Entries are now open for our first round of 2012. As with previous years, you have a number of options for submitting entries - the old fashioned paper entry (you can download a PDF, print it out and post or fax it in), the even more old fashioned paper entry (where you can request us to send you a paper form so you can fill it out and send it in), or the all-singing, all-dancing online entry system. The one link below will take you to a page where you have all three options. We're also rewarding those who enter for multiple rounds with a discount system - the more rounds you enter, the bigger the discount.

Round 1 will be held at Queensland Raceway, 31 March - 1 April (with Friday practice available 30 March). Entries are open to Production Racing Cars, Muscle Division and Touring Car Challenge.

It's around 80 days to the first round of the 2012 Independent Race Series. Our last round was nearly four months ago. For many of us, we'll be suffering from withdrawals, and itching to get back on the track.

To help get you in the mood, we've compiled a list of inspirational videos - either directly motorsport related, or looking at competition in parallel sports. Enjoy!

Senna movie - just a preview here, go and get yourself the whole thing on DVD (or from iTunes).

TT3D - Closer to the Edge - an awesome documentary about the Isle of Man TT, it features some stunning footage, and looks at why people keep coming back. A really good look at why people love motorsport. Preview below, the whole thing is tricky to get hold of on DVD/Bluray, but it's worth the search!

Why - a short film to promote a new Nikon camera, but looks at why people love the sports they live and breathe.

The Art of Flight - a snowboarding movie, but visually stunning, and again it looks at why people keep coming back to the sport they love. The full thing is well worth a watch, available on DVD, or iTunes.

24 Hours in 19500 Frames - short film capturing some of the emotion of endurance racing.

Climb Attack - a bit of a tribute to the classic Climb Dance.

Danny Hart Downhill Run - some amazing commentary, and a sportsman operating well and truly in the "zone".

Those of you who are eagle eyed or subscribe to our newsletter (or both) will already know about the 2012 iRace calendar. Six rounds at Queensland Raceway, Eastern Creek and Morgan Park between March and November.

The 2012 Independent Race Series calendar is now available to download in two convenient formats:

• Click here to download and print a PDF calendar
• Click here to subscribe to the iCal format calendar

Entries for Round 1 will open very soon. Competitors, please note that Round 1 is open to Production Racing Cars, Touring Car Challenge and Muscle Division only. All other rounds will be open to all categories.

Those of you who have an action or onboard camera will already know the benefits:

• Driver development: you can see how different lines work, and use the footage as a tool to improve your driving
• Bragging Rights: you can show your friends, family and fans how awesome you are, and let them see some of the action that previously only you got to see
• Sponsor Appreciation: you can share videos with your sponsors to show them how their support has made a difference
• Other Uses: there are plenty of other benefits too - taking photos, taking a video of a complicated procedure so you can remember how to put that gearbox back together and so on

If you don't have an onboard camera yet, now is the time! Christmas is nearly here, and these make an awesome gift.

The DRIFT guys have been fantastic supporters of iRace, and actually gave away three Drift HD 170 Stealths to our competitors, plus they make some of the best cams on the market.

The latest and greatest is the Drift HD - all the awesome features and amazing video images in a super compact package. The Drift HD is available for $399.

If you're after a slightly cheaper option, the Drift HD170 Stealth is an amazing deal at $269.

Both these cams offer great video, and the signature Drift features of a rotatable lens and inbuilt LCD screen, allowing you to make sure you get the perfect shot, and to allow you to review your footage on the camera itself.

If you're after an excellent mount, we recommend the Ultra Clamp - $45 and easily positioned wherever you want.

So, whether it's for yourself, or your favourite racer, the Drift line of action cameras is perfect this Christmas!

The one night package for two at the "Comet Inn" was won by Mitch Lennard from Race Control at Round 5.  A huge thank you to all the officials who helped make the event happen - in the rain and cold! Thank you also to Rod Gurney Racing and Comet Inn.

Our volunteer officials help make iRace the great series it is. We have an awesome group of people who are always ready to lend a hand, and make our race meetings possible.

We work hard to give something back to the officials, and a team who have helped us do that over and over again are Rod Gurney Racing. The Gurney family have helped us say thank you to the officials on many occasions.

And they've done it again. This time, a one night package for two at the historic "Comet Inn" at Hartley Vale in the Blue Mountains is on offer.

The "Comet Inn" was built in 1879 and has been lovingly restored by it's owners Greg and Kathy Knoble. You can find more information on the Comet Inn here.

The prize includes meals and accommodation for 2 and is valued at over $300.

A huge thank you to our awesome officials, and thank you to Comet Inn and the Gurneys.

We've put together three full race videos for each of the West End Mazda Production Racing Cars races held at Lakeside for Round 3. The videos are shot from onboard three of the category cars - Richard Mork, Paul Leabeater and Neil Byers. Hopefully they give an idea of what it's like to race in the Production Racing Cars category.

We've embedded the videos below, or you can view them (and a host of other videos) on our Vimeo page.

Enjoy.