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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:11:40 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:12:12 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:12:55 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:13:33 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:14:15 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:15:16 GMT 9.5
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Post by Site Administrator! on Nov 10, 2006 9:19:01 GMT 9.5
lOTS OF PICTURES
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:21:18 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:23:23 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:24:07 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:25:13 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:26:32 GMT 9.5
this is the history of speedway city
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:27:02 GMT 9.5
The Speedway City racetrack complex began life as Speedway Park back in 1979 - the same year as the stadium's predecessor, Rowley Park, closed its gates for the final time. Rowley Park operated for 30 years from 1949 but this famed speedway track was running on borrowed time by the mid-1970s. Its facilities were becoming dilapidated, and Rowley's close proximity to housing developments meant that a replacement venue was becoming a high priority. The Racing Drivers Association which conducted racing at Rowley Park, began considering several sites for a new racetrack, including parcels of land at Globe Derby and near Grand Junction Road. The decision was finally made to purchase a large block of land at Virginia, adjacent to Adelaide International Raceway with plenty of room for car parks and a large pit area - both these features being in short supply at the famous brickpit.
A licence extension was granted for racing to continue at Rowley Park for a further couple of years in 1977, after the local Council could see that work was underway for the new stadium at Virginia, and Rowley's final show was held in April 1979.The grandstand seating was transferred from Brompton to Virginia, but most of the other infrastructure was brand new, including an impressive two-storey administration complex boasting media room, officials centre, sponsors room, and VIP bar. After an enormous amount of effort involving contractors with speedway connections, and also volunteer labour from RDA members, Speedway Park opened its gates on November 2, 1979 with a crowd of over 7000 on hand to welcome a new chapter in Adelaide's oval track history.
The RDA conducted racing at this venue initially, with Jim Niemann installed as manager for the first season, carrying over his duties from Rowley Park, before he left to continue a career in retail electronics. One of the highlights of this debut season was the running of the 1979/80 national Sprintcar title, which although hampered by unkind weather, eventually saw Steve Brazier defend the title he had won at Warrnambool the previous year.
Graeme Lewis was appointed manager at Virginia in 1980 and oversaw the successful early years when large crowds ventured out weekly to this northern location, witnessing some fantastic racing from a variety of sections, both bikes and cars.
John Hughes, currently head of World Series Sprintcars, became manager after Graeme Lewis, and the RDA leased out the stadium to a private promotion team - MJS Promotions, headed by local entrepreneur Mike Powell. Malcolm Cribb eventually became manager under Mike Powell, after John Hughes left to take up his involvement in World Series. Mal Cribb helped oversee some extensive improvements to Speedway Park, including a greatly increased pit area with concrete pads for competitors, large pit office, on-site methanol bowser and car-washing facilities. This upgrade helped consolidate the racetrack's reputation as one of the best purpose-built speedway venues in the world, a view echoed by the many overseas competitors who raced there during the 80s and 90s.
One of the highlights for MJS was conducting the 1988 Australian Sprintcar titles, won by George Tatnell. The RDA had been briefly involved again in running Speedway Park with a four-man team headed by Gary Hoffmann, the others being Sam Matheson, Colin Zytveld and Graham West, and once MJS departed the scene, Graeme Lewis returned as manager, overseeing racing the early 1990s until the track was sold by the RDA early in 1996.
Speedway Park was put up for tender, the successful bidders being speedcar driver Bob Sinthingy and former Rowley promotions girl Wendy Turner. This livewire pair formed a company (Speedway City Pty Ltd) and renamed the venue. Speedway City was born and is already preparing to gear up for its fourth season at Virginia - potentially one of the most successful, with the running of the 1999/2000 Australian Sprintcar titles as a definite highlight.
During its 20 year history, Speedway Park/Speedway City has hosted some phenomenal racing and seen several national titles decided. The stadium is about to embark on another chapter as we approach the new millenium. To quote Speedway City's early slogan. "We're Back On Track!" The Fastest Dirt Track In South Australia
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 10, 2006 9:29:12 GMT 9.5
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Post by Kartracer1 on Nov 11, 2006 15:22:44 GMT 9.5
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