Calder Park date inclusion causes Vic State Race Series rift

A social media release from the Victorian State Racing Series and some reactive media sources revealing dates for a potential Calder Park State Race Series round in 2023, has caused problems within the Victorian racing community.

As revealed by AUTO ACTION on October 19 regarding Calder Park’s revival, the management at Calder Park are working hard to bring the facility back, but its reopening as a race venue is still some way-off from becoming a reality.

The posting of a draft calendar today has caused upset amongst members of the VSRS panel, as well as members and management of Motorsport Australia, who are yet to grant a track licence for the venue.

Although Motorsport Australia and rival sanctioning organisation the AASA have both undertaken track inspections, the final reports are yet to be given back to Calder Park management to be acted upon, and until all rectification is carried out, no track licences will be granted.

Whilst AUTO ACTION has been aware for sometime that the VSRS faces a limited venue issue, and whilst recognising Calder Park as a future possibility, it is currently not a confirmed venue.

One VSRS committee member was completely dumbfounded and disappointed that a draft 2023 series calendar with Calder included as a ‘TBC’ was put up, given the situation with the ongoing negotiations.

When contacted by AUTO ACTION, Motorsport Australia expressed some concern about a VSRS calendar being promoted with Calder Park as a Round 6 venue, because it has not been granted a licence.

Paul Riordan, Motorsport Australia’s General Manager of Media and Communications, says that no such permits have been issued for it to be released on a speculative calendar.

“Calder Park does not currently hold a valid Motorsport Australia track licence at this time,”Riordan commented.

“For an event to be held at the venue, such as the Victorian State Series, the circuit needs a valid track licence before any permits can be issued.

“Motorsport Australia is in ongoing discussions with Calder Park Management about the work required for any potential track licence to be issued, and the publication of any state calendars is the responsibility of the relevant state panel.”

As AUTO ACTION has been reporting for some months, Victoria could be facing a resurgence of available race circuits with Calder undergoing a rejuvenation, changes to the board at the MRC making Sandown’s survival look more positive, Winton and Phillip Island looking strong, and the likely development of a purpose built motorsport facility at Avalon airport precinct.

Although…isn’t it wonderful to see that the mainstream motorsport media are showing an interest in state level motorsport!

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