Interesting to note that BAM Media havea press release telling us all what a great job Richard Erman, and now Simon Whiting have done working with Gary Holt to secure the future of karting. For those that haven't seen the press release he is a copy:
AKANSW AND EASTERN CREEK KARTS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE
Over the last four years discussions have taken place between Garry Holt of Eastern Creek Karts and Richard Erdmann, the former President of the Australian Karting Association NSW (AKANSW), in relation to a joint venture.
This joint venture is aimed at the purpose of the acquiring of land for a new kart circuit and venue within the Sydney metropolitan area.
A joint venture is being discussed for several reasons, one of those being the desire of the NSW Government to acquire the facility that is currently being leased by Eastern Creek Karts so it can be used for industrial development, and another being a strong desire by Holt to leave a legacy for the sport of karting. Holt is a passionate karter and wants to ensure that the sport continues to thrive in the Sydney region into the future.
Following several informal meetings between Holt and Erdmann during 2005 the discussions have become more formal and led towards the development of a plan for the future. This plan is aimed at assisting Holt with the commercial long-term future of his current business and AKANSW with their long-term desire for a circuit to be owned by the State Body within the Sydney metropolitan area. The implementation of this plan will create certainty and a long-term future for the AKANSW and their licence holders along with the separate business of the corporate hire kart operations (Eastern Creek Karts), both of which will be working together to create a mutual benefit for both parties.
Despite a recent change in the AKANSW's Executive these discussions have continued and are constantly gaining momentum. The current plans are continuing to move forward but as with ventures of this type, great care has to be employed and hence time is needed to bring this to fruition.
In the past several months great strides have been taken with Simon Whiting (Acting AKANSW President) and Peter Galvin (North Shore Kart Club President) being brought into the discussions to ensure they continue to move forward.
The current group are hoping that more news will be available some time in 2010 and would like to reiterate that things are looking extremely positive at this time for members of the AKANSW and the sport of karting in the Sydney region.
If the rumour that has circulated for some years is true then I pose this question. Was the AKA offered land to build its own track in the Blacktown region some years ago? Was there a sweetheart deal done between the executive of the SKC, that they wouldn't build the track at that time, they would wait until Mr. Holt vacated the present Eastern Creek facility, and that he offered to pay for construction of the circuit on the proviso he was allowed to run his hire kart businesds from the new facility?
Does this now fall into place with the current letter issued by Mr. Max Laybutt which is as follows.
AKANSW AND EASTERN CREEK KARTS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE
Over the last four years discussions have taken place between Garry Holt of Eastern Creek Karts and Richard Erdmann, the former President of the Australian Karting Association NSW (AKANSW), in relation to a joint venture.
This joint venture is aimed at the purpose of the acquiring of land for a new kart circuit and venue within the Sydney metropolitan area.
A joint venture is being discussed for several reasons, one of those being the desire of the NSW Government to acquire the facility that is currently being leased by Eastern Creek Karts so it can be used for industrial development, and another being a strong desire by Holt to leave a legacy for the sport of karting. Holt is a passionate karter and wants to ensure that the sport continues to thrive in the Sydney region into the future.
Following several informal meetings between Holt and Erdmann during 2005 the discussions have become more formal and led towards the development of a plan for the future. This plan is aimed at assisting Holt with the commercial long-term future of his current business and AKANSW with their long-term desire for a circuit to be owned by the State Body within the Sydney metropolitan area. The implementation of this plan will create certainty and a long-term future for the AKANSW and their licence holders along with the separate business of the corporate hire kart operations (Eastern Creek Karts), both of which will be working together to create a mutual benefit for both parties.
Despite a recent change in the AKANSW's Executive these discussions have continued and are constantly gaining momentum. The current plans are continuing to move forward but as with ventures of this type, great care has to be employed and hence time is needed to bring this to fruition.
In the past several months great strides have been taken with Simon Whiting (Acting AKANSW President) and Peter Galvin (North Shore Kart Club President) being brought into the discussions to ensure they continue to move forward.
The current group are hoping that more news will be available some time in 2010 and would like to reiterate that things are looking extremely positive at this time for members of the AKANSW and the sport of karting in the Sydney region.
If the rumour that has circulated for some years is true then I pose this question. Was the AKA offered land to build its own track in the Blacktown region some years ago? Was there a sweetheart deal done between the executive of the SKC, that they wouldn't build the track at that time, they would wait until Mr. Holt vacated the present Eastern Creek facility, and that he offered to pay for construction of the circuit on the proviso he was allowed to run his hire kart businesds from the new facility?
