Cash only ridiculous, says racing fan

POPULAR: Masterton Motorplex president Bob Wilton said the cash only policy "hasn't been a problem" for punters in the 18 years the club has been holding events.

Masterton's iconic drag racing club's "cash only" policy has been raising ire among motoring fans, with some labelling it archaic and "ridiculous".

Masterton Motorplex Drag Racing charges a $20 entry fee for monthly events at its Manaia Rd drag strip - but accepts only bank notes, with a signage at the entranceway reading "Entry Cost $20 Each Cash Only."

A Wairarapa resident and racing enthusiast approached the Times-Age and aired his frustration with the payment policy, saying it has inconvenienced himself and other punters.

The club's website and Facebook page advertise the $20 fee, but do not mention it is cash only.

The racing fan, who did not wish to be named, said he found it baffling that an international-standard complex, costing close to $4 million and attracting both national and overseas drivers, does not utilise up-to-date technology.

"It's bloody ridiculous - people just don't carry money around these days," he said.

"It's supposed to be a world-class track, so you'd think they've have Eftpos.

"It's possible to run an Eftpos machine from your tractor - so they can't tell me they can't run it from where they are."

The man said he attended Masterton Motorplex's February meet, but arrived without cash, so headed to Solway where he got cash out at the Four Square.

Upon returning, he saw other cars stopping at the sign and turning around.

"There were more people driving off than going in.

"Dairies can't keep giving out $20 notes, so people will be having to go the whole way into Masterton and go to an ATM.

"It makes you wonder how many people are driving away and not coming back."

He said he has spoken to others who have been similarly frustrated, including a man who brought his children to the drag strip, but forgot to withdraw cash.

"It's just a hassle."

Masterton Motorplex president and event co-ordinator Bob Wilton said he has been running meets for 18 years, and punters have "never had a problem" paying cash.

"I'm aware times have changed a bit, but I've not heard any complaints, and certainly not in recent years," Mr Wilton said.

"Everybody just pays cash.

"Plus, it's right there on the sign at the gate. It's not like people are driving down 1km of gravel and getting turned away."

If anything, he said, the public have been supportive, as Masterton Motorplex has kept its prices low, and charges one flat fee per day for all events.

"We're pretty good to the public like that."

He doesn't plan to invest in an Eftpos machine "in the near future".

"It's not viable for the one or two people who forget to get cash out."

But the racing fan isn't buying the lack of complaints.

"Young people especially don't know how to complain.

"They might say something on Facebook, but that's as far as it goes."