Speedway volunteers count down to Archerfield’s last days

The legion of volunteers who have kept Archerfield Speedway going over the years, from pit crew to first responders, are counting down to the venue’s last day.

The legion of volunteers who helped keep the iconic Archerfield Speedway running for almost half a century are counting down the days until the venue closes on June 3.

In January, Speedway Australia outlined plans for a new 7000-seat motorsport venue, revealing it was in talks with several local government councils, but as yet no new home has been found.

Volunteers from pit crew to first responders tasked with pulling drivers from crashed cars and administering first aid, to flag marshalls, fire safety crews, gate staff and even the photographer, Matthew Paul, have been essential to the thrills-and-spills venue since it opened in 1978.

“They have done a remarkable job over 25 years. It’s been just great for rev heads,’’ local Councillor Steve Griffiths said.

“But given the growth in the area, which is zoned industrial, it is sadly time to move on.’’

Archerfield has been almost a vocation for first aid officer Marie Manser, who began going to the speedway aged only three when her father first took her along.

Back row L-R: Nicholas Obstoj, Casey Parkinson, Sonya Menzies, Marie Manser. Front row L-R: Jasmine Parkinson, Tahlia Capstick. Photo: Matthew Paul Photography

Marie Manser is one of many volunteers who have helped keep the cars on the racetrack at Archerfield and Toowoomba speedways over the years.

Over the years she raced herself, her husband still races and so do her children.

She said there was virtually never a weekend when she was not trackside at either Archerfield or the speedway in Toowoomba.

“We’re a bunch of people who love speedway and love helping people,’’ she said of her first responder mates.

“We’re all senior first aid officers. I’m studying to become a paramedic and the only man on our team is about to qualify as an (ambulance officer).’’

Jasmine Parkinson and Nicholas Obstoj helping a driver.

Getting in some practice on a training day.

The volunteers each put in up to 300 hours of their time every season.

They were essential to keep the events running for the loyal fans, who kept on coming even during Covid.

After the hard lockdown lifted, the venue’s crowd was capped at 2500.

But in normal times the stands were filled to capacity during special events, particularly those featuring United States teams.

Volunteer first responder Jasmine Parkinson using spinal precautions on an injured driver.

Volunteers help a driver after they were extricated from their vehicle.

“It’s rare to get a weekend off. Our team of seven puts in approximately eight to 13 hours per day,’’ Ms Manser said.

“This team of outstanding individuals are true unsung heroes of the speedway and local community that don’t really get any recognition for their worth and what they contribute.’’

She founded the team, which now includes Casey and Jasmine Parkinson, Nicholas Obstoj, Sonya Menzies, Tahlia Capstick and Jessica Jones, in 1999 after a crash the previous year which ended her driving career.

Her car caught alight and Ms Manser, who had a toddler at the time, was left with knee injuries.

The final dates for racing at Archerfield are May 20, June 2 and June 3.

Originally published as Speedway volunteers count down to Archerfield’s last days