Australia’s major motor sport events and racing circuits are putting their hands up to assist research into making motor sport safer by joining the Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety.
Launched at the Australian Grand Prix in March 2007, the Institute already comprises 26 Corporate Members including a number of major event promoters at temporary circuits and owners of permanent circuits, and AIMSS Chairman, Dr Michael Henderson, has welcomed the growing support.
“The Australian Grand Prix Corporation, South Australian Motor Sport Board, Bathurst Regional Council and V8 Supercars Australia have all thrown their support behind AIMSS. This means that the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, Clipsal 500 in Adelaide and Bathurst 1000 and Festival are all within the fold.
“Also, we were supported from the beginning by the Australian Racing Drivers Club (Eastern Creek), Mallala Motor Sport Park, and more recently the Melbourne Racing Club (Sandown) and we have strong indications that other circuits will join in the near future. “
Bathurst Regional Council Mayor, Paul Toole, sums it up from the Council’s perspective.
“Being a member of the Australian Institute for Motor Sport Safety will ensure that the Mount Panorama circuit will be at the cutting edge of motor racing safety. Driver and spectator safety is paramount to all Bathurst motor racing events and to further commit to ensuring safety comes first, in September Bathurst Regional Council agreed to become a member of AIMSS.
“With the assistance of AIMSS, Council will be even better equipped to ensure that the best motor racing safety procedures, practices and technologies are being maintained at the Mount. Mount Panorama is unquestionably a hub for motor racing fans all over Australia and around the world, it is therefore essential that Mount Panorama is a member of an institute that promotes research, education, and coordinates safety-related motor sport programs.
“Having an alliance with AIMSS will mean that Bathurst motor racing can play a part in the history of motor sport safety. “
Geoff Arnold, General Manager of the Australian Racing Drivers Club, concurs.
“The ARDC operates Eastern Creek International Raceway and has been involved in motor racing for over 50 years. We are proud to be a member of AIMSS which we see as an important new forum for the examination and improvement in safety for our sport. Like technical improvements in racing vehicles flowing on to passenger cars, we see safety initiatives also flowing on to general road safety and driving standards. “
Mallala Motor Sport Park owner, Clem Smith, has also embraced AIMSS saying that: “As a competitor and track owner with over 50 years in motor sport, I had no hesitation in supporting AIMSS as an organisation that is dedicated to making the sport safer. “
Sandown Manager, Wade Calderwood, also brings a unique perspective to its relationship with AIMSS from a venue which hosts both horse and car racing.
“As owner of the Sandown Motor Circuit, the Melbourne Racing Club is pleased to place its support behind AIMSS. Whether it is four legs or four wheels, any initiatives and research which brings greater safety to any sport held at our venues is welcomed.
“In addition to motor sport, Sandown hosts a significant number of Driver Education Programs, so the link with AIMSS between motor sport safety and driving activity on our public roads compliments our business. “
According to Henderson, the growing membership base shows that AIMSS has the enthusiastic support of major events, circuits and other influential organisations and individuals in the world of motor sport.
“We are also forging other critical alliances in the academic world, already including the Monash University Accident Research Centre and the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland. AIMSS is well on the way to fulfilling its original vision that it should be a leader in the development of motor sport safety through research, education and industry liaison.
“Also, as indicated at the recent AIMSS ‘Safety - First’ Seminar, there is also a continuing and powerful relationship between motor sport and road safety developments which will encourage strong relationships with government bodies and motoring organisations.
“We are very grateful to all who have already embraced our vision and objectives and look forward to sharing an exciting future, ” concluded Henderson.
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