Motorvate Melbourne (ANDRA Drag Racing)

[rodderz]

and what news is on the horizon for a definite site and timing for construction?

[Elks]

Originally Posted by KPOJ

So how did you guys think this went?

I think it went well.

But read the front page of 'The Age' and gage for yourself..The Age front page 21 Feb 2010

This is a great start, including The Age uncoving the documents suppressed by our Govenment showing a $190 million dollar a year BENEFIT to the state.

However we have only just launched and we haven't made the 60ft mark yet.

We need to maintain the pressure, the cost of the strip is $40 to $50 million. And to say we cant afford it and the money needs to go to schools and hospitals doesnt make sense in a town where the govenment is about to spend $350+ million on an upgrade to the tennis centre, $280 million on the "rectangular stadium" for soccer and rugby in an AFL town, we sept $100 million (so far) on a ferris wheel with a view of railway yards and we are about to spend $58 million on an ice skating rink.

Congratulations to the event organisers and those who attended, it went perfectly. I saw millions of dollars of equipment beautifully presented.

This should be an annual event until the track opens.

T

[SpoolMan]

Some pictures of the day.
http://s5.photobucket.com/albums/y16...020%2002%2010/

[SpoolMan]

An email that went out to all those that signed the petition.
Use the links and lets help keep up the awareness.

Hi guys,



Firstly – thank you all for the way you went about the activities on Saturday – we were pleasantly surprised how smooth it all went…and that was through the effort of all the entrants along with all the volunteers from the Victorian Drag Racers Club and the Melbourne Drag Racing Clubs.

A heartfelt thank you.

The result was great…we made several 6pm TV news’s and of course the front page of the Sun Age…

TASK 1:
Now news disappears pretty quick in this day of electronic media…so save this link:

http://theage.drive.com.au/all-revve...0220-omrn.html



The first thing to do is go and read it (even if you have already read it…click on the link and read it again!) as the more people that read it lifts the profile.

So go and click on the link…and get friends rellys, next door neighbors to do the same.

Currently the top 5 stories are:
Top 5 articles

1. What happens when an Aussie housing bubble bursts

2. Australians angry about freestyle judging

3. Company behind myki sued for $30m

4. Fight prompts cliff death

5. 'Discontent manager' helps fan the rising flames

If we can get enough people looking at the article we may be able to get it into the Top 5.

And then keep the link saved for future reference,


TASK 2:
We have already had a number of requests for:

POSTCARDS
PETITIONS

POSTCARDS
Please email feedback@motorvatemelbourne.com if you would like some postcards for shop counters or for friends, rellys, next door neighbors to sign if they are supportive of the cause.

We do not have an unlimited quantity so please quantify the number you think you can get filled out (no use them sitting on shop counters for 2 months – that would defeat the purpose).

When they are filled out they can be all put in one envelope and mailed to the address on it…

PETITIONS
The ‘online’ petition is being replaced by a downloadable petition.

You can do one of two things:

1. Download the petition off the www.motorvatemelbourne.com website and print off as many copies as you require…get them filled out (must be legible – with full details to be valid for the Government) or

2. Email feedback@motorvatemelbourne.com and we will post out some of the petitions we have already had printed out to you.

The Petitions need to be returned to the address on the bottom of the petition.

Now what are you waiting for?

Get clicking on the Age website.
(Fire them an email asking where are the photos from the Rally…they should be in their Photo Gallery!)
Get some Postcards…
Grab a Petition!

Thanks again,

Motorvate Melbourne
feedback@motorvatemelbourne.com

[SpoolMan]

Hi guys,



Many of you would have seen the Premier of Victoria’s facebook.



On there is a poll for the most popular subject.

The new Drag Racing venue has topped the poll.

Now to vote on the poll you must register. This is to ensure that those responding are Victorians.

So please everyone of you…go to the following link – register – then support the poll! (Errr – NOW!!!!)

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/share-...melbourne.html



Do it now guys as we have their attention and they are trying to see how many ‘Victorians’ want this…and get friends and relations who are supportive to do the same!

[FPV8U]

Done and Done Mark, really hoping this can finally get off the ground and rolling this time.

[KPOJ]

How about a statement of will, would this be an option to pursue?

[Elks]

I voted

[SpoolMan]

To all the 'Motorvate Melbourne' family.



As you all know the 'Motorvate Melbourne' Rally at the Showgrounds was a huge success with 16,400 people in attendance and over 600 race cars, street machines, street rods and other motorsport vehicles on display.

