Heathcote Park has issued a press release saying that the venue is on the market with current owner Russell Clarke planning retirement.
The release opened with a statement that Bob Jane is not an owner, or even a shareholder in Heathcote Park, and that real owner Clarke has never really been serious about selling the property before. Until now.
As one of the only freehold motorsport precincts in Australia, the 116 acres at Heathcote Park represent a unique investment opportunity according to the release.
It goes on to say the venue is currently setup to minimise maintenance and upkeep and that the entire property encompasses a range of complexes that regularly accommodates enthusiasts in an equally broad range of motorsport disciplines.
Some of the features listed for the facility include:
1.4km drag strip and runoff area (concrete to 400 foot marker)
1.2km return road and strip exit roads
Pit facilities for 200+ cars including shade shelters
Sixteen enclosed pit garages
Catering kitchen, cold storage, F&B retail outlets (including mobile units)
Championship length speedway
Grass pits with fenced access and five pit garages
1.4km off-road short course and 2.1km off road long course
500m dirt drag strip and runoff area
Six structured 4WD and winch challenge courses
Two lane 4WD bog racing course
Three dams, two generators, comprehensive lighting and PA systems
Assorted mechanical inventory items
“I had the property valued in 2009 due to a marriage settlement, of course that started the vultures circling, but I never had any genuine interest in offloading the track. It’s what I’ve done for a quarter of a century,” Clarke said.
“It’s important to me that Heathcote Park is around for future generations to enjoy, but its time for this old bloke to pass on the torch, retire, and start taking things a little easier. In my heart though, I hope the property will go to owners who are enthusiastic about grass roots drag racing, they’ve been great to us and kept us going through the down times.”
Heathcote Park played host to rounds of the legendary Winfield Series in drag racing’s golden age. The release claims the track requires very little remedial work to bring about a return of Group One racing according to an FIA inspection commissioned by the Victorian Government (2011).
Heathcote Park general manager Dean Mesh said a share program was also considered.
“We thought about just releasing 1000 shares in the track at $5000.00 each, to cover the costs of the track purchase along with the necessary resurfacing and new construction costs, bringing the track up to spec for all possible Group One events. There’s certainly 1000 ‘Mum & Dad’ motorsport enthusiasts in Victoria that could – and would – make that kind of investment to own a share in their own motorsport park,” he said.
“It may come down to something as simple as that, with some corporate support to do the heavy-lifting in the fund raising enterprise. Wouldn’t it be great for Mum and Dad drag racers to have the opportunity to own a slice of the sport they love?
“One thing is for sure, Australian motorsport will likely never see a facility like this one on the market again, it will likely pass into private hands where it will surely stay.”
Expressions of interest are now being sought from individuals, groups, businesses, or collectives, with the necessary funds, resources and expertise to purchase a motorsport facility.
If you are interested, you can contact Mesh for a confidential discussion on +610431385020 or email dean.mesh@heathcoteraceway.com.au.
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