|
Statement from Craig Gore |
|
|
|
|
Sunday, 24 February 2008 |
“Despite media reports (v8supercars.com.au) that Brian Walden was in Queensland
to collect a motor vehicle last week, I would like to advise that at no time has
WPS Racing or WPS Motorsport entered into any form of an agreement with Brian
Walden, Walden Motorsport or anyone associated with these two parties.
Prior to Monday February 18, Mr Walden had never made any approach or any formal
offer to myself, WPS Racing, WPS Motorsport or anyone associated with these
parties to purchase a motor vehicle.
On Monday, February 18, at 11:00am
my office received a phone call from Brian Walden requesting to buy a motor
vehicle and associated equipment so that he could attend the opening round of
the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
At this point I immediately phoned
Wayne Cattach, Chief Executive Office of V8 Supercars Australia, and advised him
of the conversation and I also phoned Tony Cochrane, Chairman of V8 Supercars
Australia, advising him of the same.
We declined any verbal offer made
on Monday 18 February based on following information.
1. V8 Supercars is
a professional sport. To attend the Clipsal 500, the opening round of the 2008
V8 Supercar Championship, requires a huge effort of at least 20 people to be
fully prepared and it needs to be taken seriously.
2. Although our
racing car was complete, it was not race ready and we were not prepared to be
exposed to any litigation that may have emerged following a person or persons
using our vehicle completely ill prepared.
3. Media reports issued
stating Brian Walden sent a truck to Brisbane to collect a car are false and
misleading if those reports are aimed at WPS Racing. Never at any stage had
myself, WPS Racing or WPS Motorsport agreed to sell him a motor vehicle or
associated equipment
4. The offer of part payment over a period of time
made on Monday February 18 and the seemingly lack of preparedness and
understanding of the requirements to compete in the V8 Supercar Series concerned
me greatly. This is why I contacted V8 Supercars immediately and advised them of
the approach.
I encourage Mr Walden to forward me a copy of any
agreement that he may have if he wishes to justify the outlandish accusations
that have been made recently.
Mr Walden has had many, many months to
prepare for the 2008 V8 Supercar Championship and for all public purposes we
were competing in the series up until two weeks prior to the opening round. I
therefore find all these reports and accusations incredible.”
|