More importantly the rally itself was a smooth and professional event.



The postcards have been flowing continuously back to the Premier via many methods including you local MP's.


The petition is now being finalised and will be presented through the correct parliamentary process.


The ONE HD TV coverage will be going to air fairly soon.



You can probably see that the Motorvate Melbourne rally was to provide a long and sustainable set of tools that would work for some months.


We are milking all facets as hard and for as long as possible.



As you can also see our pressure on Government is hotting up and will continue to ramp that up further.


We will be emailing you from time to time asking you to take various actions.



The riot from the fallout of the Easternats cancellation last Friday19th March in Oakleigh, was disgraceful.

The ANDRA and Motorvate Melbourne teams condemn any such behavior and hope that those responsible are held accountable.



We also point out that ANDRA and Motorvate Melbourne had nothing to do with any such action and we have full confidence that no ANDRA Drag Racing teams were involved and in fact have received great feedback from Drag Racing people saying that they found the actions of those thugs very disturbing as well.



A couple of things that did come out of that ugly incident were that, for whatever reason, there was a last minute dispute between Calder Park and the Easternats promoter. This is not surprising as it appears that Calder Park have a history of disputes.



The Minister for Sport James Merlino responded badly to comments that the ANDRA Project Director, Gary Miocevich made.

Gary said that the Victorian Government was at least partly to be blame for the general and growing frustration of people in the motor sports related areas.

This frustration is because the Victoria Government have not invested in things like the Melbourne ANDRA Drag Racing venue.

The Minister for Sport was very critical of any blame on him or the Government; however we believe the accusation to be absolutely correct.

The Victorian Government has not invested in such venues where clearly other States have successfully done so.



This Labor Government has become arrogant and is not listening to the people.


Even worse the Drag Racing family has been the Labor heartland in the past and our feedback is that they need to be looking after their traditional labor constituents.


The Drag Racing family and other motor enthusiasts are very frustrated that the Government has not agreed to proceed with the ANDRA venue.



- The Government has taken 3 1/2 years and done 2 studies but the Victorian Government still can't work it out.

- There are successful examples of these Drag Racing venues having been built by the WA and NSW Governments but the Victorian Government still can't work it out.

- Their own studies found that it would cost $38m (2008$) to build but the Victorian Government still can't work it out.

- Their own Studies found that the economic impact is likely to $190 million per annum but the Victorian Government still can't work it out.

- The ANDRA Melbourne Drag Racing venue is going to create jobs, .... lots of Jobs, but the Victorian Government still can't work it out.

- The ANDRA Melbourne Drag Racing venue is going to a massive amount of community and social benefits but the Victorian Government still can't work it out.



I am certain that you have got the point that if the Minister for Sport and the labor State Government cannot figure out this 'no brainer' then why would we let them manage anything on our behalf.



Continue to write to the Premier and the Minister for Sport and your local MP's.

Even if you have done that 5 times write again and complain that they are not listening to you.


Also find some more friends and family to do the same.



THE NEXT STEP.



Target the marginal seats.



1. Which seats ?

There are currently six seats which could change hands with a swing either way of less than 1 per cent – they are Mount Waverly, Gembrook, Ferntree Gully, Forest Hill, Kilsyth and Hastings.

There are more but these are the most marginal. These seats are largely located in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs and the outer East with the exception of Hastings and all of these sites are by and large new suburbs with lots of young men and cars.


Click on here to see the margins. www.vec.vic.gov.au/electorateswing.html



2. What to do?

- request an urgent meeting with the member. Contact us at feedback@motorvatemelbourne.com with any questions.

- We can provide you with am electronic info pack.

- Get a group together so you are representing a group even if you create a group such the Ferntree car owners group or whatever you want.

- Present the pitch. Its best if you have someone that has sales background or the gift of the gab, to help with the presentation. We want them to build a $38m venue so dress accordingly in suits or crisp crew uniforms for any meeting.

- Do the same with the other candidates to see who supports the proposal. I will be interesting to see if there is support from the closest candidates.

Check if any ANDRA Drag Racers live in the marginal seats, especially those that have to travel interstate to race as there is no ANDRA Drag Racing venue in Melbourne.



3. Close the pitch

- After you have done your brief presentation (don't ramble as they are busy).

- NSW Premier and others about Drag racing Venues.

