Gold Cup - Statement
After a successful and enjoyable road racing season, Steve Mercer was looking forward to racing at Oliver's Mount for the Gold Cup this weekend. However, after receiving what can only be described as complete hostility from the organisers, Steve felt he had no alternative but to leave the circuit.
Having left Kent early on Friday morning, Steve was pleased to arrive and start setting up for the weekend's racing. However, having got unloaded, he was told in no uncertain terms by the organiser that he was in the "wrong place" and to move off the tarmac onto the grass at the top of the access road (by the house).
Not only was this area without access to power, but was extremely inconvenient as it was just his wife Caroline and himself there for the weekend and it was a long way from all working facilities. Also, it would appear to have been blocking the access road for emergency vehicles. However, the organiser didn't appear to be concerned about this.
Steve then pointed out to the organiser that there was plenty of space left in the paddock on tarmac with power if some of the spectators' cars were moved. Steve was aware several of these weren't staying in place for the whole weekend as he had spoken to the car owners previously and they had kindly offered to move their cars for him. His reply was that the area was reserved for the Dunlop fan club. Steve then asked if the Dunlop fan club was therefore deemed more important that his competitors to which the organiser's reply was "yes", and "if you don't like I'm going to withdraw your entry from the event". With that he walked away and said he would be back shortly to make sure Steve had moved.
Still unsure where he was meant to park for the weekend, as Steve felt that blocking an access road was unacceptable, and having been treated with such contempt and little respect, Steve decided that if a rider meant so little to the organiser, then he shouldn't be racing there away. In the 9 years he has been racing, Steve has never been treated so badly by any club/organisation as he was on Friday and has always been made to feel very welcome.
It is with regret that Steve feels he is unable to compete at Oliver's Mount in the future whilst such animosity towards competitors exists. He wishes all the other competitors there a safe and enjoyable weekend.