MOTORSPORT: Wakefield Park back in action next year
New name and new bi-directional circuit format coming for rural NSW motorsport facilityWakefield Park is set to race again from the first half of next year under the new name of One Raceway, with significant works underway that will see the revitalised facility uniquely capable of being raced in either direction.
Noted motorsport identity Steve Shelley took control of the venue in June this year and has subsequently led a significant redevelopment of the site, located just outside the regional NSW centre of Goulburn.
Key to the works has been ongoing dialogue with the Goulburn Mulwaree Council, which has approved the ongoing plans for the facility.
The raceway has also worked extensively with peak motorsport governing bodies Motorsport Australia and Motorcycling Australia, on the safety aspects of the rejuvenation.
Changes will be made to the runoff and barriers through turns one and two, the pit exit, which previously funnelled onto the racing line, as well as the design of turn 10 and the angle of the pit wall on the entry to the main straight.
Additional work will be completed to the infield flag marshal islands, while new signaling light panels will be complemented by a renewed timing system.
To accommodate the various changes and to bring the circuit up to spec for bi-directional use, the track will be completely resurfaced, with extensive drainage and water control measures put in place, while the paddock area will also be resealed.
Accompanying the changes on track, major earthworks are being completed to install 10m high earth banks at the north and south ends of the venue for noise mitigation purposes, with the areas also offering enhanced spectator viewing options.
Also, in line with the original 1993 Development Application, which will once again be applied to the facility, a strict 95dB noise cap will be placed on vehicles, aligning the venue with other legacy circuits around the country, such as Lakeside Park, Sandown Raceway and the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
The venue plans to blend race events with performance driving days, and quieter media, testing and driver training blocks, in line with the community wishes for the venue.
Wakefield Park closed in September 2022, after the facility’s previous custodian, the Benalla Auto Club, became entangled in a complicated planning permission process, which ultimately severely controlled the use of the venue due to onerous noise restrictions.
The facility opened in 1994, catering to club racing enthusiasts, with the scope of its operations expanding significantly under its subsequent ownership groups and the venue growing to be a significant tourism draw for the region.
This isn’t the first time Shelley has been the driving force behind a race circuit transformation, with his efforts seeing the nearby Marulan venue brought up to spec in 2016 under the Pheasant Wood Circuit banner. It now plays an important role in hosting grassroots motorsport and other automotive activities.
The Wakefield renovations are being self-funded, outside of a $1 million contribution from the state government to aid in the noise abatement improvements.
Having One Raceway reemerge is an important step for motorsport in NSW, which currently only has one full-time top-flight venue – Sydney Motorsport Park in the city’s west – in operation.
Details of a prospective opening date of One Raceway have not been revealed at this time, while volunteers are being sought to assist in finalising works around the precinct.
Related: MOTORSPORT: Wakefield Park set to close
Related: MOTORSPORT: Wakefield Park’s future hangs in the balance
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