WILL DAVISON OUT OF CLIPSAL 500 DRIVE
7/4/2005 19:05 (Press Release) -
Will Davison will not be competing for Team Dynamik at this weekends
Clipsal 500 in Adelaide after the Team failed to provide a car for him
under its one remaining licence and despite the existence of a two year
contract signed between the parties in August 2004 covering the 2005/06
seasons.
Davison was actively pursued to sign for the team from early 2004 and
was given specific undertakings in that there was sufficient funding to
run two cars competitively during extended contractual negotiations last
year and was working closely with Simon Wills and team personnel, to
ensure that the team was competitive throughout the 2005 season.
"To say I am disappointed would be an understatement" Davison said.
After hearing of the sale of one of its licences before the Grand Prix,
we were again given assurances that our contract would be honoured. "I
feel I did a solid first up job at Albert Park, particularly as I had
not driven a V8 since Bathurst. The last race car I drove was the
Minardi F1 in November. Having reviewed the replays of the Grand Prix
support races I felt it was the first bit of positive publicity the team
had received in a long time and couldn't wait for the season to get
underway this weekend".
"Tony Longhurst seemed to be reasonably impressed with my performances
at Albert Park and together with Kieran Wills approached us about the
possibility of Tony becoming involved in my career and running under his
newly acquired licence in the future. This in turn would enable Simon
Wills to resume his seat in Dynamik entered car. We indicated that we
would be prepared to consider such a proposition and invited Tony to put
some discussion points on paper for consideration."
"Tony was unable to get anything to us to look at prior to Tuesday this
week and required an immediate answer. Although enthusiastic about the
concept of his proposals, they have far-reaching and long-term
implications on my career and require a great deal of consideration and
discussion, so any immediate commitment was out of the question. We did
offer to drive under the Longhurst licence this weekend with
negotiations continuing in the background, however Tony chose to enter
Max Wilson under his licence which is clearly his prerogative."
"We have no issues what so ever with Tony Longhurst and I feel honored
that he has shown such an interest in becoming involved in my career.
There were never any undertakings given in this respect, simply a
willingness to explore the possibilities."
"Our contract is with Team Dynamik and they have clear responsibilities
to provide us with a car for every race over 2005 and 2006 and their
failure to do so has far reaching implications. We will consider our
position with our advisors over the coming days before deciding what
course of action we will take. Unfortunately the team has declined to
even officially advise me that I am not driving their entry this weekend
and up until first practice began I remained ready and able to do so."
"All the guys in the team have sweated blood over the past couple weeks
to get the car perfect for me in every respect for this race. To see it
all being ripped apart yesterday was pretty gut wrenching for all of
us."
"My decision to return from Europe and race V8's was largely influenced
by Team Dynamik's perseverance to sign me so this comes as a pretty big
slap in the face. However I have now fallen in love with this category
and believe it to be one of the best series in the world and I am
determined to be back in the championship as soon as possible.
Release Date: 18/03/2005
Will Davison
|
|
