High Speeds, Highlights

and Hijinks

Tralee Raceway

A Short History of A Short Track Speedway

John Maher

The Smell of Things To Come and Petrol Fumes

Tralee station consisted of around 3000 acres, situated on the NSW side of the border with the ACT, the property had been in the Morrison family since the early and was as well known for its sheep as it was for the entertainment provided by Dances held in its woolshed.

1968 Mr Bernie L. Morrison announced in the local papers that in conjunction with the Canberra Stock Car Club, that he had arranged for 50 acres of the to be converted to a speedway. It was to be modelled on the existing Liverpool Speedway and to be constructed at 40 feet wide and 86 yards long. The track and safety fences were estimated to cost $20,000.

The Mt Ginn raceway has recently told the Canberra Stock Car Club consisting of 60 members and 43 cars their access to the track would soon cease. As early as 1967 names that raced Mt Ginn would become part of Tralee , included were Peter Gurbiel, Bob Swann, Peter Strudwicke, Vic Sykes, David Wignall, David Lewis, Keith Richardson, Phil Cancillier, and Ron Ulrich.

1969 construction of the track having received all necessary approvals was well under way and Peter Gurbeil of the Canberra Stock Car Club announced the formation of a Speedway association to promote and run racing at least once a month with hopes for twice a month.

Construction Of The Buildings Nears Completion

1970 arrived and the track was ready to be opened. Final cost of first stage construction was reported at $100,000 dollars. Tralee Speedway Promotion Pty Ltd had been formed consisting of directors Mr Bernie Morrison, Mr Keith Nurse and Peter Gurbiel.

The track was a D shaped dirt construction at 450yards (410 Metres)

A big contingent of Sydney based drivers had been invited including Australian Champion Phil Page driving “Roaring Mouse” his hot Mini Cooper S along with Fred Langworth, current holder of the Sydney Stock Car Champion title. Also to appear were Sid Hopping in his GTS Monaro along with Max Kennerley‟s HD Holden.

The Sydney team of 12 was to be captained by Ken Barlow.

Canberra‟s team consisted of 7 drivers and interest in local Peter Strudwicke‟s appearance against the Sydney team was high.

Max Butterworth, Champion of New Zealand headlined the TQ events.

Seating to accommodate 4000 spectators had also been constructed and a crowd approaching 20,000 was anticipated. Entries reported at the time consisted of 19 stock cars, 15 speed cars, 12 TQ‟s, 12 Micro midgets and 8 production sedans, to contest the 30 event program.

14 motorcycles were expected to open the program at 11 am with a series of handicap events. Bill Landels and John Langfield were inclined to provide plenty of excitement in their expected clash.

The Bush Track of The Bush Capital had an interesting entry on the ACT side. The railway line you would pass under is the actual border of the ACT.

Rev Heads Arrive & Racing Begins

The day commenced at 9.30 am on Sunday 21st June 1970 with the opening officiated at by Mrs Helen Fraser MBE and Mr Bernard Morrison at 11am.

A Crowd estimated at 10,000 people packed the bench‟s and banks at its inaugural meet and police reported traffic jams of 1 ½ miles take over and hour to clear after the meeting. People lined up as far back as the Sundown Drive Inn and the line can be seen in the aerial shot.

Spectators braved “icy winds, dirt clods and the threat of rain” in what was typical of the speedway in the long memories of it‟s enthusiasts over the years. The dirt track and dirt roads into the speedway provided plenty of dust for the spectators.

One that very first day, Ken Barlow raced his V8 VW to victory in the 20 lap race after a fierce battle with Peter Gurbiel. Allan Cullinger won the feature Sedan race, Max Kennerley Second and Rick Hunter third. A. Owens won the first production sedan race in his FC Holden, Rick Hunter and Max Kennerley faced off in what was to become a great rivalry. Kennerley drove his No 18 HD Holden to take the flag from Hunter driving his No 16 Falcon. Roger Emmerton won his first match and Terry Pulford took out the first 5 Lap dash. The Feature Race in speed cars of 10 laps was won by Max Butterworth Wayne Evers claimed the first Midget race of 5 laps. Bradburn took the first Micro Midget race, Ken Mankey claimed the first T.Q. race John Langfield won the first Solo motorcycle race,

David House, Bill Martin, Peter Taunton, Keith Richardson, Rob Swann, Phil McCumisky, Ken Barlow, Bruce Maxwell, Geoff Bundy, Bob Mitchum, Arthur Briggs, Dick Calcott, Sid Hopping, and Gordon Rundle all commenced their association with the track that first meet.

A big contingent of Sydney based drivers had been invited including Australian Champion Phil Page driving “Roaring Mouse” his hot Mini Cooper S along with Fred Langworth, current holder of the Sydney Stock Car Champion title. Also to appear were Sid Hopping in his GTS Monaro

The sports risk became apparent when Ken Cornish spun out in front of Ron Shepherd who ploughed into him hurting Ken‟s knee, as a result he also became the first Ambulance transportee.

19 year old Ian Huckstep was sideswiped in car 110, crashed into the safety fence and ended upside down. He extricated himself and waved to the crowd to assure them he was OK.

Reports at this time estimated that 20 cars were in various stages of construction around the Queanbeyan District such was the appeal of the new track. Their aim was the $200 purse of the first ACT Stock Car Championship heats the very next month.

Super Modifieds would maintain the interest in the meantime with appearances by twice Australian Champion Dick Britton in his Corvette Special, Barry Butterworth, Geoff Pickering and Bob Tunks. The Solos would see Bill Landels And Ted Linskog, arch rivals on the Sydney Circuit. Max Kennerley‟s HD Holden would reappear to contest the Saloon events.

July came to a head with four cars all built and sponsored by Everlast Battery Service and driven by Employees Colin O‟Brien, Terry Pulford, Kevin Watts and Don Blewitt. Peter Gurbiels black ford would face the Assassin Bill Martin and Roger Emmerton.

A Petrol strike made it necessary to arrange fuel for the Sydney Drivers to get here and then return Ray Oram, Brian Hanlon, Sid Middlemiss, Howard Revell, George Tanell, Barry Pinchbeck, Ron MacKay and Peter Boland would be among the names soon to be well known to locals . Drivers from Wollongong and Kembla Grange would appear to contest Kennerley, Ernie Parker and Gurbiel

Bob Mitchum took his first ever victory flag in sprintcars at the track. Standard Saloons was claimed by John Laing in a Berco FJ with Bill Meyers winning the Solos for the night and Wally Fitzgerald claimed the B grade.

Fred Seery, R Lorenz, G Rundle would all face Max Kennerley. Phil Cancillier would be mentioned in the papers for the first time after being t boned by A McLynn in a race with F. Tallirada and G. Kyile.

Max Kennerley in August would claim the 10 lap race against Bob Swann, Alan Adams the 20 lap super modifieds. Dave Wignall would be noted in the papers for the first time in his FC and nearly beat Kennerly in their first contest. Dick Britton would win the 20 lap Sprinters event and John Lange would drive his Berco FJ to victory with Harry Shepherd of Queanbeyan and Reg Fawcett from Cootamundra filling the placings also drving FJ‟s. Bill Landells and T Dobson would win the Solos finals, D Lenon claimed the TQ handicap from Peter Taunton and E Buckley, with the Eight lap final falling to Peter Taunton, P. Collins And E. Buckley filling the places. Saloon contests witnessed Harry Shepherd and R. Owens both win heats the final taken by R Owens over R Wyeth and Bill Butler. Dick Britton would best D. Barry and P Dickerson in Super Modifieds and in the Modified Saloons Max Kennerley , Bob Swann would take heats, The final fell to Kennerley over Bob Swann and K Richardson John Lange would win the 15 lap feature for Standard Saloons over Harry Shepherd.

This month would also see the debut of one of the first innovations by Harry Arthurson Of Berco when he took a Holden engine and arranged the cylinders to fire in pairs, essentially turning a six cylinder engine into a 3 cylinder engine, Howard Revell would test drive the engine, designed to improve acceleration for the tighter tracks.

Ken Mankey would pilot the other latest innovation by Berco when a V Twin made its debut as well.

August also saw the biggest field of Super Modifieds outside Sydney at the time when then NSW Super Modified Club presented 25 cars for the meet. Dick Britton would clash with Barry Butterworth, with Bob Tunks and Jeff Pickering to contest their superiority.

Ladies from Goulburn would drive the Powder Puff Derby with Pam Grainger taking the flag and a 30 lap Modified Saloons event attracted 40 drivers. Barry Van Praag would break the solo track record. Harry Thynne would claim the feature and Kennerley with Danny McGuire the placings. A Special three way race would see Kennerley win with Thynne second and Wignall Third.

Max Kennerley consolidated his reputation at Tralee by winning two events and claiming second all within one hour. His Unbeaten record in feature events was secured, despite Dave Wignall pressuring him during the heats until he rolled his FC with eleven laps to go.

Alan Adams would recover from a spin out in the 16th lap to take the honours from Dick Britton with Tony Ward making sure they did not have an easy match. John Laing would pedal his Berco FJ to win the Saloon feature.

Bill Landels and Ted Linskog announced the formation of the Tralee Rams and confirmed their commitment to the racing and training others at the track. Promoter at the time organised for a special bike to be available to those who could not afford one to ensure the training of a local team. Landells had relinquished being Captain of the Liverpool Lions to come to the ACT on a regular basis.

September would see a competition for the richest prize offer locally to date, The ACT Stock Car Championship would see $200 prize money. Ernie Parker‟s Fairlane and Peter Gurbiel of Queanbeyan would contest Peter Strudwicke driving a buick and Bob Andrews. Bob Andrews would win the 15 lap final over Harry Shepherd and J Leitis. Then Three way Match would fall the Peter Gurbiel followed by Roger Emmerton and Bill Martin of Goulburn. Terry Pulford would relegate Don Blewiit and Colin O‟Brien to the placings in the Everlast Team Match. Modified Saloons over 15 laps was claimed by K Richardson with Bob Swann second, Barry Gray third. The Modified Saloons feature would fall to Kennerley, David House and A Busgert would fill the placing‟s. The Stock Car Derby was won by John Mitchell, G White Second and Garry Shepherd third

November saw Peter Gurbeil switch classes from Stock Cars to Sedans and debut his Ford Falcon GT. Regent also worked on the first Holden Monaro to debut at the track in the hands of Phil Cancillier, The Tralee $600 would be contested on the 22nd with drivers from all over NSW and Victoria to compete. At 110 laps with the final to be 50 laps, the distance and prize money were a record at the time. David House had established himself as Saloon Car Champion the previous week and was expected to battle Max Kennerley and David Wignall for the flag. House had just beaten Kennerley in the points system by claiming two out of three runs the week before. Bill “The Assassin” Martin would take the honours.

Barry Van Praag would make his appearance to contest Bill Landels dominance of the track. Landells had resettled here to take advantage of what the local track offered. “Chum” Taylor would captain the team which included John Boulger and Les Liesk. Ole Olsen would win his first Tralee encounters.

Tom Lott and Tom Clarkson would travel from Melbourne in an attempt to unseat Max Kennerley‟s Unbroken record at the track and would leave disappointed.

December 1970 and an attempt to reduce the dust involved resurfacing with decomposed granite and river soil also led to the hope of faster times.

Rick Hunter would claim his first major sedan win. David House would break Kennerley‟s hold over the track. Peter Gurbiel‟s switch to a Falcon would see a him claim a chequered flag.

The biggest field of TQ cars to date with 20 entrants would see competitors from Woolongong, Dubbo, Orange and Young test the best Canberra E. Browning of Dubbo ensured the meetings would not be lacking excitement when he cartwheeled over J. Owens of Young during the meeting.

This month would also see motorcycles compete with jumps and other hazards to ensure the excitement and Chris Nash would lead a team of locals in a hell drivers stunt using ramps.

Bernie Kolber takes the ramp

In only six months of operation Tralee had established itself in the hearts of locals and the minds of international visitors. Clubs acclaimed to have helped this were The Canberra Stock And Saloon Car Club, The Canberra TQ Association, The Canberra Modified Sprint Car Club and the Goulburn Hot Rod Club.

1971 Tralee hosted the first ever Australian National Sedan Challenge final event and after points were calculated, Kevin Dalton of Victoria

Night racing was trialled over four meetings and was moderately successful with only 9 lights out of 18 functioning.

The 21st and the Queanbeyan Age reported on recent events. Chris Nash of Canberra debuted in teams racing. Ron Smith would see David Wignall in Second Place over 25 laps and Phil Cancillier would claim wins against northern NSW. It reported Howard Revells relocation to the Queanbeyan District, Bob Gray setting the speedcar lap record, Mike Clynes first visit from The USA and provided the first mention of the Tralee $2000 which would go to become the Easter $2000 and one of the premiere races on the Australian Calender as well as the Marlboro $2500 50 lap event. Alan Cullinger would return for the first time since winning on the tracks opening day.

The Inagural Whale Wash Twin City match took place 23rd of this month. Team Goulburn consisted of Bill Martin, Terry Buyers, David House, Mick Gann, Roger Emmmerton and Harry Thynne against Tralees Phil Cancillier, Keith Richardson, Peter Gurbiel, David Wignall, Jim Flynn and David Watt. Team Tralee trashed Goulburn in the points match when Cancillier won his heat, David house equalled the points with his win and Jim Flynns Toyota claimed the third heat and round one for Canberra clocking the fastest six laps of the night.

Bob would best Harry Bink in the feature,B Evan from Crookwell manouvered his mini to win a B Grade event and John Davis angled his Ford Anglia two wins on the night.. Sprinters from Kembla Grange would take on Tralee in a 7 cars per side clash. Gordon Patterson sprinted home from Goulburns Bob Gray and Kembla‟s John McCabe.

The third week reported Harry Shepherd, Peter Strudwicke and Peter Gurbiel with Ken Barlow off to New Zealand to compete in the Australasian Stock Car Championships. Max Kennerley appears to have stepped in before departure and the team from Tralee would win the title.

The 26th and Phil Cancillier debuted his new red Monaro GTS to lead the heat victory over Goulburn. Bob Bnk and Gordon Patterson won their heats in the Modifieds.

The 30th and Solos were on the card with eight of the worlds top riders appearing, Ole Olsen Denmark, Howard Cole UK, Bill Landels and Bert Harkins Scotland, Sandor Levai Hungary, Paul O‟Neil NZ, Warren Hawkins, Bob Campbell, Tony Dobson, Neil Cameron and Jim Ryan of Australia. Bill Martin drove the Assassin to win three out of four starts. Phil Cancillier‟s red Monaro showed its true colours winning heats two weeks in row and claiming the 15 lap final, Bob would take a heat from Harry Bink, Gordon Patterson and B. Evans of Crookwell would also claim their heats. David House still representing Goulburn took out his heat and Jim Flynn added to the teams point scores.

February, The second Week and the second round of The Twin Cities would see Goulburn claim revenge and the flag.

The third week saw Phil Cancillier establish a lap speed of 21.4 with Bill Martin of Cooma taking the 10 lap race. Cancillier and Peter Gurbiel were relegated to the placings. Bill would claim two wins and two seconds on the night. Bob Bink scored wins on both Production Sedans and Super Modifieds. John Anderson of Queanbeyan claimed his first Tralee Chequered Flag in the Production Sedans. Alan Cullinger returned to Tralee to compete again.

Winners this month A Shepherd C Grade over 8 laps, Vic Sykes B Grade over 10 laps, Brian Norman TQ‟s over 6 and 10 laps. Sid Hopping Super Modifieds over 15 laps, Lester Edminster C Grade over 15 laps, Bill Martin A Grade over 10 laps. Bill Martin of Cooma would claim honours with two wins and two seconds as well. Bob Bink drove his HR to victory and Ron Smith took out a 15 and 25 Lap final. Bob Mitchum drove the Regent Special to a win and John Anderson took out his first win in consolation Sedans.

March Saw the very first ACT Championship . Peter Taunton would claim the win over Peter Gurbiel, Phil Cancillier, Ron Shepherd, Max Kennerley, Ken Barlow, Vic Sykes, Bill O‟Brien, David Wignall and Bob Bink. The 2nd witnessed Bob Worthington best Bob Binks record, only to see his 20.2 second mark beaten an hour later by Gordon Rundle at 20.0 seconds.

NSW Speedway champion Scott Dillon brought his 1970 Rambler Rebel to the ACT specifically to challenge Jimmy Kirk USA in a fifty lap battle but suffered engine problems . Gordon Smee and Geoff Bundy also from Sydney came to test their mettle and watch Phil Cancillier lose to the American only due to a broken rear axle. Also a radio controlled. Barry McInnes would claim two wins in one night.

Many competitors would travel here for the chance to race Jimmy “The Virginian”Kirk in the 50 lap Canberra Festival Meeting. Scott Dillion NSW Speedway Champion would bring his 1970 Rambler Rebel to the fray, at this time common to the NSW Police, Gordon Smee his 327 Monaro and Geoff Bundy his fast Mini Cooper S. Local drivers included Phil Cancillier, Cooma‟s Bill Martin, Ron Smith and Bob Bink. A feature of the night was a big field of mini stock cars in an elimination bout. Simcas, Austins, Consuls, Peugeots and Vauxhaul victors raced until the last man standing. Jimmy Kirk would take the flag but only after Cancillier broke an axel during the race. Ron Smith would claim a minor placing.

Barry McInnes of Queanbeyan claimed two wins in the B grade division and Joe Butler claimed the consolation. Interest in a demonstration by a remote controlled TQ was very high.

The second week would see Cancillier up against Johnny Anderson and Jimmy Kirk from the states who would compete in the 30 lap encounter utilising the GTHO used by Kirk the previous encounter. Ken Barlow just back from NZ would bring his GT Falcon on the night. Regulars Ron Shepherd, Ron Smith, Bob Bink, Billy Martin, Phil Cancillier and Peter Taunton would all appear against the American. Don Rundel of Liverpool would set a new Super Modified Lap Record. Ron Smith claimed placings in events against the Americans.

Third week Bill Martin would take the flag in the A grade event, Ron Smith second and Dave Wignall third. Ron Stevens took out the nights Super Modified event from Bob Bink and Ron Gray. Harry Bink would receive attention from the Ambulance after slamming heavily into the wall. Ron Stevens first in the Modifieds with Bob Bink second and Ron Gray third.

April, The NSW Super Modified Club of Sydney would ensure the disappointment of locals and their fans. Don Fortune won both the 15 and 20 Lap Berco Features. The lap record would fall to Allan Adams only to have Jim Winterbottom better it. Ernie Parker pedalled the Regent Ford to a win in the stock cars, Ron Marshall claimed the B grade event. Barry Harrison of QLD would win the 20 lap Stars race.

Phil Cancillier would take line honours from Barry Harrison and Peter Strudwicke in the Canberra Day Marathon over 30 laps with Harrison taking out the 20 lap race. Strudwicke would equal the 21 second mark set by Roger Emmerton of Goulburn.

April and Easter saw the Tralee National $2000 run for the first time. Rick Hunter would claim the flag in and Neville Harper second in what would become one of the premiere events on the Australian Racing Calender. Hunter drove his Holden HD to a win from 22 cars.

The final week and Ron Shepherd would win two A Grade races and close to the hat trick when he was forced into the fence in the 20 lap final. Bill O‟Brien, Don Blewiit and Vic Sykes would race in A grade events after promotion in the ranks.

May‟s first Sunday and Peter Taunton in his mini bested Max Kennerley‟s HD and Don Blewitts EH to win the 30 lap event, Taunton had won his qualifier over Ron Smith and Bob Bink, starting from the rear position he was in front before the first lap was completed. Peter had originally competed in the speedcars only switching to sedans recently and had made his mark as one of the most popular drivers with the spectators loving blue mini Casper. Gurbiel would claim the 20 lap consolation. Ron Smith would win the qualifying heat but managed fourth in the event. Jim Flynn of Cooma. Bob Bink then switched to his Super Modified to win the 10 lap rolling start and the standing start handicap. Bob Gray of Goulburn won the 10 lap feature event and set the lap record on the night.

The second week and the first ever all local teams event kicked off, Queanbeyans Gurbiel, Shepherd, Cancillier and Smith

Week three and Ken Barlow would win three events driving Peter Gurbiel‟s Falcon. As well as winning the A grade feature he bettered the track record. Peter Taunton clocked up four wins.

First week in June would see Ron Shepherd the only local to win in the 8 lap race. Starting from the rear he broke through on the fitth lap and held position to take the flag. The Liverpool team would claim the team title.

Garry Allen‟s Thunderbird would see him over the the line first in two events. Australia‟s first ever prepared Mustang debuted in July prepared by Regent Body Works in response to Mike Clynes imported version. Bob Bink announced he would give up the Sedans to concentrate on Super Modifieds. Peter Graham, John Gale and Peter Crick would appear, and Phil McCumisky would debut at Tralee in the Test against Liverpool, Tralee team would feature Peter Taunton Captain with Ron Smith, Ken Barlow, Phil Cancillier and David Wignall. Terry Richardson would also race for the first time at Tralee. Liverpool would claim the points for the night. Bill Butler won the B grade feature with Vic Sykes second and Chris Bash third. Bob Hebditch would claim the C Grade feature and Borother Herb the eight lap race.

The New Zealand test team appeared the following week Ron Howarth, Ron Kendall, Norm Anderson, Trevor Gray and Ron Bell would all appear in the Kiwi colours.. Mike Klein would become the first American to bring his own car to the fray. Till now the visitors had borrowed local vehicles. Chris Nash moved from B to A grade and then won the 15 lap event.

July and Ron Bell announced he was moving from NZ to make Tralee his base. He would also be part of the team to challenge Newcastle in their first appearance at Tralee. Phil Cancillier, Chris Nash, Bill O‟Brien and Ron Smith would complete Tralee team. George Lodge, Bernie Whalan, George Price, Alan Williams and Chris Blackhurst constituted the visitors. Tralee would take the night and the trophy.

August and The NSW Late Model Sedan Championship was run over 50 Laps with Phil Jackson of QLD claiming the flag. Track officials were forced to rethink the Tralee team against Liverpool when Ron Shepherd powered through the field from the rear starting position to claim the eight lap race. Ron Smith would win the 25 lap event and both Rons were called into the team. Bill Butler claimed the B grade flag in his FJ with Sykes Second and Nash third. Bob Hebditch would beat Herb Hebditch in the eight Grade lapper

The Victorians returned with Barry Sturling, Allan Cullinger, Rod Tresize, and Ray Balfour. to face Smith, Wignall, Cancillier and Nash with Peter Taunton returning to captain.

Super Modifieds driver David Lewis won his first race with George Merceica and Ron Moulder taking the placings over the six laps. Ron Moulder, Gordon, Patterson would place the other 6 lap event.

September saw the drivers all scrambling to qualify for the Australian Late Model Sedan championship. Roger Emmerton moved to a new Monaro. Peter Tauntons mini showed it‟s new colours in Regent‟s black and Red.

Barry Van Praags luck had not improved when he fell breaking his ankle after a three month layoff. He fell in almost the identical spot to the where he had broken his wrist three months before.

Soloist Bill Landels took the three lap scratch event with Van Praag seconds and David Mills third.

Modified Driver Ian Williams would win his first drive at Tralee, Chris Lott second and Gary Allen third. Bob Gray would win the 10 lap event with Jim Lott and Jim Winterbottom the placings.

Brian Norman would once again dominate the speedcars winning all three events with John Owens, also from Young taking second in each.

Ken Barlow installed a Berco Power plant into his Regent Mustang. The 302cc motor would ensure his ability to stay in the top contenders including Alan Butcher at the first ever Australian Late Model Championship. The title woul;d be decided on points with each driver having to start in four events. Series One and Two consisting four heats of eight cars over 10 laps, Series 3 the top 20 point holders from the first two heats of ten cars and the 25 lap final for the 20 top point holders for the whole series. The Australian Saloon Car federation had devised the point system in conjunction with the promoters Gurbiel and Mitchell.

November then saw the Tralee $600 for the first time and at the time it was the one of the longest races for saloon cars in Australia at 110 laps . Considering some races to that point had offered $10 in prize money for the win, It was also quite an attractive purse with the final set at 50 laps after 3 heats of 20 laps. David House claimed the purse by one single point in the scores over Max Kennerley. In a big month for fans, the qualifying heats for the Australian Saloon Car Championship would see Max Kennerley come up against Kevin Dalton. This month witnessed C. Fette win the 10 lap C grade, N. Cousins the 10 lap handicap C Grade, The final 10 Lap B Grade going to Henry Van Sebille. Howard Revell would take the 20 Lap A Grade feature, Super Modified 8 laps would fall to Bob Bink and the 10 laps to R. Moulden.

Ken Barlow win a 25 lap feature and Peter Taunton a 15 lap Invitation A division race. John Lange would claim a point based win and Peter Taunton‟s Mini would tussle with Bill Warners Chev Cameo Le Mans, one of the biggest vehicles to race Tralee, it was known as “The beast”. In a David Vs Goliath battle, Taunton would take the honours.

December would see wins by Jim Airey In The Solos, B and C grade 15 lap feature by D. Weaver, Wignall And House would claim 10 lap heats with final 25 laps going to David Wignall and the TQ Handicap by T. tchens over 10 laps. Garry Patterson would take home three wins in one meet.

One of the hottest times at Tralee came not from the track, early photos and promotional material the three story Restaurant and control tower were hyped as the best facility at any Australian Track.

November witnessed a great night of racing when in an intense battle David House beat the 3 lap record, was then beaten by Peter Taunton the next heat and reclaimed by House the following heat. Ron Shepherd broke the 1 lap record the same night winning the 10 lap race.

December 1971, the “Home of Hogg” caught fire and quickly burnt to the ground. It took many months but it was replaced with the 2 storey unit that was to survive until the Tracks closure.

1972 in January, Terry Pulford pulled off one of the best races seen by the fans. Averaging laps times of less than 19 seconds during his win over David House and Team Tralee would defeat the Sydney based Gary Bevans team. Peter Pulford in his EH would take four wins home the same night. Ron Smith would also wheel his EH to a win and Henry Van Sebille would claim two wins on the night. Harry Bink drove his Super Modified to a heat win, the final win and the feature breaking the 10 lap record in the process. This month would also see the first time in Australia that three Mustangs appeared in the same meet. Bruce Maxwell, Phil Cancillier driving for regent and Ron Bell of NZ would all take the wheel.

Terry Pulford would also claim another win the following week. Garry Patterson would debut his first ever race in a Sedan but would withdraw damaged and hurt after slamming Bruce Maxwells Trans Am into the fence. John Edlington, Bob Platt, Frank Taylor and Vic Sykes would take home wins following an exciting meet.

February and Chris Clerihan debuted in Teams Racing in his EH, Queanbeyans team included Phil Cancillier , Ron Shepherd and Ron Smith to face off Chris Nash, Vic Sykes, John Lange, and Terry Pulford. It was commented that Canberra had the stronger team but Queanbeyan the better equipment. Ron Shepherd introduced his new 327 HK holden to the locals in its Bob Jane Livery.winning the best turned out car for the week. Garry Petterson would put Bruce Maxwells Mustang into the fence and injure his back. John Edlington wou;d claim a win on the night,butVic Sykes would dominate with A grade wins relegating minor placing in the Invitation to Bob Mitchum and Phil Cancillier, and the A grade qualifier he beat Chris Nash and Bill Butler.

Week Two, Ron Smith outclassed the field taking the honours in his EH against more powerful Mustangs. Henry Van Sebille would claim a heat and a final as well as a three way match. Peter Pulford would claim the flag in the B division 10 lap race. The ladies would be well represented when the unbeaten Colleen Sykes would win with Fay Cancillier coming second. Harold Oxley, one of the start officials was struck when a car lost control and collected him on the infield. Peter Pulford and John Taunton would move to the A Grade competition along with Doug Weaver, Bob Platt and Wayne Fisher. Dave Wignall having just returned from a tour of New Zealand would be back in his Berco EH and Edlington replaced his GT Falcon motor with a 351ci power plant. The 25 lap feature would also include Chris Nash, Peter Studwicke, Ron Smith and Ron Shepherd. Peter Taunton would set a new 25 lap record of 8m 9.0s, Garry Rush would finalise the three lap record after it was beaten three times at 57s by Rush, 55.4s by Dick Britton and then 54.3 s once again by Rush. Garry would also best the 1 lap record to 18.2s.

Super Modifieds would compete in the 20 lap Marathon with the interest in the contest between Bob Bink and Bob Currie making his first Tralee appearance to equal Garry Pattersons track record and claim the 20 lap feature.

Bob Bink had recently come within a whisker of the track record and this meet had installed a new 350ci Corvette Motor and moved to fuel injection. This time out he equalled the record twice in the race against Currie.

Max Kennerley would race with his new Everlast Battery colours for the first time. Gary Bevan and his black GTHO would claim a 10 lap heat and the 15 lap final, Howard Revell in David House‟s Torana would claim second and Vic Sykes third in the first heat, Revell would win the second heat with Bob Mitchum and Chris Nash the placings. Terry Pulford had the crowd roaring in delight as he claimed the individual race honours from Vic Sykes‟s FC and the FJ of Bill Butler taking third.

Week three and Bruce Maxwell brought the 302 Boss Mustang he had purchased from Mike Klein to the the ACT. The vehicle was still left hand drive and this would be the first time three mustangs had competed at one meet in Australia. Maxwell had driven the car to many victories over top drivers and Regent‟s workshops had built Mustangs to compete against him for Phil Cancillier and Ron Bell. In practice at the track, Bruce consistenly lapped in the low 20 second marks set by Alan Butcher in his new HQ Monaro and hopes were high that he would claim the track record. Maxwell would race the car in defiance of a NSW ban on left hand drives.

Speedcar Ace, Howard Revell and been recently competing in David House‟s Torana would switch to David Wignalls EH as David Was in NZ competing

The last week of this month and Max Kennerley presented in his Everlast Battery Team first race.

The 22nd saw the crowd screaming in delight as Phil Cancillier drove an amazing final five laps to contest the 25 lap feature. John Edlington would hold him off to claim the race with Terry Pulford second. Ron Smith claimed a 6 lap heat and a third against Terry. Pulford in the Invitation , Vic Sykes taking second. The Mustangs failed to power on the night. To avoid the ban on locals drving left handed vehicles, Ron Bell and an international drove Maxwells car and Bruce drove the New Zealanders.

Harry Bink took the flag in the 10 lap feature , George Mercieca and Bob Gray claimed the placings.

