Save Wakefield Park Raceway

hamx5ter · Postby **hamx5ter** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 5:53 pm

As much as it seems important to the motorsport community, WP is not an issue that elections would be fought over...

I'm surprised he even bothered to make an announcement, and $1m isn't really going to go far is it?

It's just BAC having mismanaged the whole thing.

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Thu Jan 26, 2023 10:06 pm

It is a local issue, so it got some attention. Nothing on the front page of the SMH that I saw, but it will get a good run in the local media, it is a boost for the ALP candidate there.

A million dollyroos will buy a lot of double glazing, maybe a bit of a sound wall (they are pretty useless though). Mostly though it is posturing, the local council is pretty much on-side anyway, but it might mollify the affected residents that they might be going to get steamrollered, but there will be some baubles for them to show the new Govt still loves them - earmuffs for all!!

The circuit still needs to comply with the DA conditions which are too onerous (it seems), so that means a new DA has to happen before anything can restart at the circuit. Over to you BAC (or is it Mr Quinn?) - at least when/if there is a change of government ...

:mrgreen:

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 3:09 pm

In a win for Goulburn and motorsport, the Shelleys (Pheasant Wood) have bought Wakefield Park. Now the hard work starts, getting a new DA that they can operate under.

Bring it on.

:mrgreen:

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 4:42 pm

Progress, it seems: Wakefield Park buyer outlines vision for Goulburn district motor racing circuit.

:mrgreen:

CrazyRacer · Postby **CrazyRacer** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 3:58 pm

greenMachine wrote:Progress, it seems: Wakefield Park buyer outlines vision for Goulburn district motor racing circuit.

That one seems to be behind a paywall.

Here's another link...

Wakefield Park re-opening proposed

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Mon Apr 17, 2023 7:47 pm

Thanks CR, that is strange, I have never registered there and didn't realise others couldn't see it too. I think that covers most of territory that the local rag had.

Geeze there are some obnoxious idiots around, reading some of those comments. :roll:

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Thu Apr 20, 2023 9:59 pm

greenMachine wrote:Geeze there are some obnoxious idiots around, reading some of those comments.

Totally agree, Shelley is clearly trying to mend bridges and the idiot brigade are doing their best to burn them down again.

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Mon Apr 24, 2023 10:38 am

Thanks to a poster elsewhere, this came to my attention: Speedcafe report on WP reopening, track changes. Good to see that things appear to be moving forward, and more detail is emerging of what the future may hold for WP.

But. Flat tracks are boring. Earthmoving is expensive. Hopefully a more creative solution is forthcoming, perhaps having the cars face away from noise-sensitive areas when accelerating uphill. Anyway I would have thought that enforcing noise limits would be sufficient.

But if that is what it takes, and the cost is bearable (and it will the participants who pay for it), ...

:mrgreen:

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Tue Jun 06, 2023 8:33 pm

Borrowed from the bookFace

Wakefield Park Raceway Secures Future with Acquisition by Pheasant Wood Circuit Owners
Goulburn, NSW – June 6, 2023

We are thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of Wakefield Park Raceway, a beloved motorsport facility in Goulburn, NSW, by the owners of nearby Pheasant Wood Circuit. This momentous development marks a significant milestone in securing the future of Wakefield Park Raceway and fostering a collaborative and respectful relationship with our neighbours.

In the wake of its closure in September 2022, Wakefield Park Raceway faced a period of uncertainty. Recognising the vital role Wakefield Park plays in the motorsport and local Goulburn Mulwaree community, we made the decision to invest in its future, guided by our shared love for the sport. We are humbled by the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of this facility, commonly known as "the nations spectator's circuit".

With the ownership transition now complete, our immediate focus is on restoring the circuit and its facilities. We understand the concerns expressed by residents and the council regarding noise levels, and we are committed to addressing these issues in close collaboration with all stakeholders. Our aim is to find practical solutions that respect the needs and aspirations of the local community and motorsport fraternity while ensuring the continued operation of Wakefield Park Raceway.

