THE messy tussle for ownership of the Australian Auto-Sport Alliance is destined to be decided in court.
V8 Sleuth understands initial efforts to mediate the matter have been unsuccessful, with court proceedings now being prepared.
It follows a four-pronged private group comprising Les Smith, Michael FitzGerald, Peter Washington and Stephen Whyte last month announcing themselves as the AASA’s new owners via the sanctioning body’s official channels.
Within 48 hours of that happening, the Benalla Auto Club – whose AASA ownership dates back to 2003 – disputed any such legitimate transaction taking place.
All parties have operated on a ‘business as usual’ basis in the interim, in the name of ensuring competitors are unaffected, while the organisation’s rightful owner is determined in the background.
In coincidental timing, the BAC-owned Winton Motor Raceway last weekend hosted the AASA-sanctioned Aus Time Attack event.
Pic: Mark Walker
The Smith/FitzGerald/Washington/Whyte group has not commented publicly since its acquisition was disputed, but they did issue the following memo on Friday:
The Australian Auto-Sport Alliance (AASA) takes this opportunity to assure all our customers and stakeholders, along with the greater motorsport community, that we are continuing to operate as normal, with the same people and products.
We are also continuing to provide permits and licences, along with the necessary insurance components.
We thank all our valued customers and stakeholders for their support through these last few days and as we navigate the future to go from strength to strength.
A date in the Victorian Supreme Court is yet to be announced.