Manjimup Speedway Re Opening

The pits at the Manjimup Speedway came alive on Saturday night once again when the new Circuit was unveiled to loyal supporters who packed the arena.  Race promoter Brian (Bear) Chalmers of BCM Motorsports Marketing had ultimate faith as the weather threatened to put a dampener on proceedings with several heavy showers around three o’clock.  Like magic it cleared away to be just about as perfect as you could hope for.  The track committee held off watering too heavily in case it rained and their intuition and longstanding knowledge of the unique white clay surface paid off.  With a quick lick of the tractor and grader the meeting was underway.  Shire President, Wade De Campo officially opened the proceedings and congratulated the Club on the enormous amount of work that had been undertaken and the benefit the Speedway would bring to the town.  The Club presented Cr De Campo with a commemorative medal as a gesture of thanks for all the support the Shire has given.

The meeting was conducted at a new level of professionalism with support from the Bunbury Car Club and Collie Speedway who brought their whole crew of officials for the night plus Margaret River Speedway, who actually cancelled a meeting to bring all their competitors over for the nights racing.  The Commentary provided by former local Andrew Roberts and Dan Leach from Hot FM was superb and it was obvious these guys were thoroughly enjoying themselves and are looking forward to the future of the Club and the quality of racing spectators can now look forward to.  There is an enormous following for the track out there in Speedway land and drivers from all over Australia have showed their interest, contacting the Club through their Website.

Cars had begun to file into the Pits before lunch raring to test their skills on the Circuit synonymous in speedway circles.  By three o’clock the pits were full of race cars, drivers, crew and officials, and was a beautiful sight to behold.  Unfortunately the uncertain weather caused a number of the Dirt Late Models and Super Sedans to cancel, as some were coming from as far away as Kalgoorlie, but those who took the risk were rewarded handsomely and put on an awesome show for the crowd.  It goes to prove that when you have good quality racing you don’t necessarily need huge numbers.  It was a taster of what the spectators can expect next season when the Club secures a round of their respective series’.  If this display is anything to go by we are all in for one hell of a spectacle.  Without a doubt all the drivers were very impressed with the improvements and are can’t wait to return when next Season gets underway in late November.
 
Juniors Sedans, Street Stocks, Production Sedans and Dirt Modifieds presented with excellent numbers with the Production Sedans even having to be split into two divisions.  These divisions were also affected by last minute cancellations due to the weather, which would have seen record numbers attend.  Drivers who had travelled from Margaret River, Bunbury, Collie and Albany weren’t going to miss this for the world with one driver remarking he would race under water if that’s what it would take to get back on the Manjimup track.  The Drivers were also presented with a commemorative medallion as a thank you for attending for no prize money, a sentiment that was greatly appreciated.  This was later extended to the Officials, Committee and supporters present, which was met with surprised gratitude.  It was the least the Club could do to repay all those who had helped to bring the meeting finally to fruition. 

The sentiments of the occasion were captured beautifully at the announcement of placegetters following the meeting when Club President Garry Kingston gave those present a rundown on the effort it had taken to reopen and outlined the Club’s objective to work in cooperation with the surrounding Speedway’s to offer the Speedway spectator professional and well run meetings.  “WE’RE BACK, we owe you guy’s big time and we will do everything we can to repay this amazing display of support”, he said.  This was met with resounding applause with the previously lonely walls resonating well into the early hours of the morning as former residents and visiting drivers shared tales of days gone by and days that are going to be at the brand new Manjimup Circuit.

The Club will now work during the off season to undertake further work and complete the finishing touches.  Come November, the Club will be set for a full season of top quality race meetings.  This will also include finding more Drivers, Volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters.  This is your chance to become part of the professional team, be fully trained in your chosen area and experience the exhilarating feeling of being involved in this sport. Contact President Garry Kingston on 0427 389 666.