Right on track: Local motor sports complex revs up for major upgrade

THE Geelong Motor Sports Complex is preparing for a major upgrade to the facility next year.

Lara MP John Eren, who visited the complex next to Avalon Airport last week with Motor Sport Australia regional development executive for Victoria and Tasmania Daniel Gorgievski, said he looked forward to returning in 2022 to see the start of major works worth $500,000 – committed by himself and Premier Daniel Andrews in November 2018 – at the complex.

Geelong Motor Sports Complex secretary Graham Harrison said all the planning had been done and permits had been secured from the City of Greater Geelong to apply bitumen to the complex’s gravel motorkana pad to make it a world-standard skid pan for competition and training.

He said this would allow all-weather use for not only local clubs but also for hire from Melbourne car clubs.

Other improvements from the $500,000 commitment include new security fencing, a medical and administration facility, an electronic timing system, generator and water supply improvements.

The Western District Car Club also applied earlier this year for a $50,000 grant to buy a tractor on behalf of the complex next to Avalon Airport, and members of the complex’s committee and user groups officially received their Kubota tractor, front end loader and mower during Mr Eren’s visit.

The tractor was purchased with a grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Community Motorsport Program’s facility equipment stream, and will be used to maintain and improve the property.

Mr Eren said the $50,000 grant was well worth it.

“It’s a great investment, considering that we might have a terrible fire season.

“We want to make sure this precinct is well maintained, and maintenance is everything when it comes to making it look appealing but also making it safer during the summer periods.”

He described the complex as the “heart of motor sports in Geelong”.

“This is the community one – it’s not the elite end, it’s not the fandangled events they have in Melbourne, this is where juniors get a start in life in terms of their driving ability, and I appreciate the work this precinct has done in terms of juniors coming through the ranks and making them drive more safely.”

Mr Gorgievski said Motor Sport Australia had worked with the Victorian Government to offer funding opportunities to motorsport clubs through the Community Motorsport Program.

“So it’s really encouraging to see that there are clubs and volunteers making the most of this and taking advantage of these opportunities.”

The Geelong Motor Sports Complex was initially purchased in 1983 by the Western District Car Club and later joined by MG Car Club Geelong, Geelong Off Road Buggy Association and Geelong Motor Sports Club.

It has been developed by the club’s members with little outside help and used by them for competition, as well as hosting clubs from Melbourne and surrounds, over the past 38 years.

The complex also has two tenant clubs that have lost their venues: Geelong Radio Controlled Off-Road Buggies and Avalon Fun Karts Club.