Craig Gore statement on Brian Walden

STATEMENT FROM CRAIG GORE

"Despite media reports (v8supercars.com.au) that Brian Walden was in Queensland to collect a motor vehicle last week, I would like to advise that at no time has WPS Racing or WPS Motorsport entered into any form of an agreement with Brian Walden, Walden Motorsport or anyone associated with these two parties.

Prior to Monday February 18, Mr Walden had never made any approach or any formal offer to myself, WPS Racing, WPS Motorsport or anyone associated with these parties to purchase a motor vehicle.

On Monday, February 18, at 11:00am my office received a phone call from Brian Walden requesting to buy a motor vehicle and associated equipment so that he could attend the opening round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

At this point I immediately phoned Wayne Cattach, Chief Executive Office of V8 Supercars Australia, and advised him of the conversation and I also phoned Tony Cochrane, Chairman of V8 Supercars Australia, advising him of the same.

We declined any verbal offer made on Monday 18 February based on following information.

1. V8 Supercars is a professional sport. To attend the Clipsal 500, the opening round of the 2008 V8 Supercar Championship, requires a huge effort of at least 20 people to be fully prepared and it needs to be taken seriously.

2. Although our racing car was complete, it was not race ready and we were not prepared to be exposed to any litigation that may have emerged following a person or persons using our vehicle completely ill prepared.

3. Media reports issued stating Brian Walden sent a truck to Brisbane to collect a car are false and misleading if those reports are aimed at WPS Racing. Never at any stage had myself, WPS Racing or WPS Motorsport agreed to sell him a motor vehicle or associated equipment

4. The offer of part payment over a period of time made on Monday February 18 and the seemingly lack of preparedness and understanding of the requirements to compete in the V8 Supercar Series concerned me greatly. This is why I contacted V8 Supercars immediately and advised them of the approach.

I encourage Mr Walden to forward me a copy of any agreement that he may have if he wishes to justify the outlandish accusations that have been made recently.

Mr Walden has had many, many months to prepare for the 2008 V8 Supercar Championship and for all public purposes we were competing in the series up until two weeks prior to the opening round. I therefore find all these reports and accusations incredible."

-credit: WPS Racing