Does this now fall into place with the current letter issued by Mr. Max Laybutt which is as follows.
MEMBER INFORMATION RELEASE
From: MAX LAYBUTT
Vice President SKRC.
Dated: 3rd December 2009
To All SKRC Members,
On the 2nd of December 2009 at an executive meeting of the New South Wales AKA, I was asked by the Chairman of the meeting, to tender my resignation from the position of treasurer of the AKANSW.
The reason supplied by Mr. Simon Whiting, Acting President of AKA NSW, who was Chairperson of the meeting, was that my efforts to obtain a suitable “Home” for the Sydney Kart Racing club was in conflict with my position as Treasurer of the AKANSW, and was not in the best interests of AKANSW.
All Sydney Kart club Members, and many other people including the AKANSW Executive, for some time now have been fully aware of the efforts of the SKRC Committee to secure a “Home” for our club to build a new circuit upon, we have been working on this project since 2006.
On Behalf of the SKRC, we have recently been called to some very high level government meetings, with both the major parties, and have gained valuable access to those in government who can grant us the required permission to utilise land that under the previous government was set aside for motor sports in the Sydney Basin.
Our application to utilise some of this land for a Karting Facility has been strongly supported at State Government level, by a number of State MP’s and by the local council concerned, and we do hold a letter from the current Premier of NSW Mr. Nathan REES in full support of our efforts.
In the next few weeks we will have discussed our proposal with the “Right” people in both major parties of government and have a better understanding of our position in relation to the procurement of the land.
This has attracted the severe criticism of some other people, who do have a vested interest in our Clubs failure, and they would prefer that any proposal we tender be refused, and thereby assisting in the total demise of our club.
Fortunately for us the Government people have stood firm and with the full knowledge that our proposal is not acceptable in certain areas, they continue to discuss the situation with us as representatives of The SYDNEY KART RACING CLUB.
Your committee, and in particular through the efforts of Barry, Bob, and myself would like to continue with this project.
The request for my resignation will be the subject of the Sydney Kart Racing Club members decision, not that of Mr. Simon Whiting.
Your advice and support will be appreciated.
Regards
Max Laybutt
Has Mr. Laybutt inadvertently stood on a fews toes in his quest to secure a track for karters in the Sydney basin? If he were to be successful would that mean a business opportunity being lost by others? Are some so desperate to force their want and ideals upon the greater karting fraternity that the dictatorship that has existed within karting for so long is continuing?
Funnily enough out of all this why do BAM Media suddenly have a press release about all the good work supposedly done about this since 2005, yet we have heard nothing about it in the form of minutes of meetings or other press releases since 2005? I thought we were paying big bucks to BAM media to promote our sport, not be used as a political exorcist doll?
The time has come to end all the cloak and dagger tactics, the era of open discussion and freedom of expression must take control of our sport.
Comments12
Well Nev,
Thanks for the update or the report on this situation.
It seems odd to me that the clubs of NSW know NOTHING of whats going on??? where did the exec membership get their authority from to start these discussions???
This may explain further the tensions in Sydney metro area regarding venues as it now appears we have two clubs viaing for a single venue, SKRC & NSKC but state funds being used for the venture??? if EITHER club used its own funds to pursue a venue then thats ok, If NSKC want to get in bed with Mr Holt then fine, BUT when you start talking AKA funds then thats when the clubs need to get involved!!!!
Should the NSW clubs request both sydney clubs merge into one, use their combined funds to pursue a venue with Mr Holt, thus keeping AKA out of track ownership and free to administer the sport in which its supposed to.
Is the state exec acting in the best interest of the sport by keeping SKRC out of the future plan???
I think the AKANSW clubs need to step in and get some clarification on whats going on??? as it does appear the exec is causing tensions when it shouldn't be. It also appear the exec is heading down a path uninstructed to and may find itself committed to something it can't get out of.
If its the aim of AKANSW to have a club funded track [ not a hire kart track] then maybe they need to call a spec meeting to discuss options as there are a few I can think of.
But egos are at play and thats dangerous.
As for Mr Laybutts situation, well in the light of this report Nev I can say he will be a hinder to this plan and would be best removed for this plan to keep moving, BUT if SKRC was to apply for funds as I said in the other post he can't be in the position he is in either. Thus I think this needs to be brought out in the open so clubs can see what the overall plan is before we upset too many people.
And Nev you can call this meeting you only need the required number in the constitution to call the meeting so call it, get it all in the open. Leaving it behind closed doors will fester distrust and do nothing to improove the admin of a state thats had a very very very ordinary years to say the least.
