So time for another quick Q & A:

Q: Is the IHRA coming into Australia?
A: After discussions with various parties, no one has acknowledged any negotiations or discussions with another sanctioning body. All stakeholders we have spoken to also agree with the ridiculous nature of splitting the sport in Australia after such a disastrous result with similar efforts in other countries.

Q: What are the actual ANDRA charges to members out of entry fees and what do you get?
A: ANDRA charges $50 per Sportsman racer and $200 per Group 1 racer. There is also $15.40 which covers the category 1 Personal Accident insurance, which has proven very valuable to some. The TV costs reflect the nature of the show and the emphasis of our Group 1 competitors, even though we have more Sportsman content than ever before. The show itself has changed dramatically over recent times and we always welcome suggestions and feedback. Please see TV stats included within this Motor Mail edition.

Q: Where does the money go from ANDRA sponsorship?
A: The simple answer is it goes back to racers and promotional elements to support the National Championship and events. Summit Racing Equipment has committed to paying out full sportsman championship prize money at the end of the six-month season and again 12 months later. This is a $100,000 commitment paid directly back to the racer. Snap-on provide ANDRA with product and vouchers of which again 100% goes back into the sport. Crow Cams, Hi-Tec Oils, Arthur J Gallagher and other associate sponsors all contribute to what we deliver to racers and other stakeholders. ANDRA is very committed to its racers in all categories and will continue seeking sponsorship for the national championship events.

While ANDRA is committed to building the sport into a mainstream motorsport for the benefit of all parties, without a committed and unified approach it will just be that much harder. We are always available to listen to any aspect or idea for the betterment of the sport, but we need to ask ourselves if speaking to the media or even privately, "How will this action help the sport and all my fellow competitors?"

Mal Bulley
CEO

Mal Bulley

Although following the alarm bells going off in February the IHRA hasn't proved to be the villain in the piece as yet, however the following statement from the three major drag strips in this country – Willowbank, Sydney Dragway and the Motorplex in Perth certainly proved that moves are afoot.