 223i Active Tourer has an output of 160 kW/218 hp (generated jointly by the 150 kW/204 hp combustion engine and 14 kW/19 hp electric drive system), and the BMW 220i Active Tourer develops 125 kW/170 hp (generated jointly by the 115 kW/156 hp combustion engine and the 14 kW/19 hp electric drive system). Also available from launch is the 100 kW/136 hp BMW 218i Active Tourer (fuel consumption: 6.8 – 6.2 litres/100 km [41.5 – 45.6 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 154 – 140 g/km in the WLTP test cycle).
All the petrol engines feature a new combustion process and a dual injection system. The diesel engine powering the new BMW 218d Active Tourer (fuel consumption: 5.3 – 4.8 litres/100 km [53.3 – 58.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 138 – 125 g/km in the WLTP test cycle) employs low-friction pistons and two-stage turbocharging with increased efficiency. Maximum output is 110 kW/150 hp.
The line-up will expand further in summer 2022 with the addition of two plug-in hybrid models. These will feature fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology for the first time, enhancing dynamism and giving them a significantly longer electric range.
The chassis technology in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has been engineered to deliver the brand’s customary sporting flair combined with impressive levels of ride comfort in every situation. With a body construction that reduces weight while increasing rigidity, a long wheelbase, and wider tracks than its predecessor, the car’s basic design provides the ideal blueprint for the job at hand.
Steering precision and agility have been enhanced by targeted updates for the single-joint spring strut axle at the front and the three-link rear axle. The near-actuator wheel slip limitation function included as standard improves both traction and directional stability. The integrated braking system is another new feature, as is the extra, lift-related damping for the front axle. The optional adaptive M suspension includes frequency-selective damping, sport steering and a 15-millimetre drop in ride height.
The largest selection of systems for automated driving and parking yet offered for a BMW compact-segment model are available for the new edition of the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. Standard specification includes Cruise Control with brake function, Lane Departure Warning, the Evasion Assistant and front-collision warning. The latter now also reacts to oncoming traffic when turning left and to pedestrians and cyclists and when turning right (in countries where vehicles drive on the right). The Parking Assistant including Reversing Assist Camera and Reversing Assistant also comes as standard. Options include the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, Active Navigation, the exit warning function, the BMW Head-Up Display and the Surround View, Remote 3D View, BMW Drive Recorder and Remote Theft Recorder functions.
Existing functions can be improved or expanded by means of Remote Software Upgrades, and customers can also use Functions on Demand to select and import a range of functions at a later stage, such as Driving Assistant Plus including Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function (availability depends on the hardware fitted in the vehicle and the market conditions).
The new generation of the control/operation system iDrive, included here in a compact-segment model from BMW for the first time, is based on BMW Operating System 8. It links up as standard with the BMW Curved Display – with its state-of-the-art graphics and menu structure – and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with expanded skills range. The BMW Curved Display fully digital screen grouping is formed by a 10.25-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches. The new BMW iDrive is built around intuitive touch control and voice control.
The new My Modes bring together individually selected vehicle settings with the relevant interior experience worlds. The cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps can be specified as an option with the Augmented View function on the control display. The interior camera allows those on board to take snapshots during a journey and send them to their smartphone. New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer customers can also make use of a Personal eSIM designed to work with the new 5G mobile technology, as well as the BMW ID for individualisation of the user experience and further improved smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Thank you to all of those who entered our colouring competition over the school holidays. See below for the results!
Harlow, age 1 (special mention)
Vivienne, age 3 (draw ages 2-4)
Olivia, age 2 (draw ages 2 - 4)
Elisa, age 6 (draw ages 5 - 8)
Payton, age 7 (draw ages 5 - 8)
Harper, age 11 (draw ages 9 - 13)
Tim (draw ages 17+)
MONTH IN REVIEW
Dear members
For many of us, September meant another month in lockdown so all of our in-person events were cancelled. However we did start our month with a virtual car show. Lots of members sent in their cars and we saw some really surprising collections out there! Lawrence did a fantastic job of putting each of the cars into a presentation so that the owners could give us some insight into their collections.
