Myrtleford Speedway Club’s 2017 reunion after a 13-year absence
Words and Images by Colin Rosewarne
Saturday April 29, saw the return of two and three-wheeled speedway to the showgrounds venue in picturesque Myrtleford in north eastern Victoria after a 13-year absence.
The absence followed the tragic death of a talented young international speedway rider named Ashley Jones during a regular race meeting at the circuit, which saw the interest in the club wane.
However, with time comes exuberance and a rekindled spirit, and the decision was made to try and save the club.
Myrtleford Speedway Club Vice President Rick Wason told MCNews.com.au that the club, “…had ceased operation following the tragedy. Fortunately there were up to ten original speedway club members that kept the dream alive resulting in the club not losing the track to the local golf club.”
Following many months of track preparation planning and organising, the beautiful sounds of racing once again were set to gradually return to the facility. First up where a few practice and testing sessions carried out by the club in readiness for Saturday’s race meeting.
With many sleepless nights in tow, the tireless committee took the step of scheduling the first official meeting of the new era, featuring the glorious highly distinctive sounds of the big banger Vincent HRD.
Together with the big single-cylinder Jawa and GM’s being the flavour of the day, and all of the modern day brands on full song circling the raceway heralded in the return of competition racing to the facility.
The former Australian Sidecar Racing Champions Glenn Hough/Robbie Armstrong and Andrew Cleave/Dave Power on their alcohol burning outfits staged many demonstration races and were amply supported by local solo identities.
These included Adam Bond, Brad Burns, Jody Mason, Tony Nagel and an impressive host of highly capable juniors putting on a great show for the large crowd.
Upon the completion of racing for the day, the race circuit was tabled and chaired to host a very social barbecue, with a few drinks and many stories following to complete a wonderful day.
The traditional history was gladly protected and a once famous redundant racetrack successfully dodged the bullet of progress, re-opening to service the people, the sport and return a great racing heritage back to the sleepy little Alpine hamlet.
Well done Myrtleford Speedway Club!
