The annual report of Speedway NZ contains information to members on the activities of the organisation for the year July 2011 – June 2012. This report contains feedback from all of the Board members in the following categories:DAVID JONES: WILLIE KAY: RICKY BOULTON: SANDRA BIRDLING: LEWIS DAWSON: MEL HILLS: JOHN McCALLUM:
President’s Report, Technical Enforcement TV, Promotions, Health & Safety, Personal Safety and Open Wheel Classes Superstock, Stockcar, Streetstock, Ministock and Safety Fence Electronic Lapscoring, Rulebook and Officials Marketing, Sport NZ and TAB Super Saloons, Saloons, Production Saloons and Modifieds Motorcycle Speedway and Quarter Midgets
Traditionally the Chief Executive has also put together a brief report, however with the Board doing such a thorough job of analysing the last 12 months it would be fairly repetitive. Instead, there are the Financial Reports in Section 7 (page 130) and the Speedway Snapshot (Section 8, page 150), which contain insights and information from the CEO.
I am proud to present my first AGM report to you as President of Speedway New Zealand. My fellow Directors and myself extend a warm welcome to you all and trust we can have a very positive conference to ensure our sport continues to progress. Speedway in recent months lost a tireless worker in Jake Pulman. Jake has been SNZ’s only Chief Stipendiary Steward since SNZ was formed. Jake will be sadly missed and SNZ has passed on its condolences to the Pulman family. SNZ and the Pulman family have created a new award “The Jake Pulman Award of Excellence” which will be presented for the first time at the Awards Dinner. I am pleased to announce that there have been no appeals in the last 12 months. I believe this is the first time for 28 years. I would like to think that the right decisions are being made by SNZ and its officials and this could have contributed to this. A special thanks to all our staff: Tim, Gary, Laurie, John, Mike and Clyde and all the others involved with the SNZ operational side. It is very important that we continue to up skill all our officials, especially in man-management skills. I believe we need to put more resources in to this area. Safety is a major concern. This year we lost a member of SNZ in Ray Channing. Ray will be sadly missed by many SNZ members, particularly in Rotorua where he was a very popular Stockcar driver. We are looking at all aspects of safety and while you are at the AGM we invite you to take a look at the safety equipment displays. Please pass on any information to your competitors and clubs. I was very fortunate to attend many meetings at different tracks around the country. Most meetings we run well and where the Promoters and SNZ worked well together, the meeting seemed to go very smoothly. At the last SNZ AGM and SPANZ AGM we were asked to see if we could come up with a formula to combine the two organizations. Both parties have worked well on this and an agreement has been reached to present to both AGM’s. If this is accepted by both parties I believe Speedway will make more progress in promoting itself. There is also room for some fine tuning if needed. It is impossible to write everything down in a report so I invite you to ask me any questions over the course of the weekend. I wish to thank my fellow Directors for the past 12 months work. I believe they have worked well together to make sure Speedway keeps moving ahead. Directors meetings in most cases have been productive. Lewis Dawson is retiring after three years as a Board member, and I’m sure you’ll join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him well for his future endeavours. I also wish all tracks and competitors all the best for the upcoming season. TECHNICAL ENFORCEMENT This is an area where we need to undertake more training. We undertook a considerable amount of vehicle checking throughout the season and it was disturbing to find out that not everything went well. It is also very disturbing to find discrepancies with our Whistler compression tester and we are presently undergoing an enquiry with the manufacturer to remedy this. Technical enforcement is not usually popular so therefore I must thank all the people involved. David Jones
TELEVISION At the last AGM, the Directors were given the mandate to continue with television exposure of Speedway with the emphasis on direct advertising and a generic ad if it could be considered to be financially viable. After investigation seven television advertisements were produced. These consisted of one generic advertisement and a further six for New Zealand Championships that were selected by the Directors. These were for the Super Saloons, Superstocks, Midgets, Saloons, Stockcars and Sprintcars. The ads were produced using available footage that was not considered to show any favouritism and to portray Speedway as an exciting activity providing great entertainment and good value. From early December and through until early April 142 advertisements were aired on TV1 at various times and in various programmes selected for best exposure and available budget. The generic ad was shown 85 times, the Stockcars 12 times, the Super Saloons and Midgets 10 times each, the Saloons 9 times, and the Superstock and Sprintcars 8 times each. This is the first time that the Speedway NZ budget has been dedicated to direct advertising rather than subsidising Championship coverage, and the feedback received by the office has been positive. While a decision has yet to be made whether to continue with television, any future campaign would benefit from a budget increase. Should the members elect to continue with the current direct advertising option and events, there will be some saving by using the existing visuals, and only changing the graphics and voice over portions of the ads. There may also be opportunities to provide further benefit to those tracks hosting the individual Championship events. PROMOTIONS Being the SNZ Director holding the Promotions portfolio