A seven member Racing Commission will ensure the needs of both competitors and event organisers are met in the professional drag racing ranks.
The Racing Commission is made up of three track representatives, three competitor representatives and an independent chairman, and is charged with technical, sporting regulations and 400 Thunder Series calendar and formats.
Like the 400 Thunder board, the Racing Commission has drawn on members with motorsport and business management experience.
Former Channel Seven production manager and long-time drag racer Ian Smith chairs the Racing Commission, bringing more than 40 years drag racing experience in various roles including Victorian Divisional Director and Chairman, Meeting Director in Calder Park’s prime, and ANDRA Chairman of Honour.
Smith has more than half a century in television and production, in positions that have seen him oversee budgets and procedures, as well as extensive involvement in the 2000 Sydney Olympics host broadcaster team and heading up the host broadcaster team for the 2002 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.
Joining Smith are delegates from Australia’s premier venues; Sydney Dragway’s Rick Gauci, Willowbank Raceway’s Tony Manson, and Perth Motorplex’s Kevin Prendergast.
Meanwhile, Peter Kapiris from Top Doorslammer Association, Bruce Read from Top Fuel Australia and Chris Porter from the Top Fuel Motorcycle Association fill the racer positions of the commission.
Series spokesperson Tony Wedlock said the Racing Commission will be major contributor to 400 Thunder’s success.
“For the first time in the sport’s history racers will have equal representation to the tracks in determining how a series is run,” Wedlock said.
“400 Thunder recognises the importance of competitor input, and the formation of a Racing Commission shows our commitment to the racers.
“Tracks and competitors working side-by-side towards a common goal is what 400 Thunder is about, and the board looks forward to working with the Racing Commission in bringing this fantastic series to life.”
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