AASA Race Series Axed Following Category Fallout

Shockwaves hit Australian motorsport as AASA officially cancelled the AASA Race Series after a fallout with major categories and the former promoter. The announcement came on Thursday via a letter to members, followed by a statement confirming the series' demise.

Nearly every major category linked to AASA had announced plans to leave the sanctioning body in recent days. The series, which was scheduled to visit Sandown Raceway and Calder Park, has now been scrapped from the calendar.

In its statement, AASA explained it had stepped in to promote the series after Hi-Tec Oils, the previous promoter, decided to stop after Round 2 in May. AASA acknowledged the significant commercial and operational commitment, including the successful delivery of the round at Sydney Motorsport Park. However, after that, AASA decided not to continue one of the series' commercial arrangements, which also affected television production.

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"We acknowledge that the resulting coverage did not meet the standard competitors, categories and viewers had come to expect, and we apologise for that," the statement read. With further changes to category participation and a review of commercial viability, AASA determined that continuing the series was no longer sustainable.

"We recognise the impact this decision has on competitors, categories, officials, partners and supporters of the series and thank everyone who participated in and supported the events," the statement continued. AASA will now refocus on its core business: licensing, event permitting, sanctioning, and insurance.

Amid the turmoil, AASA also addressed the legal proceedings at the Victorian High Court over the disputed sale of the governing body by the Benalla Auto Club. AASA, owned by Stephen Whyte, Michael Fitzgerald, Peter Washington, and Les Smith, stands behind its management and staff, stating that legal and commercial matters are being managed appropriately.