March‟s meetings would see the D Grade 10 laps fall to D. Moore with G. Lloyd claiming the 15 laps. Phil Oliver in a rare appearance outside speedcars would take the a B Grade 15 lap heat in a Holden FC with R. Edlington taking the 8 lap final and P. Reynolds the 15 Lap Feature. A Grade sedans would see Ken Barlow take the feature 15 Lap event. The ACT Wreckers 20 Lap race would see Dave Wignall claim the flag. Later that month Fred Seery, Terry Pulford, David Wignall would all claim their heats too see Canberra win the Twin City Championships. Peter Strudwicke took honours in the 15 Lap A Grade and Wignall the 25 Laps.

Aprils Easter $2000 event and Rick Hunter took the title again, Second to David Wignall with Peter Crick third. B Grade ran the first ACT Championship for their class in June on the 4th, three heats over 15 laps, the 20 lap repecharge would see 24 cars contest the 25 lap final. Fred Saiilard would appear in a rotary Mazda having replaced his mini, Peter Reynolds, Ton Carse, Henry Van Sebille, Dick Buick, Peter Pulford, Bill Brown, Ian Leishmann, Barry Woods, Kevin Watt, Erick Tonks, Ron Ulrich, Alan Cousins and Rob Edlington all would enter the fray.

The A Grade support race would see Nick Petrelli would drive Bill Warners Pontiac which he had purchased and raced to six wins recently in Sydney and Greg McClean would make his appearance in a rarely seen EJ Model. Peter Taunton and Ken Barlow in the Regent Repco mustangs, John Edlingtons V8 Falcon GT, Howard Revells new XU1 Berco Torana, John Langes EH, Terry Pulford, Ron Shepherd. Rob Swann, Chris Nash, Bill Butler, Col O‟Brien, Bill O‟Brien and Barry McInnes would all contest the 25 lap race later that evening.

The Modifieds 15 lapper involved Harry and Bob Bink, Gordon Patterson, and Gary Allen all after increses to their points .

July and Allan Brian a novice driver would set the five lap record on his first drive.

November and John Lange has just moved to A Grade after regular class B perfomances including winning the previous weeks event. He drove his Berco EH to outrun Ken Barlow on the final lap. House would claim the 15 Lap Race, Bill Warner came second and Lange took third place. Bill Hebditch claimed the C Grade handicap and the B and C Class event. Harry Bink and George Merceica both claimed honours in the Moddies.Don Lennon pedalled his TQ to a win also.

1973 efforts were being made to clean up the sport and improve safety, Alcohol was finally banned in the pits and April saw the world most expensive race car come to compete when Californian millionaire, Gene Welch returned to Tralee with an SS Comaro valued around $15,000. At one meeting he broke 3 track records also breaking his run of no wins at Tralee.

March saw competition and conflict when a race was stopped 5 times due to rough driving, and arguments breaking out with each team accusing the others right in front of the spectators. Taunton, House and Wignall were all involved as were Sydney‟s Ray Solway, Terry Bennet and Newcastle‟s Gary Bevan

April and 1973 – Ken Barlow, Dave Wignall, David House would be the first all local entrants in the Easter $2000 taking the wins in that order.

The fierce rivalry between Liverpool and Tralee boiled over in May when police were required to break up a dispute between the teams. The cars were not the only things overheating and governing body threatened life bans if the situation reoccurred.

June saw the formation of the Queanbeyan Speedway Club, Ron Smith was elected it‟s first President , Ron Shepherd Treasurer, Ton Nipperess Secretary and Eric Tonks Publicity Officer, Terry Ruse and Phil Cancillier completed the management committee. The club announced it would field around 22 cars in its early stages. Very shortly after, former Australian Champion Dick Briton signed his membership to the club.

Commencement of a 1200m Rally Cross track construction, the first in Australia specifically for this style of racing. A July Meeting saw eight XU1 Toranas compete proving the popularity of these undersized overpowered vehicles. During the winter recess the track had been resurfaced and rebanked making for expectations of some very exciting racing.

Howard Revell deals with the dirt

Dave Wignall claimed the Jim Fraser Memorial feature race in his Torana having tied Bob Rawlings in his XU1 at 51 points A Fortnight later, He claimed the Late Model Sedan Series from Ken Barlow in a his Mustang and Alan Brian‟s EH.

1974 rolled around like a rolling start and David Wignall, Brian Norman, David House and Ken Barlow faced a challenge team from Western Australia. Bob Rawlings broke an axle during warm up forcing the substitution of House into the team. WA representatives Barry Blake, Peter Brady, John Hudson, and Alan Nylander would find the unbeaten locals to strong in the teams based contest. Ron Ulrich returned from a month bye to win two A grade sedan heats and Vic Sykes also made a comeback pedalling this FC to three wins from three starts. This month would also see the largest contingent of Americans to date. The Sedan team lost to Australia under Rawlings and Barlow‟s skill. Patterson and Burton would however clean up the locals and Garry Rush. David Wignall claimed the Berco Golden Cam Championship and the $1000 purse. This also represented the first 100 lap event ever run in Australia without a stop. Morrie Greig would put Garry Patterson on notice leading him in 8 of the 10 laps in their first ever encoun ter. Bob Rawlings would win three events while still noted as holding the lap record

The 21st and the Marlboro Production Sedan Classic was run. Ken Barlow, Rick Hunter, Steve Stuart, John Hughes, Bob Rawlings and Peter Taunton all all listed as having contested the race. Ron Shepherd‟s QBN Motors Torana would generate a lot of interest . Over a month break in racing Ron Smith, Terry Ruse and Shep had replaced panels with fibreglass and boosted the power output. Fibreglass bodies had made their appearance in 1972 on interstate vehicles and to the best of the records available, this indicates the first ever local car to extensively be adapted with Ken Barlows Camaro being modified September the same year

The last week of the month saw Ron Bell NZ in his new V8 Chev outdrive Barlow, Norman and Taunton in a heat only to suffer problems with the overpowered fuel injection system and Tralee‟s tight corners and then blow a tyre. Brian Norman would claim the 20 lap feature, Doug Weaver would race to B grade leadership and Jeff Shepherd would steer his Corona to C Grade Champion. Tony Coles of Sydney would take honours in the Formula 500 event.

The 1974 season also saw an arrangement with the Philip Morris Tobacco Company and most major events would now appear as Marlboro Sponsored Events.

His year the final of the Australian Super Modified Championship was held at Tralee with Jim Winterbottom claiming the race and the title. Rush, Hopping and Patterson were all sidelined in the third last lap by a spectacular accident which saw Patterson and Rush then become involved in an altercation requiring officials and police to separate them.

February would see Bob Bink and John Morro debut in teams tests against the Americans in a six heat test Match. Team captain Rush believed their skill on the local track would contest the USA but the series was lost 46 points to 23 despite Bink beating Garry Patterson in the last heat. House would win his third major race in two weeks claiming the Driver To America Sedan Final despite strong opposition and heat losses to Ron Ulrich and Brian Norman. Phil Cancillier would consolidate his point based lead in the series. Bob Rawlings and Peter Taunton claimed the Australasian Pairs Championship with Rawling going on to beat Gordon Smee in the Young‟s feature. Clancy White and Doug Weaver would claim the B grade division on Points.

The final week would once again see the locals unbeaten in a test against Sydney Showground. Barry Lewis would win six heats against Rawlings 5 heats with Ron Shepherd and Brian Norman consolidating the points win. Maurie Greig produced the upset of the night beating John Morro and Bob Bink in the first heat only losing to Bink in the feature on the final lap.

Times and timers were changing, In March 1974 Tralee witnessed the installation of an electronic timer the first of its kind in the world. Designed by Dr Iain McLeod, of the Australian National University engineering and physics department, who also supervised it‟s construction and installation, this revolutionary instrument was accurate to 1000th of a second. Using Photo optics with cars breaking the beam of light, the system also incorporated a 3m board to display the results making it easily observed by driver and spectator alike.

With the upgrade to asphalt and faster times, this was indeed a timely addition. Tralee became the first banked Asphalt track in Australia, Widely reported in Specialist magazines, much interest in the difference occurred as larger tracks like Liverpool were soon to begin the process. Gene Welch saw the era of dirt out holding the 1, 3, 5 and 10 lap records.

This meant a change in driving styles, different tyres, car modifications with the final dirt based race held on the 9th of March 1974 with fanfare and fireworks for the finale. The era of ducking the dirt clods and dust came to a close. While asphalt offered greater speeds, a lot of the excitement and unpredictability of dirt was lamented as lost by many spectators. A new name came with the new surface and Fraser Park became the official name while most still referred to it as Tralee.

March 31st would see the opening feature on the new track and a new name Fraser Park, it was stated that the sealed track had cost $16,000.

The very first meet drivers who were recording 20 second laps were easily clocking 17 seconds and predictions of 15 seconds were boasted. It didn‟t take long, John Morro clocked 15.1 seconds in official practice and much interest was generated in his battle with Gary Patterson who had long built his expertise on paved tracks in the USA. Morro‟s pace set a new track record beating the old record of John Wright by two full seconds. Bob Rawlings would set a new benchmark of 17.99 seconds in the Sedans. The new surface proved it‟s self from the first drop of the green flag and was reported in Speedway magazines and newspapers across Australia .

Dick Britton, Bob Tunks and Wayne Fisher had all raced asphalt in the states, and the first meeting saw the debut of two brand new cars, Britton in his $10.000 American sprint car and Harry Bink who had declined an offer of $12,000 for his new construction. He lost a wheel and damaged the car‟s rear in the first race.

The Marlboro Easter $3000 saw Brian Norman claim the feature event from Neville Harper and Bob Rawlings to claim the $1000 major prize. This opening event drew the largest crowd since the opening of the speedway in 1970. Regulars Rawlings, House, Wignall, Norman and Taunton all compete in Sedans for the first time on the new track

Bob Rawlings would go on to set six records in three weeks in July. He broke the Lap record, 10, 20 and 50 lap records all at Tralee. Having replaced his XU1 with the newer SLR 5000 he continued proving the Torana‟s dominance and popularity in the sport.

This month also claimed the first ever 100 lap race on Asphalt ever held in Australia. Dave Wignall claimed the honours with Ron Shepherd second and Phil Cancillier third. Revell, House, Bink and Morro all won races at the same meet. Queanbeyans Phil Cancillier won the Young‟ Driver To America claiming the series by only 2 points for Dave Wignall.

May would see George Tatnell switch from Speed cars back to Modifieds after 12 years and twice Australian Champion. He would claim his first win on the new surface in the Sprint Car Stars Race and also the $1000 Interstate Derby with his nemesis John Morro taking second and Harry Bink third over Garry Rush. Tatnell set a new 25 lap record in the process. Bob Rawlings would take the flag three times from three starts. Howard Revell would claim 5 wins from six starts.

Canberra‟s B Grade team would thrash Goulburns A Grade drivers in September. John Forman would beat Bob Christie in their heat, then go on to claim the 20 lap feature and the A grade Event. This would see Forman move up a grade with his EH still performing despite now being one of the oldest vehicles on the track.

Ken Barlow made his first appearance in his new V8 SS Camaro. The light weight fibreglass body and power would take him some time to master, claiming several placings while getting its feel

George Fisher brought Gene Welch‟s controversial Camaro back to Australia with the vehicle having been declared illegal on both American and Australian Circuits so modifications were made to allow it to compete with Neville Harper to take the wheel on its return to Tralee. Peter Taunton would take the honours in the ACT Championship.

August and fans and drivers were devastated when local hero Bob Bink was badly injured by an explosion in his garage. Dominant on the dirt track, Bob was attempting repairs and modifications to his car when he was sprayed with burning fuel.

November saw many records fall. Harry Bink would record the fastest Australian driver at 15.106s. Peter Taunton would break the 15 lap and the 50 lap records, Maurie Greig wouls set a new 10 lap record. David House would break the a grade 10 lap consolation mark. Ken Barlow‟s Comaro had been lowered and he clocked a blistering speed over the last 5 laps of the feature.

November would see the Mary Wignall Memorial. Since the days of Mt Ginn, Davids mother was well known and loved in the ACT racing fraternity and her passing was sadly memorialised. Peter Taunton would take home the trophy.

The 1974 Coca Cola $1000 would be dominated by Peter Taunton cutting almost one full minute from the Bob Rawlings held 50 lap record. Unbeaten over the entire night he capped off the most successful month of his career to date. Bob Rawlings would best his own 1 lap record and Morrie Greig would better the 10 lap Modifieds record.

1974 ACT Modified Sprintcar Championship this month arrived and Garry Rush climbed behind the wheel of the Sid Moore Chevy Speed machine that Garry Patterson had set the Tralee track record in. Morrie Greig had not long purchased his American made sprinter that had also been driven locally by Patterson reportedly investing $14.000.Bob Bink had finished the rebuild in his $12,000 after a smash earlier that month and replaced the engine. Harry Bink and John Morro would add to the talent on show. Gary Rush would win the event. Sedans in the support events would see four cars all engineered for the asphalt in the hands of Bob Ralwings SLR 5000, Ken Barlow‟s Allied Hi Fi SS Camaro, Brian Norman‟s LS Monaro and Peter Taunton‟s Cortina. Barlow would take the race, Bob Rawlings second and Brian Norman third. Bob Rawlings would better the 10 lap mark on the night. Jim Brewer would claim the B and C Grade Greater Pacific Award feature.

December‟s first week saw Taunton crash the second time in two weeks and Barlow taking the flag. Jim Brewer claimed a 30 lap win from the rear starting position. Harry Bink won three from five and John Owens of Young cleaned up the speedcar events despite close tussles with Phil Oliver and Peter Collins

Next week and Garry Patterson set a new 10 lap record and later slammed the fence after a high speed touch from Gary Rush sustaining mild injuries to mouth, nose and leg. Formula 500 driver Ron Allen set a new lap record and claimed three wins from three starts, Bob Rawlings claimed three wins from three starts after Tanton and Barlow both suffered damage early.

Week three and Maurie Greig became the first Australian driver to beat Garry Patterson in a Super Modified where he finished the race and to prove it was no fluke, he did it twice over two eight lap events and set a track record for good measure. Patterson would still improve on his own lap record. Ken Barlow would also win the 50 Lap Marlboro Grand Prix

Dave Wignall would claim this years trophys for Australian and ACT Champion after a big year wiining features all over Australia.

Bob Bink would attempt a return to the track late this year but it proved premature with difficulty entering the car and damaging the skin grafts.

1975 arrived and restrictions were applied to the V8 class with 6 cylinder engines to be reviewed. Safety concerns from excessive power meant all turbo and super chargers were banned and engine capacity restricted to 5.7l or 351 ci. Peter Unwin would race the first ever Falcon 2 door Superbird in competition under these rules.

Maurie Greig would again defeat Garry Patterson and set a new lap record in the process Ken Barlow went on to claim the Berco Golden Cam, Jim Brewer and Col O‟Brien made up the places. Late

Rush would Captain the team against the US‟s Larry Burton in the Coca Cola International Test, the first modified sprint car test to be held at Tralee. The inclusion of Morrie Greig in the Australian team alongside Dick Briton came as no surprise considering his recent form. Ivan Roe took honours in the 20 lap Greater Pacific feature and Queanbeyan‟s Phil Oliver would claim two wins in the Formula 500‟s Ken Barlow would close off the meeting unbeaten winning the qualifier, trophy dash and final of the night. Bill O‟Brien took second and Ralph ranger third. The night was full of incidents when Barlow caused Shepherd, Ranger and Peter Unwin to spin out and escaped sanction from the stewards. Ron Shepherd‟s bad night continued when his QBN Motors Torana was forced into the fence by Ralph Ranger and slid along it for about 100 meters emerging unhurt. Phil Oliver‟s Formula 500 would win two events on the night and Ivan Roe would stage a battle with Gus Deards to claim the 20 lap event.

Saturday the 18th Barlow and Welch would come together early in the first heat of the Gregory‟s Ford City Test in an incident many claim ended the friendship between them. Gene Welch rammed Barlows Camaro into the safety fence putting them both out for the night resulting in Gene being disqualifed. Fred Saillard would replace Bob Rawlings who developed a mechanical fault. Dave Wignall and Peter Taunton would try to hold off the Americans who won the night. Ed Wilbur would break the four lap mark only to see Mike Klein better it the following heat and then go on to set a new lap record as well.

Wignall moved to a new lighter XU1 specifically engineered by Berco for Asphalt and tested by Australian Touring Car Champion Colin Bond.

Brian Norman returned to spectacular form come February when he nailed four wins from four starts and set a new record. Brian would hold this record several times during his career . He was well inside Bob Rawlings 20 lap record on the night but a last lap crash saw the race aborted. Morrie Greig would win the Six lap Stars Trophy Dash.

The final week of this month and The ACT production Sedan team would beat Liverpool. Rawlings, Saillard and Wignall would ensure the locals remained unbeaten with Fred Saillard setting a new mark for the three lap record.

Mel Kenyon made his first ever appearance at Tralee during March to test the locals in the Vision hire Speedcar Classic. Rated the worlds best Speed car competitor, Mel had only his right hand to steer with. Modifications to the wheel allowed a prosthetic and glove to slot in and had won four national titles. He also drove in the Indianapolis 500.

8th of March and The $1000 Trans Pacific Cup over 50 laps would see American sedan pilots Jimmy Hopkinson and Donnie Graham compete. Their appearance would see Barlow, Rawlings, Saillard, Shepherd, Norman, Lange, White and Jennings anxious to pit their skills against them, a veritable who‟s who of the Speedway would be one of the biggest line ups expected this season. Donnie Graham would claim the purse as well as the six and thirty lap records on the night. The 30 lap record had been held by Peter Taunton for 2 full years to this point. Norman would claim an early heat and push the American hard during the night for a second and Bob Rawlings would take third.

Fred Saillard protected the local honour against the US when he beat him in the cup stars trophy dash. Rawlings and Graham would claim the pacings.

Barlow used the time since January to replace the engine in his Camaro with a new 350ci hoping to answer the power of the Americans Chev Vegas. Brian Norman‟s V8 Kingswood and Saillard and Rawlings Torana „s would complete the team. Fred would pedal the only Six Cylinder engine on the field.

Brian Callaghan claimed the final of the April $14.000 Marlboro Easter 3000 Speedway Classic held at Tralee, Mike Klein and Ed Wilbur filled the placings. His purse of $5000 proved the series was still the biggest and richest event on the Australian Calender. Bob Rawlings would break his own record lap time during the qualifying trials. David Wignall would drive his new Berco Chev Monza, his first V8 and first left hand drive car.

The second week would set a new meaning to sibling rivalry when John and Paul Morro would test each other against Morrie and Warren Greig who also were on track rivals. Harry Bink and Bob Gray would add to the excitement.

The $6000 dollar Greater Pacific Insurance Award series kicked of its season seeing Brian Callaghan, Bob Rawlings, Neville Harper and Brian Norman all considered the four fastest Grand National Sedan Drivers in Australia. Callaghan would claim the points, Bob Rawlings and Ken Barlow the placings in the third week. The night witnessed Bob Rawlings clip 21 seconds off Normans 12 lap record and Callaghan beat Barlows record in the final.He would also claim the 15 lap event on the night with Norman and Barlow the place getters. Geoff Pickering of Sydney would break his own Modified five lap record. The B and C Grade $5000 would be the meets most exciting when David Maidment was rolled several times after a clash with George Whiting. Whiting had earlier been warned by Ken Capp and sent to the rear of the field and was now sent off the track. Jim Brewer would spin out wildly causing chaos and Peter Foy would slip past it all to claim the win.

Neville Harper of Tasmania dominated in the final week of April losing only one race and besting the three and six lap records.Mike Coombs set a 25 lap B Grade record in the first time a 25 lap race was completed without a single stoppage.

May and an Australian first, possibly a world first, when Fraser Park hosted the first sidecars to race an asphalt speedway. John Macklin had raced Mt Panorama, it being classed a road racing track and achieved speeds in excess of 200 kph and it was to the best of his knowledge the first time in the world on a short track speedway. Among the 10 teams to compete were veteran Australian Champion Bob Salter and Junior Champion Steve Bayliss.

Bob Rawlings would win the May 1975 Fireball Derby breaking his own Lap record in the process.

June arrived an unwanted record was set when a race was restarted seven times in the first eight laps and the chief steward stopped the race to caution all drivers. Wignall would claim his second ACT Production sedan Championship during this race. Round three of The Norman Ross Driver to America series would be run in conjunction with this years Jim Fraser Memorial Trophy. As well as round seven of the Zorba‟s Second Division point series.

October and David House claimed victory over a strong field of Grand National Sedan Drivers. David Wignall and John Forman would collide.

November‟s notorious weather interfered with the Systems Hi Fi 30 lap event twice, Peter Crick would claim the honours and Dave Wignall and David House the placings

November and Bruce Maxwell claimed the $1000 Coca Cola 2000 Grand National. David House and David Wignall would fill the placings. Paul Ash of Sydney set a new lap record in time trials just shaving Bob Rawlings mark. Harry Bink bested Morrie Greig in the Modifieds

December and Skyhooks performed at one of the many concerts held at the raceway this year. The band took the stage 2.5 hours late and the crowd had used this time to get upset, intoxicated and unruly. Ten people were arrested for drunkenness and offensive behaviour.

Gene Welch would close the year by winning the Marlboro Christmas Speedway Classic on Boxing day. Wignall would shave a mere 0.06 off the six lap record and Morrie Grieg claimed the Modified Sprint Car Final breaking the record.

1976 and John Lange became Promoter. The second Round of the Australia Vs USA was held at Fraser Park Dave Wignall would take his fourth Jim Fraser Memorial home as no real surprise to anyone

Brian Norman claimed the prize in The Berco Golden Cam in February.

The same month would see the welcome return of Bob Bink after the incident which kept him from the track for 18 months. He proved he had lost little of his skill by winning an event.

The Act Modified Sprint car Championship sponsored by Capri Pools. Geoff Pickering would show his familiarity with the track bettering the one, eight and forty lap records. Sedan Driver Bob Swann escaped serious injury when his car rolled several times then burst into flames in the first lap of the Championship heat. Dave Wignall claimed a new 15 lap record bettering Brian Callaghans mark and took three wins from three starts to collect his 52nd trophy.

This month Ross Woodbridge of Wagga would bring his 302 Ford Falcon Superbird specially set up for the Asphalt to the first weeks meeting. He had been competing in it regularly and finally pushed David Wignall close to a loss. Wignall would rise to the challenge winning five events from five starts and in the process break the one , four and five lap records.

In the six years since the tracks opening the American cars had started to become more popular and the reign of the old Holdens and Fords was losing its grip yet Brad Stevens managed to win a trophy dash in his 26 year old FJ with other winners in Greg Quigley and Ivan Roe. Frank Van Sebille would claim three events at the meeting and George Whiting would claim a points based win. Warren Greig and John Christy would take home trophies. Phil Oliver and Theo Visser would both break Formula 500 records.

Mick Cooper claimed an event and a point based series win driving the Torana he had purchased from Bob Rawlings. Peter Foy would claim a win in the second division with Wignall winning the main event of the meet against Ken Barlows new Cortina and then following it up with a victory over David House in the 10 lap heat. Brian Norman won the first division eight lap Warren Greig would beat Frank Van Sebille and John Christy in the Modifieds and Phil Oliver and Theo Visser would both break Formula 500 records.

Real Horsepower made it‟s appearance in March. Q76 - The Queanbeyan Quarter Horse Show With events including a rodeo, riding and roping there was even a school for people interested in learning the ropes. Reg Lindsay performed at the event and John Lange would drive a Mustang in a race against a Quarter Horse. Bob Rawlings once opened a meet riding his palomino to lead the American Team onto the track .

May and a mini Q76 would see Quarter Horse vs Working Horse races held at the Speedway. The starting and timing systems of the track were perfect to test the true speed of these beasts.

Dennis O‟Brien made his appearance at Tralee. Starting his interest in the sport in 1967 he had competed in and EH and around 1971 upgraded to a GTHO Falcon using it‟s power to beast the Big Three, Bob Jane, Alan Moffatt and Peter Brock. He held record in Victoria and Sydney. Travelling from Wagga with Ross Woodbridge as his partner in the Falcon GT, they had been coming for most weekends racing. O‟Brien was standout in the Australian Sedan Teams win over the Americans.

This car was specifically engineered for the Asphalt and incorporated the V 5.7l engine, the ability to alter the weight on each of the 40cm alloy wheels, full floating rear end and quick change gearing, knock off hubs front and rear and 50 cm Firestone tyres, fuel injection, custom forged pistons, roller rockers in a four bolt block and TRW valves and oil pumps. Triple spot disc brakes ensured you could stop once this brute got started. The days of competing cheaply in the sport at high levels in a production sedan were well and truly done.

April would see him wheel the big GT representing Fraser Park in the 100 lap Marlboro Grand Nationial in Liverpool alongside many of Tralee‟s best known in one of the most interesting races ever held in Australia.

David House competed in Sedans and Speedcar events. Both he and Brian Callaghan lapped several higher powered vehicles to the delight of around 17,000 in the crowd. They would witness Peter Taunton catch fire, Greg Quigley destroy his car, Bruce Maxwell flip over the safety barrier and Car based carnage as half the entries ended up littering the infield or withdrawing. Callaghan would win and Denis O‟Brien would claim fourth. Wignall raced unplaced.

The dangers of the sport were obvious but during it‟s entire existence Tralee would never see a fatality despite some incredible crashes. April would see Frank Van Sebille walk away unhurt He rode the safety fence for around 30 meters after hitting it at 130 kmh. The vehicle then collapsed around him

Bob Bink would be awarded the trophy in a controversial night after being blamed for this and then for having spun out David Wignall in the Sedans, where Ross Woodbridge would take the honours with Doug Chapman and Gunter Sandner claiming the placings. Bob Lowrey drove to three speedcar wins and lost one to John Gill over the 10 laps

This years Marlboro Easter classic would be the first ever raced at Tralee in Twilight. It would see both Rick Hunter and Ron Shepherd return to the track with sparks expected to fly. Shepherd had moved to a new Monaro with a Terry Pulford engineered power plant and Hunter would bring a Superbird to the battle. Brian Callaghan, USA‟s Donnie Graham, Neville Harper, Chas Kelly, Bruce Maxwell, Peter Crick, Brian Norman, Denis O‟Brien, John Foreman, Ken Barlow, Bob Bink and Ian Stewart, Graham Oliver, Paul Hogan and Paul Ash among 55 starters would ensure this years 75 lap remained the most exciting event on the yearly calender. Callaghan would take the honours and trophy home. Brian Callaghan would take the event and Barry Graham and Donnie Graham the placings.

Ron Darrell would post notice to Canberra‟s best by winning two from three and racking up series points in the Driver to America Series in a powerful well prepared Torana. David Wignall would win the Norman Ross 25 lap feature with his Monza.

May arrived with one of the closest ever Driver To America contests. Norman and House were equal and only 1 point behind David Wignall. Wignall drove back from Toowoomba to drive every event that night to ensure his retained his lead. Ron Shepherd claimed three events

June would see the Zorba‟s $1000 dollar Super Modified points event and the Norman Ross series contested in one night. Harry Bink, the Greig Brothers and Frank Van Sebille would see the Victorian team sent home despite a heavy smash destroying Binks car when a touch from a team mate speared him head first into the fence. Morrie would win all four of his heats and Warren all three of his. Van Sebille would also claim a heat win.

Brian Norman would accrue 9 points to lead the the Driver To America series having clipped the four lap record winning then Trophy dash., Ron Shepherd would win the 20 lap race bringing his point score equal to Wignall in second place. Mike Coombs would continue his lead in B Division despite only gaining places.

Week four of this month and Norman retained his lead in the Norman Ross series round four. John Forman took the honours in 20 lap Anniversary Trophy. Bruce Maxwell made his last appearance in Speedway moving to concentrate on road racing claiming a heat but failing to enter the feature with mechanical issues. Tony Nicastri pocketed the $600 Coca Cola Bottlers Demolition Derby purse.

July and Norman and Wignall drew a tie in points at the ACT Championship series to hold hid 9 point lead over the ACT hero. David Wignall would go on to claim his third ACT Championship.

At 31 David opened a Service Station in Kippax and was nominated for Sports Star Of The Year by the Canberra Times.

August and Howard Revell became the first local Speed car driver to beat the 14 second mark clocking a blistering 13.997 in a trial run. At the actual meeting he would go on to break Garry Patterson 2 year old record over 20 laps by 12.5 seconds, best David House‟s 10 lap record in the Indian File Invitation, beat his own 4 lap record and masted Garry Rices 8 lap record. Howard won the ACT Brake Service‟s Grand Prix.

Brian Norman would win two races the same meeting making his point lead of 65 points 21 points ahead the next closest competitor in the Driver To America series and Morrie Greig would take home honours.

Phil Cancillier spun early in the opening event casing chaos on the track and breaking his safety harness in the process. He then defied the stewards orders to leave the track delaying the race until he was towed from the field. Ron Darrell would consolidate his lead in the B class Air New Zealand points.

The Holden Vs Ford rivalry came home to roost in September when Les Eaton Holden sponsored a team against Brian Pollock Ford. as round nine of the Driver To America test. Les Eatons Holden team of Ron Darrell, Gunter Sander, And Hank Visser appeared in Torana‟s with Mike Coombs showing an EH could still compete. Brian Pollock Ford team had Ken Barlow, Rod Bush and Ray Bainbridge all driving Cortina‟s with Ivan Roe in his Capri rounding out the crew.

Round 10 of the Driver to America saw John Foreman put his beloved supercharged EH up for Sale only to have it nearly totalled in a collision with Brian Norman in the sixth lap. Norman did not finished the race but still won the title and trip based on his huge lead added to when he won the trophy dash earlier on the night. Morrie Greig would make his return appearance in Grand National Sedans driving the Norman Ross Volvo previously pedalled by David House Ron Shepherd would come second in the series . Morrie went on to claim the Modified Sprint Cars trophy in a busy night for him. Rob Bush won the division 2 two trophy dash. Phil Oliver would again dominate his class winning three from three.

October would see the first time Arthea‟s Salon Twilight cup contested. The twilight event ran over 25 laps with Peter Smith appearing in his Falcon Superbird, He had raced three years previously in a GT Falcon. Dennis O‟Brien from Wagga had rebuilt his Superbird to face Wignall and Norman. Brian Norman would take home the purse having also collected the Canberra Motors trophy for the best performing driver earlier in the meet. This also saw the very first time the pavement and dirt would be raced at a single meet. The Newly formed Monaro Speedway Club would race in 15 events against entries from Wagga, one in particular of interest was Colin Wecketts supercharged FJ, A vehicle now 30 years old. Ray Menze‟s Torana would best Tony Broso‟s Junee based EH.

