Increasing operating costs and reduced income from the 2017 event have been cited as the main reasons for cancelling the event. Organisers have confirmed it will undergo a one year hiatus while they work on making the event more sustainable for 2019 and the future.
Despite the economic benefits to Taree and the mid-north coast region, organisers have said the increasing costs have made it impossible to continue without more support from sponsors, governments and race fans.
Event Organiser Troy Bayliss said while it is disappointing to not be in a position to run the 2018 event he hoped with increased support the Troy Bayliss Classic would return in 2019.
“Unfortunately the cold hard fact is the Troy Bayliss Classic is an expensive event to put on so without some serious backing it is just not financially viable,” Bayliss said.
“While the 2017 event received support from a list of local and national companies it is not enough to deliver the event that commands months of hard work from Troy Bayliss Events and the Taree Motorcycle Club.
“We could move the event to another state or track and gain significant tourism support, but Taree Motorcycle Club is where I started racing and is the home of the Troy Bayliss Classic. It will be held at the Old Bar circuit, or it won’t take place at all,” Bayliss added.
Taree Motorcycle Club President Craig Nelson added; “The event has been fantastic for the club, the town, and the sport,” Nelson said. “It has put us and dirt track racing on the map again, and we are very disappointed we won’t host the event in 2018.
“Local businesses have really got behind the event, but more support is needed. I believe the rained-out 2016 event contributed to fewer spectators through the gate this year.”
Nelson also recognised large crowds in the first two years of the event, before the upgraded infrastructure was in place, had an impact on reduced spectator numbers.
“We are five years in and have much better facilities,” Nelson explained. “Spectator comfort and viewing have not been a problem since the infrastructure upgrades were completed.
“Hopefully the fans will return in 2019 and keep this event going into the future.”
