Supercars news: Erebus Gold Coast 500 party penalty announced

The team was hit with a $5,000 deduction for not opening the garage doors at the Thursday night pitlane party.

Peter Adderton, owner of Boost Mobile, called out the violation on social media before it was forwarded to the referees.

FULL COFFEE DECISION

Receiving a report from the Deputy Race Director, the Stewards summoned the Competitor and determined the following:

Contestant: Erebus Motorsport Pty Ltd

History: Thursday, 24 October 2024

Truth: Competitor’s Pit Lane garage doors for Car 1 and Car 9 did not open between 16:30 (AEST) and 22:00 (AEST) on Thursday 24 October 2024.

Rule: Other Additional Regulations – Article 1.5 GARAGE DOORS – THURSDAY 24 OCTOBER 1.5.1 – In this Event, Teams will be required to keep their Pit Lane garage doors open from 16.30 (AEST) until 22.00 (AEST) due to a function in the Pit Lane. ) on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Hearing: Commissioners received information from the parties as follows:

DRD – Mr. David Mori

Mr Mori submitted a report to the Stewards from the MOTHER of Supercars, Mr James Delzoppo, who attached a photograph of the competitor’s Pit Lane garages showing the parking garages at 7.45pm on 24 October 2024.

The report also referenced a video (viewed by the Commissioners) taken on 24 October 2024 at 21.16 hours in which the garages were depicted as closed. Mr. Mori said that while returning to his office following the Competitor’s Authorized Representatives Briefing, he was approached by the Competitor’s Authorized Representative, Mr. Brad Tremain.

Mr Tremain raised concerns about garage doors being left open on Pit Lane while the garages were unattended due to safety concerns. Mr Mori said he had arranged for Supercars staff to contact Mr Tremain to make an arrangement to address these concerns.

The hearing was attended by Supercars’ Managing Director, Events, Mr Phil Shaw. Mr Shaw told the Stewards that no specific arrangements had been made with the Contender that Supercars would play any role in ensuring compliance with the requirement to keep garage doors open.

Mr. Mori recommended that the Stewards impose a fine on the Contestant in accordance with the Recommended Penalties table.

Competitor’s Deputy Authorized Representative – Mr. Barry Ryan

Mr Ryan admitted that the Contender’s Pit Lane garage doors were not open as required by the relevant clause. He confirmed that the contestant was concerned about the lack of adequate safety arrangements in the garage where equipment would be left unattended.

Mr Ryan said there was only one person to manage the Contestant’s regulatory publicity requirements and there were conflicts. He revealed that the challenger was hosting a Team celebration dinner for the recent victory at Bathurst.

There was also a Drivers autograph session which made things even more complicated for the Team.

Mr Ryan accepted that a fine for the breach was appropriate and requested the Commissioners consider suspending all or part of the fine.

Decision of the Commissioners

Decision: The contestant is fined $5,000.

Reason: Having considered the matter thoroughly, the Stewards determined that the Competitor’s Pit Lane garage doors were not open as required by Additional Regulation Clause 1.5. This is a violation of the relevant Rule. There were no mitigating factors. Commissioners felt a fine was an appropriate penalty and imposed a $5,000 fine after looking at the Suggested Penalties table for similar violations. Due to the absence of mitigating factors, the Commissioners do not suspend any part of the sentence.

Competitor is reminded that Decisions and Penalties subject to Appeal are set forth in B7.7.2, and Appeal Rights and process are set forth in B5.