has been an interesting experience. Sitting on both the SPANZ executive and the SNZ Board has provided the scenario for some difficult discussions. Working through the proposed changes and the terms of reference as mandated by the floor at the last AGM, and being the messenger to both organisations, was taxing at times to say the least. Moving SPANZ into a subcommittee of SNZ, should the members of both SPANZ and SNZ elect to do so, will mean some changes will occur. Regardless, I feel that the member tracks deserve greater support and assistance from both SPANZ and SNZ, and I hope that this will happen in the near future. There have been many issues that SNZ has had to deal with regarding Promotions, and it is obvious that there are some rules that do not provide for the needs of the tracks, and these need to be presented at remits at the next AGM. Many of the issues, such as the number of competitors in the final of the NZ stock car championship for example, which has been granted dispensation for a number of years, should be addressed. Also, the cooperation between member tracks regarding the scheduling of Championship events could be improved. Both organisations need to be strategic and proactive to ensure Promotions and tracks are able to operate at their best. There are many ways to assist the Promotions at tracks, and I hope that whether there are any changes or not, there will be opportunity to contribute. Promotions can, and should be, an exciting undertaking.
HEALTH & SAFETY As we have in the past, and we will have in the future, we have again experienced another tragic reminder that our sport can be dangerous. We have also had incidents that should have been preventable, and we should be in no doubt that we need to be vigilant and proactive with regard to Health and Safety. There have been examples of rules and regulations not being followed, with the subsequent exposure to risks that can be expected. We cannot legislate all risk from our Speedway and more rules and regulations is not the complete answer. The basic principles of Health and Safety may not always suffice, and we need to keep the training of officials as a top priority. Whatever our involvement in Speedway, we are all responsible for Health and Safety, and we need to do our utmost to keep each other safe at all times. PERSONAL SAFETY It is abundantly obvious that some competitors are not wearing, or using all the safety equipment that is available to them. There may be many reasons for not doing so, such as availability, cost, or the acceptance of something new that they haven’t had the need for in the past. Speedway NZ is still gathering data about many of the safety items available, and there are more items coming onto the market at a steady pace. It may well be that SNZ will have to legislate the use of some items that are currently optional, as and when more information becomes available. As in Health and Safety, we need to strive to eliminate, minimise or isolate items and issues of risk, and personal safety items are of the highest priority. OPEN WHEEL The Open Wheel sections have been relatively stable, with the exception of the Midgets, which required a rule to be implemented during the racing season. This created the awareness of omissions in the rules for some of the Open Wheel sections, and there is an obvious need for some strategic planning by the Directors regarding the rules and regulations. As with all competitors, the Open Wheel section deserves to have rules and specifications that provide stability for the foreseeable future, and it will be the responsibility of the directors and Technical Committees to implement the process. To this regard, seminars have been held with the TQ’s and Minisprints, with the other sections to follow. Feedback from these discussions will provide the frame work for suggested rules to be sent for consultation. The open wheel sections include some of the oldest racing classes in speedway, and they deserve to have a positive future. Willie Kay Midget 1NZ: Michael Pickens. Photo by James Selwyn
STREETSTOCKS This grade has been well behaved this year. They had a few issues with manifolds at the beginning of the season but the Board saw fit to compromise and give these guys the ability to race their car at minimal expense. We also had an issue with mesh on the radiator hoops which again the Board and Technical Committee advised we should give dispensation to allow the 6mm mesh instead of the 4mm as per the rule book. As far as the grade goes country wide they have been well behaved. We have had very minimal, I actually can’t think of any referrals to the board for competitors misbehaving, so it is quite obvious to me that this grade has now realised that if they are well behaved and tidy up their attitude that they do have a place within Speedway NZ, and it’s a grade that people love to watch and easy to get into. STOCKCARS This grade has had its up’s and down’s. The ups including Peter Rees wining another NZ title (congratulations to him), and the outstanding teams events that this grade has produced throughout the country to entertain our fans. This grade continues to grow with enthusiastic young fellas coming into the grade giving the older fellas a run for their money. We have had a few issues with roll cages collapsing, and few various accidents. Some comments out there were that the roll cage did not collapse in a rollover. Unfortunately roll cages aren’t only there to protect the driver in a case of a rollover, the cage is to protect them at all times, so we have sent all relevant information to a structural engineer in a hope that he can come up with some recommendations (be it good or bad) so we can make the correct decision. We had a few hiccups at our national events. Cars turned up non-compliant, but luckily for these competitors our officials allowed them to go away and change their car. This will not be happening in the future as ignorance is no longer a form of defence. Competitors