The volunteer based clubs weren't able to do it for various reasons
- loss of race days by governing body
- threat of sale of land and legal action
- lack of support (see above also)
The governing body did/does all it can to make life difficult for these smaller clubs , some of it out of incompetence, but most out of spite & club nepotism.
What industry has its governing body take away successful race days from clubs that lift the local profile of the sport,support racing infrastructure & provide a desired product, you'll probably find only racing is that silly.