Grapevine: Australia Could Lose Major Sponsor
The Australian Grand Prix could lose one of its major sponsors next year over a drink-drive row that is surrounding the event's organisers
The Transport Accident Commission, who have backed the race for several years, are reported to be unhappy that they were not told before this year's race that Grand Prix general manager of operations Jonathan Caughey had lost his licence for drink-driving.
According to a story in the Herald Sun, the TAC are now reviewing their future sponsorship of the event - having just cancelled a sponsorship deal with Richmond Aussie Rules football club last week after a player was caught drink-driving.
A TAC spokeswoman told the Herald Sun: "We're obviously very disappointed that the Grand Prix Corporation and its senior management did not inform us of the incident at the time it occurred. When we have all the facts, it will be a matter for the TAC board."
TAC have sponsored the event since 1996 and Grand Prix corporation chief executive Tim Bamford expressed his concern at the situation - although denied they had breached their contract.
"It's become obvious today though, and we understand now, they'd prefer we spoke to them about this at the time," he said.
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