Cairns Speedway to host state title in coronavirus bounceback

the 2020 season may well be written off due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Cairns Speedway unable to function without spectators’ support, but a state title provides some optimism.

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A state title program could be the ticket for Cairns Speedway to burst back into action.

New president Glen Underwood admitted the 2020 season may well be written off due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Cairns Speedway unable to function without spectators’ support.

Falling attendances and participation, some of which is attributed to a societal change, hasn’t helped, as the club stares down the barrel of an 18-month period of hurt with two off-season periods and a canned race season.

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But there could be some light around the corner.

Speedway Sedans Queensland on Friday announced Cairns Speedway would host the modified sedans state title in May 2021.

State championships generally attract hundreds of people from across the state, pending entries, with more spectators in the stands to see the higher quality of competition.

And that could provide the perfect rebound for a club looking to regain its strength in Far North Queensland’s sporting landscape.

“We need people coming through the gates,” said Underwood, who has been involved in various levels of speedway for 36 years.

Production sedans and formula 500s have “held the club together” in recent years, while karting has grown ever more popular.

The likely addition of sprintcars would have further grown numbers, both participants and spectators, which would all contribute to a stronger position for the club.

The club has cut as many costs as they can as they seek to navigate their way through the coronavirus pandemic.

Underwood said it take time and a substantial financial outlay for the track to return to shape for its return, but strong support at those first meets, not to mention the state championship, would help put speedway back on the up in Cairns.

Originally published as Cairns Speedway to host state title in coronavirus bounceback