ENGINES will rev on March 2 to mark 50 years to the day since the first public race meeting at Wanneroo Raceway, now known as Barbagallo Raceway.
To mark the milestone in the state’s sporting history, the WA Sporting Car Club (WASCC) will host a weekend gala celebration at WA’s only international racing circuit.
“Fifty years of continuous operation of a venue the club built and developed, largely with volunteer labour, is a record the WASCC is very proud of,” president Russell Sewell said.
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“Only two other race circuits in the country can better that record so we intend our March event to be a celebration of all that is good about WA motor racing, past, present and future.”
The golden jubilee anniversary race meet will feature racing in all categories over two days, including Formula Classic, Formula Ford, F111, Formula Vee, historic touring cars, Holden HQ, improved production cars and saloon and street cars.
“All WA Race and Time Challenge categories will be catered for, from the retro Minis, Cortinas and Mustangs that made the running when the circuit opened in ’69 to the fabulously quick Stohr F1000 cars that lap quicker than the current V8 Supercars,” WASCC manager Andrew Stachewicz said.
“I confidently expect an entry of over 200 vehicles and that’s without the many classic race and high performance cars we will have on display.”
In preparation for the event, the entire raceway has been resurfaced so many lap records are expected to fall once drivers have acclimatised to the new track with more grip and less tyre wear.
As well as racing, the meet will also include lunchtime grid walks, free circuit bus rides and heritage vehicle displays including some that competed at the WASCC’s previous venue – the Caversham track in Middle Swan, which was used from 1946-68.
Saturday’s racing will run from 10.45am to 4.40pm, while Sunday’s will be from 8.45am to 3.40pm.
Cost is a gold coin donation to a charity nominated by the City of Wanneroo, with kids under 13 free.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Golden jubilee anniversary race meet
Where: Barbagallo Raceway
Saturday, March 2: 10.45am to 4.40pm
Sunday, March 3: 8.45am to 3.40pm
Time: Gates at 7am, racing at 9am
Cost: gold coin donation, kids under 13 free