Phil Oliver would face Australian Champion Don Perry in the midgets and smash the six lap record during a heat only to collect the safety wall later in the meet. Harry Delamont won the event and then claimed the feature from Jim Lightbody.

A strong field of Sprinters including Steve Brazier, The Greig brothers, Frank Van Sebille and John Christy would compete . Morrie Greig continued his winning form on the night.

The Coca Cola $2000 in November saw Dave Wignall race and win his second time setting a new track record on the night. Norman blew a tyre in the 32 lap and was forced to withdraw. Peter Taunton had track tested his new Ford Mustang in preparation for the event with it reported to have cost around $10,000, John Byers would collide with him and collapse the front end. John Forman would pedal the Norman Ross Volvo at the meet having destroyed his EH and replacing David House who has other commitments to fill as the title had been delayed by one week. Ron Shepherd blew a front tyre and lost a wheel in separate incidences. Bruce Maxwell was a late scratching when awaiting parts for his own car the Superbird he had arranged to borrow was sold . Hank Visser would claim second and Mike Coombes third. Barry Scarr took honours in the second division trophy dash and Morrie Greig would claim four wins from four starts.

20th November saw David Wignall skill displayed to an incredible level. He would cut the 25 lap record by 18 seconds in the 25 lap Ron Starr Motors Grand National Feature. The time would see him average 120km/h. In the earlier heats he would claim the four lap record an amazing three times being then first ever Sedan driver to breach the one minute mark over four laps. He also set a new three lap mark In doing so he reclaimed the three and 25 lap from Americans Mike Klien and Gene Welch restoring local pride. His Berco V8 Chev Monza would see him claim 39 points in wins as he and Brian Norman crushed the NSW team 53 - 32. Brian Callaghan‟s Torana Hatchback blew its motor in the first heat , Ron Shepherd then stepped in to partner Brian Norman only to have his gearbox fail and Ron Darrell replace him. Phil Oliver of Queanbeyan would set a new eight lap record for Formula 500‟s in what was arguably the best meet the track had seen. Ian Saville claimed a 12 lap feature, a combined feature and two heats on the night with Len Williamson claiming one.

December saw the International Speedcar Grand Prix end in a controversial two way protest. Howard Revell won against Americans Sleepy Tripp and Johnny Rutherford in the 25 lap contest. During the race they had clashed twice and both spun out in lap 17 with Revell only clearing the American in the very last lap who then lodged the protest. Ron Mankey lodged his protest when stewards disqualified him with a broken harness. Howard remembers the meeting and kindly reflected on it for the book “The drama with Tripp started early in the race. We started together at the rear and I got to the front first with Tripp following me. He flat wheeled me between 3 & 4 so I follower him, I knew I was quicker at different parts of the track so I sat back and waited When I was in the States I saw Tripp fence Kenyon and Vogler for different reasons. I knew If I passed him I would be on his radar. With one and a half to go it was payback time so I did the same as he did to me and I ran the car that hard in that last lap I am sure it was under the lap record and all the time I was thinking I just have to go hard, I knew if Tripp could get near me he would drive right through me. I think it is the hardest and fastest lap I have ever done around Fraser Park. Talking to Tripp later he said he would have nailed me if he could have got to me.”

David Wignall would break the 15 lap record when claiming his win on the night.

December and Gene Welch would return to the track to face Wignall and Norman and race the night feature in the 25 lap Ron Starr Motors event. The damage to his eye had healed and he claimed he was fitter than a lot of younger drivers. His car utilised a1976 Comaro body but underneath that featured a 480ci power plant, large 4 wheel disc brakes, A Daytona quick change diff and a specially designed automatic transmission. The transmission overheated and Welch explained it was designed for dirt track racing and vowed to replace it with a four speed gearbox before returning to Fraser Park.

David Wignall and Brian Norman would each claim seven points in the event, they split the prize money but Wignall presented the trophy to Norman inn respect of his racing ability. They would then contest the 25 lap feature with Wignall winning by half a cars length. Ron Darrell, Phil Cancillier and Barry Scarr would all take the flag in events. Steve Brazier would excite the fans by breaking the three lap record twice, and bettered the one and four lap record as well.

1977 would follow a very big year for the local drivers. David Wignall would Captain the local team of Brian Norman, Ron Shepherd and Peter Taunton. Late this month would see the biggest Demolition Derby top date with 50 entries.

The track was under control of Canberra International Raceways Pty Ltd at this point. Gordon Talyor, John Lange and Ron Ulrich were all listed as directors.

April and Peter Crick would claim the Winfield Easter Cup and the Canberra Day Cup as well as two other major events .

July and Dave Wignall claimed his fifth Jim Fraser Memorial Trophy. Having earlier brovken his own eight lap record. Mrs Fraser presented the trophy and laughingly stated that Wignall was giving her very little opportunity to meet any other drivers. Tony Guy made himself known by pushing Morrie Greig hard in two races and claiming two seconds. Tony Hopping, Son of Sid would claim the eight lap warm up and Fender Bender feature. Phil Oliver again managed four wins from four starts

The opening of a second 647m dirt track made Fraser Park the first to have twin track racing in Australia in August 1977. Many earlier drivers had dropped out due to the cost of maintaining asphalt capable vehicles. Tyres alone cost a fortune. Wignall, House and Rawlings all tested the track prior to its opening and pronounced it very fast with high speeds expected. The new track would be named Tralee Speedway to distinguish it from the asphalt track. Helen Fraser once again officiated at the opening of the new track.

David House would take home the honours, not only setting the initial record but unofficially bettering it soon after. Driving his own car rather than a Berco vehicle he claimed two heats, a final, The Coca Cola Stars Invitation and the main feature. Jim Hansen (Class Two Sedans), Garry Scorgie (1600cc), Brian Driver (Early Models) and John Green (Improved Series) Terry McInerney all claimed the flag on the opening day. The new track saw sedans in different classes, speed cars, modified sprints and sprint cars return to dirt racing at Tralee.

The asphalt track would see Ron Shepherd claim several wins and brothers Harry, Bob And Peter Bink all together for the first time.

The second week would see Phil Oliver return to form and the track. The former ACT champ had blown his 750cc midget 8 months previously and had not raced during this time. He drove his new Yamaha powered formula 500 to two impressive wins breaking the 6 lap record. Brian Norman would win the 20 Lap feature almost breaking Wignalls record, won the 8 lap A division and the three way match race. Ron Darrell claimed the second division trophy dash.

Peter Crick would claim the Winfield Easter Cup and the Canberra Day Cup as well as two other major events

September would see Valerie Norton of Canberra continue to test the male dominated sport becoming the first lady to race the new track in open class. Driving a Torana she would not be intimidated by likes of Davis House, Henry Van Sebille, Tony Nicastri and David Corson on the track. September would see Phil Oliver beat Australian Champion, Clive Pollett and Ron Gardiner though each managed to break track records. Tony Guy would best Morrie Greig who had become the man to beat holding The ACT and Tasmanian Championships.

October and The Coca Cola $2000 classic was postponed due to several locals and Sydney based rivers rebuilding and reworking the vehicles, and many other drivers attending lots of events at other tracks. Peter Bink would excite the fans with his win over Wignall in the Stars Trophy Dash after winning his Second division event earlier in the night.

November and the Big Rigs thundered around the new track with David House and Bob Rawlings among the opening competitors. 350 horse power Scania‟s, Transtar, Volvos, Kenworths and a Mercedes all added to the excitement for the first time in Australia. Speed events competed for the Leadfoot 1977 trophy while skill events contested Top Truckie 1977. Drivers travelled from as far as Tasmania for the chance to compete. Some participants were driving past and heard about it on the radio or CB, unhooked the trailer and joined in. Bob Rawlings would win the day.

Bob Rawlings (Right Truck)

November would arrive with former NSW Champ Ray Brewer having recently moved to Canberra With the car he purchased from Garry Rush who had used it to claim the Australian title. With Tony and Barry Guy, Frank Van Sebille, John Christy and Warren Grieg Modified fans were seeing some of the best action in Australia in their own backyard weekly. Jim Winterbottom who won the 1974 Australian Modified Sprint car Championship would return after a three year absence to race the newer track for the first time. Sydney would also send Bob Blacklaw and Paul Rowland.

Family fun would see Father and Son Tony and Ray Broso contest and event against Harry, Bob and Peter Bink not leaving much room for many others on the track.

The Monaro Club would run it‟s Inaugural Champion Of Champion Series. Ron Ulrich would take his first drive in nearly two years after selling his Superior Screens Torana to pedal the EMS EH Holden.

December and all our Christmas‟s arrived at once. The ACT Sedan Championship saw around $130,000 dollars of rolling stock compete for one of the richest prizes offered to date. Barry Grahams Formula Mirage was reputed to have cost $30,000 with Brian Callaghan‟s Pontiac Firebird race ready at $20,000. Times had certainly changed from the early days of $500 hundred dollar Holdens. American Mustangs and Camaros were still challenged by the ubiquitous Australian XU1 Toranas. Barry Graham claimed the day.

1978 and Ron Ulrich was now firmly in the promoters seat instead of the driver‟s seat and he closed a deal with former Promoter Peter Gurbiel opening the way for many National and International events to be run this season. Teams from Newcastle‟s International Motodrome would compete in up to 10 events locally. Dave Wignall would Captain this seasons team against the Americans by leading Brian Norman, Ron Shepherd and Peter Taunton into the fray.

February 1978 arrived and Johnny Anderson was to return to Tralee. Considered to have single handed been responsible for the shift from Super Modifieds to Modified Sprint Cars. His imported car impressed the locals in 1972 when he was considered unbeatable and Garry Rush subsequently purchased the vehicle. The import was the first clutchless vehicle of its kind to race Australia and once owned by an Aussie, this would prove a barrier to Rush racing it locally. Others imported the cars and the rules were eventually amended in the face of growing support for the design.

Peter Bink would see his first win on the track claiming the division 2 Trophy dash from Jim Brewer and Gunter Sandner. He then went on to win the division one and two finals on the night. David Conlin would set a new 15 lap record to beat the two year old record of Garry Patterson.

Due to Gene Welch being in an unfortunate road accident, Johnny Anderson was retained by Liverpool to replace him causing Fraser Park to register a complaint as he had confirmed his appearance. Gene‟s back luck would continue when working in a Sydney workshop a piece of metal lodged in his eye.

The third week would see Barry Guy, David Conlin, Ray Brewer, Morrie Greig and Warren Greig all claim wins. Brian Norman scored The Grand National Sedans Handicap after winning an eight lap heat earlier. Tony Guy would win the five lap Indian Stampede and the President‟s Trophy Dash. Phil Oliver would regain the eight lap record.

Ron Darrell again dominated the B Class winning an eight lap heat and Liverpool Discounts Trophy dash making making nine wins in three meetings. Tony Robbie would pick up two wins and a second on the asphalt and Phil Oliver won the grand Prix Midget Final. John Vorosmarty claimed two heats in the speed cars as well.

Mel Kenyon, Johnny Anderson and Sleepy Tripp would arrive for an International test series. Kenyon was holder of three Tralee records at the time of this visit. Facing them a vertible who‟s who of the Austral;ian scene included Howard Revell, Barry Pinchbeck, George Tatnell, Stan Lawrence, Kevin Cox, Kevin Gormley and Sid Middlemass would contest the Americans relay style. A big Saturday night would see the Twin City Sprint Car Championship run the very next day.

Steve Brazier would race the dirt and the asphalt at a single meeting in a great month for him. He had recently won the City of Parramatta Sprint Car Classic breaking Gary Rush‟s 15 lap record in the process and seeting a new mark for the 12 lap. He then won every race at Gurbiels Newcastle track. His appearance here was hoped to break his own track record. The Greig Brothers, The Guyco Guys, Brewer, Van Sebille and John Christy would all try to prevent it.

This year finally saw a resolution to the dispute between Confederation Australian Motor Sports (Cams) and Speedway tracks resolved. The ban on competing was lifted and Max De Jersey became the first road race competitor to try his skills at Tralee.

April and The Winfield Easter $5000 would see Barry Graham take the flag. The KLG Autumn Cup was also held this month.

April witnessed the debut of a Holden Commodore, owner Paul Jordan engaged Kevin Brumby to drive the “Car Of The Year” at Tralee, having raced it himself for little over a month in Victoria. Beach Buggies were demonstrated in an unofficial contest to generate novel interest.

June and the 40 lap Coca Cola $2000, was bring drivers and crowds to the return of the dirt track. It was to bring Wignall and House into confrontation for the first time in a long time. As Wignall preferred Asphalt and House dirt, they had not faced each other for nearly 5 years. Considering their early popularity and dominance in the sport, A Mini Clubman was to race once again among the Monaro‟s, Camaro‟s and Toranas.

Unfortunately the race was postponed and the numbers dropped to forty drivers by the time the flag dropped and Wignall had to withdraw to fulfil other commitments. It would not be until 1980 that they appeared together on the same track. Ron Shepherd was also to compete having been one of the veterans of the old dirt track, the asphalt and the new dirt track having driven Torana‟s on all three but withdrew as his new car was suffering teething issues.

Brad Stevens of Holder entered his 30 year old FJ in the ACT Championships. Ron Shepherd debuted his Terry Pulford Monaro.

Current ACT Champ Phil Oliver would contest the ACT Grand Prix against NSW Champ Rick Wilson and Ron Gardiner who was holder of two track records. Phil had held virtually every record on the dirt at once but the move to asphalt had seen bigger engines arrive and he had just upgraded to a new Yamaha 700cc.

Short Circuit Enduro bikes also debuted this year, bringing a new class of bike to Tralee.

This year‟s Truckarama in November saw ladies compete for the very first time in a two day event that tested skill and speed. Debbie Beachham of Sydney was named to compete on the dirt surface with other events to occur on the asphalt. The purse of $6000 mean the quality of entrants had increased to serious competitions. This very same event saw the Trucks do major damage to the back straight as well as the start finish area. Conferences with local club officials and Mr Morrison decided the track would revert to a dirt surface as it would be beneficial in reviving interest and allowing people who could not afford the cost of Asphalt cars to return to the track. Dirt also offered a chance to return to Teams based events and more exciting driving. Where fields of 20 to 30 had once raced, eight to ten starters would now compete in $30,000 super sedans and the result was also noticed at Liverpool with similar issues. December 27 would see the USA vs Australia test the first event on the revert to dirt surface. House would Captain Australia.

1979 to mark the reversion to the name of Tralee Speedway since the removal of the asphalt a “sudden death” meeting opened the season with David House, Billy Martin, Brian Norman and Fred Seery. The inaugural Southern NSW Round Robin of January featured Sedans, Sprint Cars, Grand Prix Midgets and Enduro Motorcycles. Martin And Seery each claimed feature races in the revert to dirt. Frank Van Sebille claimed victory in the Australia Vs USA sprintcar match starting 8th on the grid but first over the line.

With the main Circuit‟s return to dirt, the future of the 647m secondary track was called in question when Ron Ulrich announced despite the track providing a counterpart to the asphalt, that it had not performed financially. The attendance figures at the first three meetings of the year were close to records for the track and the drivers were claiming it was better than ever now the dirt had settled.

This years 50 lap Coca Cola ACT Saloon Car Championship attracted drivers from all over the state. Bill Martin would step up in Frank Nicastris Torana, Fred Seery, Lee Morphet, Tony Kranitis, John Walton and Ray MaCallum would all ensure Goulburn was well represented. Brian Norman and David House would continue their tussle for track supremacy. Frank Cotterill had recently moved from Sydney and prepared a Mini. Wagga‟s Des Gibbs would bring a V8 mustang to the melee and Cooma would be represented by Robert Stoud, Owen Johnson and Neil McGregor.

Won by Terry McInerny after House blew a motor, Hunter broke an axle qualifying and the rear axle fell out Shepherds Torana being driven by Norman. Cartwright developed steering problems and Johnson speared into the fence. Despite the carnage the win was well deserved as McInerny set a new lap record qualifying.

Frank Van Sebille won the Indian File Stampede and Phil Cancillier cleaned up two of his three events in his HR.

April and The Autumn Cup meeting would occur.

Fourth week and Grenville Anderson, Australian Champion for 1976 and 1978 race for the very first time at Tralee to contest the $1000 Datsun Queanbeyan Winner Take All meeting. Paul McKew former NSW and Newcastle champion would drive his mini, Anderson, House and Wignall would all compete in Toranas. Ken Capp who had announced his retirement after 10 years as a steward would appear as Chief Steward for the meeting as he had no affiliation to any club, only the Speedway. David House took home the purse.

The Support event was a Media Demolition Derby with two cars each from 2CA, 2CC, CTC TV, Queanbeyan Age and Canberra times. The lead drivers were Jim Wilshire, Jim Pilgrim, John Wilson, Bob Woods and Paul Gover respectively.18 events including the 35 lap Mothers Day Feature on the night meant a good nights entertainment with McKew winning the event.

April saw the first Commodore to race in Australia entered at Tralee. It was reported that Kevin Brumby Of Victoria would compete in the Australian Saloon Car Federation series. Owned by Paul Jordan, the car had already raced for several months in Victoria. It is not recorded whether it competed or not.

November and Brian Norman would drive Ron Shepherd‟s Torana early in the month only to lose to his own old Torana driven Terry McInerney, then claim a heat from Fred Seery. David House would the night.

Garry Patterson would take out the ACT Sprint car Championship title this year.

Rick Hunter brought his Falcon Cobra to race in December to contest the Coca Cola $3000. Having preferred dirt tracks he had rarely been seen at Tralee during the asphalt days. John Cartwright, Terry McInerney, Brian Norman, Ross Nicastri would be amongst others to also contest the event.

House and Norman fought a torrid battle in the Air New Zealand - 2CA series with House barely beating him across the line. Owen Johnston would claim the series but David House would break his own 10 lap record. Bill Martin would return with the dirt and win an event. The month also saw the Truckarama return, apparently all was forgiven for the past years damage. Annette Crawford of Canberra was noted as representing the ladies this year.

December and former NSW Champion Fred Seery in his SLR 5000 was to Captain Owen Johnson, Terry McInerny and Ron Shepherd, all driving Toranas against a team from NSW only to lose by one point. The NSW team consisted of John Nangle‟s Corvette, Terry Gaynon‟s Mustang, Phil Harris‟s Superbird and Barry Lewis in a Camaro. Seery had only recently supercharged his vehicle and blew the engine during the warmup. Jack Lemon of Young would take his place. McInerney would beat the NSW Captain by 2 points in the series and gain the Walsh‟s Hotel Trophy. In the 25 lap A Grade Feature, Ron Shepherd would take the flag and the lap record, McInerney second and Terry Pulford third. Pulford had just returned to racing after nearly eight years. Bevan Smart would claim three wins in B Grade and Phil Cancillier two in Standard Saloons One of the Pontiac Firebirds used in the filming of Smokey And The Bandit made an appearance at this meeting.

John Egan had been call upon by Australian selectors to do a rebuild on the Falcon GT Superbird driven by David Wignall. It‟s twin would be driven by Ken Barlow. Both would break their semi retirement to face the USA in the Moffatt style V8. It would also mark the rare times Wignall had driven other than a Holden or General Motors vehicle. Such was Egans skill that Peter Gurbiel who owned the vehicle freighted the engine from Newcastle. 351 V8 Moffat styled falcons „s were joined by Ron Shepherd‟s XU1 and Brian Norman‟s Chev Monza.

Ken Barlow

1980 January the second would see the trails and testing done and the Tralee team faced off the Americans in Pontiac Firebirds to win the night by 16 points. Barlow would hit the fence putting him in doubt for Friday the 11th. Shepherd and Norman would both claim four heats to Wignalls one. Norman would also set a track record. Gene Welch stated that he underestimated the skill and speed of the smaller cars believing this years team was the fastest he had ever brought down under. David House would replace Barlow on the team and John Egan would rework House‟s engine for the test. The Americans would even the series with Ed Wilbur and Jackie Hewitt dominating the night. Frank Van Sebille took out the Sprintcar Stars trophy Dash and Henry Morrison claimed the standard sedans handicap final.

Saturday 12th would see the trials for the Australia Day cup and Shepherd‟s return to form with a win in the 20 lap feature race.

Brian Norman would survive three restarts in his Chev Monza to win the $3000 Australia Day Cup, run for the first time and over 50 laps. Owen Johnson would claim the Stars Invitation. Former NSW Champion Adrian Anderson (Brother of Grenville) would make his debut with a one lap track record. Harry Delamont of Young would set a new mark for Modifieds only to have Barry Guy beat it later in the night.

The final round of the Ansett Airlines Modified Sprint Car Competition would feature leading point scorer Barry Guy against regulars John Christy, Frank Van Sebille and Jim Lomas. Christy and Lomas would split the points in a tie for the test.

A conflicting report exists of the first Commodore to race Tralee, owned by John Pyne of Cessnock. This month saw the first ever appearance of an Oldsmobile Starfire at Tralee, driven by Gordon Lillford. Of note, a supercharged Datsun 1600 was also to compete, showing 6 cylinder engines had avoided the bans place on V8‟s.

February and crowds flocked with great interest to see 19 year old Dale Buggins perform his first major stunt show at Tralee. Along with 16 year old sister Chantelle, they debuted the motorcycle on a high wire for the first time in Australia. He also performed a jump over 14 production sedans. Known for his control of a bike during a “wheelie” or “Mono” the flamboyant record holder dressed like and acknowledged Evel Kneivel as his inspiration, he held two world records at the time.

The ACT production Sedan Championship would see a recent convert from Hot Rods take the title from David House and Brian Norman by a single point. Paul Geale of Newcastle finished hid Chev Monza in third place but first in the points system seeing him claim the Trophy. Tony Nicholas ran the fastest time of the night to win his heat. Hot Rods would also feature with Neil Haggiel of Maitland winning the Walsh‟s Hotel Trophy10 lap handicap. Ray Brewer claimed he flag twice and Frank Van Sebille once.

The ACT Modified sprint car Championship was also held this month. Bob Kelly from QLD was considered the biggest threat to Patterson who replaced his engine when he heard of Kelly‟s entry. The new power plant would see Patterson break the 10 and 15 lap record and then to the delight of the crowd he was given a solo chance at the track record and nailed it in the fastest time recorded ever on the dirt. Phil Cancillier celebrated his 10 year anniversary by winning all three standard saloon events. Bill Quade won two Sedan events and Russ Heaton claimed the 5 lap dash.

This month, Garry Patterson drove his second time in a sedan at Tralee. The first time he left the track in an Ambulance. This time he climbed out of his regular sprint car to drive a Falcon superbird eight years later.

March and the dirt would see Brian Norman Captain the team against a USA invasion for the first time. Fred Seery John Smith and Paul Geale would join him. Fred would drive his usual “Firey Fred”s/LR 5000 with the rest in Chevy Monza‟s. Norman would lead the team to victory over the Charlie Swartz imports. Two Weeks later the American‟s demanded a second chance so the team was reinforced by Alan Butcher QLD and former NSW Champ Adrian Anderson. Butcher had only appeared once at Tralee since 1971 and debute the first Corvette Stingray to race at Tralee. Norman and Geale retained their spots on the team. Inspired to reclaim their only loss in the tour, the Americans won every heat despite being pushed hard and too rub salt in the wound they broke the four lap record four times.

Barry Guy won his event despite Frank Van Sebille dominating the heats, Phil Cancillier claimed the eight lap race and Adrian Anderson beat American Combs in the Production Sedan Final.

April and the running of the 150 lap Grand Prix with a Purse of $7000 would see two drivers per car. Grenville Anderson and brother Adrian, Crick and Smee, John Singleton and Seery, Norman and Cartwright, Roger Clark and John Smith, Kennerley and John Christy would challenge House and Revell

June and an early crowd favourite would arrive for the 10th Anniversary Meeting. Max Kennerley would partipate in a 22 event program. Kennerley won nine successive events in 1970 to 1971, including one at the opening meeting. The crowd loved Max and they loved his is purple HD.

Dick Calcott who also raced at the Inaugural meeting would also participate in the Demolition Derby with Ken Barlow and Arthur Briggs.

July and Grenville Anderson would showcase the skill that won three National Super Sedan Championships to take the race and the 10 lap track record. Alan Baker and Paul O‟Neill would claim the placings. B Murray won the fender benders and M Broers the 1500 Sedans.

October saw an interesting story about a car and it‟s history. Throughout the tracks history many purchased a car when the driver upgraded, Berco purchased the Monza from the Americans for David Wignall to drive once they left. Some changed hands a few times locally. Local Ken Kirchner would make his first appearance in his newly prepared Everlast GT Falcon. The vehicle had been one of the best performing V8 when it had been built by Denis O‟Brien of Wagga who would also drive it in a clash with the USA. The car was well engineered for asphalt by Dennis and very reliable. The car was purchased by Brian Pollock and raced within his stable of vehicles with little success. He resold it to Bill O‟Brien‟s Everlast team who rebuilt it and re-engineered it for the dirt surface

This month saw the resurrection of the Twin City Championship. A big event from the early days came back once the asphalt left. Terry Pulford would lead the local team with Terry McInerney, Bill Quade and Lee Morphet rounding out the team. The crowd would also be treated to Bill Martin and Ray McCallum in SLR 5000s, the old Assassin mobile had been put out to pasture and “Doc” Halliday with Tony Wheeler in their XU1s. An all Torana match was a first for the track. Barry Scarr had moved from his Mini to a Monza, the big V8 rear wheel drive being a huge change to the mighty minis front wheel system. November arrived and so did Mark Welch having recently been named NASCAR rookie of the year winning 18 features from 24 starts and the current model XD represented his first ever Ford as well as the first one to have appeared at Tralee. The car was fitted with a 351 V8 to power it and it powered it into the safety fence in his first appearance. At this stage he remained unbeaten in any race he had completed.

The newly formed Canberra Speedway Club would feature in a Solo challenged against Sydney. Steve Kurtz and Mark Maybury would travel from Cowra to fill Canberra‟s ranks with Peter Devitt, Paul Turner, Wayne Martin, Kevin King and regular visitor Jim Burdfield.

The Following week and the Canberra Bulls would take to the track in matched pairs events. Then track record was held by Alf Busk Denmark who had raced with Ole Olsen and the team were all hoping Jim Burdfield could put the record back in Aussie hands. Kevin King would perform the best on the night.

Brian Norman had also moved to a Monza and under orders by the Australian Saloon Car Federation had finished rebuilding to lengthen the wheel base to Australian Standard with only a week to the Coca Cola $3000. He would face off against John Cartwrights Stingray and Mark Welch USA in an Aussie Ford XD. Ron Shepherd would return to the Track after an almost 2 year absence after hurting neck. All the dangers of Speedway and he had taken a fall. He would drive Terry Pulfords XU1, returning to his familiar Toranas. Billy Martin, Gordon Smee, Bob Christie, Jack Lemon, Tony Nicholas would be among the others to vie for the purse. Interesting appearance‟s would be Nick Girdlestone in a Mini Clubman and Andre Felcone in a VW. Norman started the night with the fastest Qualifying time and then took the flag by less than a meter from Tony Nicholas of Albury after the 50 laps against a record 50 entrants.

December would see the Bulls soundly thrash Liverpool where Kevin King remained unbeaten in his ACT appearances. Scott McClean abd Steve Baghurst would contribute to the win.

The chance to race against to top Speedway Dirt Sprinters would see Ray Brewer return from retirement. The Twin Christmas Cups event had attracted a record field for the 35 lap event and former NSW Champion Brewer had not raced for nearly a year. Locals Frank Van Sebille, Barry and Tony Guy would make his life as hard as possible.

Christmas would see Brian Norman and John Smith in their Monza‟s, Tony Nicholas and Terry McInerney face Team America in Chev Camaro‟s yet again. Ed Wilbur would lead the USA down under for the first time as Gene wished to spend his first Christmas in 10 years at home.

This year would see Bill O‟Brien of Everlast shift his focus to road racing and in particular the Bathurst. He would go on often finish in the top 10.

1981 Brian Norman would captain in January against the US and win the feature race by breaking the 20 lap record but unfortunately losing the series despite coming second in all his heats. John Smith of Newcastle, Terry McInerney and Tony Nicholas would share the disappointment. Canberra‟s Henry Morrison would set a new C grade 10 lap record winning two from three starts.

One of the biggest months for the Solos since the track had opened rolled around. It would see World Champion Michael Lee, British Champion Les Collins, European Champion Tommy Knutson and Australian Champion Billy Sanders all compete. Phil Collins, Doug Wyer, Nigel Boocock and Alan Graham. Lee was 21 and Boocock 44 at the time showcasing not only the range of skills but ages as well.John Cooke and Danny Pyeatt, Bobby Schwartz, Dennis Sigalos and Shawn Moran would represent the USA. . Jim Burdfeld would carry Canberra‟s hopes on his handlebars with teammates Billy Sanders, Ricky Day and Dave Mills. Michael Lee left with the honours winning four events.

The Act Production Sedan Championship and Brian Normans Monza was still creating controvery over its wheelbase length. Despite it being Ok in the International match, it was still not certified for by the Australian Federation. He would claim the race on the night.

February and Ole Olsen again arrived from Denmark. “The Great Dane” first appeared in Tralee eight years before and generated huge excitement every time he visited and this was no exception when he broke two track records.

March would see the Australian Grand Prix Championship held. Current holder Tasmania‟s Graham Bray. and various state champions John Walters, Grant Walker, Malcolm Carnell, Ray Brewer and would test Queanbeyans Phil Oliver. Grant Walker walked away with the win.

NZ Champ Barry Butterworth would contest against local Christy, Van Sebille and Barry Guy. The Sedans would the Festival Feature would see House, Shepherd and McQuade entered. Three new riders would try for their place in the Canberra Bulls Solos with Ian Ford, Mark Crowe and Mike Donelly. The Bulls would dominate Wollongong 50 points to 27 and Burdfield would claim a new four lap record. The NSW Junior Speedway Championship would also occur this month keeping the Solo artists very busy at the years start.

The same night would see The ACT Modified Sprint Car Championship and the Arnold‟s Autos Demolition Derby. The sprint cars would field an exiting night with Bob Blacklaw, Ray Brewer, Jim Winterbottom, Bob Tunks, Dick Briton, Ian Sams with Rob and Kev Worthington, Brothers Nipper and Brett Lacey and Frank Van Sebille. Briton return would generate a lot of interest as he had won the first four ACT titles losing at last to Bob Bink in 1975.