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We were also asked by one of our members if we could have a children’s activity for the school holidays, so we ran a two week colouring in competition with varying age groups from 2 to 102. We can't wait to announce the winners! Thank you to Shannon Cooper and his family for sponsoring this competition.
On 21 September we held our AGM. The new committee were voted in as were two resolutions. We are happy to say our committee will remain unchanged for the next 12 months. Thank you all for having the faith to have us back for another year, we hope we do you all proud.
On 25 September many of us got up at 2am to join the BMW Clubs and Community Management team who showed us how to access the new online BMW Archives department. It was great seeing how easy and accessible it is to be able to source information about your car or motorbike. There will be more of these style events in the future, they are definitely worth joining if you don't mind the late night (or very early morning).
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE: 624 MEMBERS
Welcome to our new members Johnathon Oliver, Brett Ditchfield, David King, Jim Graham, Marla Waak, Jason Hrvatin, Alex Caldwell and Chris Houghton-Allen. We look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
NOTICE TO CLUB PERMIT CAR OWNERS
With our cars being locked away in either our garages or storage it is easy to forget to ensure our club permits are kept up to date. Please take this message as a timely reminder that it is your responsibility to ensure your club permit is current and does not lapse. If it does lapse and remains unpaid for 90 days, you will need to reapply for your club permit (which means also getting another road worthy certificate). When you receive your club permit renewal make sure you get them to us in time for them to be posted back, allowing extra time for delayed postage throughout Covid. Please also ensure you have a self-addressed stamped envelope in with the renewal for us to return to you. If you are paying your club permit electronically please make sure all the details are filled in correctly on the form before emailing it to us. If you have any questions, please reach out to us any time.
Don't forget to catch up with this month's update from our President, Graeme Bell here.
THE MONTH AHEAD
Here's what we've got planned in October:
Tuesday, 12 OctoberVirtual October Members Meeting - Becoming a Motorsport Official If you are a keen motorsport enthusiast and have never been able to get on the track, being an official may just be up your alley. Being a Motorsport Australia official will give you access to all types of motorsport, from grass roots to Supercars and F1. Tuesday, 26 October (member only event)Drop in with The Richards - Virtual Zoom Event Join us for an informal catch up with Steven and Clayton Richards. Steve and Clay will be chatting to us via Zoom about their motorsport careers and there will be plenty of time to chat after and ask them both lots of questions.
Be sure to keep an eye on our calendar to stay up to date with our events.
NEWS & BLOG
Our blog page on the website is constantly being updated with not just club news, but everything BMW from all around the world! We welcome you to submit any articles of your own.
Club blog.
BMW around the globe.
2021 AGM
Thanks to those who attended our AGM in September. We had 45 attendees and a quorum of 53 with 25 voting members and 28 Proxy votes received.
Re-elected roles:
President: Graeme Bell
Vice President: Jo Mawson
Secretary: Lawrence Glynn
Treasurer: Shaaron Glynn
All matters from the meeting were voted in.
Prize winners
We would like to thank our sponsor for their donations and Stephen Mattingly for chairing the meeting.
CLASSIFIEDS
Have you seen our classifieds page?
Want to sell something? Looking for a specific item? Email us today to list your car/parts/anything BMW related!
FROM THE WELFARE TEAM
idrive magazine
Everyone has their own BMW story - we'd love to share yours.
Email us to feature in our very own idrive magazine.
CLUB PARTNERS
Members are welcome to submit their business to be shared on the Club Partners page on our website and idrive magazine. We believe in supporting those who support us. If you would like your business listed email us with your details.
As always - thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing you at an event soon!
