SCCA DATE CLASH RESPONSE: THE 2025 AUSTRALIAN SPRINTCAR CHAMPIONSHIP

The Sprintcar Control Council of Australia (SCCA) finds it necessary to respond to the recent press release issued by Premier Speedway, wherein a potential scheduling conflict between the 2025 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic and the Australian Sprintcar Championship is suggested.

Ensuring accurate information is presented to the public is paramount in fostering a clear and comprehensive understanding of the situation.

We extend our gratitude to the devoted followers of the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic and acknowledge the significance of transparent dialogue. However, it is imperative to elucidate the precise procedures governing the scheduling of the Australian Sprintcar Championship.

The SCCA comprises of six States and one Territory (the State Member Clubs – SMCs). The SMCs select two delegates each year to represent their club members at the Annual General Meeting. The SCCA Executive have no voting rights, nor power to change or make decisions. The Executive are appointed to carry out the administrative tasks and day-to-day operations of the SCCA.

Aligned with its enduring tradition, the SCCA awards the Australian Sprintcar Championship two years in advance, as determined at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The selection process is vested in State Member Club delegates, who diligently evaluate proposals and cast their votes. This meticulous procedure has been adhered to since the inception of the championship and is a testament to our commitment to maintaining parity and equity within the sport.

The Premier Speedway Board has emphasised the process of Championship allocation, which mirrors the very process by which they were granted the Championship and the Australia Day weekend during the 2019 AGM, for 2021 (subsequently postponed to 2024 due to COVID). We underscore that this uniform procedure is consistently applied to all potential hosts and dates for the Australian Sprintcar Championship.

In relation to the alteration of the 2024 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic date, Premier Speedway articulated their rationale for seeking the Australia Day weekend for the 2024 Australian Sprintcar Championship. We acknowledge their intentions behind this decision, as stated – “For 2024, Premier Speedway agreed to move the 2024 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic date forward, for 2024 only, to ensure the 2024 Australian Sprintcar Championship achieved the strongest competitor and patron numbers Premier Speedway could deliver.”

The decision-making process for the 2025 Australian Sprintcar Championship date aligns seamlessly with established protocols. This endeavour aims to provide equal opportunities to every venue to achieve the same commendable outcomes and orchestrate a successful event.

Notably, Eastern Creek Speedway proposed a plan that was unanimously accepted by all states except Queensland, where a lack of delegate presence prevented participation in the Championship discussion and subsequent decision.

Premier Speedway’s concerns over the 2025 Australian Sprintcar Championship date are acknowledged, and upon reflection, it is worth noting that over the past 8 Classic events, only 50% were held on the Australia Day weekend, with the remaining 50% taking place the weekend prior.

In conclusion, the SCCA remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving the integrity and impartiality of the Australian Sprintcar Championship, whilst recognising the importance of Warrnambool’s Grand Annual Classic. The SCCA remains committed to upholding the values of fairness and consistency across every venue, fostering an environment of impartiality and equal opportunity.