4 Aces Drag Club - Kempsey Airport Drags

*    There is no Drag strip on the entire MNC.

*    Drag Racing is Family Oriented entertainment, we propose Show & Shine ,
      Trade Displays , childrens entertainment, catering and Drag Racing (Cars +
      Bikes)

*    We can help address social misbehaviour

*   All eventS are STRICTLY ALCOHOL FREE - and security will be provided to ensure
     this is adhered to.

*   Benefits include an estimated (conservative) $280,000 input into our local
     business, contribution to Kempsey Shire Council - % of takings to go toward
     maintaining and improving the airport facility, these alcohol free events are
     great social outlets, and the hospitality industry will be stimulated.

Some examples of other airports running 1/8th mile drag strips include (but not limited to:


Gunnedah                                                      Ballaratt

Recently joining the ranks has been Casino. Their inaugral event was held 27th March 2010 and attracted 170 entrants and 6,000 spectators.

As we progress with our campaign, we will keep updating this web page, currently we have made a submission to Kempsey Shire Council as well as presenting the December 2009 meeting with a powerpoint presentation complimenting the submission.

Extract of submission to use Kempsey Airport to host 1/8th Mile Drag Racing Events;

SUBMISSION : USE OF KEMPSEY AIRPORT TO HOLD DRAG RACING EVENTS

FOUR ACES DRAG RACING CLUB INCORPORATED is a not for profit Community based organisation. We formed this Club in order to bring together like minded people in our community, and indeed the entire Mid North Coast area, so that they would have the opportunity to drive, ride, show and drag race their vehicles and bikes. Four Aces Drag Racing Club Inc would like to see the “would be drag racers” on our streets… off our streets! Our aim, among other things, is to hold a number of Drag Racing events during the year, thus giving our members, and the “hoons” a safe and controlled environment in which to satisfy this desire.

Our Club proposes to utilise the Community asset of Kempsey Airport in order to hold a number of 1/8^th mile Drag racing events each year.

We understand that there are a large number of concerns both in our community and amongst Councilors as to the damage, pollution, influx of “hoons” etc that these events may instigate. We have taken some time to reasearch the impact of holding such events on an air strip, as well as what effects the events may have on the community and the local economy. We certainly would not propose to Kempsey Shire Council to use the facility if it were unsafe to do so, or if it were damaging either economically or environmentally.

You may or may not be aware that the events we propose to run on the tarmac are to be sanctioned by the Australian National Drag Racing Association (ANDRA) and as such strict regulatory guidelines apply. In NSW drag racing events must also be approved by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.

We have addressed the 4 key concerns as raised by one of our Councilors and published in the local paper. In addressing these concerns, please note that you can refer to the attached supporting documentation.

Four Aces Drag Racing Club Inc is Affiliated with the Australian National Drag racing Association (ANDRA). All drag events must comply with STRICT conditions, including but not limited to;

· All vehicles must be ANDRA inspected and passed (conforming to technical and safety standards)

· The Drag Strip and event must be approved by the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation

Naturally, an ambulance service will be required to attend the event, as will the Fire Brigade and a police presence will also be necessary.

Our insurance cover, through ANDRA includes Public Liability of $50,000,000 in any one occurrence, Products Liability of $50,000,000 in any one period of Insurance, and Public Liability of $250,000 in any one occurrence (Competitor to Competitor Liability). (Please refer to certificate of currency attached)

No drag racing event can take place without the proper precautionary measures of fire protection and hazard safety. ANDRA provide an extensive listing of rules and regulations in relation to refuling, oil leaks, fire hazards and fire safety, including all vehicles must have a fire extinguisher on hand – and in some cases on board. It should be noted that any contravention of these rules will result in instant expulsion from the event.

As with any track usage, there will be general wear and tear. Please note however that there are no static burnouts on the drag strip. A rolling burnout is performed to warm the tyres at the extreme end of the runway - not used by planes. Any damage caused in this area will be the responsibility of the Four Aces Drag Racing Club Inc.

In relation to the use of chemical “traction compounds”, it is forbidden by ANDRA to use such substances where an air strip is used as a drag way as it is so damaging.

Four Aces Drag Racing Club Inc expects that Kempsey Shire Council will invoice us for the costs associated with the Airport Grounds Person for the day to liase with any aircraft requiring landing or takeoff – much the same as has been arranged for the Kempsey Rotary’s RYDA day, Police training days, Express Coaches ADR testing, Coca-cola driver training, StPauls College driver education programs, etc which are held at the airport, and the tarmac used. There are many drag events that take place at various airports around the state, and this is common practice and by all counts is effective and safe.

We understand that there will be many other issues both the Council and the Community would like addressed in our application process, we look forward to the opportunity to address any and all of these concerns.

In summing up, Four Aces Drag Racing Club Inc propose to use Kempsey Airport to hold a number of 1/8^th mile drag race meets each year. These events will conform with all requirements of the NSW Police, NSW Sport & recreation, the Australian National Drag Racing Association and Kempsey Shire Council. Our events will be well managed and fun for everyone involved. We expect that these events will be stimulating to the economy of Kempsey drawing racers and spectators from all along the east coast and even further afield – Accommodation, meals, entertainment…. All into the pocket of the local economy.

When considering our submission, please consider the success of other Councils who have permitted such events be held on their communities air strips; Mudgee, Wellington, Gunnedah, Barnsdale, Glenn Innes, Ballarat, Waikerie.