Pledge brings race track closer
A high-quality motor racing track in Albany that could be the envy of the region is closer to reality today, with the signing of more than $1 million towards its construction.
On Monday, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray committed $1.4 million from the State to assist the City of Albany’s development of the Albany Motorsport Park.
It is the State’s the first instalment of a promised $5.75 million and will be used to purchase the land.
Once built, the venue will include a 3.5km bitumen track, a short drag strip, a motocross track, a clubroom and burnout and drift areas at the site in Drome, about 20km north of Albany.
Mr Murray said he envisioned the venue becoming a major part of the region.
“The Albany Motorsport Park will be a great asset for the City of Albany and the Great Southern and I’m pleased the WA Government has delivered on its election commitment to help fund this first stage of the development,” he said.
Albany MP Peter Watson said the announcement gave certainty to the future of the project, and Great Southern Motorplex Group chairman Theo Newhouse said he hoped the first motocross events would be held at the track in early 2020.
There were dreams of eventually attracting major motor racing events to Albany.
“There is a big demand for motorsports in WA and particularly Albany,” Mr Newhouse said.
“At the moment, any people who want to get involved in motorsports have to go to Wanneroo or Collie, which is a long hike and most can’t afford that.
“Our group believes we will get a lot of club events.
“We will also get a lot of State events held here. We’ll be working flat out to get a national event here, both touring cars and super cars.”
Albany mayor Dennis Wellington said the project had a lot of local support.
“Council has been committed for some time to finding a solution to the lack of a dedicated venue for pursuits such as motocross, so it’s great that we’re able to progress that today,” he said.
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