Motorcycling New Zealand has "disestablished" Paul Pavletich and Jill de Thierry from their roles as chief executive and administration manager. "After a detailed operational review of its current staffing structure and requirements, the board of Motorcycling New Zealand, acting on the recommendations of HR company Directioneering, have moved to restructuretheir organisation," it said. The changes will take effect immediately.
Stanaway to stay home
Young MTA Formula Ford champion Richie Stanaway will not travel to the UK to take part in the Grand Prix Shootout where the winner gets the chance to drive in Formula BMW Europe next year. Stanaway's management company decided, after legal advice, an obligatory management contract from Shootout organiser David Fleming in the UK was not in his best interests. Further information indicated the Shootout would not proceed.
Murphy may choose Morris
Rumours are swirling around the final destination of Kiwi V8 Supercar driver Greg Murphy. While he is tight-lipped about where he'll be plying his trade in the 2010 series, a reliable source has told the Weekend Herald he'll be off to Paul Morris Motorsport and partner Russell Ingall. The two of them were spotted deep in conversation last weekend at the Perth round of the championship.
Burt Munro Challenge
The annual Burt Munro Challenge gets under way this weekend. The Teretonga Sprint Races will be held today and the Wyndham Street Race is on tomorrow. A record number of competitors and rally-goers are expected in Invercargill and organisers are expecting 2000 enthusiasts to turn up to the rally at Oreti Park.
Rising stars assessed
Stephen Barker, 21, from Hamilton, Ben Jagger, 20, from Whangarei and Hayden Paddon, 22, from Geraldine, have won their respective divisions of the Rally New Zealand Rising Stars driver development programme. Each driver receives professional mentoring and funding of more than $50,000 to invest in their 2010 rally season. During a two-day shootout held in Maramarua Forest, 15 drivers were assessed on their physical fitness, media handling, professionalism and the likelihood of achieving their long-term career aspirations.
Fraudster eyes F1 cash
A convicted fraudster may be involved in bankrolling the Sauber F1 team. BMW pulled out of F1 recently and Sauber had to find a new investor. The buyer was identified as Qadbak Investments, an unknown Swiss firm. After lengthy investigations it appears Qadbak is a shell for Dubai-based Russell King.
