PENQUIN (TAS)
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PENQUIN SPEEDWAY
Originally a dirt circuit, Penquin got itself caught up in the banked asphalt boom back when Liverpool and Tralee were sporting black top race tracks and tar was considered the way in the 1970's, From a spectator point of view, they say turn four was best as you watched them enter the straight and go down the dip past the control tower.
Penquin Speedway Sedan Car action. Photo: unknown.
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USA v TASMANIA SEDAN TEAM CHALLANGEPenquin proved to be a horror track for the American Gene Welch sedan team, at one meeting three of the four cars were destroyed in hot laps, Tasmanian reserves filled places in the American team as two cars were beyond repair on the night, the other car was resurrected in time for the feature.
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1970's - GENE COOK Production Car's
1970's - Local competitor Gene Cook was well known to many speedway fans Australia wide. Pictured here at Penquin Speedway in his Turbo-Charged 6 cylinder Torana. Phototographer: unknown.
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DRIVERS
Noted drivers who raced regulary at Penquin were John Russell, Chas Kelly, Barry Radford, Gene Cook, Wayne Stephen and Les Redpath.
(Editorials Allan Baker)
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Wayne Stephen recalls: I raced a FC Holden back in the dirt days, turn two was uphill and it felt like you were going to fall out the window, then for turn three you had to jump on the brakes real hard.
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2012 - PENQUIN SPEEDWAY WALKABOUT
The site is now a Mountain bike park and even though it is only pedal power, some just cant resist a lap or two of the old race track, the once pit area for some time was used as a motorcycle training area but now is overgrown with schrub and small trees, on a positive note, the pit gate is still intact and swinging in the breeze, numerous trees have sprouted through the ashphalt and take centre stage in the middle of the race track, There's now talk of demolition and refurbishment of the site.