The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) and the Australian Street Rod Federation (ASRF) have announced a new partnership to promote drag racing, motorsport, and street rodding across Australia, signing a Memorandum of Understanding that both organisations say is about encouraging safe participation and getting more members behind the wheel.
The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two organisations, whose activities were historically connected through the Australian Hot Rod Federation before their organisational separation in 1973.
Under the agreement, the two organisations will cross-promote events, safety initiatives, member communications and industry advocacy through their various platforms, and they may also share administrative support while exploring member benefits, joint initiatives and charitable activities that provide mutual benefit to members and affiliated clubs.
ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Tim McAvaney, said the formal ties gave both organisations a practical way to work together on the things they already had in common.
“We share a history – our activities were connected through the Australian Hot Rod Federation before 1973 – and we share a commitment to preserving Australia’s automotive heritage and promoting safe and responsible vehicle use,” McAvaney said.
“This agreement lets us promote each other’s events, share resources where it makes sense, and advocate for the interests of the automotive community.
“ANDRA brings the rules, safety standards, and sanctioning framework that give members confidence, and the MOU sets out a process for the circumstances in which ASRF members and clubs may be included under relevant ANDRA insurance policies.
“At the same time, while this partnership allows us to work together, it maintains the delineation between our respective niches – preserving the independence of drag racing and street rodding as was put in place with the establishment of ANDRA more than 50 years ago, while ensuring we can each capitalise for our members on the opportunities presented by working together.”
ASRF National Operations Manager, Joanne Fregon, said the partnership reflected what its members and clubs have been asking for.
“As an organisation, we are very invested in promoting street rodding and motorsport while encouraging safe participation across the board,” Fregon said.
“Working together with ANDRA, we hope to encourage more members to come back to our respective disciplines, keeping their automotive passion alive and growing our sports.
“This partnership will also help to give street rodding clubs and their members a clearer pathway where an activity is approved, sanctioned, supervised, or overseen by ANDRA, which I think is a real benefit.”
For more from ANDRA, visit www.andra.com.au
To learn more about the ASRF, visit www.asrf.org.au
