Autobarn Carina International Speedway in Bundaberg will return to regular racing with new managers Dave Preston and Sean Butcher at the wheel.
The season opener on Saturday, 10 October features a full program of speedway racing.
New managers and Bundaberg locals Dave Preston and Sean Butcher said the Bundaberg Speedway track had the potential to become a genuine state speedway attraction.
“The previous management ended up leaving and we got into negotiations with Avalon Walker and managed to get a long-term lease,” Sean said.
“We both love speedway and love Bundaberg, and Bundaberg has the potential, in my opinion, to become the best track in Queensland.
“It’s one of, if not, the biggest track in Queensland and it’s got a really good following, and in the last three years the Bundaberg Speedway has really built back up to what it used to be.”
Since taking over management, Sean and Dave have undertaken a number of improvements in and around the track.
Sean said those improvements have been possible thanks to the support from local groups and businesses.
“In a word, it's overwhelming,” Sean said.
“The support from businesses in town, right down to the clubs the competitors and individuals; we’ve had that much help and support.
“We could've done a lot of this work ourselves, but it would’ve taken six months longer so all the help we’ve had means we can open now.”
Speedway back in Bundaberg
Ahead of the season opener on 10 October, David said already 80 cars have signed up.
Interest has been building for the event, which is one of the first to be held after an off-season that was also marred by COVID-19.
Sean said this season’s opener will include the full range of speedway categories.
“We’ve got a full speedway program with production sedan, street stocks, and junior sedan, v8 late model, and formula 500s,” he said.
“There’s 80 cars nominated across all of that, and we’ve also got a few monster trucks to keep the kids entertained.”
Sean said going into the new year there were plans to expand into other motorsports.
“There will be other forms of motorsport developing on the property so keep an ear out for that, but for now keeping on average a speedway once a month,” he said.
“We hope to have burnout comps starting soon and we’re going to have go-karts as well as introducing stadium super drift at some point.”
Tickets for the 2020-21 Speedway opening night are only available at the gate on the day, and patrons will be required to download the EVA check-in app before attending for COVID planning.
Entry for adults is $25, students and pensioners $20, children $15, with children five and under free.
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