Tauranga racer Richie Stanaway's opportunity to participate in one of the world's top motor racing training programmes has come to a premature end.
The 17 year old came third in an online poll which allowed him to participate in the Grand Prix Shootout in England. Following this poll he successfully qualified for the shootout in a trial event in England.

Richie Stanaway.

But a contractual dispute has arisen and placed the shootout in jeopardy.
Richie's manager Maurice O'Reilly says while undertaking due diligence on Richie's behalf, he has been advised that the Grand Prix Shootout finals that were expected to be held in England this week, are not proceeding.
'Following the unexpected receipt of an obligatory management contract from shootout organiser David Fleming in the UK, Richie and his management took legal advice and concluded the binding agreement was not in Richie's best interests,” says Maurice.
In an effort to renegotiate the agreement, Maurice made an effort to speak to David in England but was unable to make contact.
He then contacted the independent evaluator contracted to judge the shootout drivers, New Zealander Rob Wilson, to ask for assistance.
'Rob Wilson advised that the information he was receiving from others indicated the shootout would not proceed,” says Maurice.
In an effort to have this confirmed, Maurice contacted another independent contractor associated with the Grand Prix Shootout and was advised they would not be taking any further involvement in the shootout programme.
The whole experience has not been a complete disaster for Riche though, says Maurice.
'Richie's involvement in the initial evaluation was conveniently combined with his last European race event and had not resulted in any loss.
'Richie gained by the experience and in particular the coaching provided by Rob Wilson and his team. It was a worthwhile experience made possible by the many people who voted for Richie in the worldwide competition,” says Maurice.