Following a full day conference with all major tracks, ANDRA, who has taken on the full responsibility of the management, marketing and funding of championship drag racing, has resolved to request the tracks to run the events on a graduated prizemoney scale up until the time sponsorship becomes available to fund the series. The entire prize money system will then be reviewed for the 2013 season.
The March event in Sydney, the Nitro Champs at Sydney Dragway and the Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway will use the scale, where prize money will be issued at rates of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% depending on crowd numbers (the 25% factor will only apply for the Nitro Champs and Winternationals). 110% of prizemoney will be paid at all events if the expected crowd numbers are exceeded.
ANDRA CEO Greg Humphreys said it was not ideal but weather in particular has impacted on these venues and ANDRA has had to work hard to mitigate the risk in the short term
“The rates are set to avoid the tracks going into the red if weather and crowds are bad. ANDRA wishes to thank the tracks for their consideration of this plan as we work together to provide continuity for the sport,” he said.
“However if crowds are good then racers deserve to be rewarded as well which is the reason for the 110% level.”
ANDRA is working tirelessly to source sponsorship and develop new strategies in order to remove the prize money issue from the tracks.
The tracks will be required to issue the prize money rates as soon as possible. ANDRA will audit the track spectator numbers and release the final figure publicly. Emails will be sent directly to our members confirming the above decision.