In the wake of the shooting of Nick Martin at the Perth Motorplex on Saturday 12 December, the Australian drag racing community has widely condemned the actions of those involved and called for calm.
The 51-year-old was surrounded by hundreds of families and children when he was shot and killed during the Motorplex’s Outlaw Nitro Challenge event at the weekend.
Two others were also injured in the shooting – a 31-year-old who received a gunshot to the arm; and a child who was in the vicinity of the incident and thankfully received only a minor superficial wound which did not require hospitalisation.
WA Police’s Gang Crime Squad is working diligently to apprehend the perpetrator and is calling for event attendees to supply any information or vision they may have of the incident to investigators. The WA Government has also announced a one million dollar reward for information related to the murder.
Venue owner and current operator, VenuesWest, is working closely to support the police investigation and the management of ANDRA – the sanctioning body for racing at the Perth Motorplex and for drag racing throughout Australia – are also ready to offer any support they can to investigators and to those affected.
In the wake of the incident, there has been an outpouring of disbelief and anger as to how the shooting unfolded in such a public and family-orientated setting.
Members of the general public and Australia’s drag racing community have been vocal in their condemnation of the actions of those involved and ANDRA wishes to take this opportunity to state unequivocally that violence is not welcome in the sport of drag racing.
“Drag racing is, through and through, a family-centric sport. From the competitors to the officials to the spectators, this is a sport for families and a sport which often sees generations upon generations of families involved at racetracks all around the country,” ANDRA Chief Executive Officer, Brett Stevens, said.
“There is absolutely no place in our sport for violence of any kind, and our community has been shocked to its core and disgusted at the actions that have unfolded.
“At no time should innocent people have to worry about encountering violence when enjoying a drag racing event.
“We, along with the public, our members, the WA Police and the WA Government – unequivocally condemn this violent criminal behaviour.
“In the face of heightened tensions, we call for calm and ask that our community bands together in this time to stand united against violence of any kind in our sport and at our member tracks.
“In the face of wide-ranging press coverage which in some instances has unfortunately spread negative stereotypes about those who participate in our sport, we ask our members to hold their heads high – we know what kind of sport and what kind of community we are. Our sport and our venues, including the Perth Motorplex, are and always have been a place for families where the focus is on fun in a safe environment.
“While it might seem obvious to say, obviously there is a need to say it – violence has no place in our sport, at our venues, or anywhere in our community, and those that bring violence to our community are not welcome.
“We offer our support to any of our members and attendees of the event who may require assistance.”
If you have information or vision related to this incident, please contact contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au
If you are an ANDRA member or other event attendee requiring support related to this incident, please contact ANDRA at info@andra.com.au