Motoring clubs across South Australia are being handed the keys to another chance at funding, with the fourth and final round of the state’s Car Club Grants Program now officially open. Designed to back grassroots motorsport communities, the program has already made its mark—fueling everything from hillclimbs to historic car rallies.
First introduced in 2023 as part of the Malinauskas Government’s election commitments, the $2 million program has supported more than 200 projects so far. With $1.5 million already distributed to eligible clubs across the state, this final round marks the last lap in a four-year run that has given motoring groups a real shot at growing their capacity, facilities and membership.
The latest round alone saw a record-breaking 75 projects from 64 clubs funded, with $500,000 split across safety equipment, building upgrades and event support. Among the standout initiatives were life-saving defibrillators, clubroom makeovers, and funding for signature events that draw new drivers and spectators alike.
Regional South Australia has been a clear winner, with over 10 rural projects getting green-lit. The Collingrove Hillclimb in the Barossa Valley, a well-known motorsport site, secured $40,000 to improve infrastructure and facilities. The funding is expected to lift the site’s appeal for visitors while giving competitors a safer, more durable surface for practice and competition.
In October, the Veteran Car Club of South Australia will roll out 150 vehicles manufactured before 1919 for a six-day rally through the Murraylands. The event is partly supported by a $5,000 grant and is likely to attract significant interest from vintage car lovers across the country. A Triumph Stag rally planned through the Riverland—also impacted by past flooding events—is similarly expected to bring interstate tourists to the area, giving local communities a welcome economic bump.
Young drivers haven’t been left in the rearview either. The Southern Districts Car Club will use a $23,000 grant to construct an all-weather training space at Cambrai, helping to foster safer, more confident driving among the next generation. Meanwhile, the Morgan Classic and Custom Vehicles Club will carry out essential repairs to their clubroom with the help of a $25,000 boost.
Efforts to broaden motorsport’s appeal have also received attention. The Adelaide Car Club is gearing up for a “Women on Track” event aimed at mentoring female enthusiasts and opening up more space for women in what’s traditionally been a male-dominated scene. Over on the Yorke Peninsula, the community at Price is planning an eye-catching tractor pull and show ’n’ shine display that celebrates agricultural vehicles alongside classic cars.
These initiatives reflect a wider shift in how grassroots motorsport is perceived—not just as a pastime, but as something with cultural and economic weight. With more than 200 recognised motoring clubs operating across the state, and over 46,000 vehicles currently registered under South Australia’s conditional scheme, the interest is anything but niche. That scheme includes a broad mix of vehicles: historic classics, custom-built models, street rods and left-hand drives, all of which rely on club backing for registration and upkeep.
The grants themselves come in three streams, allowing flexibility for clubs to decide where they most need support. Whether it’s rebuilding damaged infrastructure, buying safety equipment, or launching community events, the aim is to leave clubs stronger and better positioned for the years ahead.
With the final round now open, clubs have until 25 August 2025 to apply. As with earlier rounds, eligibility is restricted to not-for-profit clubs that have been running for at least a year. Successful applicants will be announced later in the year, bringing the program to its final milestone.
The decision to create a four-year funding cycle was framed as a way to provide long-term value to clubs and their members. By giving groups time to plan and build up momentum, the structure encouraged sustainable growth instead of quick fixes. The outcome has been a more inclusive and resilient motoring culture, with events returning post-pandemic and new members signing up across age groups.
At a time when local sporting organisations are competing for attention and funding, the car and motorcycle clubs of South Australia have demonstrated what can happen when communities are given the tools to succeed. Their projects stretch well beyond the race track—offering driver education, mental health support, tourism engagement and cross-generational mentoring.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tom Koutsantonis has been vocal about the broader role motoring clubs play in the state. “The South Australian Car Club Program is fuelling the growth of grassroots participation in motorsport by enabling car and motorcycle clubs to build on their proud history,” he said. “As clubs get set to rev up projects awarded in round three, we are excited to announce the fourth and final round of grants to drive their ambitions into the future.”
He added that South Australia remains a top destination for motoring events, with its combination of open landscapes, passionate communities and heritage appeal helping to draw both competitors and casual observers.
The mix of events supported through this program tells its own story. They’re not just about racing, but about presence—showing up in local towns, drawing crowds, filling accommodation, and giving communities something to cheer for. Whether it’s a 1910s touring car rolling into Mannum, or a first-time driver getting their start in Cambrai, the effects ripple outwards.
While this is the final round of funding under the current scheme, the ideas it has seeded are likely to carry on. Clubs now have better facilities, more volunteers, and a bigger pool of potential members. That kind of momentum, once started, tends to keep moving.
The grant program has been as much about strengthening clubs internally as it has been about public-facing events. Quiet investments—like better storage, weatherproof structures, new signage and safer parking—often matter just as much as headline-grabbing rallies. These details keep events running smoothly, encourage repeat attendance, and reduce the burden on small volunteer teams.
Motorsport often conjures images of high speed and high stakes. But in places like South Australia, it’s just as often about keeping history alive, giving people a hobby to share, and making sure the next wave of drivers learn the ropes properly.
With applications now open for the last round, clubs that haven’t yet taken part still have a chance to get involved. Those that have already received funding are making visible progress, using the money for practical changes that benefit members and visitors alike.
Anyone interested in applying can visit the SA Car Club Program website for guidelines and forms. For those already turning wrenches or planning event day checklists, it’s a rare opportunity to keep the engine running well into the future.
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