253 replies to this topic

[protd]

i think a lot of people are under estimating the popularity of drag racing and the people who watch it and do it.. sure we are out of the way up here, but this track being ANDRA backed means it has the opportunity to become a couple of rounds in the Australian championship in all classes of racing, which means if you want to win a championship you MUST come and do the round..

willowbank is in arse backwards Ipswich, which 30 odd years ago was way away from anywhere, and really still is, sure brissy is near by, BUT when you go to willow back 90% of the cars and people are from out of town, it is the same at every strip you go too, the target business is not locals if you think that you have absolutely no idea, sure the time between major events is for the locals to go and use the track..

willowbank has some 550+ entrants for winter nationals, most of which are from out of town, infact when you talk to people you find it hard to find someone that is from the brissy area,

30 years ago willowbank looked like townsville does, i have posted pics on qss before i will dig them up so people can see what a little drive does, I'm sure they were once told drag racing is on the decline..

i can assure anyone that thinks drag racing is on the decline you are incorrect, maybe locally it's on the decline, but that's because the closest ANDRA track is in Mackay..

a circuit would be great no doubt about it, but if people are truly interested in a circuit then why have they not formed their own club? why are they not fundraising? why try and get on the back of people who are only interested in drag racing and have had this in the planning for years? if you guys are truly interested in a circuit, form yourselves a club, start doing some of the hard yards, talk to the guys involved in this, they may set you a area to possibly put your circuit in, maybe become a member of their cause if YOU expect THEM to help YOU out why not show YOUR support??

I know if it was me and i wanted a circuit I'd strike while the iron is hot and get things going and talk with the guys involved here, because it would certainly take the pressure of them if you guys tried to orginise your own circuit in conjunction with the strip.

personally I'm not interested in anything but a drag strip, but there is a market out there for the other crap, if someone wants to put in the work, rather than try ride on the back of someone Else's hard yakka, I'd bet you circuit blokes would not let a bunch of drag racers get a free ride just because they belly ached in your ear about a drag strip, but I'm willing to bet if they done their own work and helped with the funding you may include them in your venture

Edited by protd, 10 August 2009 - 05:42 AM.

[protd]

not the best pics, just wanted to get the start line area and the tower in so people can see it's progress in 20 years..

willowbank 86



willowbank today

Attached Files

•  willowbank.jpg   34.28K   27 downloads

Edited by protd, 10 August 2009 - 05:44 AM.

[7shades]

i think a lot of people are under estimating the popularity of drag racing and the people who watch it and do it.. sure we are out of the way up here, but this track being ANDRA backed means it has the opportunity to become a couple of rounds in the Australian championship in all classes of racing, which means if you want to win a championship you MUST come and do the round..

willowbank is in arse backwards Ipswich, which 30 odd years ago was way away from anywhere, and really still is, sure brissy is near by, BUT when you go to willow back 90% of the cars and people are from out of town, it is the same at every strip you go too, the target business is not locals if you think that you have absolutely no idea, sure the time between major events is for the locals to go and use the track..

willowbank has some 550+ entrants for winter nationals, most of which are from out of town, infact when you talk to people you find it hard to find someone that is from the brissy area,

30 years ago willowbank looked like townsville does, i have posted pics on qss before i will dig them up so people can see what a little drive does, I'm sure they were once told drag racing is on the decline..

i can assure anyone that thinks drag racing is on the decline you are incorrect, maybe locally it's on the decline, but that's because the closest ANDRA track is in Mackay..

a circuit would be great no doubt about it, but if people are truly interested in a circuit then why have they not formed their own club? why are they not fundraising? why try and get on the back of people who are only interested in drag racing and have had this in the planning for years? if you guys are truly interested in a circuit, form yourselves a club, start doing some of the hard yards, talk to the guys involved in this, they may set you a area to possibly put your circuit in, maybe become a member of their cause if YOU expect THEM to help YOU out why not show YOUR support??

I know if it was me and i wanted a circuit I'd strike while the iron is hot and get things going and talk with the guys involved here, because it would certainly take the pressure of them if you guys tried to orginise your own circuit in conjunction with the strip.

personally I'm not interested in anything but a drag strip, but there is a market out there for the other crap, if someone wants to put in the work, rather than try ride on the back of someone Else's hard yakka, I'd bet you circuit blokes would not let a bunch of drag racers get a free ride just because they belly ached in your ear about a drag strip, but I'm willing to bet if they done their own work and helped with the funding you may include them in your venture

I'm pretty sure that's exactly what we're doing

And its NOT negativity... Its conjecture. Discussion. Opinions. I've stated mine publicly in the hope that they may be echoed by others. If the organisers would prefer to keep the blinkers on and charge on ahead with their own ideas without seeking input from the community at large, so be it. Delete this entire thread and good luck with your endeavours. But try to remember... We 'dissenters' represent a not insubtantial source of revenue. Exclude us at your peril.

