NAGAMBIE’S STUNNING TRANSFORMATION

Speedway Australia recently had the privilege of visiting Nagambie Speedway in Central Victoria to conduct a track inspection and to take a look at the amazing transformation they’ve been undertaking in recent seasons.

 

When we first visited in 2016 a good portion of the track had no safety fence, with tractor tyres providing protection in the event a car left the track and headed off towards the bush. Now a stunning 4-star spec wall and safety fence has been installed, to the immense credit of all those involved.

 

The sense of community spirit is incredible to say the least, and they couldn’t have completed this task without their terrific bunch of hard-working members who gave up their own time week after week, contributing with all their own tools & equipment.

 

It was clearly evident on our visit just how much pride that Club President Kerry O’Brien and her husband Danny, along with their dedicated club members take in their venue and proved that it doesn’t matter how small you are – you can achieve it!

 

The first task was building the concrete wall, which commenced in the off season of 2018. The fabrication and installation of the catch fence followed shortly after in 2019. Everyone was involved, from shopping around for suitable materials, to the loading and delivery of goods, and through the manufacturing and installation process. Every step of the process from building, manufacturing, welding, bending, cutting, and the construction of the concrete wall and catch fence was done onsite at the track, by club members.

 

A core group of around 20 club members spent many hours and weekends at the track, working to achieve their goals whether the sun was shining, or it was pouring with rain. The funding for materials was mainly obtained through the generosity of club member contributions and various donations, of around $38,000 in total.

 

Financial contributions came in from club members selling boxes of chocolates, the raffling of donated prizes, Speedway Australia and also from the generosity of club members. The remainder of funds came from the club bank account to which they’d worked so hard to build up over the years to ensure they re-invest in their venue and made this project a reality for them.

 

Nagambie Speedway’s goal is to continue the fence upgrade by replacing the existing main straight catch fence with a 4-Star fence to complement the rest of the facility. The installation of the second pit gate is also earmarked for the near future also.

 

The completion of this task will see this venue rise from a minimum-spec 1-Star venue, all the way up to a to 4-Star facility. An incredible achievement which will give the venue the ability to run all Speedway Australia recognised divisions – including SCCA Sprintcars!

 

The club celebrates 50 years of operation in April 2021 and they hope to hold a special feature event to commemorate this remarkable achievement.

 

Project Summary: Speedway Australia 4-star fence for 60% of the venue

Project Cost: $38,000

Project Timeframe: Two off-seasons