need to learn to read the website updates (if they don’t have a computer find a friend that does) read and understand the rule book (if you cannot read find someone to read it to you). The Stockcar grade nationally has been reasonably well behaved apart from a few young fellas and their crews attacking each other and SNZ Officials on Facebook and other forums. This will not be tolerated. I believe that more clubs need to educate these competitors and the crews on how they should act away from the track as much as they do at the track. Finally we had a tragic death of Ray Channing in a latter part of the season. My condolences go out to his family and to all that were involved and knew Ray. We have also had some bad injuries that have ended some racing careers, we must never stop looking for ways to make our sport safer. Streetstock 1NZ, Dave Hampton, Stockcar 1NZ, Peter Rees. Photos by: Graeme Hughes, Sportsweb
SUPERSTOCKS Still the glamour grade of NZ speedway. We have had a few issues on roll cages with this grade as well, and hopefully we will get the same answers from the engineers report as we do the stockcars. We have had a few issues with drivers in this grade thinking the rules don’t apply to them and using the safety card as a way to get radical stuff passed for racing. Reality is the rules are made by all the drivers not just one. We have had a few trial tyres and trial engines approved. Not much to report at this early stage, but hope to have more info for ya this time next year. MINISTOCKS Great feeder grade for speedway in NZ. We are holding a meeting this weekend regarding changes to some of the rules – we will be able to report on some of the ideas at the end of this weekend or through the course of the year. Behaviour within the Youth Ministocks is still proving to be a problem. SNZ is still having to deal with petty shit (e.g. Facebook rubbish, Twitter rubbish, parents fighting parents and parents abusing SNZ officials). At the end of the day clubs should be dealing with 80% of the problems that get brought to SNZ. The board should not have to deal with some little jumped up 13 year old that abuses an official or makes a comment on Facebook, we’ve got better things to do. If you need help with some ideas go talk to the Huntly or Rotorua delegates and ask them, because we never get problems with kids from these two clubs. FENCES This year is crunch year for many of us to get our venues up to the new standards. I know some clubs have been and will be struggling but if you are unsure on the best way to fix your fences ask other clubs for help and advice. Neighbouring clubs should be sharing resources and manpower to accomplish the new standards. Let’s all try and work together to keep all clubs racing. Ricky Boulton
Superstock 1NZ – Joe Faram. Picture: Kenley Brown
OFFICIALS The Board is pleased that there has been an improvement in the behaviour and decision-making from the majority of officials this year while recognising that in some cases there are still issues with interpretation of the rules, enforcing local rules (which are not included in the rulebook) and despite training, an attitude of “I’m the Official at this track and what I say, you will do!”. It is also pleasing to report that: • Technical Officials have identified 20 non-compliant engines during the 2011/12 season. • For the first time in 28 years, there have been no appeals to the Board this season. Speedway NZ Officials are nominated by the promotions and the Board approves the appointments acknowledging that sometimes a lack of willing volunteers means that those nominated are not always the “best person for the job”. It is unhelpful for the Board to receive grief from the promotions about the actions of their nominated Officials during the season and it’s time for the promotions to take some responsibility for the actions of their nominated Officials. The Board would like to thank all the Officials for their dedication to Speedway during the 2011/12 season. ELECTRONIC LAPSCORING In August 2011 the Board approved travel to Natsoft and Dorian in Australia by the Operations Manager Laurie Callender and taskforce member Nic Gibbs. The visit was primarily to discuss updating the software specifically for Speedway and included updating the operators manual, championship formats and points used in Speedway, championship events involving multiple groups and points. They also took with them the backlog of transmitters that required repair. The visit to the Dorian factory meant that they could see first-hand the assembly and repair of transmitters as well as the testing of these. They were shown the testing of Track Side Receivers (TSR) and the software used to adjust these including a dummy loop, set up around a cardboard box so a transmitter could be passed over it. A TSR tester has been supplied and has been used on NZ tracks to check each loop in the track for condition and leakage to earth. To date 10 tracks have been checked and all have been passed. All track ELS operators, that Speedway NZ has contact details for, have been given access to a web based tool to assist them, www.elsofficial.proboards.com. The forum is available to assist ELS operators. Promotions will be asked to provide contact details for their operators to the Speedway NZ office for the coming season. The updated operators manual has been completed and includes the latest software version screen shots. The latest software has been copied to all tracks and ELS operators need to ensure this is uploaded so they receive the full benefit of changes that have been made to the system for Speedway. The transmitter repairs backlog has been reduced. It has also been noted that a lot of repairs only require a kick start of the batteries, as if transmitters have not been charged over winter and the batteries won’t always kick into life. A “Booster Charger” has been designed and is being used by the Speedway NZ office as a stage 1 check to repair transmitters.
