Ryan Farrell

“  I advise that I will not be racing for Monte Motorsport this season as I am unable at this stage to provide a NASR licence, imperative to national racing specifically WSS.

I was advised by NASR on Friday, 29th Oct that is was likely they would not grant me a licence as a result of the pending criminal charge for drug possession against me. This despite earlier confirmation when the charge first became public more than a month before from the General Manager of WSS, Steven Green that the matter had been discussed by NASR at that it was decided they had no jurisdiction over the matter, it being outside the racing season away from the racetrack.  It is my understanding that Monte Motorsport independent of myself received  the same verification from NASR.  I would point out that Steve Green has always shown concern & compassion in this matter. No so from NASR, so much for the speedway family!.

NASR has never discussed this matter with me, in the past week there has been email correspondence between the parties but yesterday NASR advised Monte Motorsport that I would not be granted a licence & if Monte Motorsport wished to participate in WSS then they needed to nominate another driver. I am grateful to Luche Monte for the opportunity & his patience & understanding over this matter. I have still not been officially advised by NASR of the licence refusal.

Now to the charge itself which occurred on the 17th August 2010 & which was reported in the Darwin press the following week. It is a relatively minor offence to which I have pleaded not guilty & which if I was found guilty would only attract a modest fine, something in the range of a few hundred dollars.  I am very hopeful in fact that the charges will be dropped either at or prior to the next hearing on the 17th November 2010.  My lawyer advised NASR of these facts in of the 3rd November 2010 to the General Manager of NASR.

The unfortunate reality is that I have lost my drive with Monte Motorsport & a significant sponsor that was tied to WSS for a matter in which NASR had previously advised they had no jurisdiction, for a relatively minor offence which may well be dropped. If not I believe I will be found innocent or even in the worst case scenario be fined a few hundred dollars.

It is open to conjecture why? timed so that any redress I may have in the courts cannot occur prior to the start of the season.

I will now focus on the court matter & action against NASR to regain a licence & seek the maximum financial damages for the harm inflicted to my career.

To Monte Motorsport,  our sponsors, fans & speedway in general I am extremely sorry for this outcome. I will be racing this season at some point, I may even be able to have a go at a record 7th WA Sprint car Title!

For further information please contact John Farrell on Mob, 0418 923581 Email,  j_farrell@bigpond.com

RYAN FARRELL.  10.00am Tuesday 9th November 2010.