A last minute petition to save drifting events in Port Macquarie has reached over 11,900 signatures in less than a week after event organisers called for help to save the sport.
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Drifting events have been popular at the Port Macquarie Go Kart Track in 2018, however they now appear to be under threat with organisers waiting on Port Macquarie-Hastings Council approvals for this year.
The track is reaching the sharp end of its one year trial from May 2018 which saw six national drifting events and also paved the way for a $250,000 resurfacing of the site.
Petition organiser and AwesomeDrive representative Robert Galotti said the events have brought huge benefits. He said a planned event on June 10 was at risk of being cancelled.
"During this trial year, the venue has seen a number of events which have proven to be a success," he said.
"(They) provide a legal, safe and controlled environment to host drift cars and stimulate the local economy in the same time.
"(Not having the approval) is a big worry for me, even today (May 22) I asked (council) to just give me some special approval so it can happen and we won't have to cancel."
The track welcomes locals and celebrities alike with Japanese professional drifting driver and world champion Daigo Saito visiting on May 10.
Mr Galotti said an application was put forward in January this year to change the status of the track development application from a trial year to permanently allow drifting to a maximum of 28 events per year.
"Five months on, with the trial period coming to an end, council has chosen to decline this application and impose governing conditions on the track," he said.
He believes council has not granted further approval due to noise complaints.
"I'm happy to comply with anything they need but I need continual approval for currently planned events.
"We did resurface the track for $250,000 last year and we are willing to risk another $300,000 here to do a number of things but I just need continuity."
Two acoustic reports were undertaken on the track at a cost of $3000, showing it was adhering to governing noise conditions according to Mr Galotti.
"What's the outcome? No drifting allowed back on this venue and it will remain this way until council decides otherwise," he said.
"If this track closes its doors to drifting it will have a substantial impact including a significant reduction to the local economy and reduce tourism to the town of Port Macquarie accordingly."
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council was contacted for comment regarding the pending event approval for a scheduled drifting event on June 10 and alleged noise complaints.
"Council is working through this matter, and at this stage are unable to provide you with the information you are seeking," said a council spokesperson.
For more information about the petition CLICK HERE