Look I've had a pipe dream of building a track for longer than I've had a licence. I'm well aware of the expense... Once upon a time our family built roads and highways for a crust so I know asphalt ain't cheap. The other major expense, obviously, is enough land, in an appropriate location... Which springmount has... so the whole shebang is already over the first major hurdle.

As for the 'why haven't the other clubs already had a crack' scenario... Lets examine why not.
When has an opportunity like this arisen before? When has the land become available for use? I would wager never... I view this project as the first to have the REAL potential to unify many many different clubs and organisations towards a common goal... That being a bonafide motorsport facility in FNQ.

My point, which appears to have been lost (probably my fault, I tend to waffle on) is "Why do things by halves". Lets go all out here... I mean, if this is going to take years (and it will) why not involve more organisations? Garner MORE support. MORE donations. More sponsorship, more equipment, more INTEREST.

What I'm suggesting, in a nutshell, is to include a track in the overall plan from day one. Treat it as a completely seperate entity if you wish. Continue to work on the strip as your priority... But put the idea of a track on the table as well, just for shits and giggles. See what response you get from the auto community at large.

Why the hell not I say.

[protd]

i think a lot of people are under estimating the popularity of drag racing and the people who watch it and do it.. sure we are out of the way up here, but this track being ANDRA backed means it has the opportunity to become a couple of rounds in the Australian championship in all classes of racing, which means if you want to win a championship you MUST come and do the round..

willowbank is in arse backwards Ipswich, which 30 odd years ago was way away from anywhere, and really still is, sure brissy is near by, BUT when you go to willow back 90% of the cars and people are from out of town, it is the same at every strip you go too, the target business is not locals if you think that you have absolutely no idea, sure the time between major events is for the locals to go and use the track..

willowbank has some 550+ entrants for winter nationals, most of which are from out of town, infact when you talk to people you find it hard to find someone that is from the brissy area,

30 years ago willowbank looked like townsville does, i have posted pics on qss before i will dig them up so people can see what a little drive does, I'm sure they were once told drag racing is on the decline..

i can assure anyone that thinks drag racing is on the decline you are incorrect, maybe locally it's on the decline, but that's because the closest ANDRA track is in Mackay..

a circuit would be great no doubt about it, but if people are truly interested in a circuit then why have they not formed their own club? why are they not fundraising? why try and get on the back of people who are only interested in drag racing and have had this in the planning for years? if you guys are truly interested in a circuit, form yourselves a club, start doing some of the hard yards, talk to the guys involved in this, they may set you a area to possibly put your circuit in, maybe become a member of their cause if YOU expect THEM to help YOU out why not show YOUR support??

I know if it was me and i wanted a circuit I'd strike while the iron is hot and get things going and talk with the guys involved here, because it would certainly take the pressure of them if you guys tried to orginise your own circuit in conjunction with the strip.

personally I'm not interested in anything but a drag strip, but there is a market out there for the other crap, if someone wants to put in the work, rather than try ride on the back of someone Else's hard yakka, I'd bet you circuit blokes would not let a bunch of drag racers get a free ride just because they belly ached in your ear about a drag strip, but I'm willing to bet if they done their own work and helped with the funding you may include them in your venture

I'm pretty sure that's exactly what we're doing

And its NOT negativity... Its conjecture. Discussion. Opinions. I've stated mine publicly in the hope that they may be echoed by others. If the organisers would prefer to keep the blinkers on and charge on ahead with their own ideas without seeking input from the community at large, so be it. Delete this entire thread and good luck with your endeavours. But try to remember... We 'dissenters' represent a not insubtantial source of revenue. Exclude us at your peril.

Look I've had a pipe dream of building a track for longer than I've had a licence. I'm well aware of the expense... Once upon a time our family built roads and highways for a crust so I know asphalt ain't cheap. The other major expense, obviously, is enough land, in an appropriate location... Which springmount has... so the whole shebang is already over the first major hurdle.

As for the 'why haven't the other clubs already had a crack' scenario... Lets examine why not.
When has an opportunity like this arisen before? When has the land become available for use? I would wager never... I view this project as the first to have the REAL potential to unify many many different clubs and organisations towards a common goal... That being a bonafide motorsport facility in FNQ.

My point, which appears to have been lost (probably my fault, I tend to waffle on) is "Why do things by halves". Lets go all out here... I mean, if this is going to take years (and it will) why not involve more organisations? Garner MORE support. MORE donations. More sponsorship, more equipment, more INTEREST.

What I'm suggesting, in a nutshell, is to include a track in the overall plan from day one. Treat it as a completely seperate entity if you wish. Continue to work on the strip as your priority... But put the idea of a track on the table as well, just for shits and giggles. See what response you get from the auto community at large.

