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1st July 2009, 05:13 PM
http://springvale-dandenong-leader.w...est-scrapped1/
Easternats drag fest scrapped
Local News 29 Jun 09 @ 07:57am by Rebecca David
The Burnout challenge at last year's Easternats. Photo: Jason Edwards
THE Easternats drag racing festival has been axed following years of bickering between residents, organisers and the council.
The Melbourne Racing Club would not say why it had scrapped the event, but it is understood a breakdown in communication between the club and promoter Rapid Australia led to the decision.
News of the demise of the controversial four-day event at Sandown raceway has thrilled some residents, while others are in mourning.
The event has attracted more than 25,000 visitors to the area each year since 1997.
Easternats promoter Jon Davison would not comment on the issue.
John De Blauw, of Noble Park, said residents would finally have a peaceful Easter.
“It’s like trying to go to sleep in a room full of mosquitoes,” Mr De Blauw said of race days.
Springvale’s Betty Armstrong said the event, which included controlled drag racing and burnouts, caused unnecessary carbon emissions and was unlikely to reduce hooning on the streets.
But Sandown Park Hotel Motel assistant manager Renee Davis said the weekend was booked out every year by interstate visitors.
“There would definitely be a massive effect on revenue without the event because we not only had people staying at the hotel, but coming in for meals and drinks,” Ms Davis said.
Springvale Acting Sen-Sgt Phil Atkins said safety concerns for drivers and spectators led police to support the MRC’s choice.
MRC’s Sandown manager Wade Calderwood would not elaborate but said the decision had not been made lightly.
Other motorsports, driver training and car club events will continue at Sandown.
In April Easternats organisers were slapped with more than $6000 in council fines for permit breaches.
Greater Dandenong Council’s development services director Mal Baker said some fines had been paid and both the MRC and Mr Davison would likely seek a review of unpaid fines.
He said the council had not been involved in the MRC’s decision.
Easternats drag fest scrapped
Local News 29 Jun 09 @ 07:57am by Rebecca David
The Burnout challenge at last year's Easternats. Photo: Jason Edwards
THE Easternats drag racing festival has been axed following years of bickering between residents, organisers and the council.
The Melbourne Racing Club would not say why it had scrapped the event, but it is understood a breakdown in communication between the club and promoter Rapid Australia led to the decision.
News of the demise of the controversial four-day event at Sandown raceway has thrilled some residents, while others are in mourning.
The event has attracted more than 25,000 visitors to the area each year since 1997.
Easternats promoter Jon Davison would not comment on the issue.
John De Blauw, of Noble Park, said residents would finally have a peaceful Easter.
“It’s like trying to go to sleep in a room full of mosquitoes,” Mr De Blauw said of race days.
Springvale’s Betty Armstrong said the event, which included controlled drag racing and burnouts, caused unnecessary carbon emissions and was unlikely to reduce hooning on the streets.
But Sandown Park Hotel Motel assistant manager Renee Davis said the weekend was booked out every year by interstate visitors.
“There would definitely be a massive effect on revenue without the event because we not only had people staying at the hotel, but coming in for meals and drinks,” Ms Davis said.
Springvale Acting Sen-Sgt Phil Atkins said safety concerns for drivers and spectators led police to support the MRC’s choice.
MRC’s Sandown manager Wade Calderwood would not elaborate but said the decision had not been made lightly.
Other motorsports, driver training and car club events will continue at Sandown.
In April Easternats organisers were slapped with more than $6000 in council fines for permit breaches.
Greater Dandenong Council’s development services director Mal Baker said some fines had been paid and both the MRC and Mr Davison would likely seek a review of unpaid fines.
He said the council had not been involved in the MRC’s decision.