Oh I can see whats going on here - its as plain as the nose on Pinocchios face ... we have one lot bagging the other lot to the government - so that one lot can get the upperhand and oust the other from where they are now.. ....!!!
As for BAM they will do anything and say anything even if it is true ..........................how else can you keep on the payroll !!...
NSW needs a city track ...if Holt can assist (which has obvuiously happened during the past years) through his long term lease then I applaud him ...SKRC has had 7 years to do something ..how come after they been closed they decide to try and stuff up what has been gaining momentum somewhere else -??? Well for mine after signing a contract for transponders for $1.5 million without approval when specifically given legal advice not to do so max ought to be removed from everything ......!!
Paul,
There is NO conflict between clubs.
I do not believe were wasany long term plan in the AKA for this.
Now the SKRC have made some inroads and others do not like it. This is just back tracking using AKA funded media releases to try and change the state of play!
Don't read any more into it.
Regards Dennis
Paul Hewitt said:Well Nev,Thanks for the update or the report on this situation.It seems odd to me that the clubs of NSW know NOTHING of whats going on??? where did the exec membership get their authority from to start these discussions???This may explain further the tensions in Sydney metro area regarding venues as it now appears we have two clubs viaing for a single venue, SKRC & NSKC but state funds being used for the venture??? if EITHER club used its own funds to pursue a venue then thats ok, If NSKC want to get in bed with Mr Holt then fine, BUT when you start talking AKA funds then thats when the clubs need to get involved!!!!Should the NSW clubs request both sydney clubs merge into one, use their combined funds to pursue a venue with Mr Holt, thus keeping AKA out of track ownership and free to administer the sport in which its supposed to.Is the state exec acting in the best interest of the sport by keeping SKRC out of the future plan???I think the AKANSW clubs need to step in and get some clarification on whats going on??? as it does appear the exec is causing tensions when it shouldn't be. It also appear the exec is heading down a path uninstructed to and may find itself committed to something it can't get out of.If its the aim of AKANSW to have a club funded track [ not a hire kart track] then maybe they need to call a spec meeting to discuss options as there are a few I can think of.But egos are at play and thats dangerous.As for Mr Laybutts situation, well in the light of this report Nev I can say he will be a hinder to this plan and would be best removed for this plan to keep moving, BUT if SKRC was to apply for funds as I said in the other post he can't be in the position he is in either. Thus I think this needs to be brought out in the open so clubs can see what the overall plan is before we upset too many people.And Nev you can call this meeting you only need the required number in the constitution to call the meeting so call it, get it all in the open. Leaving it behind closed doors will fester distrust and do nothing to improove the admin of a state thats had a very very very ordinary years to say the least.
So BAM has told a LIE!!!!!! negotiations HAVEN'T been going on for YEARS????
Strange that as I have since talked to others who have KNOWN about the goings on behind the scenes regarding the AKANSW/Holt plan.
ALL the more reason to call a meeting and get it ALL out in the open!!!! To me, and you also seem to agreee, there are factions developing and one claims to have AKA support??
There seems to be only enough land for one venue and now we have two seperate parties interested in it, in the end one will miss out and I can't see the fight to be the winning club being fair when clubs futures are at stake eh??? we have already seen signs of this via calls for resignations etc.
If AKANSW is to be involved in finding a new venue it MUST call a meeting to discuss how it will help out, how does it help two club fight over the same venue??? to me its already taken sides via this press release!!!!!
It seems to me SKRC are looking for a venue and so is NSKC, is there enough room/karters/$$ for TWO venues????
Given AKA's handling of big situations in the past karters should be worried as on both sides of the debate you have people who led their state to a guilty verdict in the FEDERAL COURT!!! in which they claimed they didn't know what they were doing!!! are they REPEATING themselves???
Dennis Sandrone said:Paul,
There is NO conflict between clubs.
I do not believe were wasany long term plan in the AKA for this.
Now the SKRC have made some inroads and others do not like it. This is just back tracking using AKA funded media releases to try and change the state of play!
Don't read any more into it.