Speedway NZ has purchased a supply of the Dorian hardwired transmitters (Dorian TX8000 Direct). Mounting brackets, instructions and new measurements have been developed and are supplied with a kit of correct bolts and nuts to mount these transmitters. (see sample right). A resource plan to assist ELS Operators with Championship support during the 2011/12 season was achieved. It is worthwhile noting that there were very few timing issues at championship meetings during this past season. With the scrutineers being more diligent in the area of incorrect transmitter mountings the rate of non-compliant mounts has dropped providing more consistent results. The Board would like to thank the ELS Taskforce and all ELS operators for their dedication to Speedway during the 2011/12 season. RULEBOOK The format of the technical specifications and racing rules, Sections T and R is a jumble of repetitive paragraphs using different words to describe the same part of a race car e.g. engine and motor. In some places it is difficult to understand what the correct meaning of the statements are and that in turns leads to difficulties faced by Speedway NZ Officials to enforce the statements. The taskforce have been working to structure Section T into the following groupings: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Frame/Chassis Bumpers/Nerf bars/Materials/Rollcages/Wheelbases/Body/Wings Engine Carburettors/Fuel Injection/Cylinder heads/Exhaust system/Fuel Oil systems/ Throttle controls etc Electrical Batteries/Ignition/On-Off/ELS Wheels and tyres Drivetrain Clutches/Flywheels/Driveshafts/Transmission/Gearbox/Differential/Rear end Brakes and suspension Steering/Brakes Safety Equipment – generic where possible Seats/Belts/Nets/Clothing/Helmets/Restraints
Sections E and S have also been reviewed, with the intention of moving much of the information contained in these two sections into the relevant T Sections. To date, the Solos/Sidecar section has been rewritten but not progressed any further and the Open Wheel section has been rewritten excluding rollcages. The Board would like to thank the Rulebook Taskforce for their dedication to Speedway during the 2011/12 season. Sandra Birdling
After three years as Director I have decided not to seek re-election to the Board. Speedway in New Zealand is a dynamic sport and I feel privileged to have contributed to the sport in a governance role. I discussed in my last report the role of marketing and how to apply it to our sport. When applying marketing to a plan we look at the macro and the micro environment. In short we look at the bigger and the smaller picture, looking at past and future trends that could have an impact on our sport. The bigger picture sees the current global economic crises still not showing any signs of recovery. We have to ask the question what effect do these world events have on our local speedway tracks. Just this week Fonterra has dropped the payout to Diary farmers because of a current oversupply of milk products and an increase in competition. This macro event will have a flow on effect on tracks that rely on the rural sector for competitors and fans. Even though New Zealand seems to be riding this economic crisis well, we still need to be mindful of any sudden changes worldwide that could have a trickle-down effect on our sport. This highlights the uncertainty we still face as a sport which could see outside market forces having a major impact without us having any control over these outcomes. Two ways to counter any of these influences is 1) to tighten our belt to ensure we do not live beyond our means and 2) the promotion of our sport. Recently SNZ conducted an online survey with the major trend from the more than 400 respondents being the promotion of the sport. Historically SNZ has been more of a regularity and technical organisation with little or no place for marketing. Overwhelmingly the respondents to this survey highlighted the need for the promotion of our sport. The findings from this survey backed up the outcomes from the Promoters forum held last year. So the will is there for SNZ to take a lead in the marketing of our sport. The proposed merger of SPANZ with SNZ to create a promotional team is a great step in the right direction. The moving of our head office to Wellington and now the proposed merger of SPANZ are two major strategic initiatives that bode well for the health of our sport in the future. However last season as a whole saw a downturn of our some of premier classes, and an overall loss of 94 competitors across all classes. These are trends we need to be mindful of as they are not good reading especially if the economic crisis continues over the next few years. The merger of SPANZ and the consequent marketing of our sport should see a halt to this slide and hopefully a reversal of fortunes. TAB Covered 13 events (was 12 last year) and turnover was up a total of 26%. For the 12 existing events the turnover was up 15%, so strong growth there. TAB turnover for the six months to 31 Jan 2012 was up 3.9% so we are doing well. SPORT NZ (FORMERLY SPARC) We have held our funding at $20,000 per annum and are just about to start the next reporting and negotiation round with them. Obviously they have no additional funding from the government so things are tight. As of 1 February 2012 they changed name to Sport New Zealand too. Lewis Dawson
