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Matt Mingay’s competitive racing return at this weekend’s Clipsal 500 has been postponed after failing to secure a race licence.
The Gold Coast athlete had hoped to compete in the Stadium Super Trucks in Adelaide just eight months after a life threatening crash while competing in the category in Detroit last June.
Mingay was asked to provide further details to satisfy an independent board, including medical personnel, used by CAMS who determine the approval of race licences.
Speedcafe.com understands his licence bid was not rejected but the 37-year-old was unable to provide the necessary information to the National Medical Advisory Committee for review in the week building-up to this weekend’s race meeting.
“It comes with huge disappointment to announce I won’t be racing Stadium Super Trucks Australia this weekend at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide,” read a post on Mingay’s official Facebook page.
“CAMS have come back with requirements on two separate occasions in which I have passed in flying colours, but they have now requested more, unfortunately in the short time period I cannot complete these requirements.
“I will still be on track doing what I love most, Harley stunts and drifting my Camaro everyday. Huge apologies to my fans and supporters for not racing SST’s.”
CAMS has issued the below statement offering further clarification on the matter.
With regard to Mr Matt Mingay’s recent application for a competition licence Mr Eugene Arocca, CEO of CAMS would like to note the following.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to privacy constraints we are unable to discuss specifics nor reveal the exact nature of the discussions undertaken.
All fans and competitors in motor sport appreciate that driving a motor vehicle in a safe competitive manner requires a higher standard of fitness that may be required for driving on a public road.
The standard for a civilian driving licence does not relate to all the attributes required to hold a motor sport competition licence and does not confer the ability to safely compete in motor sport.
CAMS asserts that decisions made by the National Medical Advisory Committee (NMAC) about competitors’ medical conditions that may affect their ability to compete safely are made with appropriate medical information, robust discussion by the committee members, and requests for additional information where they believe it is necessary to make an informed decision on the fitness of a competitor.
On this occasion the Committee sought further expert medical opinion to assist in its consideration of Mr Mingay’s request for a competition licence.
There are some important points about Mr Mingay’s condition and situation:
· His competition licence is listed as suspended due to the very serious injuries he sustained in Detroit last year.
· His licence status remains unchanged due to insufficient medical information being provided to NMAC.
· NMAC requested that Mr Mingay supply additional information to that he had initially volunteered. It is often necessary for NMAC to request additional information and that request is often a follow up or a request for more detail to information already supplied.
· This is NOT a CAMS decision, but a decision of NMAC, an independent Committee of experts which assists and advises CAMS on medical and related issues.
· CAMS cannot and will not override any decision or recommendation made by an independent committee of medical professionals.
· CAMS resources are provided to assist with the liaison between Mr Mingay and the Committee, however, ultimately it is Mr Mingay’s responsibility to provide NMAC with the required medical and related information it requires in order to make a decision.
· Mr Mingay is welcome to supply all the requested information at any stage and NMAC will re-examine his request for reinstatement.
· The safety of the competitor, fellow competitors, officials and fans will always be paramount.
National Medical Advisory Committee
The National Medical Advisory Committee is comprised of a chair and deputy chair, F1 Medical Officer, a Chief Medical assessor, a Supercars Medical Delegate (not on committee, but is the consultant on Supercar matters), a General Medical Practitioner and a Senior Paramedic.
The committee members have volunteered their expertise, time and services to assist CAMS in considering medical and related issues. NMAC has the ability to call upon any other experts it considers necessary in fulfilling its role.
The current chair is Dr. Matthew Croxford MB,BS FRACS, Colorectal & General Surgeon, CSSANZ Training Program Director – Western Health, Chair – CAMS National Medical Advisory Committee, Member – FIA Medical Commission, Chief Medical Officer – Motorsport Safety & Rescue P/L, Chief Medical Officer – Kennards Hire Rally Australia 2016.
