They have been stunned by a recommendation tabled at this month’s council meeting for an end to the long-standing arrangement for races to be conducted on the tarmac.

A vote on the issue was deferred to allow time for a deputation from Warrnambool and District Drag Racing Association.

If the brakes were applied it would leave the group in limbo at least two years away from achieving its dream of building a track on the former Koroit racecourse.

A report in the council agenda this month said Sharp Airlines, which resumed passenger flights in February, had indicated it would prefer drag racing not continue.

However, the airline told The Standard it had not asked the council to apply the brakes and was happy with the racing arrangement.

“We are more than happy for it to continue and would be happy to discuss future arrangements to make sure it’s in everyone’s interests,” a spokeswoman said.

Association president Tony Frost said “it was certainly a surprise to us” to find they could be kicked off.

“We thought the airport managers and aviation operators were happy,” he said.

“Our members will discuss the issue with council soon and will be telling them we hope to get several more seasons at the airport.

“We are in the final stages of lodging a permit application for the Koroit site with Moyne Shire Council.”

The city council report said the association was advised in 2009 the airport would not be available for racing when the facility’s redevelopment was completed.

First stage redevelopment involving a business park and upgrade of the grass runway is expected to be finished mid-year.

The association has been holding three events a year at the venue since 2003 and finished this season on March 29.