Aprils Canberra Grand Prix offered $7500 in purse for the 150 lap spectacular. Each car would complete 75 laps and then switch drivers for the balance. Paired up where Peter Crick and Gordon Smee SS Camaro, Ken Barlow Peter and Peter Taunton GT Falcon, Max Kennerley and John Christy Everlast Cortina, John Singleton and Fred Seery Corvette, Brian Norman And John Cartwright Corvette and Roger Clarke and John Smith Ford XD. Grenville and Adrian Anderson ould drive a Holden A9x with David House and Howard Revell to share the wheel. Graham Monz and John Kennihan, Graham Lilford and John Leslight, Ken And John Lawes, Ross and Tony Nicastri would also compete.

Tralee‟s love of attracting rain to spoil a major event would see the end finals put back to mid may.

Early May would see a massive meet with the Canberra Festival Feature to run Australian Midgets Grand Prix, Modified Sprint Car and Sedan Features, and Canberra taking on Wollongong in the Solos.

June and The Datsun Queanbeyan Birthday Cup would celebrate the tracks 11th birthday with a $1000 prize and an announcement that the final of the 150 lap Grand Prix was pushed back to November after the season reopening.

November arrived and kicked off with the Datsun Queanbeyan Sedan Classic leading a 15 event program. Ross Nicastri would claim the event and Frank Van Sebille the sprints. Howard Revell would gain control the Speed car events winning three and Laurie Bell two.

Sidecars would see an interesting opening to their season when Michelle Buckingham would swing for Barry Boulding. Queanbeyan based she had been involved for five years and was the first lady recorded to enter a Tralee event.

The Tralee 5000 would run the second week with regulars House, Shepherd, Wignall, Norman would take the track against Eric Anderson, Owen Johnson, John Cartwight and Carl Jeffreys over the 75 laps.

The Americans would return to test Norman, Wignall Cartwright, Shepherd and Jeffreys and participate in the 50 lap Coca Cola 3000. Godsey would debut an Oldsmobile Cutlass at for the first time but would see Carl Jeffreys take the flag.

This week would also witness a 20 lap Speedcar Feature with Howard Revell, Ron Mackay and Barry Pinchbeck. Mackay would claim the honours The Bulls sent Newcastle packing 45 to 33.

The Tralee 5000 kicked off December with Ron Mackay back as favourite against Revell, Pinchbeck, Kevin Gormley in an unusual Mazda powered car, Kevin Patton, Ian Saville, Ray Warner and Dean Gall. Garry Rush would reappear to battle Tasmania‟s Tom Moncreiff and ACT Champ Brett Lacey amongst others. Ron Makay would again collect the win. Rob Worthington would take the flag for the Modifieds and David House the Sedan event.

Late December and Sydney and Wollongong riders would Challenge the Bulls. Ian Wedgewood, Mick Gardiner and Phil Cain would all appear. Jim Burdfield would partneer with Scott McClean, Steve Kurtz, Steve Baghurst and Kevin King against them in an unfortunate loss.

1982 Ron Ulrich began advertising to sell his interest. Around this time to take over the lease was estimated about $80,000.

The Australian Sprint Car Championship for 1981 would run with the main interest between Rush And Brazier. Alf Babagello , Bob Blaclaw, Dick Briton and George Tatnell, Nipper and Brett Lacy and Noel Bradford rounded out the event. Rush would rush all the way to his fourth Australian Championship over the 40 laps.

The Americans would be made feel unwelcome by this years team of John Cartwright, Brian Norman, Peter Giddings and Don McEwen. Norman and McEwen drove the Monza‟s, Cartwright his familiar corvette and Giddings a Camaro. The Aussie team would claim the points victory. Combs would claim the four and ten lap records.

The Superior Screens Speedcar Derby attracted reigning champions Barry Pinchbeck NSW and Victorian Ray Bishop to the $1000 contest against Howard Revell, Ron Mackay, John Boyce and Bill Cato. An interesting entry was current Mr Motocross holder Stephen Gall not getting too far away from the bike engines. Barry Pinchbeck claimed the night and shaved 6 seconds off the eight lap mark also marking his first feature win at the track. Barry Guy would dominate the Sprintcar event with Peter Giddings of Wagga taking out the sedans.

Big Ed would bring his team back late January for the second test with only one change to Tralee‟s team. Graham Lilford would take Gidding‟s place. The America‟s would reclaim their honour and Combs set another four lap record. David House in a support event would break the eight lap record

February arrived and the American Sprint Car team did also. The Australia Vs America Sprint Car test brought Jackie Hewiit and Jac Haudenschild with Mike Sweeney up against Barry Guy and Brett Lacey when Brazier was a no show. Frank Van Sebille was called into the team when Guy suffered engine problems with Hewiit claiming the final. Haudenschild would take 13 seconds of the record for six laps only to see Hewitt beat it later.

Ron “Sleepy” Tripp and Lonnie Carruthers kept the interest in The USA matches the following week. Ronald Mackay and Howard Revell would keep them busy. Tripp would go on to win eight of the eleven he raced with Revell claiming the main feature of the night.

This month also held in store the Act Sedan Champions ship sponsored by ACT Head Services. Last years winner Brian Norman would defend his crown and lose it to John Cartwright who also set as new 12 lap record by more than 2 seconds after winning both his qualifying heats then taking out the took out the 20 lap final. Cartwright would also claim the Tralee 5000 75 lap endurance race.

The same meeting would see the running of the Australian Grand Prix Midget Championship. Grant Walker would defend his title winning the night easily and the title for the third time. Alan Streader and Terry Thomas each claimed Speed car Events. Barry Guy cleared two heats and the Final in the Sprint Cars. The Canberra Grand Prix would run late February as part of the Canberra Festival. John Cartwright, Brian Norman, David House, Don McEwen and Carl Jeffreys, Ron Shepherd, Peter Giddings, Russ Heaton and Peter Bink with a change to his Mazda‟s diff ratio would all compete. The rain would again fall on the Tralee Plain and the meeting postponed. The delay actually allowed John Singleton, Terry Osmond, Joe Madsen and Barry Lewis to enter the event Gordon Smee took the flag and purse, Shepherd Second and Jim Hanson third.

March and the ACT Sprintcar Championship and the ACT Grand Prix Midget Championships were contested. Rush would return hoping to emulate his win earlier in the season and Grant Walker would again defend his title. Rush would take the win and six seconds off the 10 lap record and set the new mark for the four laps. Clive Pollock would take an exciting win and the title for the Speed cars.

March would see the test against New Zealand. Garry Harris, Blondie Chamberlain, Ray Wright and Bruce Taylor would face off against Brian Norman, Graham Lilford, John Cartwright Jim Hansen and Harry Delamont.

April ended having seen Ron Mackay with the ACT Midget Title, George Komorowski claimed the Points in the Blackwoods sponsored series despite a win by Barry Guy, John Cartwright winning the 15 lap sedan feature by a whisker over Blondie Chamberlain. The Canberra Bulls would accept a challenge from Shepparton, Bobby Baker would captain Peter Devitt and Wayne Sanders against Col Winzaar, Brian Scott,Graeme McDougall and Graeme Gillespie. They would win impressively with 52 points to 26.

November and Ron Ulrich handed Promoter duties over to Rick Otton Of Gunning

1983 with the current owners attention focused elsewhere, Negotiations to resell the track were underway and a drastic reduction in the number and scale of events was announced. The usual invasion of Americans over the Christmas to January period was noticeably absent.

The Act Speedway Sedan Championship ran in late January to open the season. Tony Kranitis in a Commodore, Bruce Ingram in a Corvette, Ross Nicastri in his Commodore, Gordon Smee‟s Ponitac, Peter Binks Mazda would all see the tail end of David House crossing the winning line in front of them. Tony Kranitis and John Fairall took second and third. Damien Chatillion would drive his Corvette to victory in the support race.

February and the ACT Sprintcar Championship included the Lacey Duo, Sid Moore , Bob Blacklaw, Bob Tunks, Kevin and Rob Worthington, John Walsh, Bob RutleyJeff Gifford, Stan Wallace and Dennis Farr would all travel from Sydney, Bill Burrows from South Australia would all test the mettle of regulars John Christy, Damien Chantillion, George Komorowski.

David House would again face strong competition from The Nicastri brothers and Bruce Ingram would race his new Corvette.

August and Alan, Wayne and Steve Olive took over as promoters. Alan had been into speedway for many years and was once associated with Ray Revell. They planned a focus on Sedan events but promised not to neglect speed cars and sprinters. One of the first big changes was the construction of a 310 Meter track to bring the bikes back to a more exciting and closer spectacle. The Bulls prepared for a big season.

November and Peter Bink would grow to be a dominant force during this period opening this season with Three Super Sedan wins. Warren Taggart competeing in the Solos would take the November Classic Trophy points. Dick Pettit of Wollongong took out the improved Sedan event of the night.

The following week saw the Bulls take to the field as a team with Jim Burdfield having returned from the UK. They would convincingly beat Sydney 33 to 24 with Burdfield and Kevin pace performing well on the night.

It also saw the first ever BMX race with a purse of $175 on offer. Noted as having entered the Sedan competitions were Terry Scorgie of Yass and Brian Holbrook. Paul Gover who had reported Tralee‟s deeds over the years as Motoring Editor for the Canberra times would face off against TV reporter Craig Petroni in a Media special.

Late December and Former Australian GP Midget champ Ken Radcliffe crossed the line by a half a wheel in front of the pack which included Kevin Gormley, Graham Parton, Darren Saillard, Gill Mcinnes , Dennis Bell, Sid Middlemass, Jim Winterbottom, Dean Gall and Ken Lawrence.

1984 and The American‟s returned with veterans of the tests all in Pontiac Firebirds to face John Cartwright, Gordon Smee, Ross Nicastri and Jim Dyer. Five points would see the Americans in front at the conclusion of the first round.

Australia would recover the second test and their honour winning by 19 points. Support events would see David House, Peter Bink claim Super Sedan wins and Gary Coates would win the improved Sedans

Danny Smith would travel down under to race his Modified against our best. He had regularly beaten Garry Rush and the night would feature the ACT Sedan Championship. Tony Guy and John Christy hoped for a home track advantage as Tony had beaten the American once before.

February came and Darren Saillard began to make his mark in the field. Saillard was current reigning Australian Go Cart Champion and had moved to speedcars. Darryl Young of Sydney would best locals Saillard and Bell in the rookies race. Howard Revell, Ken Radcliffe, Ian Saville and Terry King would all claim heats. Kevin Gormley would claim the 20 lap feature.

David House would crack the eight lap record despite close competition from Russell Heaton. Seg Bramble took honours in the Improved Sedans, Steve Brazier Jr won with Barry Guy and John Christy filling the placings.

Dar Davies appeared at the Speedway with a show of monos, jumping a moving utility and the human Catherine Wheel. At 17 he was already making his best efforts to fill the riding boots of the late Dale Buggins.

March saw speed car legend and NSW Champion Sir Jack Brabham take the wheel of Ray Revell‟s 1948 Offy. He drove about 15 laps for the first time in 30 years.

Howard would again take the wheel of his Berco Cosworth which many claimed to be the fastest Speedcar in Australia at the time. To test this claim were Tatnell, Gormley, Radcliffe, King and Jim Winterbottom for the run at the ACT Speedcar Championship. George Tatnell would claim another win at Tralee with Revell and Eric Smith taking the placings. Barry Pinchbech would take the consolation over Ian Mackay and Darryl Young.

Wayne Olive moved to a new Torana to vie for Davis House‟s wins. Gary Plantin in the Hall Service Station Mini would win the feature.

Grand Prix midgets to contest the Bart Wilkinson Memorial 15 lap race included Grant Walker and Clive Pollett.

UFO Sprintcars from many states gathered for the inaugural NSW Championship. Runners would include Noel Carey, Les Begg, John Reiher, Frazier Johnson and Alan Tredwell.

Gary Rush would again be favourite for the ACT Sprintcar Championship. Max Durnsney impoving form in claiming the NSW and Victorian Championship would see him against Tatnell, Blacklaw, The Laceys, The Guys, Tunks, Walsh, Brazier, Dennis Farr and John Christy.

April would see the Speedcar Stampede where the last over the line would be eliminated. With David House, Peter Bink and Dale Burgess separated by only one point it meant the night would determine the point score champ.

Grant O‟donnell of the ACT would debut a Mitsubishi Starion at Amaroo. Most Mitsubishi car around this time had horse based names ie Colt, Eclipse and when asked what the new vehicle was to be called, the story goes that the Japanese told them Colt Starion (Stallion). Mitsubishi says "Starion" is a contraction of "Star of Orion" and refers to both a star and the mythical horse, Arion.

The Holbrook Cup would open the winter season come March. Entries from House , Bink, Russell Heaton, Greg Donohue and Warren Gay would Drive against Brian Holbrook, the sponsor.

The Bulls would announce they would be joining the Motor Cycle Club Of Canberra as Fairbairn Park offered more support to Solos. Tralee with its focus on Sedans, Modifieds and Speed cars had made it hard for them to get a regular racing schedule and interest was waining in the class. November and Peter Bink introduced his new RX7 to Tralee crowds and competitors. Replacing his RX4 the vehicles motor had been built by Reliance Automotive Services and the fibreglass body by Peter and Mick Foley.

Late in the month and House would claim three wins in a single meet.

Among the legends of Fraser Park, not all were drivers. The passing in December of John Egan was sadly noted. Involved with the track from it‟s opening day and long associated with Berco, He had built winning performance engines for Wignall, House, O‟Brien and Revell. He was the Canberra based go to guy if you needed a modification or a repair. The inaugural John Egan Memorial for Super Sedans over 35 laps saw the largest ever business sponsorship commitment to a race, showing how well respected he was.

Modifieds, Speed cars and demonstration of Rally Cars including ACT Champion Nick Belfield would fill the support program.

This years ACT Super Sedan Championship was claimed by Len Cuthbert in his Commodore.

1985 Brian Holbrook took over the Promoters position. The first major change was the track was converted to a clay surface

The year kicked off with Fred Seery, David House and Peter Bink against the annual US invasion American legend Steve Kinser had dominated Sprint car racing for almost 10 years and commenced his Australian tour. He would go on the win nearly every start in Australia.

Canberra faced Wollongong for the annual Super Sedan tests. Canberra would be represented by David House, Peter Bink with a Reliance rebuilt motor, Darren Carey and Tony Reimer. Wollongong would send to face them reigning ACT Super Sedan Champ Len Cusbert, Margie Turner, Clive Turner and Keith Cameron.

February came and so did the running of the ACT Speedcar championship. Mike Hele, Jim Pyne and Les Begg were all to be watched for the win. Gormley, Winterbottom, Radcliffe, Saville,Cox And Mackay would stand in their way.

Sedans would be a supporting act with House, Bink, Tony Reiner and Darren Corey in Commodores, Brian Holbrook and Steve Olive in Corvettes with Nick Girdlestone and Don Sands in Camaros. Modified events would see John Christy, Dave Lewis and Glen Aylott headlining.

Len Cuthbert would return in March to seek back to back wins in the ACT Super Sedan Championship. Gary Rush would star against a large field with nearly very member of The Sydney Sprint Car Club To attend.

Late in the month and the Australian GP Midget and the ACT Improved Sedans Title would run the same night for a big night of racing. Mick King would defend his title in the Midgets against Clive Pollett, Grant Walker, Peter Fox and Noel Freeman. Torana‟s would dominate the entries among thirty competitors including Warren Hebditch, Neville Bailey and Mick Grainger.

1986 Barry Graham, Paul O‟Neill, Gene Cook and Walter Giles to face the Americans for the thirteenth year Graham had captained the team for seven years. O‟Neill was current NSW and Australian Grand National champ and Cook from Tasmania who was to race his Tralee debut.

February and Speed cars appeared this season for the first time with wings and Howard Revell celebrated 25 years as a competitor. Garry Rush was now seven times Australian Champion and a Tralee regular. Brian Quade would appear among the Sedan drivers.

November and Holbrook had reportedly spent around $150.000 improving the Speedway during the winter break.The clay surface was reported to be in the best condition since its installation. Stampede events took place for the first time where the last car in each lap was eliminated from the field. The winter recess over would see the return to the track of David Wignall, Peter Bink, Bill Quade, David House, Russell Heaton, Col Parker and Sandy McKay. Solos would appear and much interest was on the clay and the sprintcars. Kevin McCallem of Victoria would claim the flag and trim 3 seconds from the 12 lap record making the money spent on the surface worth it. Other winners on the night were Owen Johnson, Rob Brooks, Bob Mitchell and Paul King.

December‟s first week saw crashes, lips and spins and rolls bring the event to a stop in the Modifieds, Harry Delamont and Dave Lewis both suffered badly. Bob Mitchell would claim the modified Sedans and Bill Quade claimed a point based title.

Steve and Randy Kinser took the fight to the best Tralee could muster. Both claimed heats despite the slick surface. George Tatnell won the 10 lap heat beating the track record to show what it would take the beat the Winged Warrior from America. He stated that he was happy with the win but “heats don‟t count – its only features” and Steve proved him right.by winning the feature race. Randy would clock a one lap record before withdrawing due to a crash damaging his suspension.

Barry Butterworth would take the honour in the first appearance locally of the winged speedcars despite stiff opposition from Howard Revell and David House. Nick Girdlestone and Mal Sommerville claimed wins in the Super Sedans and Bob Mitchell continued his winning streak in his Torana.

Gary Pollock would claim a win in an unusal event contested on the inner 360m motorcycle track over the 15 laps midget dash. A power failure downed the main track lighting not long after Bill Quades victory in the twin 20‟s season opener and Jim Burdfield win in the Solos.

December and the Kinsers returned to the delight of the crowds. Their second tour under had seen Steve win every event he contested. In his ninth year as Plate 1for the USA and Seven years as World of Outlaws champion a top field of Australian drivers would attempt to beat him at Tralee.

1987 and the roads leading into the Speedway had at last been sealed with bitumen and gate prices were now adults $10 kids $4. Averaging 4000 people a meeting and as many as 7000 for the Kinser visits. Brian had encouraged the resurgence of interest in local speedway and invested in the track and promotions. An exciting innovation of Video Taping the events was now to be done.

As usual the American Assault arrived. Ross Nicastri Would lead Ralph Ranger, John Pyne and Mick Rowell of QLD into the field to claim a four point win in the test. Bob Mitchell and David House would win support events.

Owen Johnson would win a wet track after hitting Wayne Olive and spearing the Torana into the fence. This returned him to contention for the NSW Super Sedan Championship. Harry Dealmonts first appearance since his bad dump last December where he broke his collarbone led to a win and Ron Hutchison was the best midget on the night.

The NSW Super Sedan Championship would be won by title holder John Pyne in his Pontiac. Eleven Stoppages marred the event and Nick Gildlestone second, Ron Letham third would be of the ten cars left at the finish. David House and Peter Bink applied early pressure but failed to finish the race. House had earlier claimed a Speed car win, Dave Batten claimed the 10 lap Sprint car event. The second test against the yanks would see them win by three points after Team captain Nicastri slammed the turn one fence when his brakes failed. John Pyne would be the best performing Aussie on the night. Peter Bink would shake off a collision with Bill Quade to win the Sedans on the night.

The third test would see the Aussies hold off the Americans in the decider after Godsey and Pyne spent the night banging into each other. The 63 to 57 point win was the best margin of the tests. Steve Kurtz claimed the Formula 500s on the night, Scoot Humphries tagged the Solos track records and David House drove Bob Mitchells Torana to his win for the night.

The John Egan memorial was offering $10,000 total prize money and drivers were enticed to race. John Pyne took the victory lap continuing his recent form in claiming events. Peter Aylett, 1986 Super Sedan title holder could not make a dent in Pynes Pontiac. Defending Super Sedan Champion John Sands would trry for back to back wins. Pyne win also added to the Triple Crown offered by Brian Holbrook to the first driver to claim the big three.

February followed a huge month when Garry Rush returned from the Inaguaral World Sprintcar Championship with the title. Solos would see Chris Watson, former Australian Short Circuit champion against Jim Burfield who had been spending a lot of time competing in England the last few seasons . Ian Wedgewood was noted to give them both a run for the money.

Peter Bink would win two heats and the feature. David House would attend his last meeting in a six cylinder car

March and Peter Pulford had moved to a full time business engineering motors. The John Egan Memorial the previous month had seen 16 competitors badged Pulford Racing Engines his engines powered first, second, third, fourth and sixth in the Super Sedan Classic. Although Peter had raced earlier, this was now his focus for his efforts at Tralee and many were benefiting from his expertise. He was at this time working on an engine for David House „s $40.000 speed machine for Parmac Racing and a competitive engine was costing around $17 to $22,000 dollars. Brian Holbrook was to claim that attracting top talent to Tralee was not the problem, finding space for them in the events was.

The ACT Sprintcar title saw a few pile ups before Sid Moore from Sydney claimed the flag. John Walsh claimed second after leading the race the entire time and Kev Worthington claimed third. In individual time trials the lap record would fall four times with Gary Rush the last to succeed. George Tatnell would better the 12 lap record by 3.3 seconds in his win only to see Bob Blacklaw shave another 0.8 seconds off it claiming the very next heat. Dennis Farr would also claim one of the heats. Bob Mitchell paired with David House to win the 50 lap enduro and Mal Sommerville would survive the Super Sedan Final.

March Sprinters broke the one lap record 4 times in one night, showing how well the track was being looked after as well as it was getting harder to keep your record than it was to score it. 17 events in one night were scheduled giving the crowds a lot to turn up for. The demolition Derby to close the season attracted 35 entries

November and Brian and Gaye officially announced the name change to The Pespi Powerdrome. The name was not the only change, the track now had a corporate box and Brian Wilshire was hired to handle all media and sponsorship matters. All up the changes had seen $250.000 invested over the past 2 years. Better access, improved lighting a new sound system had all been included. The clay had been resurfaced during the recess Average crowd sizes now were equal or better to the early days when the track was new.

Competitors were investing a lot more in their vehicles as well. Cars worth up to $40.000 like Owen Johnson‟s Ford Thunderbird were hitting the track and generating 351 hp as well as a lot of excitement. The modified sedan class still meant an average guy could hit the track in a Cortina or a new generation hatchback Torana and be competitive at under $5000. Names like Jim Brewer, Bob Mitchell, Danny Grey and Russell Heaton were all to provide excitement in this area.

December and Goulburns Fred Seery won the 20 lap feature cementing his place in the test team to face the USA. Graham Lilford and Richard Howe claimed second and third. Ross Nicastri clocked the second fastest time in the national time trials and was now a certainty to join the test as well. Tony Broso would prove a crowd pleaser with his “Garden Shed on Wheels” and Ian Saville would clain honours in the 15 lap winged midgets match over Aaron ??enny and John Cratchley. Bill Quade would take the flag in his Pontiac, Broso second and Peter Pulford third in the Holbrook Removals Pontiac.

The year 1988 witnessed several firsts for the track and heralded a big year of things to come.

January and Team Tralee to face the USA incorporated Ross Nicastri, Fred Seery, Alan Butcher and Graham Lilford. All accomplished at the home tracks and familiar to the track and spectators. Seery was replaced by Walter Giles as he had business engagements in Japan. The Solos were well represented with Nigel Boocock bringing a team of seven to compete on the inside track.

Go Carts made their Powerdome debut. Normally racing the sealed track at Fairbairn, the pocket rockets races the inside dirt track on racing slicks. The drivers admitted it was a lot harder but also a lot of fun.

This month also witnessed the inaugural Australian Speedway Rod Associations Championship held at the Track. 35 hot rods were to contest the trophy . Unusual for the meet, no one had ever driven the track before and pre race practices were forbidden to ensure a neutral event. Charles Kovacs claimed the honours.

A Typical hot rod wheeled by Dennis Smith

It also saw the first ever Monster Truck display at the track. The Aussie Battler would use its 800 hp to crush 6 junkers and perform wheelstands and crab walking. Based on a Chev K20 pick up it cost $200,000 and 3000 man hours to build, it weight over 9 tonnes and stood more than 3m high.

To Top off an incredible month, January 30th saw the first ever Super Cross meeting held.

February and the running of The John Egan Memorial attracted 40 entrants. It now represented the richest prize money on the Super Sedan Circuit in Australia with first prize of $4000 from a total of $10,000 on offer. Pyne was leading when the rained arrived and the race was cancelled.

This month saw the Inaugural Australia Vs USA Super Sedan Test. Most of Australia‟s top drivers converted from Grand National class as a direct response to the American muscle they were now facing. David House, Tony Broso, Fred Seery and Garry Chippendale. Mark Weaver would stand in for Chippendale and Seery. Carnage would ensue with most of the vehicles suffering one problem or another but the home team claimed the honours.

The Cranky Yanks would return in March to face John Pyne, John Pearson, John Gridlestone and Tony Grinstead. Fred Seery would take over when Grinstead was forced to withdraw.in the 6th heat. The four Lap record was reset three times by Wadell, Klien and Pyne. The rematch also went to the Australian team.

The ACT Super Sedan Titles was run over 25 laps and won by Ron Letham. Tony Grinstead tested our fire control teams when his car ignited.

March saw veterans Tatnell and Rush headline the ACT Sprint Car Title with Bob Tunks , Dennis Farr and John Walsh preventing them from an easy time. All three would claim heats ahead of the champs and Tunks then Walsh would both break the 10 lap record. Tunks would claim the feature and prize money.as well as the 25 lap record by 22 seconds. The class of vehicles now approached $80,000 to have a competitive vehicle. The night would also feature wins in the Formula 500‟s by Darren Tierney, Tony Pickering in the Modifieed Sedans and David House in the Super Sedans.

April and the season closed with the usual bang, several in fact until after 45 minutes Terry Scorgie claimed victory. The “Police Car”, “Transtate Terror”, “God Squad” and Peter Pulfords Valiant would all add to the character and competition of the match. Catch Fencing had been recently installed to improve spectator safety from flying debris and it seemed needed after the carnage ensued.

Lloyd Thurley claimed the Bicentennial Formula 500 Championship from nearly 100 competitors, Ricky Hart and Gavin Janeke filled then minor placings.

May and the track opened for a Sunday Fun day family promotion which included a street car race with $10,000 in prised on offer.

November 1988 and a new promoter partnership of Peter Lawson and David Dawes came on board with the opening of the 1988 -1989 season. Brian would stay on as a consultant to help them settle in. Among other improvements, Lawson would now have each meeting videotaped and highlights with a commentary for sale. A 1971 Dodge Phoenix was introduced as the new pace car.

The season restart was plagued by bad weather but still managed to field some exciting Sprintcar and Sedan action. Owen Johnson would win on the wet track in his Thunderbird.

The following week Peter Pulford would appear in a sprintcar and Sedans would see Terry Scorgie, Tony “Spud” Broso and David House contest Johnson chance at back to back wins. Johnson would prove them wrong on the night in the 20 lap Feature, with Scorgie Second and House third. Broso managed to trim the eight lap record by two seconds but suffered engine issues while Nick Girdlestone tried to deal with his own in the suspension of his new Camaro. Limited sprintcars would break several records on the evening with Terry Cantrill claiming the feature win after Pulford slammed the fence and buckled a wheel. Modified Sedans saw Russ Heaton‟s win over Tony Pickering who had barely got the car into the match finishing the build at 4pm that very afternoon and Jim Brewer‟s new Falcon third.

December‟s Speed car action would contain Rob Worthington, Skip Jackson and Steve Pollock. Peter Pulford would power the Kix 106 limited sprintcar and Owen “Juice” Johnson would seek his hat trick.

The 29th and veteran visitor Johnny Pearson would head the USA. He had first appeared in 1974 with Gene Welch. Alan Baker of Gunnedah, Terry Scorgie on his own track, Stu Robertson and Owen Johnson would see them tested to the limit. Peter Pulford provided four identical IROC Chevy Camaros to the Americans from his Mitchell based workshop.

The year closed with annual visit by the Kinser brothers. Steve was now 9 times world champion and 7 times World Of Outlaws Champion showed his style claiming a 25 lap feature race. Tony Pickering won the modified production final and John Owen the Formula 500‟s

1989 January the “Human Torch”returns, Stuart Campbell stunts including driving a Harley Davidson while on fire with no helmet, riding the bike through a wall of flames and jumping a car of a ramp into another car and both catching fire. He claimed to be the only person using a Harley in stunt work since Evel Knievel.

The angle of the track had been reduced in an attempt to allow vehicles to race three wide and drive closer to the fence.

January would see Gary Rush claim his 8th Australian sprint Car Championship with the final held in the ACT to the delight of fans.

The Supercross returned this month after a successful event the previous year when it debuted.

February and the Americans arrived. For their one night fight. This years local team to take them on consisted of John Pyne, Tony “Spud” Broso and David House.

George Tatnell would attempt to increase his lead over Rush in the $300,000 Winfield ASC series. Appearances by Max Dumesney, Brett Heywood, Brett and Nipper Lacey, and Phil March were to ensure no easy win for George who managed to anyway with Dumesney second and Rush third.

Fred Seery, Tony Broso, Nick Girdlestone and Owen Johnson would pit their skills against this years American Team.

An attempt to create an Australian Limited Sprint Car Championship was held and ten cars from the ACT had entered. The team led by John Christy and Peter Pulford driving the Kix 106 speed machines had to pull out as the event was not yet fully sanctioned.

The speedway presented the ACT limited Sprint Car Championship in March with 20 entries. Lawson also took the opportunity to quelch rumours regarding the tracks finances. He stated that it had not been a very good year but the up coming program would continue into the next year.

Mike Atwell took the promoters position around November 1989. A well-known reporter on Speedway the year would see the track renamed to Fraser Park Raceway.

December saw the delayed opening to the season. John Christy would return is his faithful gambler, Terry Cantrill had purchased a similar vehicle that used to belong to the Kinser team, Gunter Sandner, Tonks, Mulcahy and Lorenz would all open the season.

Owen Johnson would bring his Firebird to the excitement, Peter Bink had moved to a Camaro and Fred Senger now had a new Pontiac Firebird.

Mike Atwell took the promoters position in late 1989. A well-known reporter on Speedway the year would see very.

1990 season opened with an appearance by Garry Pollack who recently claimed the Number 1 plate in compact speed cars and Jack Hogg was to share the commentary box with Dave Wignall.

