Tasman series to stay; report denied

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33778, 26 February 1975, Page 18

Tasman series to stay; report denied

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent)

SYDNEY.

Australian motor-racing officials confirmed yesterday that the Tasman series will be held over eight week-ends next year, and that there is no thought of ending the series.

They denied an Australian newspaper report that drivers were under pressure to abandon the Tasman series and hold a four-race Australian-only series. One report said that the matter had been mentioned at a meeting of drivers in Melbourne on Monday, although a vote at the meeting had confirmed the Tasman series. “Not discussed” Mr J. Keeffe, chief executive of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport, said that Tasman series drivers and promoters were invited to a “de-briefing chat” in Melbourne on Monday, and most attended. But the possibility of end-i ing the series had not been, discussed and no vote was taken. Rare* needed “We need these races,” he; said. “Only Australia and New Zealand, in this part of the world, are driving this type of car, and as far as our confederation is concerned there is no question at all of not having this twin series with New Zealand.” Drivers generally were satisfied with the organisation of the eight-race series, which had events this year on eight successive Sundays, (four on each side of the Tasman. ' However, there were (several matters of logistics •(which might be improved, ((and it was likely that there (I would be a week off between (the fourth New Zealand race Hat Teretonga and the first ((Australian race. I Meanwhile, a seven-race

[series, to be run in New South Wales and Victoria from April to November, has been announced. Prizemoney will be worth $50,000, with $7OOO for each meeting, and an extra $lOOO for the series winner.

The New Zealander, Graeme Lawrence, has said he will start, while his countryman, Graeme Mcßae, may return from America to compete.