Forum : General Discussion
| Topic: V8 Administration | |
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Commodore S 4 months ago |
Tell me if I am barking up the wrong tree but have the administrators particularly Tony Cochrane lost all perception of what WE as supporters know and love about the sport. To illustrate; Barbegello - In front of cameras the light car club in control of this circuit together with financial backers assured Kevin Cattach they could rectify problems with track and had the funds to do so. Cattach virtually dismissed their comments and humiliated them by pointing out the lack of acumen within the club. Sure something has to be done in W.A but not by humiliation of hard working volunteers. Homebush- Both the N.S.W Govt and V8 Admin were adamant this would happen. Now its a 50/50 proposition. Eastern Creek- Tony Cochrane is adamant they will not have anything to do with this circuit even if Homebush does not proceed. His terse reply to John Cotton(ARDC) was that the track was not up to par and they ARDC were responsible for loss of Amaroo,Oran Park and we may as well add Warwick Farm. The truth is the ARDC knows the problems with Eastern Creek and have taken positive steps to resolve the issues. I have seen the designs of the proposed complex and are world standard catering to all categories excluding F1. As regards the loss of the other tracks mentioned they were/are privately owned and were and being sold for property development. Completely out of the hands of ARDC. Due to this factor SYDNEY will not even be considered for event if Homebush does not play out. Red Vs Blue - Tony Cochrane considers this does not play a factor in OUR interest within the sport. Sure maybe it is time for another player but who. Mr Cochrane bases his assumption on the clothing we wear to the circuit supporting our various teams or driver. This has been the case for as long as I can remember. I personally wore Brock gear not Holden. What does he expect us to wear - T Shirts coloured blue and emblazoned FORD and/or Red T Shirts emblazoned HOLDEN. C'mon Tony the V8"s were built around red Vs Blue and that can not be taken away. I will wear whatever I wish which happens to be The Enforcers gear. Did anybody notice at the podium (QLD) the presenter of trophies was wearing HRT T shirt and good on him. I am afraid the Admin of the sport we love have lost contact with the fans and take their own ideas into consideration as a priority compared to ours which is not good for the sport and foolhardy. Their are other instances where V8 Admin have shown their dominence over other parties in a most non-diplomatic manner but I have had my say and will not continue further except to say thanks to this forum for allowing us to vent our views. |
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Simmo 4 months ago |
Commodore I hate to say it but I think I agree with Tony Cochrane on this one. I don't have an ounce of care factor about Ford or Holden, as I personnally think they are both S@&T box cars anyway however the V8 formula is the top category of motorsport in the country and will attract the best drivers. I am a russell fan thru and thru and if he were to front up driving a Skoda I'd keep backing him! Looking at the category now, it is a two make series with one make seriously scaling back their investment the category could concievably find it self as a one make series which would be pretty sad, however the V8 supercar product is a very strong package which the option of another manufactorer would only help the strengthen by introducing non ford and holden people (hey it worked for nascar). I would love to see toyota come in and shake things right up! Simmo |
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Commodore S 4 months ago |
Simmo I do not have a problem with another player joining the series. The point I am trying to convey is The V8 Admin are paid employees to protect and ensure the ongoing success of the series. They are not there to dictate to other bodies,theteams,the drivers or the fans. It just appears to me what Tony Cochrane opinions are, must be right, and beyond arguement from any other party within the Motorsport environment. Remember we have other categories within Motorsport to encourage people to the sport which are controlled by other bodies such as CAMS/ARDC. These other bodies associate with your local Light Car Club which is the entry point to competitive racing beyond Go-Karts. They can not be looked down upon. This is were are our present crop of Drivers whom we admire originated from.Looking in from the outside I see The V8s at a crucial point and does not need further distress. It really gets under my skin to see a wonderful series which is admired worldwide to reach a stance where it presently is being so bound by rules and regulations and respective bodies representing Motorsport to be aruing between themselves in lieu of co-operation. Regards |
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Lauren 4 months ago |
