NSW Govt to fund speedway but management wants to stay at Clyde
Speedway management remains committed to retaining its home of 42 years at Clyde despite the government’s pledge to fund a new track.
Parramatta
Don't miss out on the headlines from Parramatta . Followed categories will be added to My News.
After a “harrowing” week, Valvoline Raceway management has been told the State Government would fund the new track when the Clyde clayway shuts to make way for the $20 billion Sydney Metro West project.
Speedway principal Felicity Waldron and Speedway Australia’s Tim Saville met Transport Minister Andrew Constance and Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee to discuss the 42-year-old Wentworth St landmark’s future after being told a stabling yard would be built there from mid 2021.
Mr Lee, the acting sports minister, said the government would not let the sport down as
it finds a new home in western Sydney.
“We are absolutely committed to delivering a new speedway for racing fans and they
can be assured that once the appropriate site is locked in, the NSW Government will
fund the facility and help get it built as quickly as possible,” he said.
Mr Constance said the large investment would benefit speedway racing for future generations.
“I am aware of the history that has been created over 42 years of action at this venue
and I’m conscious the fans need to be treated with respect,’’ he said.
But Mrs Waldron said there was still “a long way from fully understanding what will happen, but the government promised that the sport will be protected, and the legacy of Valvoline Raceway will be honoured’’.
“We have a bit more direction than when we started the week certainly,” she said.
“But obviously today was a preliminary discussion and there are still many things we need to ensure before we go much further.
“Certainly the government has committed to a new facility and that’s an encouraging start, but we remain committed ourselves to Valvoline Raceway’s current location until we are 100 per cent sure of what is on the table and actually happening.”
Mrs Waldron said the speedway community had been on a challenging week.
“It’s been a harrowing week naturally,’’ she said.
“(Husband and co-principal) Barry and I have been on an emotional rollercoaster that started on Monday when we were told unexpectedly that our land would be acquired for the Sydney Metro project.
“Understandably there was an immediate outcry from our Speedway community and concern about our rights currently and what we would do going forward.”
The government will host a forum on November 15 with several motorsport organisations to discuss the potential masterplan of the new Sydney Motorsport Precinct at Eastern Creek.
Speedway fans are encouraged to sign the online petition and also the hard copy at the track this Saturday night and onwards so that the impetus of support for Valvoline Raceway is fostered and continued throughout this process.
IN OTHER NEWS