MODIFIEDS Although not huge numbers the class makes up for it in quality. Numbers have dropped at some tracks yet increased at others so overall numbers have stayed roughly the same. No major headaches with this class over the season however upon investigation a change in right rear wheel hubs may be inevitable. SUPER SALOONS Despite being under the consultation process, competitors do not want to know about being involved with looking after their class until a major event and then all hell breaks loose over silly items that were put out for their consultation earlier. In all it makes you wonder whether the class would be better under the remit process. I can see this class having difficulty next season as drivers try to push boundaries and invent things that are not in the rule book. SALOONS Saloon class is increasing in numbers especially in the South Island. This could be due to Cromwell holding the NZ title in 2013. This class still has a couple of niggles with the way some of the rules have been written after the split from being combined with the Super Saloons section in the rulebook with a couple of competitors exploiting these. Overall not a bad year for this class but at a major meeting it was highlighted that careful selection of class representatives and explaining their roles and authority is of upmost importance. PRODUCTION SALOONS There was a decrease in numbers for this class this season. Whether this is because people are using this as a feeder class like it was intended or not. I cannot be sure but with any issues quickly cleared up by the Directors and Technical Committee we are doing our best for the competitor. More modern and better presented vehicles seem to be the norm at most tracks. Mel Hills
Modified 1NZ: Richard Pierce, Super Saloon 1NZ: Steve Flynn, Saloon 1NZ: Jeff Barron Photos By: Graeme Hughes, Sportsweb
SIDECARS Although the numbers of sidecar competitors has remained relatively static for the past three years, we have seen an increase in the quality of machinery and the level of competition within this section. The tidy-up of the rule book to bring the sidecar rules more in alignment with FIM rules means our competitors can compete in international events on an equal footing. This year we had several teams travel to the FIM Gold Cup meeting in Adelaide where they were able to race competitively with Australian and English competitors. There was a selection process held within New Zealand to establish the competitors that would attend this meeting, those riders selected represented New Zealand well. Unfortunately, the level of organisation in running of the meeting by the FIM was not up to the standard of a world championship and was disappointing for all. In February the sidecar section had a very successful New Zealand title run at Rosebank Road speedway for the first time. Rosebank speedway although long established as a motorcycle venue, had never before hosted the New Zealand sidecar championship. This championship ran without a hitch with Rob and Deane Miller of Gisborne coming out as deserved winners. After the running of the South Island sidecar championship at Moore Park, I was contacted by the Club President Mike Provost to comment on how pleased they were with the South Island meeting. The number of entries they received being well up on what this meeting had attracted in the past and the quality of racing was also a vast improvement on what had been seen in previous years. The event attracted strong spectator interest which continued a trend that has developed over the past two seasons with promoters all over New Zealand being pleasantly surprised by the crowds attracted to quality sidecar events. SOLOS The running of the FIM world championship at Western Springs in March this year provided a huge boost for solo racing in New Zealand. Through this event we were able to advertise our local solo clubs to attract new competitors. There have been several enquiries as a result of this publicity. We were also able to take a group of junior and developing riders to practice day for this event and have them addressed by a selection of Grand Prix riders on the rigours of being a professional speedway rider and where our young riders should be aiming to place their stepping stones to reach this pinnacle.
