Promoter and sponsorship apathy looks set to sink the proposed final round of the World SuperMoto Championship scheduled to run in New Zealand on 17 November 2002.

After seeking numerous promoters to take on the prestigious final round of the 2002 World SuperMoto Championship, no one has stepped forward to help former Motorcycling New Zealand CEO, David Appleton with the event.

Appleton’s battle to get a world championship to New Zealand now appears in vain with no one interested in running or funding the event.

Appleton when contacted said dejectedly "There is a lethargic attitude to World Motorcycle sport in New Zealand. If it isn’t the Superbikes or GPs on television, then there is no interest from investors, promoters or television."

Appleton went on to say, "His fear is that this failure to complete the event, will signal the end to any FIM accredited championships coming to New Zealand in the future, which is sad for us all."

This event could be run anywhere, in any town or city, it does not require a formal track.

World SuperMoto is the fastest growing form of motorcycling racing in Europe and a large number of these competitors were looking to book their fares down under. World SuperMoto also attracts large numbers of spectators, who follow the exciting action from country to country.

Appleton said that by early next week, the contractual body for this World Championship needs to know if this event is on or not.

Clearly right now the throttle is closed and there is no petrol in the tank.