AutoAction
FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SIGN UP

Sandown 500 drives focus on dementia

Payne 2023 sandown 500

By Thomas Miles

As a salute to Allan Moffat, Supercars, Penrite Racing and Penrite Oil are teaming up with Dementia Australia to make it the official charity partner of the Sandown 500.

In Australia, more than 421,000 people live with dementia and four time Bathurst 1000 winner and six time Sandown 500 winner Moffat is living with Alzheimer’s disease.

His presence will be big on the track with Penrite Racing running tribute liveries based off his 1974 Sandown 250 winning Falcon.

Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan said it was a privilege to see the partnership with Supercars carry on for a second straight year.

“Thank you to Penrite Oil, Penrite Racing, Supercars and most importantly to Allan Moffat and his network of supporters for continuing to give back to the racing community and helping all racegoers to know that if they are impacted by dementia – they are not alone,” Professor Buchanan said.

“I also thank Steve Grove of Grove Racing who partners with Penrite for his support and generous donation to Dementia Australia in honour of a close family member. The Grove family like so many Australians, has been impacted by dementia.

“Allan Moffat as our Dementia Australia Patron and his support network have been so generous in sharing  his diagnosis and experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease to raise awareness in the community and vital funds for Dementia Australia at fundraising.dementia.org.au/allan-moffat.

“Allan first talked about his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in September 2019 and with his support network he has continued to raise awareness about dementia as a Dementia Australia Patron.

Racegoers are encouraged to visit Dementia Australia’s marquee on site across the three event days where there will be information, and they can purchase merchandise and commemorative Allan Moffat OBE pins.

“The Penrite Oil Sandown 500 is the perfect lead into Dementia Australia Action Week which will run from 16-22 September,” said Buchanan.

“Head to dementia.org.au to find out how you can join us to create a future where all people impacted by dementia are supported and welcomed in their communities, no matter where they live.

“I encourage anyone who has concerns about themselves or someone close to them to contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. It’s available for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”

Penrite Oil brand manager Jarrod Harding said supporting the Sandown 500 was just as much about raising awareness on Dementia as Supercars.

“We are so pleased to be working again with Allan Moffat and Dementia Australia,” he said.

“With more than 421,000 Australians estimated to be living with dementia and more than 1.6 million people involved in their care, it’s an important cause for everyone and especially close to our hearts here at Penrite Oil.

“As part of the partnership, Penrite Oil will be working with Allan Moffat and his support team to promote Dementia Australia’s work and to encourage community support for the charity’s activities.”

Image: Peter Norton EPIC Sports Photography

READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.