President | Graeme Bell 0407 186 296 Vice President | Jo Mawson 0412 661 900 Secretary | Lawrence Glynn 0414 563 290 Treasurer | Shaaron Glynn
Proudly supported by: All Commercial/All Residential Real Estate Bell Motorsport
Berwick BMW
BM Tech
Creative Custom Cars German Auto Haus
Mornington BMW
Shannons Insurance South Yarra BMW
Southern BM
Traction Tyres
Waverley BMW
Zagame Autobody
Dear members,
September has seen us continue another month in lockdown so nearly all of our planned events had to be cancelled or postponed, leaving us to continue with the virtual world to interact with everyone. Now that we have the unenviable title of most locked down city in the world, it is very understandable that we are all feeling the stress and depression coming from being kept from doing the things we love. I hope you are all doing as best you can to keep your mental heath up and that of those in your world. Keep thinking of the, hopefully, not too distant future, when we can get back to a normal life and see our friends and families again and enjoy all the things we love.
Round 9 of our Traction Tyres/Yokohama Drivers Championship was cancelled which was disappointing, but we are hoping that we will be able to get a couple more rounds in before the end of the year once we start opening up again.
Similarly, our Port Fairy Whale Watching Weekend trip, which had been moved from June long weekend until September with the hope we could get away for a few days, but unfortunately this didn’t happen either. We will try to do the whale watching in 2022.
We did however, start our month with a virtual car show and catch up and because this was all new we were not sure how it would work, but we were very happy that it turned out a great night. Lots of members cars and some surprising collections out there. We can’t wait to be able to get out and visit some of our members “man caves” once we open up again. It was a great night and it was so nice to be able to also catch up and have a chat after the virtual car show too. Lawrence did a fantastic job of putting the cars into a presentation and each of the owners was able to give us some insight into their cars and collections and answer a few questions along the way.
We were also asked by one of our younger members if we could have a children’s activity for the school holidays, so we currently have a two week colouring in competition with varying age groups from 2 to 102. We are looking forward to seeing some amazing art cars, some have come in already and they look amazing. Thank you to Shannon Cooper and his family for sponsoring this competition.
On 21 September we held our AGM and again this was attended well with easily a quorum of 53 allowing the AGM to proceed. The new committee were voted in as were two resolutions and we are happy to say our committee will remain unchanged for the next 12 months. Thank you all for having the faith to have us back for another year, we hope we do you all proud.
On 25 September a lot of us got up again at 2am, where the BMW Clubs and Community Management team showed us how to access the new online BMW Archives department. It was great seeing how easy and accessible it is to be able to source information about your car or motorbike.
We have been trying to keep things interesting for you all and through October we have a few interesting Zoom meetings to look forward to.
12 October will be our ‘Becoming an Official’ virtual meeting, where we will have some senior officials from different areas of motorsport officialling online to answer some questions and also guide you to the correct pathway.
26 October will be a Catch up with the Richards, with Steve and Clay Richards joining us for an informal night chatting about their careers and answering your questions. There is also a chance for one of our members to win a signed model of Steve’s M6 GT3, you have to be registered for the event and present when the draw is held to win.
Again, there were some events planned for October which have either been postponed or cancelled and we are so sorry this has happened, but as you know this is out of our control. As soon as we are allowed to get back out and do anything, we will! We have so many event ideas for everyone to come along to, you won’t be left with nothing to do. We will again only take a short break over Christmas and get straight back into running all the events you love in January.
Looking further ahead, we have some great events planned for 2022, German Auto Show, Geelong Revival, Maling Road, just to name a few. Watch the event alerts for reminders and registrations.
11-14 March will be the Clubs Australia Nationals, this time being held in Canberra. We are hoping for a large contingent of Melbourne members attending, and of course Peter Williams will be planning another fantastic road trip up and back for us all to enjoy. Get your accommodation booked early, as rooms will sell out quickly. Of course, if the current situation with borders and pandemic closures continues you will be able to cancel your accommodation and get a full refund, but better to get it booked now than try and get in somewhere last minute. The program is looking very interesting and it will be so good to catch up with all our interstate BMW Club friends again. I have been to quite a few of the BMW Club Nationals now and can assure you they are a lot of fun and something not to be missed.
