This time last year, the Wahgunyah Speedway faced a deluge that transformed the track into what resembled a swimming pool.
Floodwaters from the Murray River, peaking at a staggering 8.10 meters, inundated the area, causing substantial damage to the infrastructure and leaving the committee grappling with financial losses due to numerous race cancellations.
Machinery lay waterlogged, fences were torn down, and rubbish littered the premises. However, a year later, the scene couldn’t be more different. The speedway committee is now gearing up for a spectacular comeback, showcasing a range of new improvements.
The journey to this revival has been nothing short of challenging. Club President Brendon Eames reflected on the difficult period, highlighting the immense efforts put in by the Speedway’s crew.
“The entire area was submerged for about three weeks, so we had a massive clean-up effort over summer. That’s just continued this year with volunteers and local businesses stepping up to support us,” he said.
“Wangaratta Speedway also allowed us to host a race meeting there to regain some financial stability. That was pretty incredible.”
The aftermath of the flooding demanded significant repairs, with around $200,000 invested in refurbishing the damaged equipment, track surface, and infrastructure.
“Most of the work has been our own blood, sweat, and tears,” Eames said.
The subsequent four-month off-season witnessed an ambitious project taking shape undergoing a transformative makeover with the installation of 17 light towers, 68 Sonaray lights, a new PA system, data systems, traffic lights, LED lighting in the pits, an extended viewing area, and renovated toilets.
“We’ve also had the likes of Middy’s Wodonga helping us with the electrical work, Tommy McDonald here from Abacus Energy and Joel Copeland. Don Evans has also been a huge support.
“Just to have those guys helping us rebuild has been amazing. Every week, in fact every day for the last few months, people have been down here whelping us prepare for the upcoming season. I don’t think my own partner has seen much of me. I come here after work and every weekend to do what I can.”
Eames said he had mixed emotions about the season ahead.
“It’s pretty surreal standing here today, thinking about our next race meet. But we are so excited. And I think the racing community is excited too. To get back under the new lights especially, is huge. We have 5000 watt LED lights, 17 around the outside of the track and four in the middle. It’s going to look like daylight with those on.
“The grounds have never looked better either. Everything has just come up so well.
“There is so many people I want to thank, including DEECA (Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action), Indigo Shire, the Wahgunyah Recreation Reserve, our committee, and everyone who has donated time and energy in helping us rebuild. I especially need to thank my wife and kids.”
The upcoming race meeting on the 25th of November promises to mark the Speedway’s resurgence, featuring adrenaline-pumping races including Modified Productions, Production Sedans, and Ssa Juniors.
The Wahgunyah Speedway’s incredible transformation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this iconic racing venue with more exciting plans to be unveiled in 2024.