Australian Speedway rules regarding
Infield Officials
 

Following the tragic death of an official at Whyalla’s Westline Speedway earlier this year, Safework SA launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Speedway Australia has complied with Safework SA staff at all stages of their investigation to help identify the factors that may have contributed to the incident occurring. This included the investigation of Speedway Australia’s safety standards for Officials who are in-field during Speedway races. 

As a result of this investigation Speedway Australia was handed a prohibition notice from Safework SA, and as such we have taken appropriate measures to update current safety standards. As such, Speedway Australia would like to remind drivers to adhere to Rule 4.8.4. of the Australian Speedway Racing Rules and Regulations (September 2015 edition) which states that:

‘Any driver who accelerates their vehicle in a manner that instigates a break in traction, whilst the race is under caution (Yellow Flag/Light) may be penalised as per Rule 4.8.3. The Chief Steward and/or Clerk of Course/Race Director are the sole authority to allow permission to be in breach of this Rule.’

The maximum penalty for breaching this rule is a $2,000 fine and/or a 2 year licence suspension.

Along with this all important rule enforcement, all South Australian tracks have also been issued with prohibition notices and are now required to immediately install new Infield Safety measures at venues to eliminate any infield personnel having their body in direct exposure to any competition on the race track. On the back of the Worksafe notice, Speedway Australia are working with the venues in instigating this ready for the coming race season and will also be looking at a national implementation in the near future.

Speedway Australia has worked alongside Safework SA investigators on this matter. We will continue to work alongside the relevant governmental authorities to continue making our sport safer for all participants and finalise the investigation into this incident.