Extra time on machines

Horsham Motor Sports Club members have used an extended break in activities due to the COVID-19 threat to prepare their machines for a new season later this year.

Having had only three of 10 meetings this season, they have promised to come back stronger and faster when racing resumes at Blue Ribbon Raceway at Kalkee.

Club member Nathan Bird said the break had been unfortunate for speedway racing, the same as for all sporting clubs, and if there was any blessing it was that it had allowed people time to work on their vehicles.

“It’s been pretty uncertain times but a few of the guys are obviously getting a few things done that they would usually put off until the end of the season. We’ve had plenty of time we wouldn’t normally have to do different sorts of stuff,” he said.

The club would have usually been preparing for a big season-finishing Queen’s Birthday long weekend of action at the raceway, but now has to wait until spring.

“The June long weekend is usually our premier event. It’s very popular with drivers and visitors who like to come and catch up with old friends with a weekend away. It’s an unfortunate thing that it hasn’t been able to happen. Everyone usually looks forward to the last race meeting of the year,” he said.

“It’s a strange feeling. Anyone involved with a sporting club – football, cricket, netball – everyone is under the same flag. We’ll get back to normal eventually and we’re all hoping for that.”