Regards Dennis
Paul Hewitt said:Well Nev,Thanks for the update or the report on this situation.It seems odd to me that the clubs of NSW know NOTHING of whats going on??? where did the exec membership get their authority from to start these discussions???This may explain further the tensions in Sydney metro area regarding venues as it now appears we have two clubs viaing for a single venue, SKRC & NSKC but state funds being used for the venture??? if EITHER club used its own funds to pursue a venue then thats ok, If NSKC want to get in bed with Mr Holt then fine, BUT when you start talking AKA funds then thats when the clubs need to get involved!!!!Should the NSW clubs request both sydney clubs merge into one, use their combined funds to pursue a venue with Mr Holt, thus keeping AKA out of track ownership and free to administer the sport in which its supposed to.Is the state exec acting in the best interest of the sport by keeping SKRC out of the future plan???I think the AKANSW clubs need to step in and get some clarification on whats going on??? as it does appear the exec is causing tensions when it shouldn't be. It also appear the exec is heading down a path uninstructed to and may find itself committed to something it can't get out of.If its the aim of AKANSW to have a club funded track [ not a hire kart track] then maybe they need to call a spec meeting to discuss options as there are a few I can think of.But egos are at play and thats dangerous.As for Mr Laybutts situation, well in the light of this report Nev I can say he will be a hinder to this plan and would be best removed for this plan to keep moving, BUT if SKRC was to apply for funds as I said in the other post he can't be in the position he is in either. Thus I think this needs to be brought out in the open so clubs can see what the overall plan is before we upset too many people.And Nev you can call this meeting you only need the required number in the constitution to call the meeting so call it, get it all in the open. Leaving it behind closed doors will fester distrust and do nothing to improove the admin of a state thats had a very very very ordinary years to say the least.
I've moved this thread to the political section because... well, it's got politics in it! :)
(Also guys, refrain from quoting 7 posts in a row where it's not necessary please. It makes the forums much harder to read).
Col.
hmmm i thought it was a bit sus when all of a sudden we had this push to buy transponders and the only person who seemed to like the idea was the treasurer... sounds like speed cameras to me..'revenue raiser'
does this sound similar to the whole j and clubman clutch issues we had months ago? as usual its going to be us, the karters who are out of pocket....
id like to thank the aka for making pissing our money up the wall with this bam bloke who i must say, is doing jack shit.. and making it close to impossible to race karts in a competitive environment without getting caught in their political bullshit (airboxes, exhausts, clutches, now transponders and even tracks!)
stop licking arse and trying to make 'special bed friends' , find some land in sydney (i even heard rumours the butterfly farm was for sale) and give us something to race on in the sydney basin... melbourne have the right idea... (todd road, oakleight, geelong and even pucka) all high class tracks within 1.5hours of the cbd....
i think i speak for most when we say...
we want good clean fair close racing without having to spend the equivalent budget of a formula ford drive!!
and dont have to travel 2 hours to even get on a track and practice... people wanting to get into the sport are going to be driven away if they have to drive 2 hours just to practice and learn the ropes.. i know i wouldve been!
is somebody going to listen to this? probably not... but we can all live in hope...
stop wasting my licence fees, race memberships, fines for stupid technical issues on some guy who appears to be doing very little for our sport other than causing conflict between people already in it! and let the people race!
Ralph van Doorn said:Oh I can see whats going on here - its as plain as the nose on Pinocchios face ... we have one lot bagging the other lot to the government - so that one lot can get the upperhand and oust the other from where they are now.. ....!!!As for BAM they will do anything and say anything even if it is true ..........................how else can you keep on the payroll !!...NSW needs a city track ...if Holt can assist (which has obvuiously happened during the past years) through his long term lease then I applaud him ...SKRC has had 7 years to do something ..how come after they been closed they decide to try and stuff up what has been gaining momentum somewhere else -??? Well for mine after signing a contract for transponders for $1.5 million without approval when specifically given legal advice not to do so max ought to be removed from everything ......!!
Clubs better start demanding to know whats going on otherwise they may wake up with another "clutchgate" on their hands!!!! That is finding out their funds have been used to loan or purchase a venue without the proper discussions. They leant $275,000 without anyone knowing, they could pull the same trick here???
There is a risk that we all fall in love with the possibility of a new venue HOW they get it doesn't concern ppl. Whilst I don't disagree with the idea, I can see real dangers here in that it will be poorly handled, and its started already!!!
AKANSW exec have already began dividing the clubs by taking sides, when it should be stepping back and looking at alternate options. Has the NSW clubs instructed the exec to do this?? most lilely NOT.
This whole episode is yet again proof that the people occupying positions at club/state/national levels incorrectly "believe" their role is to act in the best interest of the sport is a free ticket to do what THEY think is right and not ever refer to the REAL people for instructions.
This situation CAN be done correctly and EVERYONE can be a WINNER but its not heading this way and thats dangerous.