Why the hell not I say.

i agree with what your saying totally..

but people saying they will withhold money through memberships, because this is not their cup of tea is not supporting this at all, hell you even posted yourself your not going to become a member

does this mean that the drag racers that are willing to become members are expected to fund a circuit track?? i realise this is not what your getting at as i can see your point, but it does come across to people this way..

as for the land and opportunity this has only happened because a few people have been pushing this for a very long time, these people are drag racers.. basically it has been a dream of Bruno and a few others for years for them to have a track, they push and push and do all the leg work and now all of a sudden their is interest for a circuit because they have done the hard yards

my point is some of the guys that want a circuit should get together for some sort of a club etc the same as Bruno has done and go forward to him with some sort of formal information at a meeting, I'd say this thing could be 2 years of being a reality..

I do agree there needs to be room for expansion, and from actually having been to the site, there is loads of room for futur development..

but at this stage it's a drag racing club building a drag strip that they have worked for, i'm sure they are not one eyed or blinkered, but simply building what they actually set out to build in the first place..

[7shades]

Ah yeah righto... We're on the same page now. I get what you're saying.
Sorry if I got anyone's back up, I guess words on the interwebz fail us sometimes

Full respect where its due to the guys for actually getting down and trying to make it happen, thats a given.

I'm still hoping though that maybe a seed can be planted, in the minds of both the springmount guys and the greater community. I honestly think that broadening the scope of the whole project will increase its chances of success.

[Matti]

Good to see something happening! I will try lend my support if I can!

[kitamijin]

yeah anything is better than nothing, good luck guys........

in saying that there will be a sprint series soon, announcements will be made in the next few weeks.

stay tuned......

[xdclevo]

The Drag racing venue is the priority here, which can easily be understood by reading Lee's post and understanding where it all began. I think the worry some people have is if this gets bigger than Ben Hur and more complicated than it should, things won't go ahead or become too hard. If people are serious about trying to get another track involved, contact the the people heading up the project and ask them. Posting stuff here and hoping something happens will get no where, so contact the correct poeple and follow the correct channels. I hope it all works out for everyone.

[Adam]

Just remember that the tracks like Willowbank etc are a business, they are not a volunteer run track.

As such they have the money to burn for some nicer things, I believe there is only 3-4 ANDRA sanctioned tracks in Australia left that are still volunteer / club run.

So once again I say.. get behind this as much as you can guys and support the club.

[AE864thachicks]

Its good to see that bruno has had one such dream for so long and made it a reality.
As a community we all have our own interests, drag, drift, time attack, hill climbs, rally or just playing gran turismo (or grid which is quite fun), but we obviously dont get together enough and form such a solid community in which this site is all about, hell im guilty of laziness and so are many others. I honestly want to hear from someone on here who has built a smallish style track and what the options are (land, regulations, $$$). Ive just never really thought about it all till now, and yes would like to get a group of people together and discuss future options and what is possible and what not. Would I be wrong to suggest a future circut track somewhere up here? and how many would shake the lazy to endorse racing with corners? Yeah why not, I know there is a lot of young and old out there who (like bruno did) dream of it. Sure beats driving all the way to townsville.

[Privatealpha]

Just need to get a few investors interested in the project.
Autobarn
RBA
Supercheap
...etc...etc

[Romeo]

great idea ^^^ but dont waste your time with supercheap

[meanstreak racing team]

Changes to pages are happening on a regular basis please check back

http://www.springmountdragracing.com/


Ben is a wizard on a computer.

[fugly]

I will be joining up for sure.
Some people need to take the blinkers off, if it was a drift track that was being built first with possible further growth to other forms of motersport i would still be joining up as a member, got to start somewhere.



On the Drag strip as the main straight of a circuit idea, WRONG, this should never be done as it is extremely dangerous, traction compound is very slippery when wet. Does any body remember the V8s at Eastern creek a few years ago????

Bring on the investors.........

[meanstreak racing team]

Changes to pages are happening on a regular basis please check back

http://www.springmountdragracing.com/

[Me_3]

Those who are wanting to attend the next meeting, please register at : http://www.springmountdragracing.com/pages...---register.php
So we can be sure to inform you where the meeting will be, and if there are any changes!

Don't forget to become a member and support this project!

[meanstreak racing team]

NEXT MEETING:.......................... LOCATION HAS BEEN CONFIRMED PLEASE CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR THE DETAILS


http://www.springmountdragracing.com/

Under Next Meeting Section

[meanstreak racing team]

NEXT MEETING 17th September 7:30pm CAPE YORK HOTEL CAIRNS, Please register on the web site if you are attending we need to know numbers attending thank you.

http://www.springmou...---register.php

Come along show your support, become a financial member. This won't happen with out everyones support.

Edited by meanstreak racing team, 17 August 2009 - 12:32 PM.

[meanstreak racing team]

NEXT MEETING 17th September 7:30pm CAPE YORK HOTEL CAIRNS, Please register on the web site if you are attending we need to know numbers attending thank you.

http://www.springmou...---register.php

Come along show your support, become a financial member. This won't happen with out everyones support.

[AzzA]

might be there.. but not a definate.. need to know how far along my car is before i commit to it