AIR for sale? Calder next?

[RaceTime]

Just to add to the sell off of Calder, AIR etc - the following media released was received this afternoon. I have checked with the person listed as a contact and he has confirmed that they have an offer on the table being looked at, and considered, by Bob Jane. Does this mean Calder could be next?

DRAG RACING MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, 2001

SUBJECT: ADELAIDE DRAG RACERS SUPPORT TRACK PURCHASE

South Australian drag racing competitors and fans have thrown their full support behind moves to purchase Adelaide International Raceway. The venue, located north of the city, has been the home of drag racing in the state since the early seventies and has played a key role in the sport’s national focus.

The unexpected cancellation of some competition events at the Virginia facility over the past two seasons has led to uncertainty within the industry. This prompted the appointment of a steering committee by the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA), the sport’s governing body, earlier this year.

At a public meeting last week, more than $150,000 was committed to the project as a first step, by drivers, riders and their teams. Direct donations of more than $3,000 were received on the night to fund immediate expenses, and the formation of a new South Australian company to source funding, negotiate the venue purchase and consider related options, was confirmed today.

1320 Holdings Pty Ltd spokesman Trevor Slaughter said the response had been very good. “In one night, at local level, we generated 20% of the target we’d set within the sport. In the last few days there’s been a steady stream of inquiries and commitments from here and interstate. Enthusiasts, fans and drag racing related businesses around Australia have the chance to invest in their future and ours.”

“The balance between sport and business must always be handled carefully.” Slaughter commented. “We have a sound business strategy, a solid grounding in motor sport and some fantastic examples to follow with Willowbank Raceway in Brisbane and the new Kwinana Motorplex in Perth.

Major drag racing events and regular competition meetings deliver tangible benefits in the areas of tourism and employment. Regular access to off-street activities in controlled, safe conditions provides attractive alternatives to illegal street racing. Slaughter said the group had opened discussions with the South Australian Government some months ago, regarding support for the venture, and potential major events.

[racer69]

Calder has been rumoured to be sold a number of times, but this seems to make it more creditable this time. If the drag racers buy AIR, does that mean it will only be used for drags, meaning an end to any hope (my hope at least) that it could return to being a race circuit with rounds of SCS, Powertour and so on.

If Calder is sold, wasn't Prancing Horse interested a while ago, what would this mean for the Thunderdome.

[RaceTime]

Originally posted by racer69
If Calder is sold, wasn't Prancing Horse interested a while ago, what would this mean for the Thunderdome.

Hmmm - Prancing Horse's very own Super Large Gold Fish Bowl and Horse Drench

[Crash Test]

Maybe in a couple of months when all of the asphalt has melted, they could run some for of high banked harness racing....