Australia’s Motorsport community has joined the rest of the nation in supporting the victims of the terrible bushfires that as we go to press continue to race across Victoria.

At this time over 180 people are confirmed dead with many others missing or seriously injured.

Young Victorian Drifter Luke Jacobs and his parents Alan and Miros Jacobs as well as Luke’s close friend BMX rider Nathan Charles all lost their lives at the Jacobs family home in Koornalla. 

“This is a horrible tragedy and they will be sorely missed.” said Drift Australia’s Wayne Boatwright. 

Several Victorian state rally competitors lost business and homes in the inferno that swept across the ranges at a stunning speed fanned by 46 degree temperatures and gale force winds.

V8 Supercars Australia joined other professional sporting groups across the country in announcing a $100000 donation to the national appeal while V8 stars, Jamie Whincup, Craig Lowndes, Garth Tander and Will Davison gave their time in a nationally televised appeal that raised over $20 million.

“As a sport we are doing what we can with this donation and the other initiatives announced today” said V8 Supercar Chairman Tony Cochrane. “We urge our fan base throughout Australia to contribute to this extremely worthwhile cause.”

V8 Supercars Australia CEO Cameron Levick said that all proceeds from the annual test day at Winton Motor Raceway on March 9 would also be donated to the relief fund. Queensland Raceway, which has a test day on March 11, will donate all it’s gate takings to the North Queensland Flood Appeal.

Jamie Whincup said he was devastated by the fires in an area so close to where he grew up.

“Personally I am in a state of shock - having grown up only 15 minutes from the Whittlesea Relief Centre; I enjoyed much of my recreational time in the King Lake district and have many of my relatives, friends and fans located in the fire affected area. 

“I have today personally donated $1,000 to the appeal and call upon my fellow V8 Supercar drivers to match that amount. If we can all do this that will equate to an additional $30,000 on top of the $100,000 V8 Supercars have donated as our sports governing body.”

The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) is also pledging its support to those affected by the bushfire tragedy by setting up the CAMS Bushfire Support Appeal.

The appeal will be specifically targeted to assist the many CAMS members who have been impacted by the fires.

The appeal has been kick-started with a $25,000 pledge by the Victorian Rally Panel, whose

members and areas used for rallying within Victoria are among the worst affected.

CAMS CEO Graham Fountain encourages everyone involved in motor sport and the broader CAMS

family to contribute to the Appeal.

“While this is a tough time for everyone financially, I urge anyone who is in a position to donate to do so in this enormous time of need. Already we are receiving information from our members of the impact this event has had on them and how they now need to turn to rebuilding their lives.”

Mr Fountain, a former CEO of the Country Fire Authority also passed on the heartfelt appreciation of the Confederation to the CFA volunteers and other emergency and relief workers.

Victorian Rally Panel Chairman and Rally Commission member Darryn Snooks said, “This

natural disaster of unprecedented proportions has a direct impact on our sport and

members.

“It is incumbent on us all to provide support as much as we can, so dig deep and let’s show

that motor sport, and CAMS, is there to support our people in times of need.”

Contributions to the CAMS appeal can be made through the National Australia Bank using the following account details:

Account name: CAMS Bushfire Support Appeal

BSB: 083 166

Account number: 83-304-2862

In Pit Lane would also like to pass on all our sympathies and support for the many people who have suffered so much in this appalling tragedy. We particularly extend our thoughts to our good friend Craig Young who lost his home at Strathewin in the blaze. Craig, as manager of the RMIT University TV studio where In Pit Lane is produced, has been an enormous supporter of In Pit Lane and many other RMITV and C31 productions for many years. 

We thank him for that support and wish him and others involved all the best in rebuilding their lives after the horror of this inferno.