THERE still does not appear to be a definite date but stakeholders have agreed the movement of the wall at Turn 3 is the key to motorcycle racing resuming at Barbagallo Raceway.
A post on the Motorcycling Western Australia (MWA) on Wednesday, February 7 said a meeting between all stakeholders and Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray had been an important step to returning motorcycling activities to the raceway.
The post said all stakeholders had found a lot of common ground and were committed to working together to ensure the necessary modifications were put in place.
One of the key agreed outcomes from the meeting was the Turn 3 wall realignment.
“WA Sporting Car Club will investigate the cost and logistics of moving the wall at Turn 3 as recommended by the Hall Report,’’ the post said.
“The parties agreed that the movement of the wall at Turn 3 is the primary solution to a return to racing at Barbagallo.
“The Minister requested that WASCC begin this investigation as soon as possible.’’
The return of coaching to the raceway was another key agreed outcome.
“Whilst the original plan from May 2017 was to use physical constraints to limit speed in areas identified as having critical risk, it was agreed that physical constraints would not be workable and the risks can be managed by limiting speeds through an administrative management plan for rider training.
“Motor Cycle Racing Club of WA will provide MWA with a management plan for the return of rider training related to limiting speeds for coaching purposes.
“Chris Hall will also review this plan to ensure its safety.’’
It was also agreed WA Sporting Car Club (WASCC) would provide Motorcycling Australia with an updated report on the track modifications addressing items outlined in the Hall report.
“This will include an update on those modifications which have already been completed by WASCC which now comply with the Hall report.
“Upon completion of all works at Barbagallo, WASCC will request MA inspect Barbagallo Raceway for licencing purposes.’’
“We will continue to work co-operatively with all stakeholders, to see the safe return of all motorcycling activities to Barbagallo Raceway.’’
The meeting was attended by Rick Gill, Peter Clark of MWA and Peter Doyle of MA, along with senior representatives from WASCC, MCRCWA, the City of Wanneroo and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
A rider representative group was also invited.
Meanwhile in another post Motorcycling Western Australia said the state was the only one in the nation where a clear and robust mechanism allows members 24/7 access to the club while properly managing risk and providing important insurance coverage.
“MWA believes that clubs are best placed to manage their own venue and encourages all activity – bums on seats means healthy clubs,’’ the post said.
“Since 2006 when the Permitted Practice policy was implemented several reviews have taken place and following recent feedback from clubs and riding members we once again have made some changes.
“It will now no longer be compulsory to have a First Aid qualification to be issued with a practice supervisor (PS) licence,’’ the post said. “The minimum required to supervise will remain PS, and of course stewards/referees, clerks of course and coaches are all still able to supervise.
“While MWA recommends that a first aid qualified person is on site at all times, the minimum requirement will be if there are 10 or less people on the track at any one time, the minimum emergency procedure will be access to a working mobile phone (or landline), a first aid kit, and the contact numbers for emergency including club committee contact.
“More than 10 people on the track at any one time will require a qualified first aid person to be present.
“Minimum supervising requirements still apply ie one to five ratio for PS qualified officials.
“We believe our clubs are best placed on what will work best at their club, including whether to adopt this minimum, or a more comprehensive procedure – check with your club what your practice rules are.
“It is essential that the process adopted by your home club is respected and followed, including riders and officials to be signed on to ensure this privilege remains.’’
