South Coast Raceway and the Australian National Drag Racing Association regret to confirm that the South Coast Nationals event, scheduled for December 10 and 11, has been cancelled due to weather.
The entire region has been inundated with high rain falls in recent weeks, and while recent days have seen less rain, much of the South Coast Raceway facilitate that is needed to host the large entry numbers for the event have not yet rebounded.
In addition, weather forecasts point towards further rain falling in the early part of the event week, which will further exacerbate the situation.
“We are so close, but with the large number of entries we will need to use all of the pit areas, some parts are just still so soft. On top of that, more rain is expected early next week,” South Coast Raceway President, Jordan (Jordy) Monaghan, said.
“The club is devastated; we were so close to being able to go ahead. But it is important that we are fair to all racers, and we want to run all of our events to the highest standard.
“We would like to thank all of the competitors for their patience while we made this difficult decision and hope to welcome you amid better weather to the South Coast 660 in January.”
ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, thanked South Coast Raceway for its dedicated efforts to host the South Coast Nationals.
“The ongoing rain and flood situation in Victoria and up and down the East Coast has been very difficult for everyone in recent times, let anyone attempting to run events,” Stevens said.
“South Coast Raceway especially has had a tough year, with only one event able to be completed in 2022 due to the impacts of poor weather.
“We hope you will join us in doing all we can to support all ANDRA member tracks, and particularly those on the East Coast, who are doing it tough with the weather impacts of the past few months.
“At South Coast Raceway, we are discussing with Jordy and the club to see if we can bring an additional Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series event to the venue in February of 2023 and work will occur on this concept over the coming weeks.
“In the meantime, we thank you for your ongoing support of South Coast Raceway, ANDRA and the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series.
“We look hope you and your families have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you in January for the South Coast 600.”
All South Coast Nationals entries will be automatically carried over to South Coast Raceway’s South Coast 660 event, scheduled for January 7 and 8.
Competitors who cannot attend the South Coast 660 will have their entry refunded. Please email southcoastraceway@gmail.com to request a refund or for more information.