Although I have no active involvement in Vintage MX in Canberra, I was following the progress of the Classic MX titles with interest and was looking forward to attending the evnt (as a helper/spectator, not a competitor). So I am gob-smacked by this outcome - I haven't even heard a hint of this before now.
Here is a press release issued by the club today.
MEDIA RELEASE
ACTMCC Withdraws Bid for
2013 Australian Classic Motocross Championships
The President of the ACT Motorcycle Club, Mr Kevin MacGregor has announced the club has withdrawn its bid to host the 2013 Australian Classic Motocross Championships.
Mr MacGregor said “The ACTMCC has a long and proud history of presenting successful state and national titles. So is with a great deal of regret and careful consideration that the club has reluctantly advised Motorcycling Australia of this decision”
“The ACTMCC has worked closely with Motorcycling Australia to prepare for this event and has undertaken extensive work on the redevelopment of the Kumagutsa circuit, with final preparation of the circuit planned at the end of winter” he said.
Mr Macgregor acknowledged the concerns raised by a few members of the classic motocross community about the preparedness of the Kumagutsa circuit. Mr MacGregor said “this was a little disappointing given the ACTMCC’s successful history, unwavering commitment to rider safety and professional events team”.
Mr Macgregor went on to say “these concerns resulted in Motorcycling Australia being required to provide a higher level of scrutiny than the ACTMCC has previously experienced. This in turn resulted in cost overruns and in this difficult economic climate additional corporate support was unable to be secured to ensure the success of the event”.
“The ACTMCC withdrawal will enable Motorcycling Australia to focus on the remaining bids to host this event. We wish the host club and the event every success” Mr MacGregor added.
Mr MacGregor also thanked the sponsors that had committed to the event and advised the ACTMCC would be in contact to annul their agreements.
Kevin MacGregor
President
Approved for release 9 August 2013.