John Amato
KATANNING
1985 KATANNING SPEEDWAY
Over the years it became increasingly evident that the club needed a new and better site. The club looked into obtaining land and moving the speedway track from the O’Callaghan Park site as there was no room for expansion as the complex was used for soccer, football, the turf club and other horse organisations
In 1985 The Shire of Katanning allocatated land to the speedway club for development of a new speedway track overlooking the town next to the Forrest Hill golf club. Under the leadership of club president Ivan Quartermaine volunteers began work on creating a new race track out of the bush.
With the generous help from some local farmers, businesses, the Shire and many enthusiastic members of the club the new site was cleared and earthworks for the track started. The area had to have tonnes of dirt removed to make the track in the side of the hill. The upper spectator area was graded flat and with the resources of Western power, the local police, a low loader, escort vehicles and club members a canteen and toilet block was moved in from the ex railway barracks in Dore Street.
It took nine weekends of long hours of work and social gatherings to complete the race track. The new track was named Pinwernying Park.
The first official race meeting was held on the 8th September 1985, all drivers were presented with a medal to commemorate the occasion.
(Editorial Christine Blight)
2011 KATANNING SPEEDWAY WALKAROUND
Surprisingly the whole complex is reasonable condition. The race track is good enough to race on and the concrete fence is still structurally sound. The new toilet and canteen buildings that were built just prior to the venue closing are still standing.
The burn out pad is still visible and the motocross track that was built on the infield has also closed. There is however a very large high speed motocross jump and landing ramp on the infield still in use.
Slideshow photos taken by Brian Moyle.
(Hover over the picture and click play)
Over the years it became increasingly evident that the club needed a new and better site. The club looked into obtaining land and moving the speedway track from the O’Callaghan Park site as there was no room for expansion as the complex was used for soccer, football, the turf club and other horse organisations
In 1985 The Shire of Katanning allocatated land to the speedway club for development of a new speedway track overlooking the town next to the Forrest Hill golf club. Under the leadership of club president Ivan Quartermaine volunteers began work on creating a new race track out of the bush.
With the generous help from some local farmers, businesses, the Shire and many enthusiastic members of the club the new site was cleared and earthworks for the track started. The area had to have tonnes of dirt removed to make the track in the side of the hill. The upper spectator area was graded flat and with the resources of Western power, the local police, a low loader, escort vehicles and club members a canteen and toilet block was moved in from the ex railway barracks in Dore Street.
It took nine weekends of long hours of work and social gatherings to complete the race track. The new track was named Pinwernying Park.
The first official race meeting was held on the 8th September 1985, all drivers were presented with a medal to commemorate the occasion.
(Editorial Christine Blight)
2011 KATANNING SPEEDWAY WALKAROUND
Surprisingly the whole complex is reasonable condition. The race track is good enough to race on and the concrete fence is still structurally sound. The new toilet and canteen buildings that were built just prior to the venue closing are still standing.
The burn out pad is still visible and the motocross track that was built on the infield has also closed. There is however a very large high speed motocross jump and landing ramp on the infield still in use.
Slideshow photos taken by Brian Moyle.
(Hover over the picture and click play)