- Top Fuel Dragster Drivers testimonial. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XlXqp0qoQ8

- Ask them if they think it’s a worthwhile project.

- Ask them if they will they will push it with the Premier regardless of if they do or don't personally support it.

- Ask if the want more info and also identify the www.motorvatemelbourne.com website. it has some good video promo for the new venue.



OK, if any of you have need more or have suggestions please contact, feedback@motorvatemelbourne.com





Thanks again for being part of Motorvate Melbourne 'Cause'

Your Voice - Your venue!



Kind regards

Motorvate Melbourne.


Good Video, shows the benefits NSW achieved building there own track.

[Elks]

Well written spooly.

[SpoolMan]

Check this out interesting comments.

FOUR WIDE COMING TO AUSTRALIA?

Representatives of the ANDRA (Australian National Drag Racing Association) are attending the first ever NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway with one purpose in mind.

They are very interested in what it takes to run a four-wide event.

A facility similar in scope to zMax Dragway will be built in Melbourne Australia according to the representatives on site.

http://www.competitionplus.com/index...g-to-australia

[SpoolMan]

Update a video worth watching, appears someone is interested..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1ryG2JwSlU

[SpoolMan]

ANDRA STATEMENT ON MELBOURNE DRAG RACING VENUEANDRA Pro Series Logo
The Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) is the controlling body of the sport of drag racing in Australia, delegated by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

After six years without ANDRA Drag Racing opportunities in Melbourne, ANDRA determined the need and with some help commenced action in 2006 to secure a world class, Government funded drag racing venue in the city, using the model that proved successful for the sport in Sydney and Perth.

The Victorian Government has accepted that Melbourne does need an ANDRA Championship Drag Racing venue and that they will need to fund a solution. Early in negotiations they expressed a preference for a multi use venue and after consultation with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) this year designs were developed to include a motor racing circuit in the ANDRA Melbourne project.

Over the past year other Victorian venues running independently through the last decade have seen the opportunity, or been invited to present alternatives and source potential funding. The Victorian Government is exploring options.

ANDRA

ANDRA has no doubt that the best solution for drag racing and other motor sports is the ANDRA Melbourne venue proposal.

* “once off” construction funding to build the venue.
* venue owned by the Government in perpetuity.
* ANDRA will lease the venue long term.
* ANDRA will fund venue operations.
* ANDRA will fund all maintenance.
* proven low risk model for Government as done in Western Australia and New South Wales.
* guarantees the long term accessibility required for sustainable motor sport operation and development.


CALDER PARK

The Victorian Government is considering an upgrade to the existing Calder Park venue, conditional upon a return of ANDRA and CAMS activities. Following a meeting between ANDRA and owner Bob Jane during August, ANDRA raised a number of points in writing requiring clarification before the next steps could be taken.

Those points included;

* Documents covering noise limits at the venue state “Except for the use of jet powered vehicles, nitro burning vehicles, Formula One cars, and concerts, noise levels emitted at any event conducted on the site, must not exceed the levels set out opposite each location in Table 1.” These range between 60 and 75db at the nearest residential boundary, depending on time of day and wind direction. That may exclude a number of ANDRA supercharged categories.
* Major upgrades, including re-alignment and possible extension of the braking distance and installation of continuous barriers, are required for the drag strip to accommodate full quarter mile competition at all ANDRA Championship levels.
* Staging lanes are currently located immediately adjacent to the primary safety barriers and greater separation is required. This is primarily an organisational issue.
* Proposed frequency of ANDRA Drag Racing events.
* Proposed prizemoney levels.


After a brief response on one point Calder Park requested ANDRA not to communicate further unless certain demands were met.

Calder Park has chosen not to run ANDRA Drag Racing for nearly a decade, despite being home to ANDRA’s premier event, the Australian Nationals, through the nineties. The venue has a history of conflict with sanctioning bodies and other organisations.

HEATHCOTE PARK RACEWAY

Heathcote Park Raceway (HPR) is also seeking funding and ANDRA opened discussions with HPR regarding funded upgrades to the venue as part of the ANDRA Melbourne Drag Racing project. In the short term this would provide options for ANDRA Championship Drag Racing in Victoria and later, deliver a strong regional venue at reasonable cost, which would benefit from the increased activity generated by the new ANDRA Melbourne venue.

HPR is not a sustainable solution for Melbourne due to its distance from the city. The venue has operated outside the ANDRA system for many years and has not confirmed any commitment to change that.

