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Thunder1 - AVESCO is attempting to take the series internationally - however, there are a couple of major stumbling blocks to this. Consider the following:
FIA rules will prevent a full international series - and by this the FIA means any national series that has more than 2 off shore rounds. So they can have one NZ and China round and then they start to run foul of the FIA. This one will be interesting to see how AVESCO get around it.
Pukekohe has a contract for the next 2-3 years (not sure of exact figure - someone else can fill this in). AVESCO want a 2nd NZ race (makes sense really) but, again, there is the FIA problem - but also a location. AA reported this week that Taupo and Manfeild on the North Island and Christchurch are al vying for a race - Taupo needs a LOT of work and an extension before it could be used though. Reportedly both Wellington and Auckland street circuits are being planned.
And then this leaves Bahrain and the middle east...
So for AVESCO to stay under the FIA umbrella is going to be a problem - the FIA isn;t going to give Australian V8's and international series - it is too localised a category.
The final problem is - what do they do about Australian circuits? AVESCO are already on record as saying that tey have jst the right number of races - so if any new venues OS are brought in - which tracks get the chop here?
And, the $64 million question - what will happen to the Australian fan base if they start running more rounds overseas? The big drawcard fr the series here is that Joe Blow can go to a race track to see and hear the cars. How many fans will have the money (and time) to go overseas to follow the series?
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