No stone unturned to get drag racing back in Melbourne
Last January an article from ANDRA indicated that a change in ownership of Calder Park delayed the return of championship drag racing to the venue.
As we close in on Nitro Champs next week I thought it was appropriate we find out what the current state of play is and when we can expect championship drag racing to return to Melbourne.
Malcolm Bulley, ANDRA CEO, indicated that “as an organisation we are completing an audit of the facilities’ infrastructure and documenting areas for improvement and upgrading. As an example, we have had the timing system checked by an industry expert and relevant faults are in progress of repair.”
“Once the necessary infrastructure and improvements are in place, we will be speaking with a number of parties regarding the management and promotion of ANDRA Championship Drag Racing at Calder Park Raceway.”
While work progresses at Calder Park, ANDRA has also been investigating other options to return drag racing to Melbourne. “We’ve had discussions with the management of Heathcote Park Raceway and continue to speak with CAMS and the Victorian Government regarding a potential new facility,” said Mr. Bulley.
Mr. Bulley said "with ANDRA rounds of Top Fuel and Top Bike scheduled for October, there would be an aim to have some smaller events at Calder Park in preceding months to ensure that the championship event runs smoothly."
“We’re leaving no stone unturned to get drag racing back in Melbourne on a permanent basis. This has to be done properly and we won’t compromise on safety and operational aspects of ANDRA Championship Drag Racing.”
There are also a number of rumours floating around that Calder Park Raceway, as part of a deal for Bob Jane T-Marts, has been sold to another tyre company and ANDRA had been approached to get drag racing up and running at the track. According to Malcolm Bulley these rumours are completely untrue and no one has approached ANDRA regarding this situation.
See: Venue ownership change delays return to Melbourne