The Supercross returned with Glen Bell‟s Honda to challenge yet another international contingent.

The John Egan Memorial ran in February with Current Australian No‟s 1 John Pyne, No 2 Peter Garrett and No 3 Stuart Robertson, Nick Girdlestone, John Brown, Peter Curran, Alan Barker, Wayne Randall, Wayne Aylett, Fred Senger, Peter Bink, David House, Bob Bourke and Owen John son all along to ensure the excitement. Howard Revell would lead a speedcar contest with around 25 entries with names including Saville, Radcliffe, Farrugia, Warner and Church.

March and Team America arrived to face Owen Johnson‟s Thunderbird, Terry Scorgie, Nick Girdlestone and John Brown all in Camaros. Robb Burke‟s Corvette was reserve.

John Christy would claim the ACT Sprint Car title in the same month.

1991 The NSW Compact Speedcar Championships suffered a washout and was rescheduled for Australia day Garry Pollack would again appear holding the Number 1 plate to lest locals Mal Austin, Tim Proctor, Chris Cremin, David Foster and Mark Taylor.

Howard Revell and son Glen raced Fraser Park and ensured the legacy of Father and Grandfather Ray, who held the Number one spot in NSW five times. John and Edward Dark, descendants of Ted who made his mark at Westmead, would also race the same event. Three generations of two families well known to Australian Speed car fans would ensure the legacy continued.

The John Egan Memorial in February attracted a large field of Speedcars including Chris Stewart who had recently moved from Go Carts.

February „s big events included the NSW Formula 500 Championships. The top three title holders in Roy Urpeth, Lloyd Thorley and Ken Bowey would all appear. The Dominator engine in Boweys car ceased production in the 1960 when the English Norton Motor Cycle Factory closed, and would race against the more modern Jawas. Peter Anable would race for the ACT. Quad Bikes, Sprints and Fenda Benda‟s would all fill the support program. Doc Halliday would join former Australian Champion son Scott, Gary Coleman and NSW Champion Bob Jeffrey in the Modifieds.

May and the Annual ACT Sprint car Championship was held. The event would draw many drivers away from the ongoing Winfield Series to compete. Brook Tatnell would appear and though 19 years old he was already a veteran of the class after three years in competiton. Brian Briton, Colin Farr 19, Robert Farr 16 Paul Egan and Paul Bink would all carry familiar names to the field. Bob Tunks was out to make his five times ACT Champion his sixth with Peter Croft and Bob Blacklaw aiming to prevent it.

David Anderson had also began at an early age competing in the saloon cars since he was 15 years old and Bill Butler a track veteran showed how diverse the ages could be in the sport.

The month of November and Bernard Morrison and Jack Hogg cut the 21st Birthday ribbon to commence the Meeting at which Glenn Dobbin would make an appearance.

1992 season and the new promoter Terry Scorgie took the wheel. All the promoters over the years had been racers at Tralee and the family was well known to locals though they hailed from Yass. They reverted to the Fraser Park name.

Continuing the tradition, the Australia Vs USA was held in January with Aussies Peter Pulford, Sandy McKay and Nick Girdlestone to face them under the Coca Cola OZ team name. Terry Thedfort, Steve Cheathem and Steve Hendron came to face us and unusually drove Right Hand Drive cars. Early visitors used borrowed cars and then the tradition of bringing American Muscle with them meant most had driven Left Hand Drive for some time.

Glenn Dobbin would claim another win, Gordon Caldwell second and Mick Rawlings third. Paul Egan would claim the Modified sedans and Paul Mascord and Trevor Tyler the placings.

Fraser park was transformed by 2000 tonnes of topsoil and a few Bulldozers for the once a year Supercross which attracted 180 entrants. 125cc. 250cc were challenged by the 80cc of the talented juniors class. The special nature and cost of the event saw Tickets at $20 for adults and $10 for kids.

This month also witnessed an unfortunate dispute between Terry and The Canberra Modified Sprint Car Association. Sprint cars had not featured for over 6 months and President John Christy said all correspondence and liaison had failed while Terry stated that the council refused to meet with him on the matter. Disagreement existed over contracts, number of class events, track condition and gate refund policies. Christy claimed the club would move to Wagga to compete while Scorgie stated “I can exist without limited sprint cars”

This year also saw pressure applied to many types of sport in Australia to remove the dependence on Tobacco and Alcohol sponsorship. A grant of $11,000 was provided to Fraser Park to undertake a QUIT awareness campaign. Tracks would soon be forced to phase out all Tobacco and Alcohol advertising over the next few but cars and uniforms would continue to be allowed for a little while.

The NSW Compact Speedcar Championship was held in February. Glen Dobbin , Australias number one driver would take the field against locals including Brewer, Rawlings, Austin and Proctor.

Aprils Main event was the running of the ACT Super Sedan Championship. Peter Pulford would pedal his Camaro powered by one of his own engines in a rare appearance. Entries included the Hebditch Commodores with one driven by Tanya Spindler, Stu Robertson, Alan Baker, Nick Girdlestone, Garry Curran, Garry Rourke , Mark Blighton, Peter Logue, Darryl Stagg and John Corrigan. The twin 50 event would see the pairing of Mascord & Stevenson, Egan & Stewart and Brewer & Scorgie. A great night would see Paul Mascord win the 15 lap event in record time with Peter Graham and Paul Egan claiming the placings. Graham would claim a heat victory. The compacts would Mick Rawlings the curent NSW champ facing off Gordon and Brian Cardwell, father and son in their Suzuki powered sped machines. Glen Dobbin would lower the 20 lap record for Compacts by 7 seconds beating his own mark.with Gordon and Brian Cardwell taking the placings. Super Sedans saw Paddy Ward of Orange take honours with Mark Blyton and Steven Johnson the placegetters. Darren Carn took the 15 lap 1500cc event, ?? Jacobs won the Fenda Bendas.

November saw extremely exciting racing with the 10 lap record beaten twice by Paul Mascord then Peter Graham, 15 lap handicap record slashed by Mascord and the Compact Speedcar 20 Lap record falling to Glen Dobbin. The novelty event “The Great Dunny Derby” saw porta loos towed during the race.

December and speedcars were on everyones mind. Howard, Glenn and Craig Revell would compete in a single race, Graham Parton, Kevin Gormly, Bob Woods, Gavin Leer and Alan King would make sure the family did not have it all their own way.

The John Egan Memorial would run the same night.

1993 George Tatnell and son Brooke raced a January World Series Sprintcar Quit Championship meeting having overcome the problems of being sponsored by a tobacco firm. Many drivers had found themselves with muchly reduced funds available as a consequence of new advertising laws. The event would carry a purse of $16,500 for the 30 lap feature. Series Champion Brad Heywood, Max Dumesney, Phil, March, Brett Lacey, Danny Smith & Bill Bailey USA, Gary Brazier would carry his father Steve‟s legacy to the match after two seasons in the American Circuit, Sid Moore, Harry Belamont and Bob Tunks would all compete. Bob Tunks at the time is recorded as having held four, six and 25 lap records.

Glen Bell would once again headline the Supercross this month and at 30 years old he was now up against 16 – 18 year olds in a field of 100 entries.

In February Glen Dobbin claimed his third Australian Compact Speed car title in his Yamaha powered hybrid. Starting from 10th he gained the lead in lap 19 and held it till the flag dropped. Local Mick and Robert Rawlings with Mark Taylor with Brian and Gordon Cardwell had done their best to prevent it. Brian Cardwell and Paul Raynes would claim the placings.

Wagga faced our best with Paul Mascord and Paul Egan putting aside their rivalry to take them on alongside Greg Donovan and Russ Avis. Intermission saw Race Stunt Man Stewart “Fireball” Campbell ignite his car and jump five others while his vehicle was in flames. Canberra would go down in flames 250 to 198 points.

Brian Cardwell would hold off a tough field that included his father to claim the NSW title. Warren Wright and Gordon Cardwell would take the second and third places. David House was still competing and winning to take the feature for Modified Sedans from Paul Mascord and Paul Egan.

The ACT Sprintcar Association would return to local competition in the third week. John Christy would reclaim the track to outrun Gary Chippendale and Terry Cantrill.

The second test in the series against Wagga would also not go well for the locals with our team unchanged. Modified Sedans on the night would see House claim another feature, Paul Mascord would beat Paul Egan in the minor places.

April held the running of the ACT Super Sedan Tile with Alan Baker and John Pyne.

The 25th of the month and the ACT Compact Speedcar held its annual titles. Warren Wright would win a hard fought meet that saw Glen Potter roll his car, Steve Olive cop some front end damage in his very first heat and Gordon Cardwell T Boned by Dave Morton. Colin Fanning and Mick Rawlings survived to take home second and third. . Terry Scorgie took to the local papers to denounce rumours that the Queanbeyan City Planners and Lessor of the land were looking into development of the area for housing.

March saw the passing of Bernard Morrison, owner of the Tralee Station upon which the Speedway was situated. Often billed as Canberra‟s Speedway the track was actually in NSW and many Queanbeyan drivers disputed the billing. Bernard had run the station as a working property and tourist attraction and over 100,000 visitors had been there by 1978. He introduced Diplomats, Tourist and Athletes to much of Australian culture, Barbeques and Boomerangs and bewildering Kangaroo‟s and Wombats among the delights of Damper and Scones made it a wonderful trip for so many.

Events were raced in June but little records have come to light.

July and Ian Bell early lost the tip of his finger while adjusting his Solos primary chain. He redfused to go to hospital and the Ambo strapped his finger where he went on to compete and win three heats before letting them transport him to Canberra Hospital. Gary Rush had recently returned from America having won a major Sprintcar Series and announced he was switching to Speed cars for the Marlboro feature this year.

The newly formed ACT Speedway Asscociation offered a car as a raffle prize, An IROC Chev Camaro in full racing configuration, Tickets from Brett Pulford at Pulford Race Engines in Mitchell, and The Fyshwick Mower Service.

Paul Egan took the overall points win to be awarded Canberra Saloon Car Club champat hteir Awards Ceremony in November. David house came second and Greg Donovan third.

It was noted that the Canberra Sprintcar Association had seen swelling in membership with 16 year old Shaun Sander, Max Reid, Wayne Ingram, Johnny Christy, Gunther Sandner, Peter Davis and Pat Bourke all having recently joined.

December „s assault from the 93 -94 USA arrived with John Soares, Scott Bloomquist, Charlie Schwartz and Clint Smith to face the Aussie Super Sedan Team of Alan Baker, Stu Robertson, Ron Pyne and Bob Brewer. Once again Fraser Park witnessed the American domination of its hallowed clay.

Peter Bink was back at the track and had moved to a Camaro. Steven Johnson would carry the family name into the field being the son of Owen and driving the ACT Head Services Ford Thunderbird. Jim Brewer, Fred Senger, Paul Egan, Paul Mascord, Greg Stevenson and Greg Donovan providing the excitement for Sedan Fans, Mad for the Moddies would be happy with Christy, Cantrill, Sandner, Amess, Burke, Bailey, The Argus Bothers would all race against newcomers, Max Reid, Wayne Ingram, Butch Hope, Doug Christian and Jason Sander. The word at the time was that the Canberra Sprinters were still using steel based methanol – carburettered engines when some had switched to aluminium and fuel injected. His was why the racing was closer and more exciting according the to the pundits.

The passing of Barry Butterworth at young 54 years old was sadly noted around tracks in New Zealand and Australia. He was often quoted “When in doubt go flat out” and put on a good show and fierce compettion wherever he raced.

Lealand MacSpadden would appear in December generating a lot of excitement. Winner of over 60 races in r the California Racing Association series he was guest of the Parramatta City Raceway Sprintcar Show The same month, John Hughes presented his world Series Sprintcar show.

Alan Baker, Ron Pyne, Bob Brewer and Stu Robertson would face the Americans on New Years Day. The 42 to 31 points would see the Americans victorius. Crowd numbers around 3000 were significantly less than the promoter hoped.

1994 and January, Track veteran Howard Revell claimed the ACT Speed Car Championship from a field of 30 entries. Canberra‟s Greg Donovan would break the 20 lap record by 3 seconds during the modified ns feature race. Howard announced that after 30 year in the game he was considering retiring. Canberra‟s Mick Rawlings would win the Australian Compact Speedcar Title in Bendigo.

The following week would see an event featuring 50 speed cars, among them Current and Three times national champion Warren Ekins would face off America‟s John Coper, Dean Billings and Jay Drake.

David House would win two heats and the feature the week following breaking the eight lap record at Wagga. Greg Donovan and Tony Brandon would fill the placings.

February would see a real family affair with the running of the ACT Compact Speedcar Championship, Brothers Mick and Rob Rawlings, would face Father and Son Team Gordon and Brian Cardwell with a strong field in Alan Streader, Brian Kiddle, Steve Kubacki, Graham Gallagher and Alan Day. Rob Rawlings claimed the honours Modified Sedans and eternal David House would enter the field against Scott MacPherson, Paul Egan, Greg Donovan, and Jim Brewer. Greg Donovan would win the day. The NSW Modified Sedan Championship was held March 5th with Ian Brims taking the checkered flag. Jim Brewer‟s track preparation helped Chris Topp break Paul Binks three year old lap record set at 3.40.131 With the new mark an amazing 3.33.303.

February‟s Supercross Event featuring Glen Bell

A fortnight later John Pyne claimed the ACT Super Sedan title by winning all his heats, the Dash and the Final. He added this to his current NSW Title with Alan Baker and brother Ron Pyne filling the minor placings.

This years Supercross event would miss regular competitor Glen Bell who had broken his arm the previuos week.

The World Series Sprint car championships heat was run only to see young guns Brazier and Tanell place Gary Rush into third.

Michael Hebditch claimed victory in Aprils 93-94 Modified Sedan Title. Both he and Paul Egan won their heats for the night but Egans Mr Bullbar/Berco Commodore withdrew with gear box troubles. The Super Sedan support event was taken by Ron Pyne with Peter Bink and Paddy Ward. Compacts Mick Rawlings, ACT Title holder would beat Rob Rawlings and Con Burveld to the flag.

This years mayhem and madness Demo Derby attracted 47 entrants. A record for Speedway and claimed by Paul Quinn after 30 minutes of destruction.

Fred Senger announced his return after a two season hiatus taking over the Camaro raced this season by American Clint Smith.

June and an unexpected announcement that the Quit campaign would no longer be sponsoring the Worls Series Sprintcar threw them into disarray. After three years support since the cigarette replacement scheme John Hughes was left with only two months to find a major sponsor. The ACT had not relied on nor recived the funding and were not affected.

This month saw calls in the local media for support of the sport locally. Canberra now had a dragway, Go Kart track, rally competitions and the Summer Nats had established itself. Fraser parks lease was now under scrutiny and local developers were eying off the land. The Canberra Sprint Car Association was still at odds with Track management and held its Annual presentation in Wagga where much of their activity had occurred.

Neville Harper claimed a Super Sedan win the third week ahead of Robert Burke and Paddy Ward. Modified Sedans was taken out by Trevor Mills, Greg Worling and Peter McCarthy filling the placings.

Fred Sengers return generated a lot of excitement locally. Original a Solos competitor, Fred had been awarded Rookie of the Year at Tralee in 1987, n the next two years he would face the American s seven times always finishing in the top three of every Super Sedan event he raced.

December presented us with the NSW Fenda Benda championship and AUS sprintcars events in the lead up to the John Egan Memorial. This years event would run without the Speedcars with Compact Speedcars to fill the void. Fred Senger in the Super Sedans and Paul Egan in the Modified Sedans would be among a strong fields in both classes.

1995 commenced with the 94 -95 Canberra Saloon Car Club Modified Sedan Championship attracting 70 entries from as far as Queensland and Western Australia. Ian Brims would celebrate the win.after 40 laps.

The Sprintcar Stampede saw a crash involving Colin Farr, Terry Cantrill,, Brett Loadman, Skip Jackson and Lealand McSpadden. The restart saw Danny Argus and Gunter Sandner come to grief before Wayne Skipper finally claimed the flag with Jackson and McSpadden the placing‟s.

Highlights of February and World Speedcar Derby champion, Mark Brown would appear at Tralee and Ray “Noddy” Bishop would also represent Victoria. The ACT Sprint Car Final raced with the flag falling to Brooke Tatnell after 30 laps. Justin Mineef would take second and Peter Craft third.

May and the ACT Super Sedan title was contested and won by John Pyne. Fred Senger would set a new one lap record. Heats would be won by Pyne, Bernie Whalan and Bob Brewer,

June‟s third week and the Inaguaral ACT Compact Speedcar Derby would see local Darren Vine claim the title at 16 Years Old. Sister Julie had won the Archerfield feature event the previous evening

Craig Revell would drive in the Media Demo Derby as he was presenting the “Thunder On Sunday” segment on Radio 2SSS. Sadly, Brian Holbrook, former promoter lost his life in a road accident around Easter.

December saw The Legends of the 70‟s all meet. Driving Fenda Benda‟s, Ken Barlow, Ron Shepherd, Phil Cancillier, Howard Revell, Bill Brown and David House all recalling their glory days of the early speedway.

Paul Egan claimed the John Egan Memorial in his quick Ford Cortina. A regular competitor of this period he was also John‟s son. Second place went to Wayne Sullivan and third to Trevor Mills.

1996 and the Inaugural Brain Holbrook Memorial was held January the 6th to commerate the man who raced the track and drove the track forward during his time as promoter. Peter Pulford would take over the wheel when driving and promoting began to clash. A Big field with racers from every state participated.

The 51st NSW State Speed Car Association titles were contested in February with American Legend Lealand McSpadden racing defending title holder Brett Morris and Glen Revell.

Off Road Stadium Racing returned in February with the track once again transformed by massive amounts of soil into jumps and banked turns with support racing in V8 utes and Pickup trucks, Quad Bikes and desert buggies to fill out the night. Quads saw Stuart Fell win the night, Glen Owen would claim the Buggies and Mark Manns in his Holden Rodeo would take the major event after cleaning up all the heats as well.

October and Tania Peacock of Lismore drove a Pontiac Firebird in open class making her the Fastest Femme ever seen at Fraser Park.

November of this year saw another change in promoter, Phil Christensen of Spokes Promotions singed the lease. Spoke was recognised as the leader in racing promotions in most states of Australia as well as divisions in New Zealand and USA. He was also familiar with the track having promoted the Supercross events held there.

The Opening of the season this month would feature a 30 lap Super Sedan event and Steve Kinser USA Sprint Car champion.

1997’s events kicked off with the Berco Engineering ACT Speedcar Grand Prix and regular Robbie Farr claiming the flag. Paul Quinn took the Fab Four event and Jason Goodwin claimed the GP Midget race.

The same month and Saturday would also see 30th World Speedcar derby. Robbie Farr again proved his dominance in the class even when facing Ron “Sleepy” Tripp from the USA.

Darran Carn claimed the 1600cc class win on Saturday and gave way to Brad Goodwin the following day. Ray Simpson would take the improved sedans event and the series claimed by Alan Yesberg. The ladies were well represented when Kerrie Burns took the honours from Rosalie Yesberg and Tracey Hurley.

February and The Yokohama Stadium Off Road Grand Prix season commenced with the first race here despite the event running for four years in Australia. One of the fastest growing car sports in Australia, it was hoped the increased attendances at these events would be reflected here. Quad bikes made their first run at the track.

John Egan Memorial held in February saw two track records fall. Robbie Farr won the speed car event on the night. Wayne Sullivan would break the Modified Sedan eight lap record with the final going to Michael Hebditch.

The 1600cc class with Darren Carn taking the honours and breaking the 10 lap record. The records show a significant drop in attendance by drivers and spectators who missed a hard night of driving with the infield looking like a demo derby night.

Novembers event saw Bob Rawlings still racing and winning the compact speed car event which also featured Steve Olive who took second. The Stars super dash went to Darren Jenkins, The speedcar finale to Scott Jenkins after an event that could be described as speed car-nage, and the 1600 Sedan Final to Terry Clerihan.

Wild Thing would make an appearance at the 1996/97 ACT Modified Sedan Championship to add to the excitement. Monster Trucks were still a novelty here even though they competed in actual racing in the States.

December and Steve Kinser was still the man to beat on any track, winning the Autopro Sprintcar Masters tile with second place to Garry Brazier to make sure the USA didn‟t have it all their way as third was claimed by American Danny Smith.

From the very first to the very last, through surface and Promoter changes, Jim and Glenda Brewer lived on the property as Caretakers. Jim was a race driver, mechanical engineer and track maintenance man. He was responsible for grooming the track. Glenda was secretary, manager and Go To Girl for the drivers, clubs and owners when there was a problem to be solved. They were as just as much a part of making Tralee what it was to the fans as anyone through their commitment to the track its entire existence and both are fondly remembered by all who dealt with them.

An interesting fact, over the life of the Speedway it comes as no surprise that David House and Howard Revell had the longest careers racing regularly. Phil Cancillier raced over 10 different vehicles during the early times of his career but the modern era of the track this record belongs to Scott McPherson. His wife Janine was kind enough to create the following list for consideration.

Super Sedans  LJ Torana  Commodore  Corvette  Mustang  Falcon (built by Al Daly from the USA)  Dodge Avenger  Comaro

Limited Sprintcar

Modified Productions  Torana  Centura  2 x RX7 Series 2  RX7 Series 4 – This car holds a 6 lap record at Tralee and won 5 consecutive years of the Twin Driver event at Goulburn Speedway. The co-driver was Kevin (Stretch) Stevens. This was the first registered „Electronic Fuel Injected‟ Modified Production.

AMCA  3 in total

Late Models  Rob Freebody built Chasis  Mastersbilt  Swatz  Rayburn – Won the WA Title, SA Title and 2 x NSW Titles  Rocket – Won the SA Title and Australian Title with Steve Francis (USA)  Mastersbilt Gen X

Productions  BA Falcon

The last meeting and dates of closure are not recorded here. Records became very sketchy. It appears that the Track never reopened to commence the 1997/98 Season. The closure was not reported by the Queanbeyan Age nor the Canberra Times.

The track that had created so much noise for 27 years went out very quietly indeed.

Out In Front – Firsts

1970 June – First Banked Dirt Track In Australia

1970 June – First VW Beetle appearance at Tralee

1970 June – First Rotary engine, Fred Saillard race a Mazda at Tralee

1970 June – First New Zealand Racer, Ron Bell

1970 August – First Ladies Races Held, “Powder Puff Derby”

1970 November - 660 yard track longest Solo track in Australia

1970 November – First Holden Monaro races, Phil Cancillier

1971 January – First American Sedan Racer, Mike Klein

1971 January – Lights Installed and Night races commence

1971 July – First Formula car to race Tralee – Howard Revell

1971 July – First American based car imported to race Tralee, Mike Clyne‟s Ford Mustang

1971 July – First ever Australian prepared Mustang, Regent Body Works

1971 September - First Australian Late Model Championship to be ASCF sanctioned

1971 Dec – First Monaro LS V8 to race in Australia – Alan Butcher

1971 November – First American Sprint Car Racer Garry “The Hostile Hippie” Patterson

1971 – First Valiant Charger to race.

1972 June – American point system used first time in Australia

1972 August – First race won by a rotary engine, Fred Saillard‟s Mazda

1972 September – First Fibreglass Car Bodies race locally

1972 November – Sidecars Make their Debut

1972 – Car Handicapping for A Grade makes its debut

1972 – First Australian Sedan Car Championship held in Australia

1973 February – First USA Type Sprint car built in Australia, Gordon Patterson

1973 – First Volvo sedan to race in Australia, John Lange

1974 January – Berco Golden Cam first ever Australian 100 lap race without a stop.

1974 March – Electronic Timer Installed, First of its type in the world

1974 March – First Asphalt Banked Track In Australia

1974 April – Garry Patterson records the fastest lap on any Australian Speedway

1974 August – First Australian 100 lap race on asphalt, The Marlboro Marathon

1974 August – First V8 Torana to race in World, Bob Rawlings

1975 January – First ever two door Falcon Superbird to race in Australia, Peter Unwin

1975 May – Australian possibly World first Sidecars on Asphalt

1977 August – First Twin Track in Australia

1977 November - First Australian Truck Races

1979 April Kevin Brumby or 1980 January John Pyne– Holden Commodore‟s Tralee Debut

1979 November – First truck races featuring lady drivers

1980 January – First ever appearance Oldsmobile Starfire, Gordon Lillford.

1980 February – First Australian performance High Wire Motorcycle ACT– Dale and Chantelle Buggins

1980 March – First recorded Corvette Stingray at Tralee, Alan Butcher QLD

1980 November – First local appearance Ford XD Falcon, Mark Welch

1981 – Ladies race sidecars debut

1986 December– Winged Speed cars

1988 January – First Appearance Monster Truck Aussie Battler appears.

1988 January – First Go carts race Power dome

1988 January – Inaugural Australian Speedway Rod Associations Championship

1997 January – First off road Racers and first Quad Bikes

Tralee National Speedway Newsletter This history was created in 2017 and much of the material from the early days has been mistreated, forgotten , lost and thrown out. It went through many names on the cover over the years and also as the track name changed. Many of the Newsletters used for reference in this publication came from the private collection of Ron Smith. Often noted in the Newsletters and Local Newspapers, he even sponsored a trophy and advertised in the Newsletter as well. Many of the newletters have actual dirt from the track encrusted on them, Grease from the car and Oil from the pits. Some even have tomato sauce from Tralee‟s famous pies, It gives them authenticity and character. They were handled and read in the pits, not kept pristine for a library. Some covers and interesting inserts are included as a reminder of what it used to be.

National Magazines

Local Lads And Homegrown Heroes Tralee Speedway gave many people born in the region an outlet to pursue their need for speed. Some were famous locally and became the men to beat. Others travelled far and wide and became the pride of the track. The following mini Bio‟s are in no particular order and exclude a lot of people who raced due to space limitations

Phil Cancillier - Queanbeyan NSW

Phil is often noted in the history of Tralee, not only a fierce competitor, but an excellent engineer and sportsman, he regularly loaned vehicles to drivers , helped repair the cars of his competition and got people to the meetings in time. He won many races and the respect of many of his peers. His business in Queanbeyan, Cancillier Motors was the go to place for racers and locals for years. In April 1974 he claimed the Young‟s Driver To America Award. After the first few years, his Monaro was replaced by a Torana. In 1979 he was still competing in old Holdens and drove a HR to win 2 of his three starts. 1980 and Phil claimed 3 wins from 3 starts.

Dave Wignall – Canberra ACT

One of the legends of Tralee, David left road racing when Tralee opened debuting the second meeting in Early 1971. Competed in a Regent Bodyworks Mustang, later driving for team Berco, he competed in Holden XU1 Torana. March 1972 saw him win a 10th successive feature race. He claimed three ACT Sedan Championships , Three Australian Production Sedan Championships. Five times the Jim Fraser Memorial winner, Twice held the Coca Cola 3000. Wignall had accumulated 56 trophies by 1976 and won hundreds of races Australia wide. March 1976 saw three Tralee records broken in three starts and later meet he broke 5 records in one night. Held many track records during his time at Tralee having commenced his association from the second meeting and well into the early 80‟s.

Peter Strudwicke – Queanbeyan NSW

Peter was known as the driver to beat. Often mentioned in the early publications, his tactical expertise behind the wheel made him track records and many fans. His EH was well known and his skills well respected around many tracks in NSW.

Peter Gurbiel – Queanbeyan NSW

Peter was racing and winning at Mt. Ginn at the age of 19.He held the Stock Car Lap Record at Tralee. Best remembered in his Overhead Valve Ford and A GT Falcon. He later went on to provide vehicles and sponsorship to competitors with the Mustangs being among the better remembered. Member of the founding club and first promoter of the Speedway. He would go on to manage other tracks and be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Lester Edminster – Queanbeyan NSW

Lester was a young man who liked speed and the vehicles that made it possible. He won his debut race in 1973 at Tralee in an EJ sedan No 17 and went on to race motorcycles during his short career. When he was tragically killed in a motorbike accident they named the local short circuit motorcycle track after him.

Ron Shepherd – Queanbeyan NSW

One of the most consistent and insistent competitors Tralee ever produced, Ron was known for his skill as well as his competitive nature. He raced the Opening Meeting and was still competing into the 80‟s. He drove for Regent, and Bob Jane to name a few, competing in Holden EH‟s, an XU1 Torana and V8 Monaro‟s among other models. He claimed the flag in races at Liverpool and Jirilderie. Often Selected in the Australian Teams against the yanks. Captained Tralee Side against NSW in 1979 and shaved 27 Seconds off the 25 Lap Record. 1980 in a test against the USA, “Shep” won four of his seven heats, broke a track record and all in the only six cylinder car to compete.

Ron Smith – Queanbeyan NSW

An early supporter of the Speedway and the local car industry, Ron ran the track like he ran his life and business. He is remembered as one of Tralee‟s most consistent competitors of the early years. His local business, Queanbeyan Motors, sponsored trophy‟s and races. His EH No 27 was well known and well placed in many races. In July 1971, He drove to win a heat, as well as the 15 lap and 25 lap races collecting a hatrick. Awarded Gentleman Driver Trophy 1972. The Inaugural President of the Queanbeyan Speedway Club, formed 1973

Peter Taunton – Canberra ACT

Peter started out in TQ‟s before becoming well known for his victory‟s in the Mini‟s. Won the first ACT championship. He moved to a V8 Mustang in 1973 and raced it under team colours for Regent and Gregory‟s Motors. Holder of a NSW State Championship and track records from Tralee to Queensland he was often chosen to represent Australia competing in New Zealand and USA. He also raced a Cortina during the 1974 season, winning the Coca Cola 1000 and knocking one full minute of the lap record.

Chris Nash – Canberra ACT

A regular competitor of the early days Chris raced a Holden HR at Tralee as early as 1971. Having raced Mt Ginn, he was often featured in the Teams races of the early period and was a regular at the track. Chris was also known for creating interesting spectator events like placing ramps in the track and having the early models sedans jump them.

Ron Ulrich Track Official Time Keeper and competitor and Promoter, Rons Superior Screens Torana was considered one of the fastest in competition. January 1974, Ron claimed two A Grade wins in one night. 1979 he became Promoter of Fraser Park.

