Last Sunday, June 21, the AASA announced a “new era” for the alliance, with an investment group consisting of current chief executive officer Stephen Whyte, Les Smith, Michael Fitzgerald and Peter Washington taking full ownership, ending a 23-year period of ownership by the Benalla Auto Club.
In a statement announcing the sale, the AASA, which provides accessible, cost-effective sanctioning, insurance solutions and licences for motorsport events across Australia, said the new ownership would allow the sanctioning body to grow and expand into new areas of motorsport.
“This is a fantastic development for motorsport in general in Australia,” Whyte said at the announcement of the sale.
“Today, we're able to announce that an investment group has entered into an agreement with the Benalla Auto Club committee to purchase the Australian Auto-Sport Alliance (AASA).
“It means that the motorsport world is going to have plenty of opportunity to deal with the AASA as we will be moving away from Winton. We'll be relocating to a more central position in Melbourne.
“It's a fantastic opportunity to grow the Australian Auto-Sport Alliance, obviously due to the hard work and the foresight of the Benalla Auto Club committee.”
However, on June 23, the BAC denied any agreement had been reached in a letter titled “AASA – NOT FOR SALE” which was distributed to members, stating that it “rejects any suggestion that the Benalla Auto Club Committee approved, supported, or endorsed such a transaction”, and is exploring possible legal action.
“The Committee states it was unaware of the purported sale until recent weeks and has serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the alleged transfer,” the letter read.
“As a result, BAC is preparing legal action to protect its interests and those of its members.
“Importantly, BAC wishes to reassure members, competitors, promoters, sponsors, officials, and the broader motorsport community that it remains business as usual for both the Benalla Auto Club and Winton Motor Raceway.”
Motorsport Australia chief executive officer Josh Blanksby met with the BAC last week in the wake of the news, offering support and guaranteeing the insurance and safety coverage of all scheduled events, while also confirming all sanctioned events at Winton Motor Raceway will continue as planned.
“The Benalla Auto Club has been a long-standing Motorsport Australia affiliated club and the recent developments do not change that,” Blanksby said.
“Motorsport Australia exists for the entire motorsport community, to ensure that motorsport events are delivered in a safe, fair and fun way. Every weekend, across every state and territory.
“We want to ensure that all motorsport events in Australia are conducted with adequate insurance coverage and with uncompromised risk and safety protocols in place.”
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