In what will be widely regarded as a forward-thinking and positive decision by the Sprintcar Control Council of Australia (SCCA) and the Australian Speedway Promoters Association (ASPA) for the benefit of competitors and fans alike, the 2013 Australian Sprintcar Championship to be conducted at Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway in Brisbane will be held over three massive nights of racing on January 10/11/12.
SCCA President, Mr Peter Mitchell, in confirming the much-anticipated agreement was made during a special meeting between the SCCA Executive and ASPA Members in Melbourne on August 5, highlighted a number of benefits the move to a three day event would provide, including;
Mr Mitchell, while pleased with the decision to move to a three day event for all National Championship events from 2013 onwards, was also mindful of the extra sea-borne travel time involved to Tasmania for the 2014 event and with this in mind, the successful Tasmanian Promoter will have the option to revert to a two day event if necessary.
Supercheap Auto Archerfield Speedway Promoter John Kelly welcomed the decision by the SCCA and ASPA in making the 51st running of the Championship one of change.
"The move to a three day Championship is a positive one for our sport, not only for the drivers and teams who compete but also for the fans who attend the venue to witness all the action live and for those who follow the results through social media and other means."
"Staff at a number of racing venues, especially in recent years as the sport continues to grow at a rapid rate, have done exceptional jobs given the high car counts, the number of races and of course all the festivities that are part of the Championship. However the extra night of racing will ease that pressure a little bit while at the same time it will mix the fields up and add a few extra elements of excitement and intrigue to the overall Championship event."
"Certainly from our perspective at Archerfield we see it as a very good decision for all and I know a number of our fellow ASPA members agree. We're very much looking forward to hosting the 2013 Title and showcasing the very best Australian drivers in the most prestigious event in Australian Speedway."
While the final format for the Championship is yet to be ratified by the SCCA, it is envisaged the field of nominated drivers will be split evenly across the first two nights of qualifying ahead of the final night of the Championship as is the norm with major events of this type. In the event Night One is adversely affected by weather, the Championship will revert to a two day show. In the event Night Two as affected then the Championship will push back a day, ie; Friday will run Saturday and the Championship Final will move to Sunday.
For fans planning their travel to Brisbane for the event, Gold / Multi-Day Passes for Grandstand Reserved seating in Rows A-E on the main straight will be available for online purchase through the Speedway's website at brisbanespeedway.com.au from Monday August 20. The Gold Passes include general admission for each night of the 2013 Supercheap Auto Australian Sprintcar Championship plus a reserved seat in the Main Grandstand (Rows A-E). Seat selection is available via the seating plan during the online purchasing process.
Reserved seating for Silver ticket holders in the main Grandstand and adjacent Bleachers will be available soon after while General Admission tickets for grassed hill areas will be available for online purchase at a later date.