Perth Motorplex will move to full International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) sanctioning from 1 December 2015, with no more ANDRA sanctioned events to take place at the venue.
Management says ‘long-term sustainability and growth at the forefront of its decision making process.’
Perth Motorplex general manager Kevin Prendergast announced the decision in an email to racers.
“We’re proud to align our world-class venue with the globally recognised IHRA to sanction all future events at Perth Motorplex,” Prendergast said.
“Perth Motorplex has continued to attempt to work with ANDRA, but its unreliable behaviour over the past few months and last week’s announcement left us no option but to explore other sanctioning options in the best interest of our competitors and the future of the sport.
“The IHRA will significantly reduce competitor costs through lower license and membership fees, ensuring drag racing has a strong future in Perth, and also give competitors the opportunity to race overseas at other IHRA sanctioned venues and events.
“The Perth Motorplex will work closely with racers and the IHRA to ensure there is a smooth transition. We are committed to providing Western Australia with a world-class venue, and IHRA sanctioning brings us further in line with leading tracks around the world.”
A racer information briefing has been arranged for this Tuesday 24th November at 7:00 pm at the Perth Motorplex for all who wish to attend. This meeting will be attended by Perth Motorplex management and Venues West Chief Executive Officer David Etherton. Perth Motorplex is owned by the WA Government.
In a tumultuous week for the west, sportsman racers belonging to major drag racing clubs Westside, WASSMA and the West Coast Junior Dragster Association voted that they would not be racing at IHRA events, though this vote was taken when only 400 Thunder Series events were expected to be under the IHRA.
In a combined statement from the clubs they said Group 2 and 3 members had voted to not race at any non-ANDRA sanctioned race meetings in Perth but emphasised that those that do choose to race should be respected for their personal decisions.
“The clubs will continue to represent the racers request to fully reinstate ANDRA as the only recognized sanctioning body of drag racing in Australia,” the statement said.
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