All i have to say is that i don't like MR COCKHEAD AT ALL!!! Loosing 3 greats tracks in Sydney (yeah, sometimes The Creek sucks but i have great memories there) is a massive loss to the sport and i think he really needs to just concentrate on getting the fans back on side and working with us to see the sport grow for the better! My only request is to make it a bit more of a family day out. I know personally that some families save up all yr to go to one race meeting. THATS A JOKE!!! I'm not to sure how its done these days but i use to get in for free when i was under 10..do they still do this?? The cost to get into the track let alone the pitts is getting to a pathetic price! As i've said befor i do have the bonus of never paying to get in but i do feel and will fight for the families that are missing out because of prices... yeah yeah.. i know that there are prices that everyone needs to pay but sometimes i think its more about greed!!! What about when you use to be able to go to the track and sit in the grandstand for FREE.... Little changes for the public will go along way and for the future of the sport it will only get more fans, not detur them to support other sports!!!! |
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Commodore S 4 months ago |
Hi Lauren I have missed you and your pertinent points to the forum. V8 Admin now have finally woke up (I THINK) and agree with what your saying however they will hover placing us as a priority until really pressured. I would like your opinions on the points I did make regarding the Cochrane dictatorship and whether he should hold the power he assumes. Sure their is a board he requires to answer for but they appear meak. Cattach is retiring at end of season and therefore will the Cochrane influence be further enhanced. I really hope not. Motorsport was a good family day out as we are all supporters regardless of teams or drivers they deem to follow but now to attend a meeting is becoming beyond our means. Indeed I think this is the 1st year we will miss Bathurst for I don't know how long but extends well back to the ATCC days. It is not only the entrance fee but the ancillary costs and that is with free accommodation Regards. |
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Lauren 4 months ago |
You missed me  haha...I'm not to sure who should be running it at the top... but my two points are 1. It should not be Cockhead! And colon Bond should have nothing to do with anything!! 2. Should be someone who has a long history with the sport and knows where it has come from over the years and knowsthe in's and out's of it.. I do say that i'm sure cockhead knows stuff but i just don't think he has the passion and the heart for the sport... to me it looks like his in it more for the reputation (which i dont think he understands how many people dont like him) and for the money! So along those lines i'm thinking it'l need to be someone who has been apart of motorsport and maybe driven in a few catergories (most of them have anyway) and someone who knows a bit about running a business... so a few people come to mind and they are... and i also don't like some of these guys but in the end i think they could do a fair job, and thats what i think is important. 1. Moffat 2. Seton 3. Richards 4. Bowe 5. Kim and Brad Jones...haha... now that'd be interesting!!! 6. and doing a good job i think is Mezera! in time he could more up?? What does everyone else think?? I think we need someone with a level head like seaton, a strong understanding of the sport like moffat, and kim Jones to put some fire into it! |
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mattforcer39 4 months ago |
hey guys to tell you the truth i reckon larry perkins would do a pretty good job, but... i reckon the sport should look for some one younger , who is very passionate for the sport... like me lol... only joking for the moment i to young =, but i believe we should be looking in the future, and the younger generations will be the people that will be going to the races in the future so why dont we have a young bloke between the age 28-35 not some grandpa who is turning 55 what is the point all he is thinking about is making lots of money and is chucking all the good old race tracks out such as eastern creek,street circuits arent the answer in 4-5 years i believe eastern creek will have there round back because alot of these street circuits will die because you can watch them better from your t.v at home. p.s Go russell this weekend at winton u better win cos ill be there!!! |
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Commodore S 4 months ago |
What about somebody like Neil Crompton teamed with a board of retired drivers such as Lauren mentions; Glen Seton Jim Richards (May have a few years on him but certainly has business acumen) John Bowe Dick Johnson (certainly has the sport at heart) Larry Perkins (Already a member of the board) Paul Morris (To add spice. Has the business acumen also) These people are ones that jump to mind and would they be interested. Certainly something has to be done somewhere along the line. Yes Lauren welcome back and is meant with good intentions. Mattforcer I could not agree with you more regarding street circuits. One day they are their and next day gone with heaps of money spent. What are your views on my post under Boring Races.I know it may be over the top but will it work if the V8"s do not sort themselves out. |
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mattforcer39 4 months ago |
