RELATED STORY: MAJOR AUSSIE TRACKS REVEAL PLANS FOR 2015 - 2016 SEASON

Australian’s three major racing facilities announced today they will not participate in the proposed 2015/2016 Australian National Drag Racing Association Series. Officials from Willowbank Raceway, Sydney Dragway and the Perth Motorplex revealed today plans to present a series headlined by the Group 1 categories, yet still run under ANDRA rulebook. The statement also said Sportsman brackets will support the new series, with all events likewise run under the ANDRA rules and regulations.

Sources close to the situation believe ANDRA will refuse to allow the group to use their rulebook, possibly forcing them over to IHRA or to create their own group.

Tony Wedlock, Willowbank Raceway president, and group spokesman, said in the statement issued today this decision came after many months of discussions with the ANDRA board. The source of the issues has been defining the role of ANDRA; it’s performance in the advancement of drag racing and issues centered around CEO Malcolm Bulley as well as other members of the board.

Bulley's leadership was a major issue with the track management, who had called for his resignation as one of their list of demands.

Earlier this year Australian Auto Action, a leading Aussie racing publication, reported ANDRA had investigated ‘certain behavioral concerns’ against Bulley at the Westernationals meeting at the Perth Motorplex on January 31st. The article also revealed the investigation confirmed physical confrontation was made by the CEO to a team’s crewmember. The contact was said to be minimal but ruled inappropriate nonetheless. The investigation ruled allegations of intoxication by Bulley at the time were also speculative and unfounded.
        
This and other issues reportedly prompted the track's to issue their vote of no-confidence in the ANDRA leadership on Tuesday.

Wedlock confirmed today in a prepared statement Bulley's removal was also part of the resolution.

"Yes we did and we did so due to a number of issues, not only regarding his performance as ANDRA CEO but also a number of incidents of personal conduct unbecoming for the head of a National Sport," Wedlock confirmed.

With or without ANDRA, Wedlock insinuated they plan to move forward.

“Drag racing is the world’s fastest, most exciting and fan friendly motorsport, and our venues – Willowbank Raceway, Sydney Dragway and the Perth Motorplex – are committed to its future,” Wedlock said. “We intend to initially provide a better schedule of events through a revitalized National Championship, improve the health of the professional categories, and return confidence to the sport.

“Our announcement is in the best interests of Australian drag racing and will take the sport back to the top where it belongs.”

In the end, the three tracks seek to remain with ANDRA but decisions by the board of directors for the series might force them into a direction they prefer not to take.

“It is important to understand that all venues want to continue to work with ANDRA as the sport’s regulatory body in Australia,” Wedlock said. “The tracks and racers have nearly half a century of investment in ANDRA however it has become obvious that changes are required for the sport to move forward.”