Press Releases
Oct 11, 2012
Lockyer Valley Track Upgrades Nearing Completion
The Lockyer Valley Speedway in Gatton, Queensland has undergone a number of upgrades ahead of the 2012/13 season opening, raising the safety standard of the venue.
The article below featured in the Gatton, Lockyer and Brisbane Valley Star on October 9. In addition to the upgrades outlined below, Lockyer Valley Speedway also received a Speedway Australia QBE Risk Management Track Safety Grant, which will be used to fund a new Steward and Official's Box for the venue.
Speedway Australia General Manager Dale Gilson and Risk Management Officer Shane Collins recently visited the regional venue during the upgrade process, and were thrilled at the proactive nature of the committee and the venue's substantial improvements.
“To see the work that Ian Jones has orchestrated and what he and his hard-working group of helpers were doing at the speedway was really refreshing, and can only be a huge plus for the sport and community in the district," commented Collins.
"Gatton Speedway has always been a successful venue, but with the support of the local council and the volunteers, this venue is now one of the best regional tracks in Queensland. Speedway Australia is full of praise for the work Ian and the team have carried out and look forward to seeing both the local and wider communities enjoy the benefits of the new facilities at Lockyer Valley Speedway.”
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THE fuel-injected roars of high-powered machinery will soon fill the air around Gatton as the approaching speedway season jumps into gear at the end of the month.
Aside from the normal wheel-spinning action, the upcoming speedway season is looking set to be more adrenalin-packed then ever, with substantial off-season upgrades to the track improving racing conditions.
Lockyer Valley Speedway Association Inc president Ian Jones said a range of upgrades to the facilities had pushed the track's safety standard up with the very best in the country.
The upgrades included the old timber barriers being removed and replaced with 75 eight-tonne concrete blocks, higher fencing installed, a widened track and a sturdy personal access gate.
"We used to be a little track but now it's up to a national standard and is AA rated," Mr Jones said.
"We used to be restricted with what we could run and now the restrictions have been lifted and it's going to be full-on."
Mr Jones said the track's increased safety rating significantly expanded the group's opportunities, with race categories off all types now permitted to race at the speedway.
"We are bigger and better than ever and it's going to be absolutely buzzing," he said.
In conjunction with the upgrades, Mr Jones said the speedway had been given a new name ahead of the season.
"We've branded it as the Lockyer Valley Speedway just for the new start, new image and relaunch," he said.
Mr Jones said the first race meet of the season on October 20 would be packed full of sideways shenanigans for crowds to enjoy, with more than 90 nominated drivers expected to fill the grounds.
Mr Jones said the upgrades, which had been ongoing since May, would not have been possible without the support of council and loyal volunteers.
"It's been a lot of work and there have been a lot of volunteers and they've put in a massive effort," he said.
"It couldn't have happened without them."
Entry prices for the speedway are $20 for adults, $15 for students and pensioners with children free.
Article by Tom Threadingham (view original article online)
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For more information about the QBE Risk Management Track Safety Grant Scheme, please contact Shane Collins at Speedway Australia on (08) 8139 0777 or via riskmanagement@speedwayaustralia.net.au.
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