The Warrnambool driver  clinched his maiden series title in March, despite contesting one fewer meeting than runner-up Brett Milburn and third-placegetter Daniel Pestka.

But Veal’s non-attendance at the presentation night  at Geelong on Saturday prompted organisers to split the prizemoney among the top 15 placegetters who did attend.

Under SRA Victoria rules, a driver must be at the presentation night to receive their prizemoney — a directive which effectively compels them to turn up. Veal was unable to attend due to racing commitments in the United States, where he is taking on some of the best in the world on the World Of Outlaws circuit.

He is driving for Jason Johnson Racing.

The non-payment has sparked debate about the merits of the rule. One rival driver was among those to question the decision.

The Standard understands the Veal family, after initial dialogue with SRA Victoria, has accepted the decision and is keen to move on.

SRA Victoria president Ian Vale said Veal retained his status as the series champion, despite not receiving the prizemoney.

Veal also won the aggregate points title — an award which encompasses every sanctioned meeting in Victoria. His crew likewise received acknowledgement.

“They’ve accepted it … I can tell you this, we weren’t arguing or fighting or swearing at each other in conversations about the issue,” Vale said.

“Jamie rang me straight away when he got the ride in America, saying ‘we’ve got a bit of a problem’ because Jamie knows what the rules and regulations are. He was very good about it, actually.”

Vale said the SRA Victoria committee would determine whether the rule would be changed for next season.

“You can’t change something after it’s started,” he said. 

“If we see merit or a good, valid reason why something could change, it could be discussed.

“At this point in time until we get around to finalising our criteria for next year, I can’t make any statement and neither can the committee.”

Warrnambool driver Tim Van Ginneken, who finished 19th in the series, said the rule needed revisiting.

“On the nomination form you sign it does say drivers have to be at the presentation dinner,” he said.

“We nominate for the round, we sign the form and we go to the dinner. But it doesn’t have what date the presentation night is.

“We finish racing on the Easter weekend. It’s nice if the dinner is the weekend after, but when it’s up to eight weeks after the last round, that’s a bit silly.”

Van Ginneken said the presentation should be one or two weeks after the season.

“If I get any extra money, I’d give it straight to Jamie, he won it fair and square. I’m pretty sure if I won it, we’ve got our rivalry at the race track, but he’d do the same.”

Premier Speedway general manager David Mills said there were no winners out of the situation and sympathised with all parties concerned.

“In my discussions with the Veal camp along with all parties involved, it’s quite clear the rule needs to be reviewed and probably will be reviewed,” he said.

“At no stage was this about the money for Jamie Veal, this was about the system. Hopefully some good comes of it.”