TRACK FOCUS: COLLIE POWERS AHEAD

Next year sees Collie Speedway celebrate its 50-year anniversary, and the club is more than ready for the milestone thanks to a number of recent initiatives that have transformed the venue.

 

The club commenced Stage 1 of their major lighting project last season which saw 50% of the track lighting upgraded. In the current Covid-19 climate they have made the most of the downtime and finished Stage 2, with the remainder of the track lighting upgraded. This took the project to a total of 30 new poles and 60 LED lights. More power to the pit area (which includes a pit area canteen) and scrutineering shed has been provided by undergrounding the infrastructure.

 

When the Collie Speedway opened in 1971, it was the first speedway in WA outside of Claremont (Perth) to run under lights.

 

The main reason for upgrading was the potential safety issue of open power lines over a steel catch fence, and the ageing wooden power poles. The upgrade is proving to be more energy efficient for the club taking the lux readings from 100 to 550 lux and reducing their energy usage dramatically.

 

The Collie Speedway is a well presented, family friendly club led by President Tony Briggs and Vice President Josh Davies. Everyone involved should be congratulated for both the progress to date and the bright future ahead for the track.

 

Project Summary: Upgrade of underground power and track lighting system.

Total cost: $150,00

Project Timeframe: 24 months

Funding Sources: $32,000 Bendigo Bank Grant, $5,000 Synergy Grant, $25,000 Collie Miners Welfare Board Grant, Contribution from South 32.