MORANBAH (QLD)
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1978 - CENTRAL HIGHLAND SPEEDWAY.
The idea for a speedway track came about originally from Ray Hannan who applied to the Belyando Shire Council to find out if land would be available for such a venture, Ken Stokes and Trev or Russell then took the idea a step further, and called a meeting for all interested parties to attend, This took place in the Lions Park in September 1978.
About a dozen people were in attendance, and a committee was formed with Ken Stokes being voted in as the founding president, Tom Johnson Secretary, Mal Middleton Treasurer, Trevor Russell Publicity officer, and Col Allwood Club Captain.
The Council had granted a piece of land, so the committee then sent a delegation to see Utah's Peak Down mine manager to find out if there was any way they could help get the project off the ground, The design, based on the Pioneer and Bagot Park tracks was obtained by Col Allwood, and Owen Wallace, A track plan was drawn up and the site surveyed by Peak Down workers.
The clearing of the land, and the earthworks was done by club members, The Belyando Shire Council, and other interested parties commencing at Easter 1979. Peak Downs management assisted with the purchase of the 1/8th steel plate for the fence, and supplied the steel piping used as the main support posts.
The recessed track was set into the side of a hill, and the 1/4 mile racing surface prepared from clay and sand, The Belyando Shire Council supplied amenities, and Utah's Goonyella management joined in with the assistance as the venture progressd.
(Editorial Sheile Breuer as told by Ces Roads)
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1979 - CENTRAL HIGHLAND SPEEDWAY OPENS.
The first race meeting was held in November of 1979 with a total of eight solo's twelve Formula 500's and eight Sedans taking part, The original vehicles were owned by Moranbah residents, when the club was first formed.
Meeting were held on Sunday afternoons, and soon became a regular and popular sport, with the number of competitors growing steadily, After about six months of daylight racing, work commenced to supply lighting for night competition, The Mackay Electricity Board supplied a plan of requirements and the mining companies again came forward with assistance with the supply of power poles, The lights erected were the same as those used at the mines.