The battle for control of Australian Speedway Racing has taken another turn with Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd, promoter of Parramatta City Raceway announcing that the Sprintcar Association of New South Wales  will now have no jurisdiction  over the conduct of race meetings staged at the track.

PCR General Manager, David Tapp, said that the decision to sever ties with the SANSW was regrettable but has been made based on Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd’s strong belief that the SANSW is steadfastly working against the future direction and commercial objectives of the company. 

“In coming weeks, the Raceway will be contacting all Sprintcar competitors to outline the venue’s plans for the new season and to invite participation for the 2010-2011 season.” he said.

• Other changes include:

  • Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd shall be appointing its own key officials to oversee all racing activity staged at the venue. These officials will possess the appropriate accreditation and relevant credentials.

  • All competitors/car owners will be required to “nominate” for each race meeting directly with Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd via its new online system based on its event nomination policies/procedures.

  • Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd will be paying relevant prize-money earnings directly to each individual car owner/competitor by EFT transfer.

  • Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd shall be making alternative arrangements in relation to transponder technology for all competitors.

  • Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd will manage the annual Sprintcar Track Championship at TPCR.

  • Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd will be introducing its own end of season Gala Function to recognise the recipients of major awards based on the outcome of the TPCR arranged and managed Sprintcar Track Championship.

  • The SANSW will still facilitate competitor licensing and/or Club memberships within NSW but this will be its only role when it comes to Sprintcar racing staged at Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway.

The fallout comes after recent action by Speedway competitors to try and regain control of the sport from the National Association of Speedway Racing. (NASR). Competitor groups were responsible for complaints lodged to The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

This resulted in a recent decision by the ACCC to revoke third line forcing notifications that enabled the National Association of Speedway Racing to restrict its licensees from racing only at NASR approved tracks and venues.

In a media statement ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said “The ACCC is concerned by the notified conduct because it could have a significant effect on tracks and venues not approved by NASR, as they will no longer be able to attract NASR licence holders to race at their venues,”

Mr Samuel said that “While the ACCC acknowledges there is significant public benefit in having safety standards for speedway tracks and venues which are monitored and enforced, the ACCC considers a significant public detriment results from preventing NASR licensees from racing at tracks and venues which are not approved by NASR, but which otherwise meet the appropriate safety and insurance standards.”