SPANZ AND SNZ: PROPOSED MERGER
2012 SPEEDWAY AWARDS
SPANZ is the Speedway Promoters Association of New Zealand, and along with Speedway New Zealand it undertakes important tasks to ensure that the sport operates in a manner that meets the needs of the speedway community.
The 2012 Necksgen New Zealand Speedway Awards function will take place in Auckland on Saturday 11 August. Bought to you by ProParts and Chicane, the venue is the Ellerslie Function Centre and nominations are now open for the various categories.
ROLLCAGE UPDATE: STOCKS/SUPERS JAKE PULMAN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE ELS: TRANSMITTER BOOST COMPETITOR NEWS ALLOCATED TITLE DATES 2012/13
However, there has been discussion in recent times about whether the best way forward would be for the two organisations to integrate their operations under the one umbrella.
UPCOMING EVENTS In June 2011 both organisations were tasked by their members with coming up with information for the terms of reference regarding a possible merger. The leadership of both SPANZ and SNZ have worked on this request over the last 12 months, and have now agreed on a joint terms of reference for the proposal.
CONTACT SPEEDWAY NZ PO BOX 39-236, WELLINGTON MAIL CENTRE 5045 PHONE: 04 560 0317 FAX: 04 560 0400 EMAIL: CEO@SPEEDWAY.CO.NZ
All the relevant information regarding the proposal has now been sent to member tracks, so they can digest the paperwork prior to the 2012 AGM weekend, which takes place from June 15-17.
Speedway competitors in 16 different classes are eligible for their Competitor of the Year trophies, and there are also awards open to all classes such as for Best Presented, Best Racing Team, Best Rookie and the overall Sportsperson of the Year award. High performing tracks, officials, photographers and media outlets are also eligible for various awards. It is important that the achievers within the sport are appropriately recognised, and the awards are a great opportunity to do this. However, the first step in the process is to get those deserving nominations into the system by the June 17 deadline. Attached to this newsletter is the release from SPANZ (the awards organisers), which includes details on how to submit a nomination. All awards information including ticket details, accommodation details etc will be available on the awards website soon. www.sites.google.com/site/nzspeedwayawards/
STOCKCARS/SUPERSTOCKS: ROLLCAGE UPDATE
JAKE PULMAN AWARD OF EXCELLENCE TO BE INAUGURATED
ELECTRONIC LAPSCORING: TRANSMITTER BOOST
Last month Speedway NZ noted that the relevant Technical Committees and the Board were working on a review of the rollcage rules, in light of a number of high profile incidents.
A new Award has been created that will be presented on an annual basis at the National Speedway Awards.
The electronic lapscoring initiatives keep on coming, with Dorian developing a machine that could be of massive benefit to competitors using the standard TX8000 transmitter.
Feedback was sought on proposals to increase the rollcage material size and options, where the cross brace should be located, whether “hockey stick” braces were acceptable and whether gussets should be used to strengthen the entire structure. Speedway NZ received some excellent feedback, most of which suggested that the rules need to go even further than those proposed. The decision has therefore been made to undertake the services of a consulting engineer to provide some hard data and recommendations about the various options on the table. We appreciate that the off-season window is already narrowing for those drivers that may have to make changes to their cars – but this needs to be weighed up against the need to get it right first time. Hence the need for a slight delay before any decisions can be made about this important issue. Our engineer is aware of the timeframes, and is determined to provide answers as swiftly as possible.
UPCOMING EVENTS 14 June 15 June 16-17 June
Board Meeting SPANZ and Fidelity Fund AGM’s Speedway NZ AGM
Board meeting correspondence and agenda items close the Friday before the meeting..
SPEEDWAY NZ UPDATE: MAY 2012
The late Jake Pulman went above and beyond the call of duty for the sport, and in his memory this award will recognise others who dedicate their heart and soul to speedway and achieve great things. More details will follow in the coming months.
COMPETITOR NEWS
It’s fairly crucial that the transmitter is charged every few months during the off season, and forgetting to do this can shorten the battery life considerably. It’s possibly the single biggest reason why transmitter batteries need to be replaced, at a cost of $160.
Wellington competitor Stephen Taylor has received a 12 month suspension, suspended for 12 months, as a result of a series of incidents at Waikaraka Park on April 21.
However, Dorian have provided Speedway NZ with a diagnostic tool that can “kick start” a dead transmitter back to life by providing an additional boost that could restart the battery charging process.
Taylor appeared on the track in a car that hadn’t been scrutineered, was motioned infield before the start of the race, and rejoined the field after the green flag dropped. This could have had serious consequences, and as a result he was also fined $250. Also from Wellington, Justin Wiggett has received approval to trial the Chev GM602 engine in a Superstock next season.
ALLOCATED TITLE DATES 2012/13 More dates have been approved for next season:New Zealand Solo Champs, Rosebank North Island Superstock, Wanganui South Island Superstock, Woodford South Island Stockcar, Blenheim
Jan 6 Dec 29/30 Dec 1 Feb 15/16
Check last month’s SNZ Update for previous approvals, available at www.speedway.co.nz.
Speedway NZ will now undertake the diagnostic test in the Office for all transmitters that are returned for servicing. If your TX8000 reacts successfully to the transmitter boost, it will be sent back to you and will hopefully deliver a few more years of service. If the batteries are too flat, the transmitter will be sent back to Dorian for repairs. There is a $30 charge for the Transmitter Boost service, which includes the return courier back to you. However, we obviously can’t guarantee that this will work on every occasion, so there is no additional warranty period like that which comes with a full battery replacement. If you do have a transmitter that requires attention, feel free to send it back to us at any time. Courier Address: Speedway NZ, Pelorus Trust Sportshouse, 93 Hutt Park Road, Seaview, Lower Hutt 5010
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