i couldnt agree with you more commodore S that would be a pretty good lineup but.... i have a great idea what about us 3 get on the board then the series will run real smooth, and the best bit is we could be driving sweet cars!!! and the best bit going to every round with everything paid for and being able to rub shoulders with the drivers such as russell!!!! |
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mattforcer39 4 months ago |
i couldnt agree with you more commodore S that would be a pretty good lineup but.... i have a great idea what about us 3 get on the board then the series will run real smooth, and the best bit is we could be driving sweet cars!!! and the best bit going to every round with everything paid for and being able to rub shoulders with the drivers such as russell!!!! |
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Commodore S 4 months ago |
I do not think that is going to happen. You know what really confuses me is that the board behind Cochrane are all well respected and astute people such as Perkins,the Stone Bros etc however they appear to have a desire to remain in the background and allow el supremo to dictate matters. For your imformation mattforcer39 while your round is conducted at Winton Cochrane will be in Singapore in an endeavour to dial a round in that sector. And they talk about containing costs. Another overseas round I can do without. With regard to street races I meant to add "until next year when another heap of money will be expended" What we need are permanent tracks which are self sufficient and utilised by all categories 365 days a year for all purposes. Eastern Creek and Oran Park are circuits utilised in this manner albeit for Advanced Driver Training,Corporate Days,Fun Days or testing etc. Oran Park is leaving and that only leaves Eastern Creek to cater for these needs. The ARDC recognises the problems associated with Eastern Creek and are making endeavours to rectify the situation but at the moment these pleas are falling on deaf ears. Pitiful. Regards |
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mattforcer39 4 months ago |
and now mr cocho reveals there will be another street race in my opionion v8 supercars will be f@rked in 5 years as all cocho is doing is going street races and overseas how many aussies want to travel over see to watch the v8s, and back to shanghai round how many people did it have attend a measly 25000 for the whole weekend pathetic, Mr cocho pull your head in and look into the future youve gone from 32 cars down to 31 now down even lower soon u will only have 20 cars running and in the end the catergory will be a flop......... think of the future not ova seas (and get ur ass out of singapore none of us aussies want to watch them race aroung there!!!!!) |
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Lauren 4 months ago |
YES!! i think we'd all do a great job... I can also see the good side of getting someone in young but also soo the good in getting someone in wise and i totally forgot about Crompton and i think he'd do a great job! |
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Commodore S 4 months ago |
Furthermore Mattforcer my understanding is that Singapore if taken on board would hopefully be a support event for the F1 monopoly.Singapore is going to be the test for the inaugral night race involving F1.Bernie has made it clear he does not want anyone or anything hampering this event and has informed Cochrane and the Singapore sporting authorities supporting events such as Aussie V8"s were not acceptable. Therefore we can only assume Cochrane considers he can lobby further and convince Singapore they need us(I do not think so) or as an alternative run a seperate event say after Townsville which has been hinted. The reason given by Cochrane for going overseas is to showcase our product and is not concerned about crowd base at rounds. When he states showcase our product he means FORD and HOLDEN. He considers and has stated TV ratings in Asia and Europe during our one excursion far exceeds the need for bums on seats. Well if this is the case we know at the moment Eastern Creek does not pull crowds but is shown upon the same TV base. I can not get my head around his theory. Lauren I consider Neil Crompton would be an ideal figurehead for the V8:s. He has worlwide racing experience,Has business acumen together with a lot of commonsense however it would be a conflict of interest as he is manager to a number of drivers in the championship together with I believe having a vested interest in a team as a silent partner. Coupled with his TV and Telstra interests I don"t think he would lean to such a position. Mattforcer cochrane has also insisted the field be reduced to 28 and this was going to happen until The Cams Rising Star entry (Michael Patrizi) was accepted. As far as I am concerned we should have larger fields and not reduction. Anyway thats my thoughts. Regards. |
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Commodore S 4 months ago | By the way is either of you going to comment on my feelings under boring races because I am interested in all views upon the subject |
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Commodore S 4 months ago |
