Start your engines! Racing returns to Wakefield Park
Racing at Wakefield Park Raceway is set to return following a $1 million investment from the Minns Government, delivering on another major election commitment.
The iconic regional track in Tirrannaville hasn’t seen any hot laps in two years as the facility has been shut since September 2022 following an ongoing noise generation issue.
The NSW Government pledged to work with stakeholders to implement noise mitigation measures to minimise noise impacts to surrounding properties around the raceway.
Stage 1 works have now been completed at the venue, which has been renamed as One Raceway, with a track reconfiguration and large 13-18 metre high noise mounds created to the northern and southern ends of the raceway to better shield surrounding dwellings from on-site noise generation.
This is another great announcement for the NSW racing community following the Government’s work to see Speedway racing back up and running this season.
The track is also offering a number of services for the Goulburn community such as driver training and safety programs.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“The raceway has a long and storied history spanning over 30 years, with Goulburn the historic home of motor racing, having held Australia’s first motorbike and car grand prix.
“The NSW Government has delivered on yet another important election commitment to have the Wakefield Park Raceway back up and racing in a way that also mitigates racing noise.
“Wakefield Park Raceway is an important community facility for people right across the Goulburn region and the state. It also offers vital driver training and safety programs which benefit the local community.
“The community and the motor racing industry are eagerly anticipating the raceway’s grand re- opening. The new owners have made some exciting new racing additions including a dual-direction circuit - which they say is an Australian first.”
Duty MLC Bob Nanva said:
“Wakefield Park holds a special place in the community, not only for its pedigree, but also for its accessibility for motoring enthusiasts.
“Having recently visited the raceway, and having seen the work Steve and his associates have been putting into it firsthand, I can say that the rejuvenation that One Raceway has seen is nothing short of remarkable.
“This funding comes on top of $43 million for Police Force infrastructure, tens of millions of dollars for local roads, nearly $2 million to finalise upgrades to Moss Vale fire station, and over $10 million for critical water and sewerage infrastructure, just to name a few of the other essential services to be delivered through the 2024/25 budget.
“This funding delivers on a key commitment the Minns Labor Government made during the 2023 campaign, one that will help support the tourism industry in Goulburn long into the future.”
One Raceway owner Steve Shelley said:
“This is a fantastic day for One Raceway, as we embark on a bold new era for motorsport racing in NSW.
“I’m delighted the NSW Government has followed through with their election commitment by providing funding towards our extensive noise mitigation works.
“Since purchasing this raceway, we have invested close to $7 million to minimise noise disruption for the local community.
“These investments include modifications to the circuit layout and improvements to noise walls. This allows the circuit to be operated in both directions and further reduce noise impacts on our neighbours.”