While Motorcycling Australia understands MCRCWA’s disappointment in not being allocated a round in 2003, the issue is not as simplistic as made out in the MCRCWA’s statement and needs clarification.

The proposed Western Australian round was always tentative. This was made clear to everybody involved when the initial calendar was announced at the final Round of the 2002 Championship, at Eastern Creek.

While not doubting the MCRCWA’s ability to promote a very good event, when considering the final calendar for 2003, Motorcycling Australia had to take into account a number of other issues including the cost implications for television production and associated expenses. As a result of these considerations, Motorcycling Australia found that commercially it would be unviable to hold a round in Western Australia in 2003.

Moreover, the opportunity to expose the sport via free-to-air commercial television could be a more powerful argument from a sport development aspect when compared to a round in Western Australia.

Contrary to popular belief, this decision has nothing to do with the wishes of manufacturer Teams involved in the Championship. Motorcycling Australia is of the view that the Championship has to become bigger and better in 2003 and be commercially healthy enough in order to successfully run a round in Western Australia in the future.

2002 was a significant development year with the series being shown on SBS and Fox Sport. Next year will witness further developments with a new television package and the return of Honda to domestic road racing. All these factors point to a bigger and better series in 2004 and will hopefully include a round in Western Australia.

We understand MCRCWA’s disappointment but we believe the decision that has been made is in the best interests of the Championship in 2003.

David White
CEO
Motorcycling Australia

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