Honda Australia has announced that they will be restructuring the management of their various high profile events and as a result, will cease operations of the Honda Riders Club of Australia (HRCA) effective immediately.

All events to take place from this point on will be branded under the corporate Honda banner.

In the past, HRCA was responsible for administering Club memberships, producing a quarterly magazine, providing a benefits program, and running events including track days, rallies and race day hospitality.

According to General Manager, Motorcycles, Tony Hinton, the decision to close the Club was made as a result of both the current business environment as well as the changing demands of customers.

“As time has gone on, the environment has changed and the structure of how we manage events has also needed to change in line with this,” Mr Hinton said.

“Now all of our events such as corporate hospitality at World Superbikes and MotoGP, ride days and kids events will simply come under the Honda Australia umbrella. Membership fees will not be applicable, and anyone who is a fan of Honda can attend any of these events.”

These activities include mini bike ride events through the MotoKids program (www.hondamotokids.com), off road training via the Honda SMART program (www.fullthrottlesports.com), track days and corporate hospitality which is now available for purchase at the Australian round of World Superbikes.

“We are also refocusing our efforts in 2010 to ensure we can offer more off road events to riders, particularly as we now have an off road rider training facility in operation at HART Somerton,” Mr Hinton said.

Honda’s Managing Director, Stuart Strickland also acknowledged the many hardworking volunteers and members who have been involved with the Club over the years.

“Many Club members helped build the HRCA up over time and we will certainly make it a point to keep those people engaged with Honda in the future in different ways,” Mr Strickland said.

“We remain committed to offering exciting world class activities through the year where former members, as well as people who have never been to a Honda event before can get involved with like-minded riders.”

Anyone interested in staying informed about the various events should subscribe to the Honda E-news via the company’s website at www.hondampe.com.au.

Queries regarding the closure of HRCA can be directed to Honda’s Customer Relations Division on 03 9270 1348