Gardner, Doohan and Mauger join motorsport campaign

Motorcycle racing legends Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan and New Zealander Ivan Mauger have thrown their support behind a campaign to halt the continued erosion of motorsport facilities on the Gold Coast.

The campaign, titled ‘Place To Race’, is the brainchild of Gold Coast businessmen and motorsport identities Terry Morris and Brett Murray, who have been prompted into action by years of neglect towards Gold Coast venues where motorsport competitors of all ages, shapes and sizes can enjoy their sport.

Place To Race was launched on July 30, and it’s already received support from not only Gardner, Doohan and Mauger, a nine-time individual world speedway champion, but also FI world champions Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, and V8 Supercar driver James Courtney.

It is expected that these legends of Australian motorsport will be joined by a host of other high-profile motorsport identities in the coming weeks.

"Place To Race is the direction that Gold Coast motorsport has been looking for,” said Doohan.

“It is disappointing to see what Gold Coast venues were around when I started my career to what is here now and what is expected to be here in the next 18 months.

“We all have kids and they all need somewhere to learn the skills that will make them better riders and drivers in a safe environment. The motorsport industry is vital to the Gold Coast and Terry and “Crusher” (Brett Murray) have my 110 percent support. This is a serious situation and needs action."

Mauger, a long-time Gold Coast resident, has played an active role in the fight to save the Mike Hatcher Raceway at Labrador, which is currently surviving on a month-by-month lease with the Gold Coast City Council.

Last year’s Australian dirt track was held at Mike Hatcher Raceway.

In 1987, the popular Surfers Paradise International Raceway closed for good after 21 years, and is now a housing estate.

Murray has already humbled by the support of Australia’s motorsport legends.

“If these guys were endorsing a commercial product this would have cost us millions of dollars,” said Murray.

“Everyone of these guys leapt at the chance to be involved and that just goes to show that they are as sick of the rhetoric as we are. Our kids and grand kids need somewhere to race and learn the skills that will make them better road users.”

Click on the following link for more information on Place To Race, where all Gold Coast motorsport clubs, stakeholders and fans can register to receive regular information.

It also lists the contact details of all Gold Coast councillors and encourages stakeholders to contact them on a regular basis.

There will also be regular twitter updates and a Facebook page – both can be found by searching for “placetorace”.

It is envisaged there will be a public rally for all interested parties in coming weeks.