The suspension on junior drag racing at Perth Motorplex has been lifted, following the full implementation of all recommendations in a Coroner’s report and additional safety measures, including increasing the minimum age.
Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray suspended junior drag racing at Perth Motorplex after an eight-year-old competitor was killed in an accident at the venue in November 2017.
Coroner Sarah Linton published her report into the accident in August 2019, where she made seven recommendations.
These called for improvements in the following areas:
- venue infrastructure;
- licensing and training programs;
- safety equipment;
- vehicle inspections;
- investigate the feasibility of engine ‘cut-off’ devices; and
- CCTV equipment to record drivers’ movements.
These have now been fully implemented by venue owner VenuesWest, sport sanctioning body the Australian National Drag Racing Association, and other stakeholders.
The minimum age for competitors has also been increased from eight to 10 years’ old, exceeding the Coroner’s recommendations.
The Coroner’s report cited testimony from Road Safety Council Chairman Iain Cameron that children under the age of 10’s cognitive development ‘does not allow them to judge and perceive speed and distance in the way that an adult can’.
In addition, five supplementary items in the report have also been addressed to further enhance safety.
The Coroner’s report is available at https://www.coronerscourt.wa.gov.au/I/inquest_into_the_death_of_anita_jade_board.aspx
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“The State Government acted to suspend junior drag racing immediately in November 2017 to allow the Coroner to fully investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic accident.
“All seven of Coroner Linton’s recommendations have been implemented by the relevant parties. Further to this, the State Government has increased the minimum age from eight to 10, and addressed five additional items from the report to further enhance safety.
“I would like to once again convey my deepest sympathies to the Board family as they continue to grieve the loss of Anita.”
