Collie Motorplex hosts long-awaited race meeting

The first West Australian circuit race meeting outside the Perth Metropolitan area in over 40 years was held at the Collie Motorplex - on Sunday 25 October.

Located some 200km South of Perth – the Motorplex is 14km east of Collie and the complex includes a CAMS licenced hillclimb, 1/8 mile drag strip catering for club level events, an autocross circuit currently as work in progress plus the 1.6km Category B race circuit.

Recent developments include erection of a three story event management and control tower plus a slip road to ensure safe exit off the race circuit.

While held only a week after a State Round at Barbagallo Raceway – reasonable entries were received from:

• Historic Touring cars.
• Ford and Holden Saloon cars.
• HQ Sedans

In addition, modern regularity events were held giving emphasis to entries from a number competitors in the South West region.

Being the first official race meeting - the event was very successful and after ten years of hard work from a number of enthusiasts and supporters the Motorplex has been elevated to the next level of our sport.

The day was relaxed – and in large ran on time – so much so that a fifth event was offered to those with cars unaffected by mechanical failures.

Results for the day:

HQ HOLDEN

1. Darren Peat
2. Michael Howlett/Grant Howlett
3. Stuart Kenny/Anthony Fogliani

HISTORIC TOURING CARS

1. Leo Jamison: Mazda RX-2
2. Gary Martinovich: Holden Monaro HQ
3. Gordon Satchell: Ford Escort RS1600

SALOON CARS

1. Clint Harvey: Ford Falcon AU
2. Rick Gill: Ford Falcon AU
3. Craig Tremeer: Ford Falcon AU

MODERN REGULARITY

1. Bill Claize: Ford XD

Motoring South West Chairman John Smith was Clerk of the Course, assisted by Jay Hewson with Ross Johnson - Chief Scrutineer, Simon Sterner - Secretary of the Meeting assisted by trainee Cathy Fairhurst with timing by Raymond Shaw. Ken Tonge looking after the flaggies and Ernie Hastie as Steward.

It was good to see Aaron Yeak – one of our two WA Sport & Club Development Officers in attendance to support the event.

A number of local volunteers greatly assisted on the day – as trainees - which provided the opportunity to ‘recruit’ future CAMS Accredited Officials.

The reduced travel time afforded by the recent completion of the Forrest Highway now puts the Collie Motorplex well within reach of many competitors and patrons from the metro area.

Planning is currently underway to run at least three race meetings next year.

For further information, go to www.motoringsouthwest.org.au.

First grid of HQ Sedans at the first event at the first Race Meeting at the Collie Motorplex.		HQ Sedans approaching first left hand corner at end of main straight.
CAMS WA – Sport and Club Development Officer taking in the view from the landing at the new Event Management and Control Tower.		Local and long time volunteer of Motorsport here in the South West - Ernie Hastie – our CAMS Steward on the day.
HQ Sedans in formation. Photo courtesy of Mick Oliver		HQ Sedans. Photo courtesy of Mick Oliver
Fords in quadruplicate. Photo courtesy of Mick Oliver		Very recent aerial shot of the Collie Motorplex – looking south with main straight on the right.
Leo Jamison discussing with Simon Sterner – his choice of earplugs he wears when running a Mazda RX -2.		Chief Scrutineer - Ross Johnson comparing notes with scrutineer and competitor Peter Pisconeri.
Chairman John Smith with Simon Sterner presenting a trophy to Rick Gill.		Simon Sterner looks as though he is about to share something important with Aaron Yeak and Ernie Hastie.

Back