Wayne,Wayne,Wayne co=operation and diplomacy is not your focal point. The QLD Govt have just handed Townsville to you on a plate albeit a half measure attempt now you want to dictate with Cochrane how they run Gold Coast event. Of course the QLD Govt want applauding overseas exposure to display the Gold Coast. What other open wheel competition are you going to introduce to the Govt - Formula Ford,Formula 3 or maybe Formula V. WOW this will really draw overseas interest. As the Indy Round would not be included in their formula(Indy Cars) as to points, overseas interest would be lacking anyway. Boy oh Boy you fellas really consider yourselves superior when you are only little fish playing in a Big Pond in a worlwide expanse of motor racing. |
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Commodore S 3 months ago |
See Cochrane has now jumped on bangwagon and is endeavouring to give the Gold Coast promoters a guilt complex. This being construed through an open letter. Ho Hum |
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Commodore S 2 months ago |
Cochrane has had plenty to say during past month as to how the sport needs refreshing however in my mind has not really addressed the essential issues. Lets hope the Kattach replacement who has been recruited from 888 is allowed a free hand and can spice things up. For Cochrane to suggest they invite the DTM fraternity to Gold Coast in lieu of IRL would certainly pull a crowd but at the expense of our own competition. People such as me would be far more interested in the DTM paddock. |
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michaelvt 2 months ago |
Yes i think its time to go....Cochrane. The sport is most definately on a downhill stretch. As for the DTM suggestion, i think it would be spectacular, and show just how far our sport is away from them; possibly even providing us with some idea's on how to enhance our V8 category. It would provide a clear comparison between the two categories. |
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Commodore S 1 month ago |
Well Kattach has gone after a free ride from DJR.It was interesting to note that in one of his final speaches he did make mention of having to maintain Cochrane under a leash at times.All the best to the incoming CEO whom I hope has fresh ideas and a spirit to come through despite the Cochrane influence. Now I see V8SCA are having a fallout with CAMS again. Good to see CAMS dig their heals in and not stress under the strain. Good to see Homebush is a goer. Pity it comes at such a great expense. As for your above thought regarding DTM I do not think Cochrane would be game to let them on our shores despite suggesting such. They are an awesome sight whilst limited to 480hp they only weigh in at 1050Kg and are much quicker than our V8s. This is due to the aero package they are allowed together with genuine rubber. Wait and see ay. |
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Commodore S 4 weeks ago |
So the Indy standoff continues. Mr Cochrane the Champ Cars needed the exposure of Aust to exist. The IRL have relieved the admin of this responsibility and have sufficient tools to exist in a proficient manner without Aust intrusion. Sure the IRL drivers and teams love to visit but for once I do agree with you whereby is the expense worth the trouble. As our V8 series is beamed throughout N.Z, Asia etc yes I agree we could put on a stand alone event supported by other Aust categories. The event presently in progress may be shown in the U.S but what time slot. Their is only one hiccup in your statements whereby you state Ford Vs Holden. Your previous agenda was the Red Vs Blue concept no longer was a pertinent point in our competition and it was time to introduce another player. Where do you actually stand. It is obvious the Gold Coast promoters do not have sufficient faith in our product and insist upon overseas intrusion. Whilst the IRL cars are wonderful to watch we are being used and abused by their promoters. To me Aust motor sport can represent the Gold Coast in a good light and if the Gold Coast promoters do not like it "tough".Take our product elsewhere on Aust shores and promote it to the hilt and choose a time slot which is prime time viewing overseas. Afterall we are looking to add spice to our championship. If Singapore can promote a night F1 event why can not we do the same on a smaller scale with overseas money to sponsor their product on prime time T.V. Just my thoughts. |
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Commodore S 4 weeks ago |
The Gold Coast situation compares in confusion to the Kelly/Perkins Klan. If matters have not been put to bed regarding this event why do Govt Representatives appear on the podium praising the event and wishing it all the best for the next 5 years. Indeed clearly stating the V8s would be their for the fans. Thence you have IRL drivers saying they do hope the event returns next year. No wonder the retailers on the Gold Coast sell Koalas made in China. |
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Simmo 4 weeks ago |
