Motorsport Australia responds to controversial AASA sale

BAC, which runs Winton Motor Raceway, had owned the alternate sanctioning body since 2003.

AASA’s website announced on Sunday that an investment group including AASA CEO Stephen Whyte has taken ownership of the organisation.

BAC indicated it will take legal action over the matter, declaring it “has serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged transfer”.

MA has today issued a statement affirming its ongoing support for BAC, noting MA-sanctioned events will run at Winton as scheduled.

“Motorsport Australia notes the recent media coverage on the purported sale of the Australian Auto-Sport Alliance by the Benalla Auto Club to a private investment group, and the uncertainty that has arisen,” read the MA statement.

“Motorsport Australia wants to ensure that the Benalla Auto Club can continue to serve their members and run events with the peace of mind that comes with being a Motorsport Australia affiliated club – first and foremost, access to industry leading insurance coverage, trusted integrity frameworks, and experienced officials.

“Equally we want to ensure all promoters, clubs and competitors can continue to enjoy motorsport events – and critically that means adequate insurance with certainty of coverage is in place.

“Motorsport Australia CEO Josh Blanksby acknowledges the difficult situation faced by Benalla Auto Club and has met with the club to provide the ongoing support they need to conduct business as usual, with confidence.”

Blanksby was also quoted in the statement spruiking his support for BAC.

“The Benalla Auto Club has been a long-standing Motorsport Australia affiliated club and the recent developments do not change that,” Blanksby said.

“Motorsport Australia exists for the entire motorsport community, to ensure that motorsport events are delivered in a safe, fair and fun way. Every weekend, across every state and territory.

“We want to ensure that all motorsport events in Australia are conducted with adequate insurance coverage and with uncompromised risk and safety protocols in place.”