BLUE RIBBON RACEWAY GOES GREEN

The Murra Warra Wind Farms Community Grants program announced its 2021 recipients today, with Horsham’s Blue-Ribbon Raceway receiving the lion’s share of the available funding to assist with the creation of a parklands-style, spectator friendly area.

Speedway Australia worked in conjunction with the Horsham Motorsports Club to secure funding in the latest round of grants, with a total of $55,000 made available across the program for grants between $5000 and $20,000, aimed at providing financial support to promote social and environmental initiatives for the benefit of communities within the Horsham Rural City, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shire councils.

As part of the club’s commitment toward sustainability, Blue Ribbon Raceway will receive a $20,000 financial contribution toward an automatic sprinkler system to recycle rainwater which is otherwise wasted through the venue. The goal is to partially offset the estimated 500 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions created by the sport nationally each season, through a parkland-style grassed and tree lined shaded area within the confines of the venue.

Such a system will ensure the sustainability and long-term prosperity of this parkland area, with construction and installation to be carried out entirely by local businesses and contractors within the Horsham municipality – further benefitting the local community.

Horsham Motorsports Club President, Richard Wilken was overjoyed with the announcement, stating “Imagine – green grass and trees in our spectator areas! On behalf of all at Blue Ribbon Raceway a huge thanks to Speedway Australia for their help and advice, and the professional manner in which they assisted our application for this grant”.

With a growing number of government and community group programs offering assistance, there are plenty of opportunities for tracks to source funding for future upgrades. Clubs are encouraged to contact their relevant Sport Development Officer (Adam Brook in NSW, QLD & VIC and Ross Kirby in WA, SA, NT & TAS) to discuss available grant opportunities, with a reminder that both Adam and Ross will be hosting a training and information session about applying for grant funding at the National Forum in June 19/20.