There will be no 1983 Nationals, following decisions reached by the National Control Council meeting held in Sydney on June 28.

The meeting had been called to attempt to settle the matter of whether the twice rained-out 1983 Nationals should be combined in one meeting with the Grand Final, as proposed by host track, Castlereagh.

The idea was rejected on the basis that it would only result in loss of the Grand Final, as the Nationals would prove an overpowering influence on the points final.

The possibility of staging the Nationals in November and extending the ANDRA year through to mid-1984, holding the Grand Final sometime early in the year, were not considered. Any alteration to ANDRA's season was left until the Annual General Meeting in October for consideration.

Every possible alternative was considered, or combinations thereof, but in the end it was decided to simply vote on the issue originally submitted by Castlereagh, and contrary to expectations this went against the submission. This has, to a degree, closed the door on those working for a change of ANDRA season, and will make their battle at the AGM a harder one.

It is expected that the whole concept of even scheduling rain dates for such meetings as the Nationals, will be discussed at this year's AGM. It is felt that the likely poor turnout of interstate competitors at any rain date would make any such meeting a poor shadow of its intended self and would not be worthy of the title Nationals.

Also on discussion was a proposal for a change of insurance companies for public risk policies. ANDRA Head Office has not been happy with the results from the Edward Lumley Ltd. Group, the sport's public risk insurers since the inception of ANDRA at the beginning of 1974.

Despite a claim-free record for that entire period the cost of premiums jumped by as much as 100 perecent, and an average of 50 to 60 percent, for the coming year. The premium increases are believed based on overseas incidents that do not relate to Australian experience.

Through negotiation with a large firm of brokers public risk cover has been obtained through an Australian company with almost double the coverage for slightly less money.

Only minor details remain to be finalised before the cover becomes operational. It is expected that this will be well received by all drag strips, especially the smaller ones, where such overheads can be the difference between making a profit and showing a loss.