The Australian Karting Association has announced two of the most recognisable names in Australian motorsport as a part of its new committees structure.
Bathurst 1000 Champion Jason Bargwanna and long-time technical advisor across various forms of motorsport, Frank Lowndes are two members of the new look functional committee structure for the Australian Karting Association Ltd.
Bargwanna, who has returned to karting as a hobby with his son a couple of years ago, will be on the Events and Sporting Committee, chaired by Competition Director Mick Doohan.
Lowndes forms part of the Technical Committee headed up by Technical Director Brad Collins. The pair will work closely with National Technical Commissioner Les Allen, former technical director of V8 Supercars and CAMS Motorsport Manager Paul Taylor and long-time karting technical officials Terry Sheedy, Mark Close and Hanz Barth.
Dr. Brent May has been appointed as the Association’s Chief Medical Officer and will form part of the Safety Committee chaired by Operations Director, Craig Denton.
“We’re delighted to be able to have such high quality and very experienced people a part of the committees within the AKA,” said AKA Chairman Mick Doohan.
“Our objective was to broaden the experience and knowledge base of our committees and we feel that we have succeeded in achieving that objective.”
Doohan has indicated that the new Board of Directors and Executive Commission of the Association were also in the process of reviewing the entire sport with the common response being that cultural change, less competition classes and modernised events were essential elements for review.
“Our immediate priority is to develop the plans that we need to improve the whole experience and this has begun with a ‘Whole of Sport review’ already underway,” said Doohan.
“We are very focused on delivering of an improved sporting framework and a customer first mentality for the competitor. One of our key priorities in the coming years is to deliver a sport with a broad base of regular grassroots participation and clearly identified pathways to national levels and beyond.”
It is understood that this ‘Whole of Sport Review’ will be completed by mid-year.