Sidecar 1NZ Rob & Deane Miller at the World Sidecar Champs. Photo by Shelley Clark Solo 1NZ Jason Bunyan at the Speedway GP. Photo by James Selwyn
Of course we had three representative in the meeting itself, Jason Bunyan was riding for New Zealand as he has done for several years. Jason performed admirably when considering he was competing against the best 15 riders in the world. Also involved in this meeting were the track reserves, Sean Mason and Grant Tregoning who got to participate in all aspects of the Grand Prix including the Thursday and Friday practice sessions, the media launch, various other media and social functions attached to the event, and were in the pits on race day as track reserves. Although not called on to ride they were able to learn a lot from speaking to other competitors and being part of the Grand Prix environment. Further to that Sean Mason has since attended the first round of the FIM World Under-21 Championships held in Holland where he scored a creditable 6 points finishing in 10th overall. He was unfortunate to fall in his last ride, had he have scored points in this race he would have almost certainly progressed to the next round of the World Championship. Sean Mason and Jamie Moohan have now based themselves in the UK under Jason Bunyan’s tutelage and are seeking rides with British clubs in the third tier or national league of British speedway. Also travelling to the UK for six weeks from the end of May is junior rider Bradley Andrews. Bradley has just turned 14 and is going to compete in the British 250cc championships held at three venues across the UK. All these riders have come through the system of junior development and training set up by MSNZ. We are now seeing the results of this group’s hard work by the quality of riders being produced. In the tier below this we have several promising junior riders who are about to make their mark in the senior ranks. The last group involved with MSNZ being the pee-wee riders have increased in number by over 30% in the last season. TRAINING MANUAL Over the past two seasons an extensive training manual has been compiled by a professional trainer. Andy Paterson the person charged with compiling and assembling this manual is an ex-British soldier now based in New Zealand who previously worked with the development of the British cycling team, who went on to become a world force through following the programmes developed by Andy Paterson. This manual is 90% complete and when fully operational will provide a tool that speedway has never had before in regard to offering training to our young competitors. Although parts of this manual are specific to motorcycle racing it has been developed in such a way that it can be used for all youth classes, as it has a real focus on training the trainers so we have the right people teaching the skills in a uniformed, structured and proven manner. BUDGET The dedicated motorcycle speedway funding scheme of $100 per adult licence and $50 per youth licence continued in 2011-12, being made available for disbursement by the MSNZ sub-committee.
The unspent income from the previous season was also carried over into the 2011-12 season budget. The total funds available to MSNZ for 2011-12 were $40,175; the total money spent for the season was $17,333. The unspent amount of $22,842 is carried over to 2012-13. As you can see by these figures it is not simply a case of spending everything that is available; we are very selective on what money is spent on, ensuring that it is going to return some value to motorcycle speedway in New Zealand. Through this system we have been able to save the motorcycles classes from extinction and see them develop in strength and depth. I would like to commend the work of the MSNZ sub-committee who work diligently and without payment to see that this operation continues to run smoothly and funds allocated from SNZ are spent wisely. QUARTER MIDGETS This class is administered by a very enthusiastic group of predominantly parents with the bulk of the competitors being based in either Auckland or Christchurch. Throughout the season we have had some issues with technical matters that have been dealt with efficiently and effectively by the technical committee. A focus for this division is to keep a restraint on cost so ¼ Midgets do not become out of reach for people wishing to enter into this division. Quarter Midgets continue to be the breeding ground for open-wheel drivers with another group having moved into the senior ranks last year, predominantly into TQ’s and Midgets. Innovations adapted by this class through the season included a very successful open day hosted at Waikaraka Park that was well attended by current competitors and supporters but also by people interested in joining this class. As a direct result of this day we have seen three new competitors join the ¼ Midget ranks in Auckland. To aid this open day and other club practice days, ¼ Midgets have been able to work with SNZ to implement the same youth training licence structure already utilised by junior solos, allowing more prospective competitors the opportunity to have a go in the Auckland ¼ Midget club’s training car and so get a taste of the sport without any large initial outlay. These innovations have seen an increase in the car count in both Auckland and Christchurch. Once again, thank you to the members of the technical committee who have been responsible for administering the rule changes and clarifications throughout the 2011-12 season. John McCallum
This section is broken into three parts:-
The audited financial statements for the year to 31 March 2012 begin on the next page. They show a shortfall of $12,181 between income and expenditure, versus a projected surplus of $8,806. This differential is partly due to a reduction in licensed competitors, with 3.5% less competitors than the year before. With over half of Speedway NZ’s income coming from licenses, this does have an impact. The expenses side of the ledger is generally more of a known quantity to the organisation, so tend to differ when a conscious decision is made to spend more than anticipated. There are exceptions, such as NZ title rainouts, that incur additional expenses for the governing body. Overall, the general aim of Speedway is to live within its means, and that was mostly achieved in 2011/12. The table to the right shows a ten year comparison of key financial indicators.
Financial Year 2011/12 2010/11 2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 2003/04 2002/03
Total Revenue $794,508 $784,470 $782,136 $759,600 $719,212 $746,223 $581,010 $535,410 $496,834 $558,304
Total Expenditure $806,689 $781,584 $821,155 $732,843 $755,228 $664,384 $537,502 $532,459 $489,873 $558,078
Surplus/ Deficit -$12,181 $2,886 -$29,418 $49,656 -$36,016 $81,839 $43,508 $2,951 $6,961 $226
Total Assets $333,389 $339,670 $345,595 $363,303 $324,338 $325,119 $228,833 $229,155 $223,957 $217,596
Retained Earnings $293,936 $306,116 $303,230 $332,647 $282,991 $325,119 $228,833 $184,032 $164,080 $155,501
This information is not part of the formal accounts, but provide a look at some of the more relevant and topical sectors of the organisation that are of interest such as: Motorcycle Speedway New Zealand The Technical Fund Directors Fees Television The Rulebook Taskforce Note that any shortfalls in these areas are funded by general expenditure.
