Canberra 400 AXED

[Ando]

I just got a phone call from the hotel we stay at for the race in which they said they had recieved a fax stating that the ACT government has decided to terminate contract and thats the end of the Canberra 400, i am really dissapointed by this news, what are everyones thought's . Thanks ANDO.

[Hati]

It is amasing what a narrow minded V8 hater minority can pull off against all odds. Shame on the nation's capital.

[Xcesiv308]

Sorry to hear that the 400 is in it's death row,, being a Symons Plains race fan down here on our little island, we know what taking away the V8's means.. Hopefully it may return one day when we have better state management.. :mad:

[Bangkok Bob]

Unfortunatley, from the report I have received, this is as a result of a beaurocracy known as the NCA (National Capital Authority).

The race did cost the local government money and moves were afoot to try and change the weekend to a warmer month than June to attract bigger crowds (hey, it sometimes snows in June in Canberra). The NCA refused a change of weekend and as the race did not make a profit when run in June the ACT Government have decided to can it and pay out the contract (which was valid for two more years).

I grew up in Canberra and had spent my whole life wishing we had some local motorsports. Every time it sounded like we would get something, the wowsers stomped on it. Again the wowsers win.

Makes me think maybe I should stay in Bangkok (heh, heh...driving here is like a motorsport in itself!).

Unfortunately, the Canberra Press (nor the Biante forum) would publish the words that would best describe what I think of the people responsible for letting this happen.:mad:

[modelcarmad]

We're with Xcesiv308. We went to Symmons Plains in 1999 and saw the V8's for the first time live. AWSOME. Then we heard that they weren't coming back due to the badly needed upgrade. very disappointed. Let's hope some money gets spent down here so they do come back.
My smile will be like this if they do!!!!!::D

[BATHURSTFAN]

the next question is, what is going to replace the Canberra race?

[thekid_600]

Very very disappointing to see the Canberra 400 Axed. It produced some really good racing in the last 3 years.

Symmons plains was an awesome track too, and i still remember those days when they had the battle into the first left hand corner.

What can they possibly replace the round with? There arent many other circuits capable to house 36 cars in australia anymore. maybe they're considering an overseas round?

[Hati]

Information straight from one of the CAMS officials: the Canberra 400 was losing money hand over fist, and since Avesco is in it for a profit, that could not be sustained in the long run.
Translation: it is not purely the V8 haters' doing, it has to do a lot with the declaining support of the Canberra public.
Sad and unfortunate.

[Highlander]

Go Figure Hey.The Summernats is OK ,But the 400 isnt.Should get the Nats management to promote the race.

[thekid_600]

for me, the canberra 400 is as good as the adelaide 500. (sorry guys and girls who are in SA)
maybe they're losing money because they never promote the event! I heard that in the monday papers after the weekend's racing, it does not mention a SINGLE word about the 400km event.

its no wonder they were losing money.

[Oh Five]

I havent been there so i cant comment on the actual event, but i say good riddance to canberra, its a crappy, tight , circuit and the reverse grid format was a farce, but at the same time i hope it doesnt go overseas, WE the true supporters made supercars what they are today, so why punish tassie, calder and nearly wanneroo ?
Cheers.

[ET351]

What's the Fuss About?

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't a heap of you guys out there bag Canberra after this year's race?

I'm firmly on the fence on this one. Like 'Ohfive', I've never been to Canberra, but I've had enough of AVESCO and the whole V8Supercar scene, so it's no skin off my nose. To those in Canberra, I'd suggest getting to Wakefield Park for your motorsport. 'Ohfive' hit it on the head: we all know what AVESCO's agenda is, and it has nothing to do with the punters (except for their money). I agree, there are plenty of tracks not getting events, that previously drew good crowds (especially Tassie), only to have the rug pulled.

I'm sure to start some fires with this one....

Cheers, ET

[Ando]

As i said at start of thread, i am really dissapointed by this as is everbody i know that has been to Canberra , i think its best not to have a comment if you have not been there yourself because to me it had a unique atmosphere because of the closeness you had to the cars. I know there are some of you that gave it a bagging before one of which was ferrari fan who called it a goat track so i guess it could of been a good track for him. I think it is a shame that we have lost it as it was a highlight of my family and my mates family's year, we have had a terrific weekend down there the last three years and i will miss it but i guess the Tasmanians would be pretty happy if they get the go ahead as they have been missing out for some time, anyway have a goodone ANDO.

[Oh Five]

thanks for your "back up" et351, I'm not so much against canberra as a location, more the circuit and format. I'm more against we supporters losing OUR racing to overseas at the expense of OUR circuits.
I guess also what made my blood boil over Canberra was the stupid penaltys (lowndes,Bright etc) handed out but thats another "thread!"
Cheers.:(

[thekid_600]

mark skaife did say at an interview today on channel ten (Sydney) that the crowds could not see much of he V8s racing and that is the reason why income has fallen and thus they had to axe the race. it is a pity, canberra was a unique track that no other track is like.
i would also prefer the v8s to stay here. personally i'd love to see they race at symmons plains again. they was an awesome track, especially that tight left hand hairpin.