Vic Sykes – Queanbeyan NSW

Drove FC and HR Holdens from the very earliest days of the track. Vic had raced at Mt Ginn and shifted focus to Tralee. Vic was often included in teams against other States and visitors from America. Vic held several B Grade records over his career and at point had three at once recorded to his name. He also recorded three wins from three starts at one meeting

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John Lange –Queanbeyan NSW

First to drive a Volvo sedan at the Speedway , The engines had been used for a while but this was the first in a sedan housing. The 142s was a combined effort of Repco, Hall Brothers and Swedish Motors 1967 John became one of the promoters in the ear of of Fraser Park. He Held the 25 lap record at one time. He also drove an EH during the 1972 Season.

Max Kennerley – Canberra ACT

Max held the distinction at one time of having been unbeaten in every feature he ever raced at Tralee and even won two races within an hour. His HD Holden even had the words Tralee Speedway painted on it. Present at the very first meeting, he won a feature race and would often feature in the excitement. It took David House to break the untouchable‟s luck. He would appear at Tralee‟s 10 year anniversary having driven at the Opening meeting.

Fred Saillard

First to race a rotary at Tralee, Fred held track records and often competed in team Events. Fred won races in several vehicles over the years including his Mazda and a Torana. Once held the 8 lap record.

John Forman – Canberra ACT

John would be a stand out in his Eh at a time when many drivers were moving to V8. 1974 he claimed several heats, won the B Grade 20 lap feature and the A Grade 20 lap beating Barlows new Camaro. He set a blistering pace in the final 10 laps bettering Rawlings 10 lap record.

Bob Rawlings – Canberra ACT

1973 Coca Cola 600 – Lapped every driver bar two for a major upset. Bob often competed in team racing and Australia Vs USA teams. Bob was the first to ever race an SLR 5000 Torana in the world on a speedway making its debut at Tralee in 1974. Holder of track records locally Rawlings was a regular and in July 1974 broke six track records in three weeks across Australia. Bob also raced Big Rigs at the Truck‟o‟Rama meetings.

Peter Bink - Canberra ACT

December 1982 claimed three wins in a single meeting,. Modified Sedan Class, repeating the feat in October 1983. His cars included Mazda RX4 and RX7 models. 1989 Changed to A Camaro. 1991 held the 12 lap record.

Paul Egan – Canberra ACT

Paul would feature often in the fields during the late 80‟s into the mid 90‟s. His Commodores were easily recognised by the locals. His father John was a legend among speedway people and Paul would often race in the Memorial to his father claiming the title one year. Paul was also known for BMX, Go Karts, Motorbikes or pretty much anything that went quick enough.

Peter Pulford – Canberra ACT

A regular competitor Peter‟s name appeared on more than vehicle. He engineering premium racing engines for many at his Canberra business including Holbrook, House and Revell. Few major local Competitors raced without his name on their cars. His firm was the goto place for Harley Davidson speed modifications. From starts at Mt Ginn to Tralee in the 70‟s he also raced sprint and drag cars.

Terry Pulford – Canberra ACT

Having raced the opening meeting, Terry Pulford held the 6 lap and 10 lap record over time. Many wins, lots of placings and starts in Teams Racing. His firm Pulford Smash repairs would often sponsor events and advertised prominently over the years in the newsletters and programs.

Gunther Sandner – Queanbeyan NSW

Gunther was always known for his successes in and having very well presented vehicles in both the sedan and Super Modified classes. He won the series sponsored by Zorba‟s restaurant and rarely did not place in any event he contested. His local firm and quality of work are still well respected to this day.

Bill Butler – Canberra ACT

Know for his early escapades and love of the FJ as his choice of vehicle, Bill would later move to a Monaro to stay competitive. A regular at Tralee, He also raced Goulburn and his number 54 is still well recognised by drivers and fans in the photos and magazines. Bill won often in the B grade class and eventually became known as a veteran of the track after moving to the Super Modified Class

Bob Swann – Canberra ACT

A founding member of the club and track, Bob is even featured in the photos building the safety fences. His FJ featured in many of the early races at Mt Ginn and Tralee, then a HD followed and Bob and was among the many who moved to the more exciting super Modifieds. His number 97 was well recognised throughout his career. Bob was rarely without a placing in many heats and events.

Keith Richardson – Canberra ACT

Keith was among the drivers who helped establish the Speedway having been a member of the club since Mt Ginn. He moved from FJ sedans in the earliest days, Monaros then and on to Super modifieds. A lot of photos and magazines show his sedan and modified number 94.

Blow In’s And Blown Engines

Some of the drivers who became synonymous with the track and fans moved here because of the opportunities Queanbeyan and the growing ACT offered. They established their business locally and their names on the track. Other‟s competed because Tralee offered more meetings than their local club providing more chance to increase their point holdings.

Ken Barlow – Sydney & Queanbeyan NSW

Ken raced the inaugural meeting and took the flag in one of the feature races. He went on to win championships and fans alike after becoming one of the local boys. He was often included in Team representing Australia when competing in New Zealand and captained the local Sedan Team several times. Originally from Sydney he moved to Queanbeyan taking advantage of the regular meets at Tralee and soon became one of our own driving a Regent Bodyworks Mustang. September 1974 Ken moved to a Fibreglass Bodied SS Camaro. And 1979 was regularly driving a Falcon Superbird in local competition.

Howard Revell – Sydney NSW and Canberra ACT

Howard moved to Canberra to set up his own business having learnt the trade from his father in Sydney. He raced for Berco in their XU1 Torana and is considered one of the tracks legends. He held several titles across NSW including the City Of Sydney Championship. In 1973 Howard was involved in a nasty crash that saw his Berco Torana badly damaged in Brisbane and he semi-retired from racing sedans to concentrate on his speed car efforts, coming back for the occasional bout at Tralee much to the locals fans delight. In July 1974 he won five races from six starts August 1976 he beat a two year old record becoming the first local speed car driver under 14 seconds and held the 4, 8, 10, 12, and 20 lap records, breaking four in one meeting alone. He was still recorded racing locally as late as 1984.

David House Goulburn NSW & Queanbeyan NSW

ACT Champion, 1972 and 1974 Australian Champion and team Berco driver, David originally competed in Goulburn then moved to Queanbeyan. He Captained the ACT team. He held track records over many distances at Tralee and claimed wins from Western Australia‟s Claremont Speedway to Queensland and across NSW. His XU1 Torana was both a welcome sight to the spectators and a feared one for the drivers. David also competed in speedcar events proving his versatility as one of Australia‟s best drivers. 1984 broke the 15 lap record. 1988 he drove a Chev Monte Carlo.

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Bill Martin - Cooma NSW

Driving the flying Flynn Motors Toyota Crown, Bill Martin claimed the first ever points based victory of the Canberra Stock And Saloon club only to retire immediately after. Reliability of the vehicle and consistent placing saw him claim the trophy. He was well represented in Programs and newsletters during his short local career.

Roger Emmerton – Goulburn NSW

Emmo as well known to Tralee fans and well respected both here and at the Goulburn Speedway where he and his Monaro would regularly contest among the best. His Monaro was one of the more recognisable in the pack and featured on several Newsletter covers. He held the track record for a single lap and won many races as well as competing in the Twin Cities events

Bill Martin – Goulburn NSW

“The Assassin” and you knew it from the large word sprawleds across his Ford GT HO vehicle. In January 1971 he took out 3 wins from 4 starts in a single meeting. Martin would often be included in Team Tralee for competitions, becoming an adopted son easily recognised and well loved by the fans.

John Mills VIC and Canberra ACT

1972 Victorian Champ, he moved to Canberra in 1973 with his Chevy Nova replacing his Monaro. The Monaro had been one of the few Automatics competing at the time and had raced at Tralee in earlier times

Dennis O’Brien – Wagga

Dennis would travel the distance weekly to compete at Fraser Park. He is one of the few drivers to have beaten Peter Brock, Bob Jane and Alan Moffatt. He shared the big two door GT Falcon with Ross Woodbridge, also of Wagga and they both became adopted sons of our speedway. Both held track records across the state. Dennis began his career in 1967 making his mark here in the 1976 season.

Rick Hunter – Sydney NSW

Often considered adversarial and controversial, Big Rick was often mentioned as one of Australia‟s hardest drivers. Rick had won several major features including a Marlboro Easter Classic at Tralee. He drove amongst other vehicles one of the few Falcon Superbirds to ever race Tralee. Won the 1971 and 1972 Easter $2000 and was still competing at Tralee into the 80‟s.

Brian Norman – Young NSW

Norman deserves a mention among the locals due to his regular competing and winning at Tralee over many years. Smaller local tracks did not meet with the frequency of Tralee so drivers would travel here to accrue points from regular meetings. Norman would go on to compete well into the 1980‟s winning that years Australia Day Cup driving a Chevy Monza. One year Brian held both 500cc and 750cc Speedcar State Championships

Peter Crick – Sydney NSW

Peter‟s regular appearances over the years meant no easy wins for our dominant drivers. In 1977 he claimed all the major winter events including the Winfield Easter 3000 and the Canberra Day Cup.

Bruce Maxwell – Sydney NSW

Bruce raced the day the track opened and featured regularly over the years in a variety of cars including Mustangs, Superbirds and other models as long as they were Fords. He entertained on and off the track and was a close associate of Garry Patterson in his time down under. Winner of major events and holder of Tralee Track records he was known for his competitive nature, quick cars and quick temper.

Fred Seery – Goulburn NSW

1978 NSW Champion, Fred was a regular feature at Tralee into the 1980‟s. He favoured a Turbo Charged SLR 5000 Torana. Winning races in 1987. Competed against Team USA when they appeared down under as late as 1988.

Ross Nicastri – Goulburn NSW

Jan 1984 Ross drove his first Test event against the USA Team. He had been a regular competitor at Tralee for several years and his Commodore was easily recognised. 1987 and 1988 Captained Tralee team against USA. Held Grand National Championship. Reported racing Tralee as late as 1991

Terry Scorgie – Yass NSW

First appearing around 1983, Terry would compete regularly at the track and even the odd demolition derby. Often placed in every event he started. Driving a Camaro around 1988 he is also among the promoters of Fraser Park and won many races at his hometown track. Terry would often feature in the demo derby‟s and in teams facing the American Invasion

Brian Callaghan – Sydney NSW

Brian drove his well loved Torana to many Victories state wide, easily recognisable in its bright silver livery it was a delight to many. He would regularly travel to the Tralee Speedway and compete. Holder of the 15 lap record at one time he claimed the final of the Marlboro Easter 3000 Speedway Classic held at Tralee, His purse of $5000 proved the series was still the biggest and richest event on the Australian Calender. Winner of the 1975 Grand National among many other accolades he is still active in building competitive cars.

Bobby Christie – Goulburn NSW

Bobby‟s lime green Torana was easy to spot and often the tail end was all his competitors would see as he went past, just one of the Toranas he drove during his career.He would drive to many successes at Tralee and Goulburn as well as all over the state, compete in the twin cities matches and was winner of the 1974 Grand National and holder of the Philip Jackson Memorial Trophy. To this day he is well remembered by the fans and well respected by all in the Speedway game.

Mad for the Modifieds With many drivers switching between divisions, many moddy drivers went totally sedan while others were interchangeable depending on the meet. The sprint cars ensured spectacular racing and crashing were part of our local speedway

Harry and Bob Bink – Canberra ACT Harry and Bob spent as much time competing against each other as the rest of the field. Bob held the Club Championship of 1973 and Harry the points score for 1972. February and Bob proved his competitive spirit by driving his new fuel injected Corvette to three wins all from the rear of the field. July 1973 saw Bob claim the ACT Modified Sprint Car Championship at his home track. And in September he consolidated it with the overall points win for that season. He also raced the occasional Sedan. August 1974 unfortunately witnessed Bob very badly burnt with injuries to his hand when an explosion occurred while welding his car. A testimony to his determination, he fought to get better and returned to racing 1975 to the admiration of other drivers and the applause of the local spectators. In March 1976 he reclaimed the checkered flag in his first start for the year

Bob Harry

George Merceicia - Queanbeyan NSW

Holder of several track records, one of the best sprint car drivers Queanbeyan ever produced. George won many races and often featured in the photos of Super Modifieds. He also played a major role in the building of the vehicle he would go on to compete in having worked at Berco for many years honing his engineering knowledge.

Gordon Patterson – Canberra ACT

President of the local sprint car club Gordon Patterson built and raced the first ever American Style Sprint Car to be made in Australia. November 1972 saw 2 wins from 3 starts. Grodon was rarely without a placing in any event he contested.

Dick Britton - Sydney NSW & Canberra ACT

Held ACT Super Modified Championship three times when in August 1973 switched from modified sprint cars to drive his first production sedan race at Tralee. Having joined the Queanbeyan Speedway club he had recently defied a black ban threat from his Sydney based club to defend his title at Tralee. Four times National Champion

David Lewis – Queanbeyan NSW

David first raced stock cars at sedans at Mt Ginn and Tralee. Involved with the tracks creation, He switched to Modified Sprinters and built most of his own vehicles. A consistent competitor, David logged wins and a long career behind the wheel of several vehicles. Longest serving Club Secretary in the tracks history, he often served as Track Official.

John and Paul Morro – Canberra ACT

Considered among the top local drivers at Tralee, Morro and brother Paul were often featured in the local newspapers, Holder of Track records, Morro‟s vehicle was unusual in that most cars supported the “wings” at this time yet he consistently beat them. John and George Tatnell would often fight for the flag

Garry Rush – Sydney NSW

Australian Champion and frequent visitor, Garry was always welcomed by the crowds and attendance and interest was always high at his appearances, No history of Tralee could be complete without acknowledging his skill and drawing power. Garry also pedalled a Berco Holden Car 65 alongside many moddies. Holder of track records he was still drawing crowds and competitors in 1989 when he clichéd his 8th Asutralian Sprint Car Championship at the Powerdome.

Morrie and Warren Greig – Canberra ACT

Greig was a consistent competitor at Tralee and held several track records at times. He even managed to take the honours from Garry Rush and was the first Australian to beat Garry Patterson in a race in which he competed and completed, setting an eight lap Tralee record in the process. Morrie would go on to become one of our veterans with many years racing behind him.

Those Guys from Guyco – Queanbeyan NSW

Father and Son team of Barry and Tony. Owners of an Air Conditioning duct firm known as Guyco Engineering. The firm was also known for helping visiting Americans prepare their vehicles Barry was also known for his skill driving right handed only. One of the locals and often in the team to take on the Americans, In 1980 he shaved almost 9 seconds off the eight lap record. Barry leads Tony in the Photo.

Frank and Henry Van Sebille – Queanbeyan NSW The brothers cars were often featured in displays around the ACT promoting the sport and the speedway. March 1976 Frank won three events in a single meeting. Holder of a 15 lap record at one point. Henry ensured his brother did not have it all his way on the track and also drove sedans competing in an EH. Frank was often called up to face the USA team‟s when they visited. He raced well into the 80‟s.

John Christy – Canberra ACT

From the early 70‟s to mid 80‟s John would feature in many Tralee events. There were few races he didn‟t score places. Winner of the ACT Sprintcar Championship in 1990.

George Tatnell – Sydney NSW

George is worthy of mention due to his regular appearances in Midgets and Modifieds as well as the fact that he was Twice Australian Champion and winner of the World Speed car Derby in 1973. Holder of Several Track records at Tralee, Tatnell had raced on and off since as early as 1962 when he won the first ever NSW Super Modified Championship. Reports of him still racing and winning in1988 at Tralee.

Bob Blacklaw – Sydney NSW

NSW Champion and frequent competitor in the 1980s Bob Once held the 12 and 15 lap records at Tralee.

Bob Tunks – Sydney NSW

NSW and Australian Sprint Car Champion, Bob would make regular appearances from 1970 to mid 80‟s where he appeared against Steve Kinser.

Ray Brewer – Sydney NSW and Canberra ACT

In 1977 former NSW Champ Ray Brewer arrived in the ACT. His car was well known to have won the Australian title and Ray made the most of it in local competition. Early 1978 he claimed two wins from two starts and even dabbled in the Formula 500 class.

The Winning Formula is 500

These small size high speed cars always made for some of the most exciting races at speedway. Originally called TQ‟s , they were well represented at The Opening Meet in 1970 , soon after renamed Formula 500 they were a popular starter for many to get into racing.

Phil Oliver – Queanbeyan NSW

Winner of the ACT Formula 500 championship in October 1972. Consider the most consistent driver in this vehicle class. Oliver was known to win even when giving his opponents up to half a lap headstart. September 1976 he claimed three wins from three starts. Such was his dominance in this class that he held the 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 Lap records all at the same time. Phil was still racing into the early 80‟s

Bob Lowrey – Canberra ACT

A local policeman, Bob was there to race, not break up fights between drivers like most other police called to the track. In March 1976 he took home three wins and a second from one meeting

John Gill

President of the local Formula 500 Association. John was noted a having won 3 races in one meeting. To date a photo has eluded the author despite many mentions in the newsletters and programs.

Speedy Little Cars

Speed cars and Compact Speed Cars offered many a chance to enter acing at a lower cost. Popular during the Mt. Ginn era these speed machines were powered by motorbike engines and were in a class all of their own. Howard Revell and many Tralee legends got their start in these and were often followed by their sons.

In the 1990 – 1997 era the class would become very common at Tralee with many young men following their fathers onto the track. Names like Revell, Rawlings, Cox, Brown, Brady, Jenkins Whitney and Liddell would compete.

Bob Mitchum, “Sleepy”Tripp USA, Mel Kenyon USA, Jack Porritt, Ron Mackay, Howard Revell and Garry Rush would all race this class at Tralee over the years.

Barry Pinchbeck – Sydney NSW

Barry was very frequent visitor to Tralee starting in the 1970 and racing into the early 80s 1982 Winner Superior Screens Speedcar Derby. Held 8 and 10 lap records.

Glen Dobbin – NSW

Australian #1 three times claiming third victory at Fraser Park. Held 10, 15 and 20 Lap records

HIDDEN BY HELMETS

David Wignall Ken Barlow

Peter Taunton Ron Shepherd

Ron Smith David House

Bob Bink Bob Swann

Harry Bink George Mercieca

Dick Britton Gordon Patterson

Phil Cancillier Bill “Assassin” Martin

Peter Crick Bill Martin - Cooma

George Tatnell Garry Rush

Gordon Smee Barry Pinchbeck

Rick Hunter Ron Mackay

Brian Callaghan John Anderson

Max Kennerley Brian Norman

Bruce Maxwell Bob Christie Fast Femme’s

The track and Sedan club both supported women as members and drivers. From the early days women behind the wheel were encouraged. Records show participation in “Powder Puff Derbys” Ladies only entrants and races on the open category against the blokes took place. They even bashed their way through Demolition Derby‟s and Novelty races. The following are the ones we can confirm with documentation

Pam Grainger – Sedans Fay Cancillier –Sedans , Held 12 Lap Sedan track record Neryl Foy – Sedans Ceceilia Hogan – Sedans Sue O‟Brien – Sedans Margaret Notaras – Sedans Colleen Sykes - Sedans Joan Nicastri – Sedans Kath Van Sebille – Sedans Valerie Norton – Sedans Marg Turner – Sedans Julie Vine – Sedans Tanya Spindler – Sedans Morma Jamieson – Sedan Maree Evans - Sedans

Annette Crawford – Trucks Debbie Beachham – Trucks Marg Turner – Sedans Tania Peacock – Modified Sedans

Diane Abrahams – Mini Stock Cars

Rosita Baukis – Formula 500 Jan Hart – Formula 500 Julie Murphy -Compact Speed cars Kerrie Burns – Speedcars Rosalie Yesberg – Speedcars Tracey Hurley – Speedcars

Michelle Buckingham – Sidecar Swinger Sue Beaver – Solos – First Woman in Australia to drive motorcycles open class

Solo Artists and Side Cars

The Solos were a big thing in England and Europe. Spindly bikes ridden at breakneck speeds that spent half their time in a slide kick up roostertails.

John Langford, Bob Humphries, Bill Landells – Opening Meeting

As early as 1970 Bill Landels was traveling from Sydney to compete on a regular basis. The Scottish champ was promoting the rise of the sport The track attracted many world class riders from Demark, Sweden, the UK and USA.

Barry Van Praag who was to feature regularly at the track show how dangerous the Solos could be by breaking his hand and leg in the first year. Ted Linskog fell heavily and dislocated his shoulder.

Ole Olsen from Denmark held theshorter track record until the speedway closed

Bill Landels soon made Tralee his home. He was instrumental in forming the Tralee Rams and encouraging young riders to join and learn from his experience.

John Langfield and Nigel Boocock, English champion would often appear to compete. Sue Beaver holds the distinction of being the first woman to ride in open competition against the men and she joined Tralee based riders. Two of the best that Australia produced were Jim Airey and Phil Hearne both of whom rode at Tralee

1972 and sidecars debut, 1981 Ladies Sidecars appear for the first time at Tralee

By 1980 The local team was now the Canberra Bulls.

Bill Landels and Ole Olsen Jim Burdfield

It Makes Me Super Cross

The 1988 January debut of the shortened form of Motocross created huge interest locally. The sport would go on showcase riders from USA, Sweden, Ireland against Australia‟s best adding to the tradition of a truly International Raceway

The arena was transformed by Thy Cunningham using 1200 tonnes of soils into jumps, stutter bumps and high speed banked curves. Jeff Hicks USA and “Flash” Gordon Ward USA were the stars of the show having raced all the worlds major events. Australia‟s Craig Dack also has raced many events world wide.and would carry our honour against him Craig is the current holder of the Australian 250cc and 500cc titles and Twice Mr. Motorcross.Canberran Alex Briggs added the local touch. From 150 entries Steve Dinsdale of Queensland would claim the honours. Crowds in excess of 7000 witnesses the spectacle.

Craig Dack and John Hicks at the Powerdome

1989 and the Supercross event attracted Jeff Leisk to the event and to take the honours. 1984 and 1985 Mr Motocross and current. Holder of this years 125cc, 250cc and 500cc Australian titles. Around 170 riders contested the events with a world class field including Jeff Leisk, Glenn Bell, Eddie Warren, Swede Mats Anderson the UK‟s Mark Gessey. The track layout was expected to allow for average 60 second laps. In the 125cc class Eddie Philp, Andrew Pushback and Tony Haridemos would represent the ACT. Rodney Sulos, John Blundell, Darren Mason, Ian Frost, Peter Beeten and Alex Briggs would mount their 250cc bikes and Juniors in the 80cc class Justin Gall, Tim Bishop, Bernard Kavenagh and Nathan Dwyer rounded out the locals. Leisk took the field as favourite and took the event.

1990 and Super Cross again raced Canberra in January with Craig Dack now three times Mr. Motocross, The “Dack Attack” using a Yamaha YZ250 to challenge the Honda CR250 of Hicks in the Supercross nationals. Glen Bell would aslo appear, Swedes Michael Stefan and Olsen helped contribute to the action against the US‟s Eddie Warren and Jeff Hicks .“The Dack Attack” took all on the track.

1991 The Annual Super cross event was held in March. Sponsored by Hino Toyota Huski. Craig Dack would claim his second consecutive win in Canberra

1992 would see Glen Bell and Anthony Gobert headline the event with 180 entries.

Gobert & Bell at Fraser Park

1993 and Glen Bell would again headline the competitors. Beginning his career at 18 years old the sport was definitely a young mans pastime. Aaron Gobert, the youngest of the three brothers was the 12 year old reigning champion in the 80cc class.

1994 At 21 Lee Hogan had 13 years experience as well as winning the 250cc Motocross. Expected to test his abilities were Andrew McFarlane, Scott Bishop and Peter Melton.

Lee Hogan, Phillip Sargeant and Cameron Taylor

1996 and the event was headlined by Andrew McFarlane of Queensland, holder of the 125cc and 250cc class titles

February1997 would see the Supercross Masters for its annual staging with “Lightning” Lee Hogan, Craig Anderson, Peter Melton, Danny Ham and “Kamakazi” Kim Ashkinazi.

Yanks And Their Tanks

We loved to hate the septic tanks and we loved it when they came to compete.

Among the drivers from the states were Millionaires and Speedway Champs, they came in droves with left hand drives and flash cars named Chevelle, Monza and Camaro. These vehicles had big bodies and big engines. Gene Welch‟s car was reported jokingly to cover the width of the track when it was sideways at speed.

The first to try his luck at our track in March 1971 was Jimmy Kirk “The Virginian”. Having experience in both Sprintcars and Sedans in the states he took the field against Queanbeyan‟s Phil Cancillier, Cooma‟s Bill Martin and Sydney drivers Gordon Smee, Geoff Bundy, Scott Dillon and Dick Calcott. Cancillier led the race most of the way until breaking an axle allowing to American to takes the honours with Martin And Sykes taking the placings.

Gene Welch, the Californian millionaire was next to travel down under and reported he was impressed with the quality of the competition he encountered. He raced against Australian and New Zealand drivers as part of his visit driving a Chevelle Monza specially prepared for him in Australia.

Garry Patterson arrived to a reputation that had truly preceded him. Headlines like “Fans Riot”, “Drivers Threaten Yank” were common.

Known as the “Hostile Hippy” he was here to win races not friends. “If they get in my way, I‟ll drive right over them” he stated.

His first race a Tralee he slashed the track lap record to 17.5s and after he won the feature race they were calling for him to be given another run against the clock.

“There‟s no one out here good enough to break my record. I‟ll leave it at that and knock it down again when I come back next year.”

Comments like this did not win him any local fans.

Yet Patterson won nearly every Tralee race he started in the sprint cars and only lost when he hit the wall in a Sedan race and was hospitalised.

Fond of flashing the peace sign, he was often involved in altercations and one report has him being thrown through a plate glass window in New Zealand by a burly Maori.

His skill and tactics won him many races if not much popularity, yet even his most grudging opponents would acknowledge his skill behind the wheel. Patterson would go on to compete as late as 1980.

This year saw the first American to compete in his own car imported from the states. Texan Mike Clyne arrived in June with his Ford Mustang. Previous visitors had borrowed local cars.

December 1972 and Mike Wassina debuted to Challenge Patterson most controversial racer title. In earlier races in Sydney, he had already caused Garry Rush to flip and roll twice and they were to meet again at Tralee. Rush took out the feature with the American coming second.

Tralee‟s reputation as a truly international raceway was cemented when Peter Gurbiel hit upon the Team USA vs Australia promotions. After solo tours by Gene Welch, with his Traco Chevelle, he admitted he was impressed by the quality of our local racers and NZ neighbours. Gene is often quoted as being instrumental in convincing speedway promotors to tar their tracks.

Welch went on to Captain many of the teams that visited Tralee and is still well remembered today amongst his former competitors. March 1976 Gene announced his retirement from full time racing at 51 years, Holder of the 25 lap record at the time. Gene‟s son Mark would take over the wheel for the Welch name. Gene would continue to visit bringing American talent down under for years to come . Welch would give up driving in the tests not long after he received eye damage in A Sydney Workshop in 1978.

January 1974 Garry Patterson, Larry Burton, Mike Andreeta, Hash Brown, Jim Hopkins and Johnny Anderson all contested a single meeting. The largest American Group to date.

Mike Andreeta,and Jim Hopkins were frequent visitors and members of the Team US,

This year also saw Mel Kenyon race at Tralee for the first time, with only his right hand and a special steering arrangement, he won several titles in the states and was rated the world‟s best speedcar driver. Larry Rice was well known for competing with and against Garry Patterson in modifieds, Grand National Sedan drivers Jim Hopkinson and Don Graham also raced Tralee during this season driving 350 cubic inch Chevelles bringing full floating hubs and rear axles, full disc brakes and quick change diffs to the party and our locals attention. Donnie Graham won the Trans Pacific National in March and broke two long standing records the same night slashing 40 seconds from the 30 lap record.

1975 and four identical V8 Chevy Vegas arrived with this years team of Welch, Klien and new comers Ed Wilbur who set a record on every track he raced on his first Australian tour, and Wayne Sue.

1977 Johnny Pearson was the only newcomer to our shores. Teammates Mark Welch, Mike Andreeta, Ed Wilbur would all drive Chevy Monza‟s similar to the Car now owned by David Wignall

1978 and Gene‟s Dream Team in Camaros lost in January to the ACT Drivers and then won everything following in Brisbane, Newcastle, WA , SA and Tasmania.

1979 to 1980 series saw Jackie Hewitt, Ed Wilbur, Garry Scott and Johnny Pearson travel down under to compete. The Comaros that caused controversy the previous test were replaced mainly with Trans Am Firebirds rebuilt to Australian Specifications.

1980 and January saw an American Team consisting of Charlie Swartz, Rodney Combs, Don Tilford and Jimmy Hopkinson travelled down under with their dirt only Camaros to try their luck. Their only loss to team ACT saw them demand a rematch which they won breaking four track records in the process.

December and Gene Welch stayed home for the first time in 10 years. Regulars Ed Wilbur, Rodney Combs, Jackie Hewitt and Johnny Pearson appeared.

1981 Ray Godsey of Indiana arrived with his Oldsmobile Cutlass to test the team down under. Jac Haudenschild raced Tralee for the first time as part of team USA..

In 1982 Jac Haudenschild returned and nailed the 6 lap record by 13 seconds only to have it beaten in the next heat by Jackie Hewitt by a whisker of one seventeenth of a second. This year also saw Ron “Sleepy” trip and Lonnie Carruthers contest their speedcar skills against Tralee‟s best.

The Sedan team arrived with Pizza Hut sponsored Camaros in a departure from the Coca Cola livery we were familiar with. Despite losing the night Combs would break the four and 10 lap marks. Klein, Wilbur and Pearson had become common downunder.

1983 would be the first time since the days of Gene Welch that a team would not race Tralee.

1984 witnessed Big Ed Wilburs return as Captain with Mike Klein, Rodney Coombs and Ray Godsey. Ray was first time in a team having been signed after his 1981 solo tour. The Pontiac Firebirds came with them. Danny Smith came to test his sprintcar skills against our best.

1985 saw the same Sedan team with the inclusion newcomer Kenny Brightbill.

1987 Rodney Coombs, Ray Godsey and Donnie Moran returned supported by newcomer Denny Chamberlain. The Kinser brothers represented in the Modified Sprint Cars.

1988 and the Red White and Blue was represented by Rodney Coombs, Ray Godsey, Donnie Moran and Denny Chamberlain in matched Rayburn Racers. Danny Smith would beat George Tatnell in the winged warriors events

Also down under for the first Super sedan test were Steve Beitler, John Pearson, Mike Klein and Chuck Waddell who would contest the match in four identical Pontiac Firebirds built by John Pyne.

1989-1990 Team USA consisted of John Pearson, Mike Klein, Chuck Waddell and Andy Genzman driving identical Pontiac Firebirds. Aaron Miller an Apache would also feature this year. Restricted from bringing their own vehicles, Pearson would purchase his while the other three would be leased.

