Organisers have cancelled the new Formula A Australia single seater series before a wheel has been turned.
The multi-class Formula libre style category was expected to replace the Australian Formula 3 Premier Series but a lack of interest has ultimately forced organisers to can the concept before the first round.
Formula A Australia, run by Rob and Liam Curkpatrick, had announced a six round calendar, split into three events during the summer and winter months.
The first round was initially slated for the January 13-15 on the support bill for the 10 Hours of Sydney event, which was postponed last month.
The series had recently attracted Formula 3 stalwarts Gilmour Racing although organisers have cited concerns of meeting the 12 car minimum grid as the reason for its demise.
“A severe lack of competitor support has been cited as the major reason for category organisers no longer electing to invest in the series moving forward,” read a statement from Formula A Australia.
“Significant efforts were in place to help generate the required levels of support, including a major sponsorship agreement with Kumho Tyre Australia and the prize of a funded drive in a V8 Touring Car (valued at $25,000) – along with a significant reduction in entry fees to $1150.00 per round, and other cost saving initiatives.
“Early indicators suggested there was potential to reach the 12 car minimum grid required to make the series viable, and the series costs and operations – including offering an entry fee at less than one half of existing levels – were structured around that key figure (12) as a basis moving forward.
“Unfortunately it was made clear by early January that those grids would be difficult to generate with regularity following the decision by some competitors to not embrace the series.
“Though supported by several members of the existing Formula 3 competitor base, and several new competitors who had planned to run in other ‘wings and slicks’ machinery at selected rounds, a number of existing competitors chose not to support the new series and ultimately it is this uncertainty that has led to the decision to not proceed further.
“Organisers were unable and unwilling to invest the required amount to cover the potential financial risks should the minimum number of cars not compete at every round.
“It is unfortunate that those who chose not to commit – despite their being no other option at the same level – have forced this decision to be made, however the series did not exist to underwrite the costs to allow others to go racing.”
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