The requirement of the AGM to approve a budget is shrined in the constitution, so the indicative budget for 2012/13 is enclosed.
The dedicated motorcycle speedway funding scheme was extended for a fourth season by the SNZ Board in August 2011, with $100 incl GST per Adult licence and $50 per Youth licence available for disbursement by the MSNZ sub-committee. The unspent income from previous seasons was also available. Expenditure for the 2011/12 financial year is shown below, along with competitor numbers by relevant class over the four year period.
MSNZ Financial Summary as at 31 March 2012 $ Previous unspent income bought forward 2011/12 Income Licence fees Travel assistance from Motorcycling NZ Total Income 2011/2012 Total Income available 2011/12 Expenses Travel assistance - New Zealanders overseas Travel assistance - overseas competitors to NZ New Zealand Team Manager FIM Clerk of Course Training MSNZ Meeting expenses R&M - Training bikes Bike transport Akl - Chch Total Expenses 2011/2012 Unspent at 31st March 2012 - carry over to 2012/13
$ 18001
20000 2174 22174 40175
Solo Competitors 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12
8543 4000 1800 1000 1511 88 391 17333
Sidecar Competitors 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12
82 88 91 75
169 177 190 181
22842
Junior Solo Competitors 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12
19 26 19 21
Peewee Solo Competitors 2008/09 0 2009/10 0 2010/11 8 2011/12 11 All Motorcycle Competitors 2008/09 270 2009/10 291 2010/11 308 2011/12 288
$30 per Adult competition licence from the four-wheeled classes is earmarked for expenditure on Technical requirements. Motorcycle and Youth competitors do not contribute to the fund. This was an area of major focus this season, and some of the highlights included:
All existing equipment was returned to SNZ Head Office for servicing and assessment. As a result, some equipment was refurbished and other new equipment was purchased. For example, all five sets of SNZ scales were calibrated on the same day, using the same load to ensure consistency. Two Technical Stewards attended the major allocated titles where possible, to ensure greater coverage and more thorough inspections. This could be responsible for an increase in the technical infringements issued this season, up from 2 last year to 11 in 2011/12. 123 fuel samples were also taken, with Asure Quality again undertaking the testing on our behalf. No irregularities were found, which is pleasing to note.
Technical Fund Summary for the 2011/12 Season $ $ 2011/2012 Income 1886 Adult 4 wheel competition licences @ $25.50 ($30 incl GST) 2011/2012 Expenses Repairs and Maintenance to existing equipment Scales Sound Meters Trailers Compression Testers Purchase of new equipment ELS testers Tyre testing equipment Class-specific equipment Compression tester (Whistler) Technical Stewards expenditure Daily Rate Accommodation Travel Mileage Training Seminar Technical Advisor Fuel Sampling Kits & Testing
669 180 4319 314
5482
387 894 874 2776
4931
4958 4256 4627 13875 4415
$ 48095
32131 6000 8057
Total Expenses
56601
Deficit
-8506
Board meetings from November to April are held during the week, to avoid clashing with speedway meetings. From May to October they are held on the weekend to avoid board members having to take a day off work. Directors attending board meetings have received $150 before tax since September 2009. In the 2011/12 financial year the cost of this activity was $10,950 (down from $11,400 in 2010/11). The attendance record of the current Directors is included in the table to the right.
Board Meeting Attendance 2011/12 David Jones 11 Lewis Dawson 11 Mel Hills 11 Willie Kay 10 John McCallum 10 Sandra Birdling 9 Ricky Boulton 8 Total Meetings 11
This was the first year that Speedway NZ’s $500 TV levy had been directed towards a general advertising campaign, rather than subsidising the production of TV shows for premier race meetings. The adverts appeared on TV One during a variety of timeslots from January through to March.