With the QLD Govt owning the infrastructure required to setup the street circuit and having only recently (the last 2 or 3 years) started to realise profit from the endeavour there's no way the Govt will let the event disappear. I'm not sure I understand the great desire to have an open wheeler category feature at the event as that it hardly the australian motorsport staple...I think the A1GP would be a good way to go although our mate Tony would consider himself too high and mighty to want to deal with them! |
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Commodore S 4 weeks ago |
Yes I agree The Qld Govt would not be happy if the event folded as we would be. As regards Tony and A1GP he has already stated they are a dead loss due to their $385Million deficit. He forgets the series is owned by The Middle East who treat this series as their own and are prepared to promote it to the hilt until it reaches world recognition. As for open wheelers The Irl is the only way to go. The Ground Event organisers want overseas exposure and I can not see why V8SCA could not stand alone with the assistance of other categories. Why not make this a night event which would create and maintain the carnival atmosphere.This would make prime time T.V in the middle East with delayed telecast to U.K Afterall V8 Supercars own the T.V rights with Channel 7 being a Franchise. What gives me the proverbials is the conflicting information we are receiving, At the moment I think it is Ego Vs Ego (Cochrane Vs Tony George). What Cochrane needs to recognise together with his fresh CEO they are PAID representatives of V8SCA and therefore must place our series as a priority. I do believe in this instance they are trying to negotiate however Tony George appears to have selective hearing. Afterall Aust Motorsport supported the ailing Champ Series. Just my thoughts. |
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Commodore S 3 weeks ago |
Another point should also be taken into account with Indy. The V8 fraternity are only responsible to fulfil a five year contract and appear at the event. Any other formula that is introduced for the event is the responsibility of the Gold Coast organisers. Therefore any assistance afforded the Gold Coast by V8SCA is in addition to their obligation. All negotiations and pen pushing are purely in the hands of the organisers. Aside from Indy it is good to see Jason Bright elected to the Board of the V8 fraternity filling the the void of Ross Stone. Since Jason has commenced his ow |
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Commodore S 3 weeks ago |
Our new CEO Cameron Kevick has exhibited a good "theory" whereby let egos be egos and allow the series get down to the nitty gritty. In other words speak to the teams about issues,confrontit,get on with it and put it to bed. In theory sounds like a lot of commonsense however consider his own backyard firstly; Tony Cochrane - A man with a dominant personality which is ego driven whom I question has he got the sports interest really at heart in lieu of placing himself amongst the leading motor sport identities worlwide. Larry Perkins - Cranky Larry who would still have his first penny. He is not ego driven just plain stubborn. Tim Edwards - Runs a very formidable team which is well funded.Certainly a man with business acumen but not likely to let his own team suffer although it may be better for the sport. Jason Bright - Has done the hard yards however is already on the bandwagon about cost cutting. Underfunded team combined with bad luck at times. Paul Morris - Says what he thinks and does what he does.If anybody cares to differ be prepared for a spray. Not ego driven, just plain hard nosed. And that is only the board. Good Luck Cameron you certainly have the correct principle however taking this level of caricture up and down pit lane. Well as I say the best of luck. Just my thoughts Regards. |
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Commodore S 2 weeks ago |
Well what can you say; Cochrane clearly stated on T.V, he is in negotiation to hold two events annually at Bahrain however under different formats. This together with negotiations regarding Singapore where is the sport actually heading. The series was conceived to replace the ATCC (AUSTRALIAN Touring Car Championship) and belongs to Australian fans and supporters. Have our administrators lost the framework competely. Come on V8SCA lets embrace the grassroots of the sport and listen to the people. If this trend continues supporters are going to walk away from the sport. For goodness sakes what is wrong with a Aust Series being conducted within the Aust Basin (Aust & N.Z) Surely let commonsense prevail. |
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Simmo 2 weeks ago |
Good news about the A1GP announced this morning. A 5 year deal to run at the Gold Coast with the V8's |
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mattforcer39 2 weeks ago | So does that mean Eastern Creek has lost there round |
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Simmo 2 weeks ago |
From what I can see Eastern Creek wasn't on the agenda this year anyway, though there is one race of the a1gp calendar un-allocated as yet on 29/3/09. |
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michaelvt 7 days ago |
A1GP at Gold Coast. Oh deary dear. The V8s will be the ones bringing in the crowds, NOT the A1. |
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