1991-92 USA Test Team at Fraser Park Speedway consisted of Terry Thedfort, Steve Hendren, Burt Cheatham, John Pearson

1993 New Years Day and Steve Bloomquist would headline Team USA for their only appearance at Fraser Park. Captain John Soares, Charlie Swartz and Clint Smith. They won their only FPR appearance for the year.

1985 – 1997 Steve and Randy Kinser would race during their down under tours. All the greats of our Sprint Car class would line up just to say they had been in a race against them. They broke records at tracks all over Australia and generated record crowds. Steve had dominated the sport for many years in the USA.

Gene “Pappy”Welch Garry Patterson

Mike Andreeta Mike Wassina

Racing For Regent

Peter Gurbiel was instrumental in making the track a reality He established his business at only 19 years old and raced at Mt Ginn track with several cars bearing Regents livery, He and the Canberra Stock and Saloon car club of which he was President began seeking a place to practice after their needs outgrew Mt Ginns Facilities. The Club approached Bernard Morrison to see if they could use part of his station but Morrison expressed interest in having an actual speedway built.

He was also the promoter at the beginning but took over the lease soon after and began making the Speedway a profitable concern as well as helping it produce the best Sedan drivers in the country. His firm provided tow truck services and he still found time to climb behind the wheel of his car and compete on a regular basis. He held The Stock Car Lap Record .

The twin „Stangs were driven by most of the regulars at Tralee sooner or later. Below was Ken Barlow (#7) and Peter Taunton‟s (#6) turn. Peters original idea was to provide cars for drivers to compete that could not afford to get a start due to the cost‟s involved but the Mustangs proved so effective that the greatest names we ever produced were soon taking them for a spin instead

After Fraser Park was sold in 1975, He purchased the Newcastle Speedway in 1976 renaming it Newcastle International Motordrome. He continued to run National and State titles as well as continuing the Australia Vs USA legacy that had packed the stands at Tralee.

The firm would also run the Regent Special Speedcar at many meetings, Queanbeyan s Enrie Parker would often climb behind the wheel.

In 2009 Peter Gurbiel was inducted into the Australian Speedway Hall of Fame Going Berko for Berco

Sponsoring some of the tracks greatest drivers, creating some of the best known cars to grace the track, The Braddon Engine Reconditioning Company is as well known as the track itself.

Dave Wignalls Holden FC in November 1970 featured Improvements by Berco featured an ignition system that used two distributors and set an early example for the innovations they would introduce. In July 1971 Berco engineering announced a development by Harry Arthurson who had modified a Speed car‟s Holden Engine so that with the cylinders firing in pairs, a six cylinder engine basically performed like an overpowered three cylinder engine improving its acceleration significantly. He was also responsible for the V Twin engine being installed into speed cars.

Harry Arthurson and David House

Established by Harry Arthurson, the firm was known for quality engineering from Go Karts to V8‟s. Later in the hands of Ian Stewart, Peter Brown and Robyn Egan, it continued to be synonymous with Tralee Speedway. House, Revell, Wignall and Merceica would among others to benefit from a Berco boost. Built For Fast – Everlast With many Canberrans charging their car with Everlast Batteries, It seems right we got a charge from their team sponsored cars competing at Tralee. Business owner Bill O‟Brien had several cars in his own stable, sponsored others and his Fyshwick based business was a land mark for years.

Bill O‟Brien, Col O‟Brien, Peter Pulford, Don Blewitt, Dave Buckridge, Max Kennerley, Kevin Watts and Bill Butler would all drive with Everlast‟s livery and support.

Bill would be best known locally for his Falcon around Tralee since early 1970, but also drove an XD Ford and others in regular completion including Bathurst preferring the asphalt tracks.

Everlast would go on to provide Tow Truck Services throughout the ACT as well as helping many a stricken driver from the track.

Takin’ Care Of Business

Some firms provided sponsorship while others came to be known for their association with the speedway because of the owners competing, sponsoring drivers or providing s stable of high horsepower for others to drive.

Record Times Amongst The Good Times

Final accounts of the track records are problematic, The .00 records are during the dirt phase with .000 coming with the change to asphalt and an improved timing system. The track reverted to dirt then a clay surface was put into place Unfortunately the documents often reported a record broken without reporting an actual time or the time was faster but not official as it was achieved in trials or heats. The vehicle classes were not always mentioned or which track. We don‟t have access to the tracks books. With cars and engines evolving, fuel injection, superchargers and tracks improving the all holders are recorded, not just the final one. If the records are in the wrong spot, at least it is mentioned. The date may not be the date the record was set but the date it was recorded in the newsletters

Records were made to be broken and this shows the progression.

PRODUCTION SEDANS

Laps Driver Time Date *1 Phil Cancillier 21.4 20 02 1971 1 Roger Emmerton 21 06 1970 1 Ken Barlow 20.5 1 Alan Butcher 20.0 01 1972 1 David Wignall 19.8 07.05.1972 1 Terry McInerny 19.107 1 David House 18.200 1 Ron Shepherd 18.000 07 10 1972 1 Gene Welch USA 17.991 11.11.1972 *1 Bob Rawlings 17.160 03 1974 1 Rodney Coombs USA 17.269 1974 1 David Wignall 16.71s 1974 1 Peter Taunton 16.109 05 1974 1 Bob Rawlings 15.970 07 1974 1 Bob Rawlings 15.880 09 11 1974 *1 Peter Taunton 15.740 09 1974 1 Bob Rawlings 15.391 30 03 1975 1 Bob Rawlings 15.202 1978 1 Paul Ash 14.991 1 David Wignall 14.976 07 03 1976 1 David Wignall 14.540 1 David Wignall 14.329 1 Barry Graham 14.303 1 Rodney Coombs USA 13.587 3 David House 1.1.7 01.1985 3 David Taunton 1.0.0 11.11.1972 3 David House 59.6 11.11.1972 3 Gene Welch USA 56.9 11.11.1972 3 David Wignall 48.547 07.04.1973 3 Fred Sailliard 47.920 02 1975 3 Neville Harper 47.558 27 04 1975 3 Mike Klein USA 46.837 18 01 1975 3 Bruce Maxwell 46.520 3 John Lange 46.018 3 Mike Klein USA 44.734 1976 3 David Wignall 43.758 4 Gene Welch USA 1.01.717 1974 4 Brian Norman 1.01.022 4 Brian Norman 1.00.448 4 Peter Taunton 65.380 4 Mike Klein 63.637 18 01 1975 4 David Wignall 58.706 4 Peter Crick 57.760 4 Peter Crick 57.329 5 Allan Brian 1.44.5 5 Peter Graham 1.44.2 5 Peter Taunton 1.36.8 04.05.1972 5 David House 1.33.7 25.06.1972 5 David Wignall 1.22.199 02.07.1972 5 Ken Barlow 1.18.056 03.03.1973 5 Peter Crick 1.14.247 6 Jim Flynn 2.14.6 6 Terry Pulford 2.4.4 6 Peter Taunton 2.2.0 03.09.1971 6 Howard Revell 1.58 05.02.1972 6 Brian Norman 1.42.545 03.09.1972 6 Brian Norman 1.36.851 23.03.1973 *6 Donnie Graham USA 1.33.505 02 1975 6 Neville Harper 1.36.317 08 03 1975 6 David Wignall 1.34 671 27 04 1975 6 David Wignall 6 David House 1.33.178 1975 6 Brian Norman 1.29.105 15 06 1975 6 Peter Crick 1.27.554 8 Howard Revell 2.24.7 07.05.1972 8 Fred Sailliard 2.22.381 8 Bob Rawlings 2.02.804 07.05.1972 8 David Wignall 1.58.536 1976 8 David Wignall 1.58.428 9 Howard Revell 3.5.4 10 A Shepherd 4.9.6 10 Terry Pulford 3.46.0 10 Peter Graham 3.7.5 02 1971 10 David Wignall 3.18.7 10 11 1971 10 David House 3.12.350 18.06.1972 10 Jackie Hewitt USA 3.05.064 14.05.1972 10 David Wignall 2.48.255 1974 10 Bob Rawlings 2.47.529 11.1979 *10 John Foreman 2.43.574 10 Bob Rawlings 2.36.522 09.1974 10 Bob Rawlings 2.34.617 1974 10 Peter Crick 2.33.902 10 Brian Norman 2.29.534 10 David House 2.28.309 10 1974 10 Gene Welch USA 2.27.534 10 1974 10 David Wignall 2.24.241 10 Peter Crick 2.24.000 10 Bob Rawlings 2.09.804 20 11 1974 12 Fay Cancillier 4.24.6 12 Brian Norman 3.24.811 12 Bob Rawlings 3.03.157 1974 12 David Wignall 3.03.122 13 04 1975 15 David Wignall 5.40.0 15 Peter Strudwicke 5.29.2 15 David Wignall 5.7.69 10 11 1971 15 David Wignall 5.1.4 03 1972 15 Ken Barlow 5.1.0 03 1972 15 Ken Barlow 4.48.6 30.04.1972 15 Rus Hofmann 4.45 04.03.1972 15 Brian Norman 4.10.477 12.08.1972 15 Peter Taunton 4.07.893 03.03.1973 15 Gordon Jennings 4.06.166 10 1974 15 Brian Callaghan 3.50.282 1976 15 David Wignall 3.49.814 1976 15 David Wignall 3.46.294 04 12 1976 15 David House 2.42.834 20 Col Coogan 7.0.8 20 David Norman 6.48.974 08 1971 20 David Wignall 6.40.0 20 David Wignall 5.37.6 04.03.1972 20 Bob Rawlings 5.25.472 1974 20 David Wignall 5.07.520 07 1974 20 Johnny Pearson 4.52.420 25 Peter Taunton 8.9.0 25 John Lange 8.58.430 25 David Wignall 8.46.5 16.12.1972 25 Ken Barlow 8.45.3 25 David House 8.17.1 16.02.1972 25 Peter Taunton 8.9.0 12 02 1972 25 David Wignall 7.53.8 11.06.1972 25 Mick Coombs 7.06.914 25 Gene Welch 6.36.818 16.07.1972 25 David Wignall 6.18.639 17.03.1973 30 David Wignall 10.19.5 30 Ken Barlow 10.6.300 14.05.1972 30 David Wignall 9.34.6 14.10.1972 30 Gene Welch USA 9.16.5 30 Peter Taunton 8.21.705 1972 30 Don Graham USA 7.38.251 07.04.1973 30 David Wignall 7.38.027 08 03 1975 40 Ken Barlow 11.16.758 40 Peter Crick 10.16.468 50 Bob Rawlings 14.40.802 14.05.1972 50 Peter Taunton 13.52.434 09.11.1974

1971 December Alan Butcher QLD held lap record , no time recorded 1972 Allan Brian 5 lap record no time mentioned 1987 John Pyne 1 lap record no time mentioned 1976 Dave Wignall 4 lap record no time mentioned 1976 June report of Brian Norman breaking Wignalls 4 lap time, 1.0.448 conflicts with shorter times 1975 1988 Tony Broso 8 lap record no time mentioned

Standard Sedans

6 Tony Pickering 2.07.555 1981 6 Tony Pickering 2.06.841 1981 8 Seg Bramble 2.57.404 1989 10 Tony Pickering 3.38.690 1981

Production Sedans 647m Track

Laps Driver Time Date 1 David House 26.011 08 1977 *1 David House 24.232 08 1977

Production Sedans post 1978

1 Rodney Combs 17.269 30 12 1980 3 Bill Martin 58.388 1980 4 Ron Shepherd 1.15.934 01 1980 4 Brian Norman 1.15.094 01 1980 4 Brian Norman 1.12.770 20 03 1980 4 Charlie Swartz 1.12.523 20 03 1980 4 Rodney Combs 1.10.649 20 03 1980 4 Rodney Combs 1.10.108 1981 5 David House 1.31.906 1981 6 Peter Giddings 1.31.906 1981 8 Brian Norman 2.36.024 1981 10 Brian Norman 3.11.564 1980 10 Jackie Hewitt 3.05.064 30 12 1980 10 Rodney Coombs 2.57.833 1981 10 David House 2.42.834 31 02 1984 10 Grenville Anderson 2.41.621 12 1992 12 Brian Norman 3.58.700 1981 20 Brian Norman 6.48.974 1981 25 David House 8.43.690 1981 30 David House 9.54.310 1981

Bill Martin held the four lap record time not mentioned Rodney Combs held four and 10 lap records in 01 1982 no time mentioned Brian Norman reported as 4 lap record holder 1.0.448 31 .05 1976 no track mentioned. This conflicts with Mike Kleins 1975 lower time.

MODIFIED PRODUCTION SEDANS

Laps Driver Time Date 10 Peter Graham 2.58.344 07 11 1992 15 Paul Mascord 4.27.334 07.11.1992

Paul Mascord 07 11 1992 10 lap record no time mentioned. Russ Heaton held the 15 lap record 1992 no time recorded

STOCK CARS

Laps Driver Time 1 Peter Gurbiel 20.6

SUPER SEDANS

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Fred Senger 15.040 04.03.1995 3 Charlie Schwartz USA 47.294 02.01.1995 4 Mike Klein USA 1.02.402 12.01.1991 5 Robert Burke 1.24.559 6 John Pyne 1.39.403 17.12.1994 8 John Brown 2.07.648 23.12.1989 10 Grenville Anderson 2.41.621 05 12 1992 10 Bob Brewer 2.40.772 03.04.1993 10 Don McEwan 2.39.790 02.1994 12 John Pyne 3.14.356 26.03.1994 15 Owen Johnston 4.00.699 27.10.1990 20 John Pyne 5.36.775 04.03.1990 25 Ron Pyne 7.01.924 04.12.1993 30 Ron Pyne 8.41.285 03.04.1993

Bob Brewer Held 1 lap 1990 – Time not recorded

STANDARD SALOON CARS

Laps Driver Time Date 6 Harry Shepherd 2.19.6 08 08 1970 6 Tony Pickering 2.06.841 8 Greg Donoghue 2.50.324 8 Jim Brewer 2.48.085 8 Tony Pickering 2.46.145 8 Terry McInerney 2.39.977 10 Tony Pickering 3.38.690 10 Phil Cancillier 3.25.150 12 Phil Cancillier 4.08.988 1979 12 Paul Bink 3.40.131 1991

SALOONS

1 Adrian Anderson 19.174 3 Bill Martin 58.388 1979 4 Bill Martin 1.19.722 1979 4 Rodney Coombs 1.14.770 5 David House 1.31.908 1979 8 Terry McInerney 2.39.977 1979 10 David House 3.12.350 1979 20 Bill Martin 6.52.196 1979 25 David House 8.43.690 1979

MODIFIED SEDANS

Laps Driver Time Date 4 Paul McCarthy 1.09.730 12.02.1993 6 Scott McPherson 1.47.313 03.12.1994 8 David House 2.20.395 13.02.1993 8 David House 2.20.395 13.02.1993 8 Wayne Sullivan 2.20.287 02.1997 10 Paul Egan 2.56.957 26.12.1992 12 Chris Top 3.33.303 05.03.1994 15 Paul Mascord 4.27.334 07.11.1992 20 Greg Donovan 6.03.807 01.01.1994 25 Greg Donovan 7.35.338 04.12.1993 30 Trevor Mills 8.55.818 17.12.1994

Paul Bink held the 12 lap record in 1991. Time not recorded

CLASS B/II SEDANS

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Bill Weymiss 21.4 5 Vic Sykes 2.29.6 08 1971 8 Vic Sykes 3.30.0 08 1971 8 R. Edlington 2.17.4 03 1972 10 Vic Sykes 4.12.6 02 1971 10 L. Beasley 3.49.7 10 11 1971 10 David Wignall 3.40.4 10 11 1971 15 P Reynolds 3.54.0 03 1972 25 Mike Coombs 7.6.914 27 04 1975

CLASS C/III SEDANS

Laps Driver Time Date 3 A Shepherd 1.59.4 08 1971 6 W. Hebditch 2.40.0 08 1971 8 A Shepherd 3.8.4 03 1972 10 A Shepherd 3.59.5 02 1971 10 Henry Morrison 3.23.952 30 12 1980 15 G. Lloyd 5.51.7 03 1972

1600 SEDANS

Laps Driver Time Date 10 Darren Carn 2.58.509 02.1997

GRAND NATIONAL SALOON CARS

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Rodney Coombs 17.269 3 Bill Martin 58.388 4 Bill Martin 1.19.722 1979 4 Rodney Coombs 1.10.108 4 Bill Martin 1.19.722 1979 5 Gary Bevan 1.39.863 1979 5 David House 1.31.906 6 John Cartwright 1.51.674 8 Max Kennerley 3.1.0 08 08 1970 8 Brian Norman 2.36.024 10 Brian Norman 3.24.881 1979 10 Rodney Coombs 2.57.833 12 John Cartwright 3.58.700 20 Brian Norman 6.48.974 25 David House 8.43.690 30 David House 9.54.310 4 Bill Martin 1.19.722 5 Gary Bevan 1.39.863 10 Brian Norman 3.24.881 20 Bill Martin 6.52.196

SPRINT CARS

Laps Driver Time 1 Garry Patterson 15.274 3 Barry Guy 47.944 4 Garry Rush 1.01.333 5 Danny Smith 1.17.612 6 Jack Hewitt 1.32.566 8 Garry Rush 2.07.542 10 Brett Lacey 2.38.520 12 George Tatnell 3.22.349 15 Bob Blacklaw 4.15.098 20 Danny Smith 5.20.553

MODIFIED SPRINT CARS

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Bob Bink 20.8 1970 1 Bob Worthington 20.2 28 02 1971 1 Gordon Rundle 20.0 28 02 1971 1 Dick Britton 19.5 1971 1 Bob Gray 19.2 1971 1 John Anderson USA 18.3 1 Garry Rush 18.2 12 02 1972 1 Jim Winterbottom 17.924 1 John Wright 17.017 1973 1 Steve Brazier 16.811 *1 John Morro 16.180 03 1974 1 Garry Patterson 15.274 *1 John Morro 15.100 03 1974 1 Gary Patterson USA 14.560 04 1974 1 Gary Patterson USA 14.087 12 1974 1 Morrie Greig 14.052 04 01 1975 1 Morrie Greig 13.928 12 05 1975 1 Geoff Pickering 13.926 1978 1 Garry Rush 13.819 21.03.1987 1 John Walsh 13.620 20.03.1988 1 Steve Brazier 13.516 3 Garry Rush 57.0 12 02 1972 3 Dick Britton 55.4 12 02 1972 3 Garry Rush 54.3 12 02 1972 3 Barry Cox 51.287 3 Barry Guy 47.944 3 Bill Barrows 45.844 3 Geoff Pickering 41.753 1974 3 Steve Brazier 41.345 11 12 1976 3 Steve Brazier 41.081 4 Gary Allen 1.27.8 10 11 1971 4 Bob Bink 1.27.0 10.11.1971 4 Tony Guy 1.10.257 4 Jac Haudenchild 1.02.283 1989 4 Bob Tunks 57.959 4 Frank Van Sebille 1.00.708 4 Geoff Pickering 56.373 4 Steve Brazier 55.280 11 12 1976 4 Frank Van Sebille 54.056 1979 5 Garry Rush 1.55.738 5 Barry Guy 1.21.461 5 Garry Patterson 1.16.478 5 John Morro 1.15.128 5 Geoff Pickering 1.12.243 5 Geoff Pickering 1.11.585 13 04 1975 5 Geoff Pickering 1.10.043 5 Geoff Pickering 1.10.011 1976 6 Barry Guy 1.45.119 6 Jack Hewitt 1.32.566 6 Morrie Greig 1.27.672 6 Morrie Greig 1.23.577 6 Garry Rush 1.19.570 28.12.1994 4 Garry Allen 1.27.8 10 11 1971 8 Bob Bink 2.31.2 10 11 1971 8 Barry Guy 2.23.743 8 Steve Brazier 2.15.572 8 George Tatnell 2.15.449 8 Morrie Greig 1.55.525 12 1974 8 Geoff Pickering 1.50.021 8 Leland McFadden USA 1.44.289 19.12.1993 10 Ron Moulden 3.25.5 10 11 1971 10 Frank Van Sebille 3.0.001 10 Wayne Fisher 2.50.570 10 Barry Guy 2.49.330 10 John Morro 2.41.572 10 Harry Bink 2.34.825 10 Morrie Greig 2.33.389 09 11 1971 10 Garry Patterson USA 2.25.207 12 1974 10 Morrie Greig 2.22.113 1974 10 Brooke Tatnell 2.12.378 19.02.1995 12 Tony Guy 3.33.432 12 Harry Bink 3.31.6 01 1971 12 George Tatnell 3.22.349 12 Frank Van Sebille 3.05.264 12 Morrie Greig 2.59.300 26 12 1975 12 Morrie Greig 2.53.609 12 Bob Blacklaw 2.46.681 21.03.1987 15 Bob Blacklaw 4.15.098 15 Garry Patterson USA 3.54.842 1976 15 Dave Conlin 3.37.723 15 John Walsh 3.36.875 20.02.1988 15 Steve Brazier 3.36.205 20 Garry Patterson USA 5.08.699 1974 20 Wayne Snipper 4.48.941 09.01.1994 20 Morrie Greig 4.45.838 25 George Tatnell 6.36.690 05 1974 25 George Tatnell 6.33.690 25 Max Dumesney 5.45.358 08.01.1995 40 Geoff Pickering 9.28.087

Ronald Mackay held 3 lap record 1974 – time not recorded Jac Haudenschild, Jackie Hewitt held the six lap record 02 1982 no time mentioned. Garry Rush set 4 and 10 lap records 03 1982 no time mentioned Bob tunks held 2, 4, 6 and 25 lap records in 1993 no times known February 1972 reports Harry Bink 10 lap 3.39.8 conflicts with R Moulden 1971 Nov

Modified Sprint Cars 647m Track

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Garry Patterson 15.274 02 1980 1 Randy Kinser USA 14.041 12.1986 1 John Walsh 13.620 20.03.1988 8 Frank Van Sebille 2.33.211 1979 8 Harry Delamont 2.32.946 26 01 1980 8 Barry Guy 2.23.743 26 01 1980 10 Garry Patterson 2.36623 02 1980 12 Tony Guy 3.33.432 1979 15 Frank Van Sebille 4.33.965 1979 15 Garry Patterson 4.16.595 02 1980

Frank Van Sebille held 15 lap record no time mentioned

FORMULA 500

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Brian Norman 18.5 1 Dick Shepherd 17.46 1 Ron Allen 15.547 12 1974 1 Phil Oliver 15.514 1 Phil Oliver 15.239 3 Syde Hart 52.246 3 Len Smith 50.547 3 Phil Oliver 46.772 4 John Vorosmarty 1.08.093 4 Phil Oliver 1.05.961 5 Phil Oliver 1.22.252 5 Phil Oliver 1.21.946 6 Brian Norman 3.46.6 02.1971 6 Phil Oliver 1.40.331 6 Phil Oliver 1.39.846 13 03 1975 6 Phil Oliver 1.37.263 6 Phil Oliver 1.36.358 6 John Vorosmarty 1.36.104 14 03 1976 6 Phil Oliver 1.35.579 14 03 1976 6 Phil Oliver 1.35.358 09 08 1976 6 Phil Oliver 1.36.358 14 03 1976 8 Harry Delamont 2.18.321 8 John Owen 2.11.802 09 08 1976 8 John Owen 2.08.622 8 Phil Oliver 2.07.058 8 Phil Oliver 1.56.685 10 Brian Norman 3.22.6 02.1971 10 John Owen 2.46.398 1974 10 Theo Visser 2.45.354 13 03 1975 10 Phil Oliver 2.42.318

Barry pinchbeck held the 8 lap record in 01 1982 no time mentioned.

SPEED CARS

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Bob Mitchum 19.6 1 Barry Pinchbeck 19.3 1972 1 George Tatnell 19.2 1972 1 Ron Mackay 18.6 1972 1 Rod Bowen 15.744 04.02.1995 1 Jack Porritt 15.542 1 Mel Kenyon USA 14.393 1975 *1 Howard Revell 14.376 12 1976 1 Sleepy Tripp 14.257 1 Ronald Mackay 14.313 *1 Howard Revell 13.997 08 1976 1 Geoff Pickering 13.926 2 George Tatnell 28.506 3 Sleepy Tripp 51.368 1981 3 Kevin Gormley 47.021 3 Jerry Coobs USA 46.505 07.12.1991 3 Mel Kenyon USA 43.727 3 Hank Butcher 43.010 4 Ronald Mackay 1.9.300 4 Ronald Mackay 1.40.181 4 Ronald Mackay 1.12.405 4 Ronald Mackay 1.09.300 4 Howard Revell 1.00.093 16 08 1976 4 Howard Revell 58.305 4 Ronald Mackay 56.956 5 George Tatnell 1.48.485 5 Bob Bradford 1.40.181 5 Bob Bradford 1.18.955 5 Ronald McKay 1.14.883 5 Larry Rice 1.13.692 5 Mel Kenyon USA 1.11.562 5 Howard Revell 1.11.404 12 1976 6 Howard Revell 1.48.485 1981 6 Howard Revell 1.32.193 6 Gavin Leer 1.28.241 25.01.1993 6 Darren Jenkins 2.49.0 11.1996 8 Troy Jenkins 3.01.330 07.12.1991 8 Howard Revell 2.30.036 8 Peter Taunton 2.26.050 08 08 1970 8 Howard Revell 2.04.581 16 08 1976 8 Larry Rice USA 1.55.641 8 Howard Revell 1.54.963 10 Howard Revell 3.17.072 16 08 1976 10 Barry Pinchbeck 2.30.863 10 David House 2.25.558 10 Howard Revell 2.23.487 12 Howard Revell 2.55.599 12 Howard Revell 2.28.713

20 Michael Meyer 4.60.110 20 Garry Patterson USA 5.01.070 20 Garry Patterson USA 4.48.616 1974 20 Howard Revell 4.14.538 16 08 1976 25 Kevin Cox 5.59.561 30 Garry Rush 7.14.538

Jimmy Rice USA held the 8 lap record in 1976 no time mentioned

COMPACT SPEED CARS Laps Driver Time Date 6 Bob Rawlings 1.42.304 09.01.1994 8 Mick Rawlings 2.16.149 19.11.1994 10 Glen Dobbin 2.38.935 26.12.1992 15 Glen Dobbin 4.13.786 27.04.1991 20 Glen Dobbin 5.29.199 07.11.1992

MINI SPEED CARS Laps Driver Time 8 West Henderon 2.19.852 10 John Kenney 2.51.491 15 West Henderson 4.30.847 10 David Searle 2.46.022

GRAND PRIX MIDGETS

Laps Driver Time 1 Craig Brady 15.222 3 Phil Oliver 48.049 5 Phil Oliver 1.18.264 6 Phil Oliver 1.37.321 6 John Vorosmarty 1.35.783 6 Phil Oliver 1.33.106 6 Grant Walker 1.31.829 8 Ron Gardiner 2.42.233 8 West Henderson 2.19.852 8 Phil Oliver 2.02.081 10 John Kenney 2.51.491 10 David Searle VIC 2.46.022 10 Ian Saville 2.31.765 10 Rick Wilson 2.29.356 12 Ron Gardiner 3.07.310 15 West Henderson 4.30.847 15 Rick Wilson 4.00.358

Solos ¼ Mile

Laps Driver Time 1 Ole Olsen Denmark 17.66

Solos 647m

Laps Driver Time Date 1 Ole Olsen Denmark 17.43 31.01.1981 3 Brett Alderton 58.447 1979 3 Alf Busk Denmark 54.02 01.1981 3 Alan Graham UK 53.91 10 01 1981 3 Phil Collins UK 53.83 10 01 1981 3 Ole Olsen Denmark 53.191 31 01.1981 4 Jim Burdfield 74.69 31 02.1981

Centre Track

Laps Driver Time Date 4 Scott Humphries 1.4.879 01.1988 4 Garry Havelock 1.4.089 16.01.1988

Sidecars

Laps Driver Time Date 1 John Macklin 17.612 03 05 1975

* Not officially recorded, may have occurred during warmup, as part of longer race or even trial runs

The Main Events

The following lists were compiled with the help of Michael Doherty, self described Speedway Tragic and creator of the facebook page that has brought so many drivers and fans together to ensure that then track will always live and be loved in our memories and hearts.

