A1GP series pulls out of SuperGP

MEDIA STATEMENT: 17 OCTOBER, NIKON SUPERGP

Please see below for an official media statement from the Gold Coast Motor Events Company followed by official statements from the Queensland Government, A1GP World Cup of Motorsport and A1GP Australia

The Gold Coast Motor Events Company (GCMEC), after pursuing A1GP World Cup of Motorsport for some time regards final confirmation, have as of 9.00am this morning terminated the agreement between the Nikon SuperGP and the A1GP series, due to A1GP's failure to fulfil their contractual obligations.

Nikon SuperGP General Manager Greg Hooton said that whilst it was obviously disappointing that GCMEC has had to terminate the contract, plans have been put in place to ensure a full, new-look, program for when the 2009 Nikon SuperGP commences on Thursday October 22.

"GCMEC and the Minister have worked with V8 Supercars, to develop the new race program which will now be rolled out at the event," said Hooton.

"This program comprises of four 150km V8 Supercar races, two over each day of the weekend, seeing an unprecedented amount of V8 Supercar racing on the streets of Surfers Paradise.

"Amounting to 600km of racing, this will see the Nikon SuperGP only eclipsed by the Bathurst 1000 when it comes to the amount of racing that will be on offer for spectators at any one event.

"Everyone here is truly excited and believes this is a great result, and one which is sure to entertain motorsport fans from all around the country.

"While a new look program is in place, we recognise that some of those who have pre-purchased their tickets may now want to reconsider their attendance to the event.

"As a gesture of goodwill, GCMEC will provide a refund to those people who have already purchased a ticket to the event, should they choose not to attend the Nikon SuperGP this week.

"If those people who have already purchased a ticket do attend the event, no refund or partial refunds will be given. Details on how to obtain a refund will be available on Monday through the Ticketek website.

"In closing, I would like to state that with the new plan now in place, the 2009 Nikon SuperGP is on-track to entertain the crowds over October 22-25.

"More news on extra entertainment and other exciting developments for the 2009 race program will be made over the coming days."

Ends

For more information, please contact: Amanda Cobb -- BAM Media -- Media Manager, Nikon SuperGP Mobile: 0421 378 789

Official Media Statement: Queensland Government

The Bligh Government, in conjunction with GCMEC, and V8 Supercars Australia today announced an expanded role for the V8 Supercars at Queensland's iconic Nikon SuperGP following the withdrawal of the A1GP Series.

GCMEC officially advised of the termination of the contract after A1GP stated they would not be coming to the Gold Coast next week. A1GPs acknowledgement that they were unable to take part in the event has meant the V8 Supercars will take centre stage.

Queensland Sport Minister Phil Reeves said: "I'd like to acknowledge the V8 Supercars for their ability and willingness to step up and ensure the Nikon SuperGP is a fantastic event.

"The Nikon SuperGP is an iconic event and this change I believe can only enhance its reputation as one of the world's greatest motorsport events.

"I'm sure racing fans will not be disappointed and it will again be another great event. The Nikon SuperGP is much more than just racing, people come for the whole experience."

Tony Cochrane, Executive Chairman of V8 Supercars Australia, said: "V8 Supercars will step up with four 150km races, in a joint celebration of Q150, which is the longest we have raced at this event and the longest distance we will race all year this year outside of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

"I praise the strong initiative of the Queensland Government working with GCMEC and V8 Supercars in the past few days to develop the new race formats.

"I would also like to thank our V8 Supercar teams who will now need to do a huge amount of work to change their cars, engineering and race plans for the weekend. Without their support this would not have happened.

"Now we are ready to roll to give the people a cracking race weekend."

Nikon SuperGP General Manager Greg Hooton said that whilst it was obviously disappointing that GCMEC has had to terminate the contract, plans have been put in place to ensure a full, new-look, program for when the 2009 Nikon SuperGP commences on Thursday October 22.

"Everyone here is truly excited and believes this is a great result, and one which is sure to entertain motorsport fans from all around the country.

"In closing, I would like to state that with the new plan now in place, the 2009 Nikon SuperGP is on-track to entertain the crowds over October 22-25.

"More news on extra entertainment and other exciting developments for the 2009 race program will be made over the coming days."

Official Media Statement: A1GP World Cup of Motorsport

A1GP World Cup of Motorsport forced to Withdraw from the Nikon SuperGP A1GP Chairman Apologises to Queensland Government and Race Fans

London, 17 October. A1GP World Cup of Motorsport has been forced to withdraw from participation in the Nikon SuperGP on Australia's Gold Coast on the 22-25 October in what was due to be the series' first race of Season Five.

The series found itself in a race against time to make the deadline for when its cars would have to leave the UK to be on track in Surfers Paradise next Thursday. The series organisers never doubted this was possible, but today have been forced to accept this now cannot happen.

This decision was announced by A1GP Chairman, Tony Teixeira, who wanted to address everyone involved in the event. "I want to personally apologise to the people affected by this regrettable but unavoidable decision. The Queensland Government, Gold Coast Motor Events Co, the management and Chairman of the event have been patient and supportive of us in the past weeks. We were proud to be part of what has become one of the world's most iconic motorsport events, and are devastated at the decision we have had to make. We also know the Australian motorsport fans are very protective of this event and had welcomed us with open arms. To them I also apologise and stress that we wanted to put on a show for them that they would never forget, said Teixeira.

In view of what has happened A1GP will refund to Gold Coast Motor Events Co the sanction fee paid, and will donate AUS $50,000 to a charity designated by them. Also contractors engaged directly by A1GPwho have already incurred expenses on our behalf will be fully reimbursed.

One effect of the UK operating arm of the series going into liquidation in June was that access to the cars and the ability to pay its suppliers has been impeded. What should have been a summer upgrading the machinery in time for the first race of the 2009/10 season has turned into a frustrating time for achieving this.

Looking to the future Teixeira said: "We have recently announced 19 teams who were ready to race in Australia. I know they are still committed to racing in our unique series that pits nation versus nation. A1GP may be down, but I do not accept we are out. We have had four exciting seasons that have proved we are a force in the sport and now we shall consolidate on what we have achieved to date. My efforts will be on finding a way forward with the support of some very loyal people."

-credit: supergp.com