ARA "very disappointed" with Jurby track decision

Management contract awarded to former committee members

Andreas Racing Association is "very disappointed" its bid to take on the management contract for Jurby Race Circuit was unsuccessful.

The club says its also "dismayed" to find it's been awarded to an organisation run by previous members of the club committee, who resigned last year

The Jurby Race Circuit is owned by the Isle of Man Government.

The Infrastructure Department tendered to look for someone to manage the facility, which will include maintenance and bookings for track days as well as race meetings.

There were four bidders.

Andreas Racing Association says its application was strong with a financial plan that was "realistic and achievable".

Turning to the former committee members who won the tender process, the statement says "under their stewardship, the club was taken from a sound financial footing to near bankruptcy. Race grids dwindled significantly, and at an EGM in October 2019 they recommended to the membership that the club be wound up as it was no longer viable."

The current committee insist this is not a question of sour grapes. It's genuinely concerned it could mean the end of club racing on the Isle of Man, and the end of Andreas Racing Association.

The statement goes on to say it intends to appeal the decision.

It says many officials and race-day volunteers have expressed their reluctance to work with the current bid winners, and many club members feel the same.

Finally, members and supporters of the club are being encouraged to contact their MHKs to make them aware of the issues.