Is this a PROFESSIONAL approach to an important situation???? do we have PROFESSIONAL people guiding US??? Does the current exec who ALL have very poor records in handling things [ ACCC Guilt] and are at "odds" on this already leading us into a stable future???
BTW any news on when and who will be the president of NSW? who wants the job?
Hi Paul,
No Lies but carefully worded. It does not state who was working on the land deal in 2005 or why it was stopped.
Now the puzzle comes together.
Regards Dennis
Paul Hewitt said:So BAM has told a LIE!!!!!! negotiations HAVEN'T been going on for YEARS????Strange that as I have since talked to others who have KNOWN about the goings on behind the scenes regarding the AKANSW/Holt plan.ALL the more reason to call a meeting and get it ALL out in the open!!!! To me, and you also seem to agreee, there are factions developing and one claims to have AKA support??There seems to be only enough land for one venue and now we have two seperate parties interested in it, in the end one will miss out and I can't see the fight to be the winning club being fair when clubs futures are at stake eh??? we have already seen signs of this via calls for resignations etc.If AKANSW is to be involved in finding a new venue it MUST call a meeting to discuss how it will help out, how does it help two club fight over the same venue??? to me its already taken sides via this press release!!!!!It seems to me SKRC are looking for a venue and so is NSKC, is there enough room/karters/$$ for TWO venues????Given AKA's handling of big situations in the past karters should be worried as on both sides of the debate you have people who led their state to a guilty verdict in the FEDERAL COURT!!! in which they claimed they didn't know what they were doing!!! are they REPEATING themselves???Dennis Sandrone said:Paul,There is NO conflict between clubs.I do not believe were wasany long term plan in the AKA for this.Now the SKRC have made some inroads and others do not like it. This is just back tracking using AKA funded media releases to try and change the state of play!Don't read any more into it.Regards DennisPaul Hewitt said:Well Nev,Thanks for the update or the report on this situation.It seems odd to me that the clubs of NSW know NOTHING of whats going on??? where did the exec membership get their authority from to start these discussions???This may explain further the tensions in Sydney metro area regarding venues as it now appears we have two clubs viaing for a single venue, SKRC & NSKC but state funds being used for the venture??? if EITHER club used its own funds to pursue a venue then thats ok, If NSKC want to get in bed with Mr Holt then fine, BUT when you start talking AKA funds then thats when the clubs need to get involved!!!!Should the NSW clubs request both sydney clubs merge into one, use their combined funds to pursue a venue with Mr Holt, thus keeping AKA out of track ownership and free to administer the sport in which its supposed to.Is the state exec acting in the best interest of the sport by keeping SKRC out of the future plan???I think the AKANSW clubs need to step in and get some clarification on whats going on??? as it does appear the exec is causing tensions when it shouldn't be. It also appear the exec is heading down a path uninstructed to and may find itself committed to something it can't get out of.If its the aim of AKANSW to have a club funded track [ not a hire kart track] then maybe they need to call a spec meeting to discuss options as there are a few I can think of.But egos are at play and thats dangerous.As for Mr Laybutts situation, well in the light of this report Nev I can say he will be a hinder to this plan and would be best removed for this plan to keep moving, BUT if SKRC was to apply for funds as I said in the other post he can't be in the position he is in either. Thus I think this needs to be brought out in the open so clubs can see what the overall plan is before we upset too many people.And Nev you can call this meeting you only need the required number in the constitution to call the meeting so call it, get it all in the open. Leaving it behind closed doors will fester distrust and do nothing to improove the admin of a state thats had a very very very ordinary years to say the least.
Hi Dennis,
All the more reason to get the puzzle out in the open!!!
The way its looks to the outsider its HAPPENING !!!! A AKA OWNED venue!!!!! but where is the detail?? whats the deal with Mr Holt? will it be any different than todays situation?? that is the sydney club [ NSKCor SKRC ] having to hire the venue off the AKANSW/HOLT business??? what of the two AKA clubs? etc etc all legit questions.
I just get a feeling the AKANSW clubs are being yet again led down a dark path, with a match lighting the way?? last time it landed them in court. and its the saem ppl leading the way??
get it out in the open before its too far along to stop.
It seems "past" people are still pulling reins??? and games are still being played.
its time to stop the rot and get it all out in the open, work on the problem as a single unit and get it sorted.
Any one know what that show on tv was called??????
Oh yeah............ underbelly.
Scott Sunderland said:Any one know what that show on tv was called??????
Oh yeah............ underbelly.
Difference is those guys did their own dirty work!!!