We plan on hitting the ground running once we are allowed to get out there, so be ready for a full-on summer.
There has been talk from both the State and Federal Governments that venues will be requiring proof of you being double-vaxed to be able to attend any sort of public events. We have put a tick box in our membership system for you to be able to tick if you are already double-vaxed or not, so we will be able to keep track if necessary. We, as a club, will not make it mandatory for you to be double-vaxed to come to our events, however we will be governed by the places we go and the laws at the time. It is something we all need to think of and accept, that it is a different world now, and will be for a while to come. So we all have to play our part in living with Covid and moving forward.
If you link your MyGov account with Medicare, you can download your Vaccination Certificate and also add it to your wallet on your smart phone for easy display. If you don’t have a smart phone you may need to carry a paper copy with you. A lot of places we are talking to are already mentioning that people will need to be double-vaxed, so best get ready as soon as you can.
These are very trying times and if we all work together and do the right thing, hopefully we will all be able to get out and enjoy some great events in the later part of this year and into 2022. Until we see you again, take care, get jabbed and hope for the easing of restrictions sooner rather than later to get us back out and enjoying life again.
Graeme Bell | President BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc.
P.O. Box 81, TYABB VIC 3913 Incorporated in Victoria #A0102695G BMW Drivers Club Melbourne Inc is a member of: BMW Clubs Australia and the BMW Clubs International Council Motorsport Australia Affiliated Motorsport Club
Event date: early hours of 25 September 2021
For those of us that stayed up late on Friday night, or indeed got up at 2am on Saturday morning, we had a lovely catch-up and chat with our friend Eva and her colleagues from BMW Clubs and Community Management (BCCM) live from Munich. This was the second monthly video hook up, and great to see quite a few members logging in to hear all about the new online BMW Archive that is now available via the BMW Classic web site.
We were shown through the search functions and just how much material is available for you to search. Everything from pictures to service books and workshop and parts manuals for everything you can think of. As BMW are moving their physical archives into a new building, everything is being stored digitally as well, so we can search for anything from anywhere. It's quite amazing the level of detail they have available, so go and have a look, download the BMW Museum app too and have a look at what is there! If you need a hand, let us know and we can send you directions to the web site and how to find things.
Eva also mentioned that starting very soon, BMW Classic will be hosting twice monthly enthusiast get togethers at Classic, so once we are able to travel again and if you happen to be in Munich, you are very welcome to drop in and say hello at one of the events. So that is another reason to let us know if you are going to Munich, we can contact Eva and you will be welcomed to Munich, as we were when last we were there. Well worth the visit, as there is so much to see at Classic.
Hopefully, the next catch-up with Eva and BCCM will be at a more respectable time for us in Australia. If not we will again report on anything of interest, but I look forward to the next one regardless, as it is fantastic to be able to go to Munich and catch up on the news, without getting on a plane.
Graeme Bell | Member #1 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
Event date: 21 September 2021
With our extended lockdown, the BMWDCM Annual General Meeting via Zoom held on evening of 21 September 2021 was well attended with 39 club members, following the week after with our September extended lockdown Zoom monthly meetings.
In the comfort with the warmth in our own homes, an introduction to the night by the standing Vice President, Jo Mawson, it was good to see other club members and talk live to each other to break to the new routine of being restricted our homes of night.
The conversation before any formalities and voting was quite relaxed, with the standing President, Graeme Bell, asking how we are all going with the current lockdown and general chat, as well as thanking those contributing to the clubs success for the past twelve months, especially in current circumstances, the welfare team.
As the formality of the BMWDCM Annual General Meeting began, the standing Secretary, Lawrence Glynn, along with the standing Treasurer, Sharron Glynn, presented the BMWDCM 2020/2021 financials, taking us through the fiscal particulars.
