Zephyr used as a water pump
DARKAN
DARKAN SPEEDWAY
In 1972 a group of local volunteers looked for a site to build a Race Track. Part of the motivation was to give the local youth a controlled environment to learn to drive at speed instead of on the local gravel roads.
A disused gravel pit that had been quarried to build the adjacent war time airstrip was to become Darkan Speedway. At the time the airstrip was also utilised for driver training and nowadays is used by the Hillman Skydivers.
The Speedway is situated on Hillman Farm.
The West Arthur Motor Sports Association was formed and the bulldozer and grader moved in laying down a gravel track similar to today's shape but with sharper corners and the Ess bends more pronounced. A thin clay surface was laid on the base.
A truck loading ramp was built opposite the main straight and also served as the officials viewing platform.
The Pits were on the infield and remained there up until ---- when safety requirements had them moved to the outer area on the front straight.
The track safety fence along the main straight was first constructed with lumber sleepers and then in ---- replaced with concrete panels.
Darkan's unique shape and size brought 2 National Formula 500 and several State Short Track Titles to the venue.
In 19-- an "All In 80 Laps" classic was held for Sedans.
First Place was 'Foot' Robinson and Rod King, (Bibra Lake Club).
Second was David Lowe and Paul Bennet, (Bunbury Car Club).
Third was Jason Moyle and Greg Freeman, (Darkan and Bunbury Car Club)
In 1972 a group of local volunteers looked for a site to build a Race Track. Part of the motivation was to give the local youth a controlled environment to learn to drive at speed instead of on the local gravel roads.
A disused gravel pit that had been quarried to build the adjacent war time airstrip was to become Darkan Speedway. At the time the airstrip was also utilised for driver training and nowadays is used by the Hillman Skydivers.
The Speedway is situated on Hillman Farm.
The West Arthur Motor Sports Association was formed and the bulldozer and grader moved in laying down a gravel track similar to today's shape but with sharper corners and the Ess bends more pronounced. A thin clay surface was laid on the base.
A truck loading ramp was built opposite the main straight and also served as the officials viewing platform.
The Pits were on the infield and remained there up until ---- when safety requirements had them moved to the outer area on the front straight.
The track safety fence along the main straight was first constructed with lumber sleepers and then in ---- replaced with concrete panels.
Darkan's unique shape and size brought 2 National Formula 500 and several State Short Track Titles to the venue.
In 19-- an "All In 80 Laps" classic was held for Sedans.
First Place was 'Foot' Robinson and Rod King, (Bibra Lake Club).
Second was David Lowe and Paul Bennet, (Bunbury Car Club).
Third was Jason Moyle and Greg Freeman, (Darkan and Bunbury Car Club)
This slideshow depicts Darkan as it is in 2011 with the pits outside the track instead of inside where they originally were. The pits were moved as part of a safety strategy.
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The slideshow below shows some of the treasures hiding under trees and other forgotten places.
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