Ambrose announced he was stepping down as lead driver for DJR Team Penske and would not compete on his home track.

The "Devil Racer", as he is affectionately known, has admitted he needs more time in the car to become competitive again at that level.

It is a shame for motor sports fans that the fairytale homecoming from the NASCAR circuit will not take place.

When V8s returned to Symmons Plains in 2004, it was Ambrose who led the field and almost won his second championship before engine trouble forced his exit.

He did wrap up the title in the next round, which secured back-to-back championships.

Many fans would have gone to next weekend's event just to see if he could replicate that success

However, the 38-year-old will at least be at the track to greet fans and support teammate Scott Pye.

People who do not follow or care for motor racing will think the news is barely worth noting.

Yet up to 50,000 Tasmanians attend the Symmons Plains round, making it easily the state's biggest sporting event. And sport, be it mechanical or otherwise, is an important part of society that should not be neglected.

Governments of any stripe that spend money on attracting major sporting events are invariably met with criticism that the funds could be better spent.

When hospitals and schools are being told to cut costs and nurses, teachers and other public servants are losing their jobs, it is an easy and persuasive argument to make.

But it must be accepted that governments cannot spend every last dollar on health and education. Part of a vibrant and inclusive society involves supporting a variety of events, of which sport is one.

The arts and community projects are another area deserving of similar investment, because it would be a boring society if we all only liked the same thing.