Drivers hold 'very positive' meeting to discuss racing standards

A meeting was held at Taupō International Motorsport Circuit on Thursday, where Supercars' racing standards were discussed following two rounds of robust action.

Several drivers met with Motorsport Australia Driving Standards Advisor Craig Baird on Thursday morning ahead of the mandatory competitors’ briefing in the afternoon.

There, drivers and Baird discussed the sport's racing rules and tolerances in the wake of thrilling action-packed races in Sydney and Melbourne.

Racing rules came to the fore in Sydney after a dramatic battle between Cam Waters, Broc Feeney and Will Brown, where Waters won after attempting a redress following an earlier tangle with Feeney.

Three weeks later in Melbourne, the sprint races were conducted at a manic pace, with some drivers coming to grief in door-to-door battles at Albert Park.

Through the drama, two penalties were handed out across the three Melbourne races; a drive-through for Ryan Wood over his clash which put Jack Le Brocq out, and a 30-second penalty for Chaz Mostert over hitting James Golding.

Speaking to Supercars.com, Baird hailed the drivers’ response to Thursday’s catch-up, saying: "It was a very positive meeting, and certainly one of the best I’ve had with drivers.

“There were a few laughs and a few swear words, but no-one left aggrieved, and were thankful to be there to chew the fat, to ask questions and seek clarity."

Baird insisted that a Code of Driving Conduct still exists, and that incidents can and will be judged on outcome, particularly if it results in a crash. All told, the driving code highlights that drivers cannot gain an advantage from contact, and that racing room must be given.

Baird also reiterated that officials' “hands were tied” in making calls on certain incidents at the Grand Prix, given a lack of vision available.

Thursday's meeting wasn't the first of its kind, yet Baird said his "door is always open" for drivers who have questions. Notably, Nick Percat sought out Baird in Melbourne, and left with a "real clear understanding."

After Melbourne, Andre Heimgartner also admitted Baird is often "fighting a losing battle" given there are two parties to each incident.

"In summary, it’s all about what constitutes hard but fair racing. But while there has been a shift in tolerance, we still have a Code of Conduct to work to,” Baird said.

“A boxer shouldn’t expect to go in a boxing ring and just throw jabs. You have to expect to receive some jabs back.

“Hard but fair racing is just that. Put all drivers on a kart track tonight, and you’d be able to spot if some weren't giving each other enough racing room, both when passing and being passed.

"Ultimately, I’m here to represent all 24 drivers, and to ensure they maintain a duty of care and accountability. They know what we are striving to achieve.”

Track action will commence in Taupō on Friday with two 30-minute practice sessions.