TV Financial Summary for the 2011/12 season $ Income 23 tracks @ $434.78 ($500 incl GST) Expenditure Perspective Group Ltd - Creation of Ads TVNZ - Broadcasting
$ 10000
2600 13169
Total Expenses
15769
Deficit
-5769
With the costs of the Rulebook Taskforce to come from the organisations reserves, it is important to itemise these separately from general expenditure. The rewrite is nearly half complete after three years, with Sections C, M and Technical rules for 6 classes reworked, amounting to just over 100 pages. With the Taskforce not having a strong Technical background, more assistance is being utilised for the rewrite of Section T. Rulebook Taskforce expenditure per annum 2009/10 3 meetings New Plymouth, Wellington, Palm Nth 2010/11 3 meetings Nelson x2, Wellington 2011/12 3 meetings Wellington x2, Hamilton Total cost to date
4226 5502 7547 17275
The information contained below mirrors the reporting in the audited financial statements for ease of comparison, with the addition of the budgeted figures for the 2012/13 financial year and 2011/12. Some points to note: There have been no budgeted fee increases for tracks. Competitor licences fees up $10 to $180 adult and $90 youth respectively, the first increase in two years. Assumption is that the Motorcycle Speedway sub-committee will spend their entire available funding. An additional staff member will be recruited, primarily to allow for the start of an overhaul from a paper-based to an electronic organisation. This will be a long-term project, and all indications are that a new staff member will be more cost-effective than outsourcing. A small surplus of $11,281 is predicted. All figures exclude GST.
Speedway NZ 2012/13 Budget
Operating Revenue Competitors Licences One day Licences Technical Fund MSNZ Fund Competitor Infringement AGM Income Electronic Lapscoring Grants Received Promotions Track Fees Permit Fees Technical Equipment Sales Training Income Gross Surplus from Trading Less Expenses Administration and Financial Expenses Accountancy Fees Accident Compensation Levies AGM Expenses Audit Fees Bank Charges Communication Costs Computer Competitor Infringement Executive Meetings Electronic Lapscoring Fringe Benefit Tax General Expenses
2012/13 Budget
2011/12 Actual
2011/12 Budget
2010/11 Actual
321,415 58,971 49,539 22,838 12,045 44,574 99,760 20,000 965 42,826 118,137 4,130 795,200
292,908 57,252 48,095 22,174 11,395 61,082 98,165 20,000 4,647 47,567 117,983 4,214 487 785,969
322,898 59,617 50,615 10,000 50,000 105,174 60,000 7,348 48,351 114,264 5,652 450 834,369
300,840 59,609 50,403 23,337 9,240 47,168 96,655 20,097 2,047 37,450 111,944 5,344 439 764,573
3,000 3,000 44,000 1,800 4,540 11,900 5,575 1,100 52,800 88,250 4,600 540
2,860 2,881 61,832 1,650 4,406 12,529 5,903 1,411 51,282 105,723 4,560 506
3,000 3,870 60,000 1,800 4,100 16,000 6,500 2,500 43,300 100,500 10,000 800
2,800 3,632 58,884 1,650 4,056 14,628 6,347 2,442 41,151 103,472 9,513 3,656
Insurance Lease Equipment Lease Vehicles Legal Expenses - Deductible Licences Officials Expenses Permit Fees Expenses Printing and Stationery Rent/Lease Property Training MSNZ Expenses Vehicle Inspection/Compliance Operating Expenses Advertising Electricity Freight & Cartage Low Value Assets Track Inspections & Insurance Vehicle Expenses Wages Technical Expenses Non Cash Expenses Depreciation Total Expenses Operating Deficit before Other Income Other Income Interest Received Donations in Kind Gain on sale Loss on sale Total Other Income Net surplus/deficit(-) before tax
13,705 2,756 4,800 18,850 4,200 70,340 5,925 10,395 17,000 46,591 8,500 424,167
13,043 1,013 11,636 4,538 30,421 5,000 77,327 5,794 10,348 22,275 16,422 7,047 460,407
9,590 3,036 16,356 3,000 37,777 3,525 76,473 5,000 13,000 29,250 18,000 8,300 475,677
9,135 3,078 16,356 3,219 15,774 3,198 73,319 5,105 11,632 26,102 29,532 7,831 456,512
25,350 1,595 9,215 22,020 16,500 247,481 49,300 371,461
24,465 1,402 8,943 835 16,685 16,295 214,800 52,212 335,637
52,297 1,200 13,500 24,609 15,000 210,357 43,000 359,963
22,245 1,179 13,455 346 17,976 13,546 205,948 39,767 314,462
8,481
10,645
8,293
9,647
804,109
806,689
843,933
780,621
-8,909
-20,720
-9,564
-16,048
7,700 12,490
8,539
8,380 9,990
9,902
20,190
8,539
18,370
9,990 -958 18,934
11,281
-12,181
8,806
2,886