While there is work ahead of us, we are eagerly looking forward to commencing the necessary repairs and renovations, with the goal of reopening the circuit on a limited scale later this year. Our vision extends beyond that, as we aspire to host substantive events in 2024, delivering exciting experiences for motorsport enthusiasts.

We express our sincere gratitude to the people of Goulburn for their unwavering support and enthusiasm throughout this process. Your faith in Wakefield Park Raceway has been instrumental in making this acquisition possible. We are dedicated to working hand in hand with our neighbours, in a spirit of unity, mutual respect and collaboration as we navigate the path ahead.

To keep you updated on the latest developments and future plans, we will soon introduce a mailing list. By subscribing, you will receive regular updates on our progress, upcoming events, and other exciting announcements pertaining to Wakefield Park Raceway's transformation.
As owners of both Pheasant Wood Circuit and Wakefield Park Raceway, we will ensure that this iconic circuit remains a treasured destination for motorsport enthusiasts.

Steve Shelley
Owner

About Wakefield Park Raceway:
Wakefield Park Raceway is a beloved motorsport facility located in Goulburn, NSW. Renowned for its challenging track and extensive facilities, it has long been cherished by racing enthusiasts and professional drivers alike. Under the ownership of the team behind Pheasant Wood Circuit, Wakefield Park Raceway is poised for an exciting future, fostering a close and respectful relationship with the community.

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sat Jul 15, 2023 8:15 am

Bit of an update, progress on works is being made.

WIN News (Canberra) story but I can only find a Instaface link to the video...

https://www.facebook.com/WINNewsCanberr ... 8199870451

rascal · Postby **rascal** » Sat Jul 15, 2023 10:02 am

Nice to see a news story about a racetrack (re) opening for a change rather than the opposite which sadly seemed far too prevalent of late..

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sun Oct 08, 2023 5:11 am

Some more news, basically things are still progressing...

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-10-07/ ... /102943198

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Tue Feb 13, 2024 5:03 pm

Bit of an update if you have Bookface access... :wink:

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1101435497649526

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Sun Oct 20, 2024 9:23 pm

Yep, Wakefield is back, thought is not as we have known it.

I was in town for a class reunion, motel carpark full of Porkers on Friday, so I wagged the Saturday morning program and headed out.

FFS, the money that has been thrown at that piece of tarmac and dirt!! :shock:

Remember the gravel behind the pit lane garages - now it is concrete, and I mean concrete all the way back to the fence! Magnificent view of the T10 complex from the elevated soundwalls, sadly T1-2 no access (yet - I hope). More speccie area than you can shake a stick at, uphill from the old huts all the way up to level with the top loop of the track.

There was a Cup car there I was talking to the support crew (!!) they reckon they are already on a damp/wet Friday test day down to 1 sec off the times they were doing before, and another bloke reckoned that when they had a 'cleaning' day, his GT3 was as quick clockwise as anticlockwise. However CAMS have not signed off on counter-clockwise operation yet, so that is still away off, maybe AASA aren't so fussy, who knows.

Given that I discovered Sunday was a State Supersprint round, I headed back out after lunch on Sunday, and caught up with a few drivers I knew from my competition days. They all seemed happy with the new circuit, the new T10 complex is a lot faster than it looks, as the right-handed loop onto the straight is banked somewhat, making the entry onto the straight pretty quick. OTOH the turn-in for T2 is more difficult, as the new track is quite wide there for pit entry/exit so all the blemishes that we used to judge the turn-in point have gone :shock:

.

No food/drink in the cafe though, other than packets of chips and cold drinks - They need to fix that PDQ, even if they hire in a coffee/burger van.

No-one is going to surprised to learn the entry fee had jumped significantly, now well over $300 for this round - there is going to be some sticker shock over that I think.

But it is good to see the circuit back

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Mon Oct 21, 2024 12:15 pm

It is great to see the circuit back in action again. It seems the Shelleys have decided to pitch it as a more premium venue than it used to be, which is not really surprising considering the money that has gone into it. I always enjoyed watching from the mound at T1-2 so hope they eventually reopen that.