Next on the agenda, nominations and voting on the four BMWDCM committee positions for 2021/2022. Being only four nominations, one for each position, being President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, each standing member removed themselves from their current roles, to be re-voted by those in attendance of this meeting back into their previous roles for the following year. Congratulations to all four committee members.
With this formality completed, two proposed amendments were made to the BMWDCM charter that were second regarding membership pricing and future AGM formal voting.
Upon completion and the formal part of the meeting being behind us, general discussion was back in hand, discussing future events and their postponement, new purchases, AFL grand final and for some reason, members cats, dogs and kittens wanted to intrude on in the meeting, probably being confused on what we are all doing up so late.
Compliments to our BMWDCM Committee members in retaining their roles. I mentioned to one of the committee members last night, the BMWDCM may be the product and business, but Graeme, Jo, Lawrence and Shaaron, you four are the club. Again congratulations.
Paul Holliday | Member #296 BMW Drivers Club Melbourne
If you like motor racing and can't afford the cost but still want to be in the front line you should consider volunteering to be a scrutineer. As a volunteer scrutineer you get to not only see the cars that you love, but talk to the teams and drivers as well as ensuring that the cars meet the appropriate regulations. No experience is required and training is provided at no cost to you, all you need is a love of motor sport. If you are interested go to our website which is www.scrutineering.info for more details on who to contact about becoming a volunteer scrutineer.
As a volunteer scrutineer you will be involved in the checking of a car that has been set up to go racing, rallying or off road. The main emphasis on race day is safety so the checking of drivers apparel and car safety items are a priority with non-critical checks being carried out as the day goes on. In addition you get the opportunity to get close to cars in pit lane and see them as they enter and exit the track while monitoring the support teams in action to ensure that cars are worked on in an appropriate manner and within the rules. When you gain the required qualifications and experience there are opportunities to volunteer to manage a category and get right into the nitty gritty of scrutineering.
Geoff Riddle VSAP Secretary www.scrutineering.info
I thought I’d do a quick update to check in on you and make sure you're keeping your mental health up, and also that of your friends and family. These trying times are hard for everyone and I understand can be made worse when part of the state is released from lockdown but many of us are not. Please try and stay positive and think of the years ahead when we will look back and see just how lucky we are. We have so much to be thankful for, living in the best country in the world, and this is just a small set back that will be over one day.
My other reason for a mid-month update is to let you all know that there was a quiet announcement printed in the Herald-Sun this weekend about the changes to the Club Permit Scheme.
To say we were shocked is an understatement. The Minister/Government has listened to the people that a law is going to impact and have decided not to change the 25 year eligibility rule for accessing the scheme to 30 years. This is great news for all of those who have cars approaching 25 years old, as you will still be able to get them onto a club permit when they are 25 years old and not wait an extra 5 years.
There were 1,060 submissions to the Minister regarding the proposals to change the rules and we were one of the more comprehensive he would have received. So we are very happy to hear that that part of the scheme won’t be changing.
We do still have some work ahead of us though. We will now continue to correspond with the Minister and the Department of Transport about the proposed changes to the Written off Vehicles Register and their proposals to add cars over 15 years old to the register, making it more difficult to repair historic cars and keep our motoring heritage alive and on the road.
If you would like to read more about the announcement regarding the Club Permit Scheme, you can do so here.
If you would like more information about the proposed changes or our submissions to the Department of Transport and the Minister, you can contact Lawrence: secretary@bmwdcm.com.au or myself: president@bmwdcm.com.au. We are trying very hard to get sensible outcomes for these new laws and it is fantastic to see that our submissions are being heard.
We have some online events coming up to give you all something to do through lockdown, like our coloring competition and the second catch up with BCCM in Munich later in the month. We are also organising a special Zoom or two with some very special guests! Keep an eye out for the event emails or check our events page for more details on any of these events.
For now though, take care, stay safe and get a jab so we can get past this and get back to what we love doing. Keep thinking about the future and look forward to when we can get back to normal. If you are feeling sad or lonely, pick up the phone and give me or the Welfare Team a call, we are here for you all, always and at any time.
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