Racers want fee waiver

Masterton Motorplex wants to hold further events at Hood Aerodrome to help raise funds to complete the first stage of its $3 million drag strip project.

The first stage of the project was meant to be finished in April but was not completed due to delays.

Masterton District Council had a five-year agreement with the organisation to hold events at the aerodrome facility which lapsed in 2011.

Councillors agreed to allow a one-off event in April 2012 although some councillors were worried it would set a precedent at the time.

The organisation has approached council again to hold three events at the aerodrome over the next year.

This includes a burn-out competition in January and drag racing competitions in February and March, according to a recommendation by council officers to be decided upon at the policy and finance committee meeting later this week.

In a letter to council, co-ordinator Bob Wilton asked them to allow the organisation to hold events as a fundraiser.

"We have now $300K to raise in order to complete stage 1 and have applications in for grants but are eager to be able to do further fundraising ..." he said.

"We would like to thank MDC for their belief in our project in the past and hope that they will continue to do so in the future, so also ask if you can consider waiving the rental fee for the Aerodrome for these events as a contribution to our fundraising."

Council assets and operations manger David Hopman recommends councillors agree to support the events and waive the fees.

Mr Wilton declined to comment before meeting council tomorrow.