ACT SEDAN CHAMPIONSHIP

1971 Peter Taunton, Max Kennerley, Don Blewitt 1972 David House, Peter Taunton, Ken Barlow 1973 David Wignall 1974 Peter Taunton, David Wignall, Fred Saillard 1975 David Wignall, Brian Norman, Ivan Roe 1976 David Wignall, Brian Norman, Ron Shepherd 1977 Barry Graham, David Wignall, John Gale 1978 1979 David House, Brian Norman, Bill Martin 1980 Paul Geale, David House, Brian Norman 1981 Brian Norman 1982 John Cartwright, Brian Norman, Terry McInerney 1983 David House, Tony Kranitis, Bruce Ingram 1984 1985 Nick Girdlestone, Peter Bink, Bill Quade

ACT MODIFIED SPRINTCAR CHAMPIONSHIPS

1970 Dick Briton 1971 Dick Briton,Bob Tunks, Bob Bink 1972 Dick Briton, Gordon Patterson, Gary Allen 1973 Bob Bink 1974 Gary Rush, John Christy, George Merceica 1975 Maurie Greig, Jon Morro, John Christy 1979 Gary Patterson 1980 Gary Patterson

TRALEE SEDAN CLUB POINTSCORE CHAMPION

1971 Bill Martin (Cooma) 1972 David Wignall 1975 Ken Barlow

TRALEE MODIFIED SPRINTCAR POINTSCORE CHAMPION

1971 Bob Bink 1972 Harry Bink 1973 Jon Morro

TRALEE EASTER 2000/3000

1971 Rick Hunter, Neville Harper 1972 Rick Hunter, David Wignall, Bill Martin 1973 Ken, Barlow, David Wignall, David House 1974 Brian Norman, Neville Harper, Bob Rawlings 1975 Brian Callaghan, Hash Brown, Ed Wilbur 1976 Brian Callaghan, Barry Graham, Donnie Graham 1977 Peter Crick

TRALEE (Coca Cola ) 600/2000

1970 Bill Martin (GBN), Kevin Watt, Frank McCarthy 1971 Peter Taunton, David Wignall, Howard Revell 1973 Bob Rawlings, Brian Norman, Phil Cancillier 1974 Peter Taunton, Bob Rawlings, Fred Saillard 1975 Bruce Maxwell, David House, David Wignall

SEDAN 100 LAPPER

1974 David Wignall, Ron Shepherd, Phil Cancillier

SPEEDCAR GRAND PRIX

1972 Ronald Mackay, Barry Pinchbeck, George Tatnell 1975 Mel Kenyon, Ronald McKay, Barry Pinchbeck 1976 Gary Patterson, Larry Rice, Kevin Gormley 1977 John Rutherford, Howard Revell, Kevin Cox

JAMES FRASER MEMORIAL TROPHY

1972 David House, Howard Revell, Barry Lewis 1973 David Wignall, Bob Rawlings 1974 David Wignall, David House, Rick Hunter 1975 David Wignall, Ken Barlow, Tony Noske 1976 David Wignall, Brian Norman, John Foreman 1977 David Wignall, Ron Darrell, Harry Bink

TRALEE WINTER CHAMPIONSHIP

1972 David House 1973 David Wignall 1974 David Wignall, George Whiting, Dave Maidment

MODIFIED SPRINTCAR GRAND PRIX

1973 Sid Hopping, John Wright, Les Harrower

MARY WIGNALL MEMORIAL

1974 Peter Taunton, Gordon Jennings, Fred Saillard

MARLBORO GRAND PRIX 50 LAPPER

1974 Ken Barlow, Ron Shepherd, Rick Hunter

BERCO GOLDEN CAM

1974 David Wignall 1975 Ken Barlow, Jim Brewer, Col O‟Brien 1976 Brian Norman

JOHN EGAN MEMORIAL

1984 1985 1986 Don Sands, Owen Johnson, Terry Scorgie 1987 Super Sedans - John Pyne, Mark Weaver, Monds Midgets - Kaydon Dalliston, Bob Mitchell 1988 John Pyne Leads until rain cancellation 1989 1990 February 1990 Russell Heaton, November 1990 Brian Norman 1991 Brian Norman 1992 Super Sedans - Alan Baker, Paddy Ward, Nathan Wilson Modified Sedans - Jason Wright, Paul Egan, Paul McCarthy 1993 Super Sedans John Pyne, Stu Robertson, Paddy Ward Modified Sedans Greg Donovan, Trevor Mills, Chris Top 1994 1995 Paul Egan, Wayne Sullivan, Trevor Mills 1996 1997

Shows And Showoffs

With it‟s ability to seat so many, Tralee was often the place to hold the bigger shows of the time. Long before Bruce Stadium and The Convention centre, Tralee International Raceway showed showed off some home grown talent and international acts.

16th October 1973 – Bo Diddley 19th December 1973 - Bill Haley & Johnny O‟Keefe

1

9th February 1972 Hollywood Auto Daredevils 13th January 1973 - French Hell Drivers

7th December 1975 - Skyhooks 3rd February 1980 – Dale Buggins

28th February 1984 – Dar Davies 8th December 1984 - Mr T and Hanna Barbera

FOES AND BLOWS Hot cars and hot tempers would sometimes see drivers come to blows. The competitive nature of the sport often saw police called to tracks around Australia to break up fights in the crowd as well as the pits and infield, with Tralee no exception. More than once, Suspensions and fines were the result of race rather than a win. Conversion to asphalt reduced the in car incidences if not the trackside ones

Garry Rush and Garry Patterson more than once bashed into each other and then bashed each other. Their feuding was almost legendary, with neither willing to back down behind the wheel nor facing each other. Garry Rush even threw the checkered flag at Patterson on one occasion and another the Californian threw his helmet at Rush. The 1974 Australian Modified Sprintcar Championship raced at Tralee was just one example. Garry Patterson was also known for getting the crowds riled up famously quoting “If your gonna throw cans, at least throw full ones” at Liverpool.

The 1972 interstate Championship saw the intense rivalry between NSW and Canberra Locals boil over. Both teams were involved in an incident that made every newspaper and magazine relating to the sport. Many versions of what went wrong exist and suspensions were issued to many of those involved.

Rivalry and score settling often saw a driver black flagged in the days of dirt, quite a bit of argy bargy got you to the front of the pack. At One Tralee National 3000, David Wignall drove 9 laps under the black flag, apparently his accelerator cable stuck after a clash with Nash and he then became involved in a heated argument with track officials. An estimated 2000 spectators were involved in vocal protests against the officials.

Tatnell and Butcher accused each other of unsafe tactics in the speedcar class and often cars would get hooked up at high speeds, only to have one spear into the safety fence if they came apart.

David House would more than once be sent to the rear of the field for nudging cars out of his way in the Sedans.

Modified sprintcars slammed into each other causing spectacular rolls and crashes an on occasions, large pile ups. Local rivalry‟s and tempers were soon re- aimed at the visitors when they arrived and resumed when they left.

Rare indeed was the driver whose career had avoided the black flag for on track incidences or suspensions for out of car combatant. Yell at each other, yell at Track Marshalls and even yell abuse at the crowd.

Ron Shepherd (L) Wins a demo derby

The end of season demolition derby‟s allow competitors the chance to settle a score or two, blow off some steam and let some out of the radiator. Almost every racing season for years featured a demo derby at the last meeting Speedway Spills and Thrills

Promoted as thrilling, fast and dangerous sport, it lived up to its name .The crowds loved a crash but more importantly was when the driver walked away

“Get Your Backside Trackside” Jack Hogg

Jack had a million quotes and a million jokes, mostly about mother in laws. One of the most loved people in Australian Speedway history, most locals know him as the man behind the mike calling the races and calling the drivers funny names, but in his own right he was a star of the speedway and a mover and shaker in the industryand commenced his long association with the Track from the third meeting. Born in Melbourne in 1927, Jack moved to Canberra where he finished his schooling and in his earlier life he found the thrill of motorcycles and sidecars to his taste and went on to hold several State and National Titles.

Jack in action in 1947, Racing in Queanbeyan, on the sidecar

Jack raced with Bob Abbot in 1947 and also rode with Lloyd Hurst from 1949 to 1951 A move to Moruya in 1962 saw him instrumental in the formation of the local track and club and the commentary tower is named after him A Man of many careers and many beers, having moved back to the ACT Jack was manager of the Whale Car Wash in Braddon, Ads for the firm often appeared in the Tralee Speedway News 1970 and Jack called the opening meet of Tralee Speedway and was soon in demand at Speedways all over the state. If you didn‟t the face you sure knew the voice. .

Trophy presentation nights arrived and Jack was also the Master Of Ceremonies.

Here he conducts a trackside interview with Peter Collins, another winner at Tralee, and presents his $15 prize money

Winner of Catch The Greased Pig

1991 He cut the 21st Birthday Ribbon to open the meeting with Bernard Morrison.

1992 Jack was now 64 and his health failing, yet he still called races at Tralee. “God musn‟t have given the bones to play tennis or golf or something and if it doesn‟t rattle or blow blue smoke, I won‟t be near it” “Fraser Park like the track in Moruya will all ways have that something special” “I love the speedway but I always love the people, they‟re a different race, there‟s just more comraderie” “The dyed in the wool speedway fans have changed little since the 1930‟s, they still like a red hot competition speedway race and that‟s what it‟s all about”

Upon his passing in January 1996 aged 69, Speedways all the over the state lost a true character and a much loved man.

“The Ballet of the Speedway” never lost is appeal.

Track Officials

While a Speedway is all about the cars and racing, it‟s the people behind the scenes who make it all happen.

These individuals and firms in no particular order all deserve our thanks.

Promoters: 1970 - 1978 Peter Gurbiel and John Mitchell 1976 - 1978 John Lange 1978 - 1981 Ron Ulrich and Gordon Taylor 1981 - 1983 Rick Otton 1983 - 1985 Alan Olive 1985 - 1988 Brian Holbrook 1988 - 1989 Peter Lawson and David Dawes 1989 - 1990 Mike Atwell 1991 - 1996 Terry Scorgie 1996 - 1997 Phil Christensen

Directors: B. L Morrison, Keith Nurse Commentators: Graham McInnes Jack Hogg, Ron Norton, Phil Hall, Colin Clark, Robert Lee, Jim Pilgrim Starters: Mick Pratt, Peter Robinson Course Clerks: Ron Wells, Les Gilbert, J. Tonkin, Ken Capp, Bruce Walker Pit Marshalls: Ken Capp, Peter Robinson, Don Daniel, Gordon Palmer, Ian Keen, Dennis Forman Track Manager: Marian Sliwinski Track Caretaker: Jim Brewer Chief Steward: Con Reynolds Track Marshall: David Lewis Timekeepers: Bob Pratt, Ron Norton, Ron Ulrich, Bernie Wiggins, Ian McLeod Lap Scorers: Glenda Brewer, Pauline Keen General Manager: John Mitchell Photographers: Jan Troost, Russ Voysey, Peter Webster, Malcolm Bull, David Cummings, Bill Meyer Grande Prix, David Bracken, Robyn Blakemore, Bob Stephenson, Mac Campbell Media/ Public relations Brian Wilshire, Lee Donnelly Fire Services: Repco, L A Spares, Everlast Towing, Blackwoods, Kembla Car Centre Tow Truck Services: Everlast Battery Service, Regent Bodyworks, Athol Morris, ACT Wreckers, George Pankasz, Custom Bodyworks Water Truck: Readymix Ambulance Services: Queanbeyan District Ambulance Service

Broke A Bone Not A Record

More than one brave driver took one car to the track, drove another and rode a third home

Since the very first Race at Tralee Queanbeyan District Ambulance Service attended. Each program sold contained these reassurances.

The services policy at the time was a single officer to a vehicle and job, Bystanders were often pressed into helping. Here Dave Reynolds is loaded with his father and others assisting into the Chrysler Royal.

Officer Damian Gorkrodger helps the “Hostile Hippie” Garry Patterson into a slightly slower vehicle than he was used to.

Drivers were not the only ones in harms way, Track official Harrold Oxley was hit when a car ploughed thru the midfield.

Often an individual would be given running repairs trackside but many cases required transport to Hospital

Faster Ambulances arrived for faster trips to the Emergency Ward. The HQ shown here was among the earlier vehicles once they moved to modern white paint jobs.

Thrills and Spills galore in the Solos also kept the Ambulance busy.

Media Madness Promoting the Speedway through the local papers, radio and Television Stations kept the public informed of what was to come, what had happened and created the archive from which much of this material was drawn. Manipulation of the media is essential for any business to thrive and it did not hurt that we encouraged people working there to participate in the odd demolition derby and celebrity race.

Raceway Recollections

In the course of creating this, I have prodded and poked Ron Smith‟s memory and tried to get a few of the yarns on paper. Although Ron did drive and win at Tralee, his first love was always mechanical work on cars. In the earlier days, the drivers would congregate in the pits for a BBQ and beer after the meeting, held during the day in this era. Peter Gurbiel would provide the snags and steaks and the drivers, mechanics and officials would all discuss what happened and what was to come. Later the booze was banned in the pits. One hot afternoon, Jack Hogg headed down from the commentary booth said to Ron “Jesus it‟s hot, give a swig of that coke” Ron said his eyes bugged out and he began to splutter. Smithy preferred bourbon and the coke held a fair charge, “I think there‟s a bit more than Coke in THAT bottle” grinned Jack.

He mention‟s a time when all the guys were interested in new fangled fuel injection and he and Shep installed it on the Torana. Things went pretty good and the old girl got a boost even though a few drivers had tried it and gone back to carburettors. Then they threw her on the trailer and went to a meeting at Sydney. The minor variation in coastal Atmosphere made the car stall and they had to quickly come up with a larger input nozzle, hastily installed to continue the days events.

Webber Carby‟s were all the go in street cars in the 70‟s but the tracks played havoc with them on the speedways. They would clog up with dust and dirt. One meeting where the EH had suddenly performed better than expected, they asked Ron what he had done different and he lifted the bonnet to reveal a three Webbers. He had gotten together with his friend Tony Zalotto who owned an air con company and was an expert in filters. Tony had designed a filter from air con parts that allowed it to perform, all the drivers gathered around in fascination to see how it had been done.

In a morning spent with David Wignall, David asked Ron if he remembered when he used to plug the Torana into a 240 volt socket before the races and how everone wondered what the hell was going on. I asked Ron about this later and he explained that the cold engine was letting the methanol fuel escape past the piston rings until the engine had warmed up. The sump was getting contaminated by the fuel and the car would underperform till the engine heated. He purchased a very small water heater and installed it inline with the radiator and by plugging into electricity he could preheat the water and thus the engine.

His love for the old times at Tralee is obvious, his eyes light up, his smile grows and he reminisces of old cars and old friends. Most of these men are now in their 70‟s and 80‟s but a mention of Tralee will always bring back their youth.

Bruce Maxwell

While most of the fans think of the time spent on the track, the drivers spent a lot of time getting there, hanging around the cars and each other, killing time and clocking up massive mileage and hours prepping the vehicles. Bruce Maxwell, raconteur and crowd pleaser was kind enough to share a few memories of these times.

First I should start by saying that I was lucky enough to race in an era where there were some great drivers on both the dirt and the pavement. But as a disciple of the Great GP (Gary Patterson) I soon learned from him that to put bums on seats it wasn‟t enough to just win races you had to stir up the fans. I did and it worked….of course you had to win your share of races too. I had a lot of fun in Canberra and as we know Tralee turned out some great drivers and as much as I bagged them on the Mike, I knew they were fast!

Dave Wignall, Peter Taunton, Bobby Rawlings, Barlow, Kennerley, Shepherd, the list goes on. Dave Wignall was my favorite when it came to Radio interviews etc. He bit like a shark and it always made for great promotions. There was one interview I‟ll never forget. The old two door was handling like a dream and we had been having a great run of luck at both Liverpool and Tralee, won about five or six straight main events at Tralee I think. In fairness Wignall and Rawlins who are usually very fast were struggling with a few car problems. I hadn‟t been back for a while as I was committed to a series at Liverpool but the promoter there Ron Ulrich called and as he always took care of me I said I‟d come. The day before the show we did a radio show, both myself and Dave Wignall were promoting the meeting and as usual I was bagging the Tralee drivers. Dave shot back with “If we‟re so easy to beat why you haven‟t been back recently?” I replied; “Dave..when I first started coming to Canberra it was common knowledge that the ACT supported the homosexual community…when I came back the last time you had legalized it…I was afraid to come back again in case you made it compulsory”

Dave fires up, luckily he couldn‟t get the F word etc out and the radio presenter had time to cut to a commercial.

The second little story was played out in Melbourne. We were down there for the Aussie Titles. After the Friday night heats we had a few beers and were in need of food. In those days Melbourne went to bed at ten o‟clock and the only place open was a burger joint near the Taxi stand in the city and we were out on the edge of town at Brooklyn Speedway. They made me the driver as I was the only one still sober! Well, right from the get go Wiggy starts playing up! Grabbing the handbrake, the steering wheel, putting his hands over my eyes you name it. It was raining and we spun cross an intersection the first time, almost hit a pole the second time and backed it across an intersection and ended up door to door with a Cab the third time. Dave asked the stunned Cabby for directions! His next trick had us stalled across the Tram lines in the middle of town but due to luck more than skill we made it to the burger joint.

With a full belly our little tearaway soon fell asleep on the way back to the track. I then whispered to the boys “When I hit the brakes, everyone start screaming.” As it was still raining the roads were nice and slippery…….I grabbed the handbrake and started it spinning and we all screamed at the same time! Dave came up out of his seat screaming too and almost went through the windscreen. We just started laughing……he didn‟t! He complained all the way back..” you could have given me a heart attack”…”that wasn‟t funny”….that was dangerous Maxwell, you should know better.” I loved Dave and to wrap it up I think he won the National Title the following night, as I said, he could drive and should have won the Title at Sydney Showground too only his team mate tipped him over….I was standing on the infield (Flat Tyre) right where it happened.

Now I‟ll leave Dave alone and tell a little story about an absolute legend and a lovely guy to boot, Howard Revell. We were at Liverpool and the old Two door was running great, been back to back features for several weeks and we had just knocked off a Fourty lapper so its fair to say the the big old girl was handling like a dream.

Howard was checking out the suspension on my car which was up on the car trailer, and then commented at the size of my right front spring. He asked my why I ran such a big front spring..to which I replied ”Because it works!” He gave a bemused look and said well….you might get a surprise when you come back to Tralee because I‟ve been making some changes to the suspension on Bobby Rawlings car. We roll up to Tralee the following week and into the pits. Bob Rawlings was out on the track in his SLR 5000 doing some practice laps. I stand up on the hill alongside Howard to watch. As Bob comes down the straight and into turn one BOTH the rear coil springs shoot out from under the car and bounce along the track. Straight way I turned to Howard and said “ So that‟s the surprise…your going to throw coil springs at me!” Howard never said a word.. just a hint of a smile and walked away. I should add they did get that car working and there was never any question about their ability to build Racecars and win races. I have more but they‟re R rated. I loved Tralee, and I can honestly say I never got a bad call their from the officials, the Club and the drivers.…except the match races but they were all out war but even that made for great stories.

I have a lot of fond memories of Tralee.

John Maher – Writer Reminisces

When I was younger my family would go there to watch my uncle, Ron Smith race, he was a consistent A grade competitor and won a few races as well as often being mentioned in the local paper with his EH sedan in the early days.

The dirt track meant dodging the clods thrown up, especially by the bikes and sprinters but we also got to go into the pits knowing a driver. It was a frenzy of last minute prep or hasty repairs and I remember watching them push the sprint cars with an old ute to get them started. We would park his ute with the back facing the track and climb up to the roof or sit on the tailgate.

In 1984 – 85, I worked the rear gate where people could come in their cars and park on the hill. I was only 18 at the time and loved every minute of it. People would come in and try to get a family pass with four blokes in the car, hah. I also sold the programmes as they bought their entry. If only I had kept one of each in hindsight.

Being a Queanbeyan boy, I would drive my EJ down Tharwa Rd just past the railway house and turn left, follow the dirt track to the speedway, go past the main gate and around to the rear gate. Others would enter from the Canberra side entering under the railway through a culvert or small tunnel near Hume.

Some nights I worked until 1/3 or ½ of the meeting was over and then one of the Olive‟s would come and collect the takings and lock the gate. I could then go upstairs to the commentary booth and watch the rest of the races, thinking I was King Pin being up there when everyone else was down in the stands or their cars. I came to know the guy who did the videotaping quite well as I was always into technology and gadgets, went on the make a career out of technology.

I remember the caravans selling speedway magazines, clothing and memorabilia and the donut van. They would often have a half time show, I remember one billed as Mr T, and the guy barely looked or sounded like him. I remember Dale Buggins and Sister Chantelle performing and the crowds they generated on the night were among the most enthusiastic.

The yanks would come and it was our national pride against the septics, we booed them and yelled when one our guys won but loved every minute of it.

Demolition derbys were always a highlight. I even remember one where they tried it with caravans in tow.

Good times, great memories led to this book being created so everyone could share the fun, the facts and the fast cars we all remember.

Susan Chambers - A Drivers Daughter

I was born in the late 1960‟s, and grew up during the 70‟s, you know, the time before speed cameras. My father, Ron Smith, or Smithy as he was known in certain circles has been a lifelong car fan. He owned a used car yard, called Queanbeyan Motors, on Uriarra Rd, still there today, but is now selling solar panels and Batteries. A Mechanic by trade, My father had a huge interest in speedway„s early years in the region, he started off racing Go carts, and then graduated to stock cars. (He swears the Go- cart was faster around Tralee) Some of my earliest memories are watching Dad race the bright yellow EH Holden, number 27 around the oiled dirt track at Tralee. The Commodore he currently owns has 002700 number plates, which we all say is still Dad‟s racing number. (I‟m not speeding officer, I‟m qualifying) We would be there every week with our Nanna, Dad‟s mum, and our mother, Maude Smith, parked up on the hill, nose against the wire fence, in Mums beautiful EH special, metallic grey with a white roof and red leather upholstery. Remember people in Ute‟s reversed up and sitting on fold up chairs on the backs of the Ute. Seeing the hitchhikers hoping for a lift back to Queanbeyan, because they‟d walked out. We had a home made fabric sign Nana made that we used to pin onto the fence and cheer him on. Our cheers must have worked because Dad often won feature races, and even the Gentleman‟s driver award. I can remember polishing his Brass trophies with Brasso and an old rag. Sometimes, my uncle Terry Maher would be the Ambulance officer, sitting in the ambulance on the in-field. His son John used to open the gates. Tralee was not just about the races, it was a family affair, a way of life. Hot in the summer and below freezing in the winter. Races half the night, asleep in the car on the way home, carried up the steps and into bed, dirt and all. We were allowed to have whatever we wanted from the canteen, Pies, Coke, Smith‟s Chips that was a novelty back then, we used to go to the closest one to where we parked on the hill, which was the tin shed near the pits, not usually the brick one, unless someone wanted the toilets, that were at the back of the canteen, in fact I think I remember them building those, and actually having flushing toilets. A lot of the other racetracks we went to had pit toilets for a long time. Lots of kids in Queanbeyan had their first paying job at Tralee, or Fraser Park as it was later known as. I remember the oily dirt being thrown up, which was worse on the tracks corners, when they threw the cars sideways through the corner, on full lock and with the back wheels spinning, the grit in your hair and teeth, and missing the action closing your eyes to avoid the dirt getting in your eyes, when someone judged it wrong and ended up, up the fence. The track was tarred briefly, after the Speedway held truck races, and the trucks tore up the track. But attendance dropped, it was faster, but not as spectacular, so the tar was torn up. Smash up Derbies on the infield was an event, Crimes against cars, many victims buried out behind the pits...Imagine what “the bombs” would be worth these days? The Yanks (American‟s) used to come and race at Tralee which was a huge coup for the organisers, and a testament to the quality of the track. The best country Speedway in Australia it was internationally known as. A good night was expected by the fans and it was delivered when the Yanks were in town, the local boys, including the Sydney people, gave as good as they got. I remember how exotic the cars seemed, the red white and blue colour schemes, they seemed louder. Every 17 year old boy wanted a Trans am it seemed. I wanted a Mustang, and Dad told me not to be stupid, it was just a glorified Ford. Dad‟s EH was always beautifully presented, so many late nights Dad spent at the workshop; it has a lot of tales to tell, and memories it holds- if the walls of that old Bessa block building on Uriarra Rd could talk. He had some really good mates, many whom he is still in touch with today, that were a huge part of our lives, Terry Ruse, or Rooster who still owns Queanbeyan Industrial Motors, Ron Shepherd, another Mechanic, still racing a classic Torana- who raced Dad‟s EH, and later the yellow Torana number 27, when Dad had to stop driving because of his high blood pressure. Dad used to stand in the in-field with a crowbar, because he knew he would have to use it to get Shep going again, broken axels were a regular occurrence simply because Shep didn‟t back off from anyone or anything, He was a competitors competitor, back in the day. Also, Sharky, Plumber, and Tony Zalotto, all partners in crime, and they and their wives were the people that Mum and Dad formed lasting friendships with, with the Speedway as a common interest. We had a really good childhood, thanks to all of these people. Jack Hogg did the commentary, and what a way he had, telling his mother –in-law jokes, between races. I met Jack again later on at the Moruya Surfair speedway – and he hadn‟t changed much over the years. Thank Goodness. I remember when Australia‟s Daredevil Dale and Chantal Buggins came and put on a display at half time, I still have their autographs on the back of a Winfield blue ciggie packet I picked up off the ground, as we had no paper. Eventually Dad‟s old EH had a “send off” into the pit at the back of the pits, and a Torana was created, as a joint project, between the mates, from 2 different models, a good front off a bad back, and the good back off a bad front, that dad welded together, commonly known as a chop and shop. He took the metal panels off, welded them together and made a template for the lift-off fibre glass front of the car. If you get a fibreglass front made for a now classic Torana, in Canberra they are still using Dad‟s panels as the mold. The only metal panels it had were the roof and the rear guards; everything else was a fibre glass body. It was one of the first cars in Australia to have Nitrous oxide fitted, and was quoted in the Speedway magazines, and on the tracks of the time, as the fastest Torana in Australia. It was written off at Sydney Speedway; Dad said it had too much horsepower for the tar and when Shep accelerated on the straight, it got traction on the tar and went up, on its nose, spun vertically against the fence and then rolled end over end, reputedly, down the track totally destroying itself. I recall seeing it happen, and saying “what happened, what happened? It seemed as though the car just flew into the air. That Torana literally flies...yes but the landings are terrible. Luckily and most importantly Shep walked away without a scratch, my Dad and the team obviously built a good roll cage. That spectacular crash was a feature article in the Speedway news, we have a copy of the story they wrote, and before and after photo‟s of the flattened to the door sills Torana after the crash. I said ”you can fix it Dad”, and he said “Nah” Dad owned a bright yellow Holden Ute, and Dad, Mum and my sister Anne, used to travel in it to racetracks all over the country with the Go Kart in the back. I was a tiny child, and I used to get up on the parcel shelf, above the bench seat and wedge myself in and sleep against the back window. Oh the days before seatbelts and the things we used to do, back in the good old days of growing up in Queanbeyan.

David Wignall - A chinwag with Wig

David has more stories than trophies and that’s a lot, he kindly spent the morning recalling some of his memories from those days.

“The thing is we started off at Mt Ginn, we got into the old Holdens, There was Sykesy (Vic Sykes), Chris Nash, That mad bastard Terry Robbins, He was worse than Mick Flynn. I had three early model Holdens up the back of Mum and Dads place, Vic would come and we‟d build a roll cage in a day, bolt it to the floor and hope to Christ it didn‟t fall through, a birdshit weld all up around and away we‟d go. It‟s funny how things happen, the competition hotted up and blokes started bigger engines, I was one of them. I had this old 61 or 62 and of course we lowered them. We jacked the front right up and cut the coils with the oxy, The back springs, heat them right up and jump on the car to bring it right down. It looked really smart lowered, Paint it bright red of course In those days I was a great fan of A J Foyt, I had no 12, I don‟t know why so I‟d paint the name D J Wignall. We took her to Mt Ginn and I went flying down the straight, into the corner and the back springs have snapped off, The back end moved back, the tailshaft fell out, the broken spring knocked the fuel line out of the tank, I‟m left sitting in the infield and the whole car was stuffed. We took the motor out and built another one next weekend.”

“ I remember one night after the meeting, Peter (Taunton) and I loaded Casper onto the trailer and then went and had a few beers, we came back jumped in the car and took off. When we got to Gurbs place, we jumped out “SHIT, we left the car behind”

“I had to make a speech once and they asked me what was the greatest achievement during my career, Staying Married was the answer

Concussions and Conclusions

So the question often asked is why did the Speedway close. It true that noise complaints may have been a part but that‟s an over simplification.

Falling attendance and competitor entries in the last John Egan Memorial in 1996 meant the gate takings would have been lucky to cover the events cost. Perhaps the new generation of racers were not engendering the loyalty of the House and Wignall eras. Perhaps all the cars now looked the same and the character was lost.

The Fairbairn Dragway was getting good size crowds with a lower running cost. The area and had even opened a dirt short track circuit bringing the “have a go” choice back to the average guy with bugger all budget or sponsorship.

The sealed track at Fairbairn was attracting many of the motorbike and sidecar events that would have helped bolster the Fraser Parks meetings.

The weekly sprint car races had given way to only big events and some of the regular excitement was gone.

Exhibition Park was drawing crowds with bike and car events.

Developers had been eyeing off the land since the success of Jerrabomberra as a housing region and the death of Bernard Morrisson in 1996 meant the desire to keep the estate in the family had diminished especially when the value of the land was so high. If the land is worth more to sell than to run profitably then who wouldn‟t consider it

So in the end it seems economics would be the reason. No business want‟s the cost of running exceed the money incoming and no one want‟s to throw money into the sentiment pit in the world of commerce.

To the best of my research, the track closed after the end of the 97 season in April and just never reopened. There is a lack of articles regarding this in the local papers. It seems it was not newsworthy at the time.

This little track just outside of Queanbeyan punched way above its weight over the years and brought much delight to many people. It produced Australian and Local Champions and hosted quite a few international ones.

From a local Speedway to a national to an international speedway, the track changed and grew with the times. Most locals still hold a place in their heart for Tralee, they watched the greats, their dads and brothers and sisters race. A Family would attend and more than one family participated.

Despite many names over its existence, it would still be known as Tralee all over Australia, despite Bernie Morrissons frustrated attempts to have it recognised as others.

Many kids from Queanbeyan remember a job at Tralee as among their first, selling hot dogs and Ice creams, working the gates or Thommo‟s Snack Shacks.

Most of the earlier drivers are now well into their seventies and eighties as this history is finalised, it is the Authors hope to have done the Speedway justice in their honour and brought its magic back to life for all the others who read it.

John Maher 2017

The Finishing Line

This work is dedicated to Ron Smith.

Thanks to The members of the Canberra Stock Car Club for creating the track and our opportunity to share it. Special thanks to David Lewis for his time spent recalling the history, fascinating me with facts and yarns and allowing access to his amazing history of documents and photos.

To all the people who made Tralee so much to so many, to you as well.

To the Queanbeyan Age and Canberra Times, who faithfully reported and recorded, much of the material used comes from many hours sifting through these valuable archives. Ron Norton, Mike Atwell, Jim Darling and Paul Gover were the keyboard bards and race reporters who deserve more thanks than I could ever hope to offer.

June O‟Brien of O‟Briens Smash Repairs Fyshwick for the Everlast Collection and her smile.

Where possible all photos used are taken at the Speedway itself. While this work concentrates mainly on the first fifteen years, the newspapers and programs are have proven harder to come by after this period.

To master image makers Mac Campbell and Bob Stephenson who create memories, not just photographs and allowed me to kindly use some of these in the book.

Also images from and access to the collections of George Merceica and daughter Lib, John Norris, Bob Swann, John Anderson, Phil Oliver which were invaluable to my research.

Michael Doherty‟s facebook page is where we all gather to remember and you are welcome to visit. His contribution to the book is muchly appreciated, his dedication to keeping the track in our hearts even more so.

Thanks to everyone who ever took a photo, hope you forgive my using them in the name of the task and not naming you.

For ever person mentioned, one is left out. For every contribution recognised, one goes unrecognised, Thank you anyway.

The papers, newsletters, magazines and memories do not form a perfect record and any omissions are purely by that of the Author, due to time invested and human error.

John Maher September 2017