Stadium Super Trucks loses court case against the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport

STADIUM Super Trucks have officially been scrapped from next weekend’s Gold Coast 600 schedule after losing their court case against the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport on Thursday afternoon.

Stadium Super Trucks will not be flying through the air at the GC600. Picture: Richard Gosling

STADIUM Super Trucks have officially been scrapped from next weekend’s Gold Coast 600 schedule after losing their court case against the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport on Thursday afternoon.

The action-packed category had proven a hit with fans on the Gold Coast in 2015 and 2016 before missing last year’s event.

It was set to return to the streets of Surfers Paradise until its licence to compete in Australia was suspended in May on safety grounds.

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SST appealed the decision, leading to a date in the Supreme Court of Victoria where, after multiple delays, the verdict fell in favour of CAMS.

The result means the SST series will not be able to take part in the GC600; its place in the support list to Supercars has been taken by the V8 Touring Car Series.

Gold Coast-raised racer Matt Brabham is leading the SST standings. Picture: Richard Gosling

The Bulletin understands CAMS have also been awarded costs.

CAMS chief executive Eugene Arocca welcomed the verdict in a statement, declaring it is his organisation’s responsibility to ensure Australian motorsport events are as safe as possible for all involved.

“Whether it is grassroots motorsport or competition on the national stage, the safety of competitors, officials and spectators is paramount and something we will not compromise on,” Arocca said.

“As the governing body for four-wheeled motorsport in Australia, we have a responsibility to ensure we do everything possible to make the sport as safe as it can be, and we believe this category poses a significant risk, particularly on a confined street circuit.

“We have been open with the category management about these risks and what action could be taken to enable them to return to action in Australia.

CAMS boss Eugene Arocca in 2015. Picture: Kylie Else

“Suspending a category is always a last resort. Unfortunately we had no other alternative in this case as we believe there is a significant risk to competitors, spectators and officials.”

In a statement, CAMS acknowledged SST had been a favourite among fans but noted a “serious incident” in Perth this year – when an errant wheel hit a pedestrian bridge – had sparked an investigation, which determined the category posed an “increasing risk”.

“These concerns were put to the category manager who failed to provide a satisfactory and suitable response to the dangers identified and the decision was then made to suspend the category in Australia,” the statement explained.

Ex-The Southport School student Matt Brabham leads the SST standings, while Gold Coast resident Paul Morris is the defending champion.