SUMMARY

To conclude, the ANDRA Drag Racing venue concept, expanded to a multi-use motor sport complex, will offer the best solution to Melbourne.

ANDRA is and has always been committed to encourage and assist any organiser in the progressive promotion of ANDRA Drag Racing. This is one of the principle objectives of the Association.

In the absence of opportunities to do that in Melbourne between 2001 and 2006, in light of unsuccessful attempts to reach agreement with existing organisers through that period and in the interests of the sport and its members in Victoria and nationally, ANDRA took the initiative.

The ANDRA target remains the delivery of a reliable and sustainable drag racing venue to Melbourne.

[SpoolMan]

The Motorvate campaign its all over.

Motorvate Melbourne -

Important message to Victorian Drag Racers.



In 2006 it was clear that there was little happening that was likely to deliver a new Drag Racing venue. It was suggested that I might be able to help the Victorian racers by pushing the Victorian Government to fund a new venue using the experience I gained convincing the Western Australian Government to build the Perth Motorplex.

Having been a Drag Racing competitor for decades and the Director of Perth Motorplex (& Ravenswood Int Raceway before that), I sat down with ANDRA and we reached an agreement, where I would pay all costs and do the work to convince the Victorian Government to fund a new ANDRA Drag Racing venue.

In exchange, my company would operate the venue for an initial period (5 yrs + 5yr option to recover the investment).

This would ensure the venue was running efficiently with proven systems and provide a low risk for the Government. At the conclusion of the initial period, ANDRA could go out for to tender for a commercial operator to achieve the required ANDRA objectives.

This agreement was clear and conditional on ANDRA’s ongoing support with no interference from ANDRA on any issues.

I take this moment to highly commend Tony Thornton (ANDRA CEO at the time) who was the ANDRA executive overseeing and supporting my work as well as attending some of the hundreds of meetings in pursuit of the new Melbourne venue.

After some years of frustration with the former (Labor) Government we were very refreshed by the current Liberal Government, who didn’t make it an election promise, however they did say that they know the demand for a new Drag Racing venue was there and they would like to help.

Since the election the Premier has publically re-stated, that while they are financially stressed currently, they would consider building the new Drag Racing venue as and when finances allowed.


Now the disappointing section.

Over the period that we were working on this project it became apparent that there was interference by a few ANDRA Divisional Directors and things were becoming more difficult within ANDRA. This culminated in 2011 when ANDRA changed from an Association to a Company Ltd.

While this change was not a problem, some of the people were. Some of the new ANDRA Board decided that the promoters, which included me, were the enemy. Their damaging actions made my position as the Hon ANDRA Project Director and the person supplying the funding, completely untenable.

By this stage, I had invested some $600,000 in the new Melbourne Drag Racing project. This investment over some years was based on my agreement with ANDRA, which I relied upon, in my decision to make the investment and help Drag Racing prosper again in Victoria.

I have been advised to take legal action against ANDRA however my desire was to help ANDRA, the Victorian racers and the sport generally. I have little desire to pursue a legal remedy and I plan to focus my energies on positively growing the success of Perth Motorplex into the future, with my great Perth team.

I have tried to reach a mutually acceptable position with ANDRA, without success so I’m withdrawing my services (and funding).

I’ve advised ANDRA some time ago that I was not prepared to throw any further money away, given ANDRA’s actions and the alleged breeches of the agreement.

I hope the ANDRA Board have a long-term plan for the Victorian Drag racers, however I seriously doubt they have the capability or experience to secure a new venue.

My personal losses on this project are significant and disappointing, however my main concern is that the Victorian Drag Racers have lost a once in a lifetime opportunity to have a world-class new Drag Racing venue.

I take this opportunity to thank all the Victorian Drag Racers and their friends for their support, enthusiasm and friendship over the years.

My best wishes go to all the Victorian Racers that helped with this project only to be let down by ANDRA’s failure to honour the agreement with little discussion with me or consideration of the impact on the Victorian racers environment.

I would still be happy to offer advice should anyone else that wishes to try and pick up the task. My estimation is that we are between 80% and 85% of the process to achieve a Government commitment.

In the mean time, you are all welcome to join us for the Drag Racing boom times that are occurring at Perth Motorplex.

Yours Sincerely in Drag Racing.

Gary Miocevich

Director

Perth Motorplex

feedback@motorvatemelbourne.com campian is all over.

[Bluepower]

Surprise, surprise, surprise.