The 2010 to 2011 year has seen the Mackay and surrounding region receive considerable more rain than previous years and well above the region average. The Palmyra Drag Racing Club has been greatly affected by the flooding last year and the extended wet season this year.
Out of the 10 to 12 events normally scheduled for a calendar year,the club was only able to hold 2 events last year resulting in the club running at a large loss for the 2010 year.
Not only has the club been affected financially as a result of loss of income from the inability to hold race meets, the facility has suffered damage caused by the large volume of rain. This extends not only to the racer’s pit area and
car park flooding, but also the racing surface and braking area has suffered major damaged.
As result the club has been forced to cancel all major events for the first half of the 2011 year, due to this extensive damage to the racing surface and braking area and will require resurfacing before any major meetings can be held
in Mackay.
Unfortunately this means that the club has to advise that the Nitro Funny Car match race scheduled for 21st May and the National Eighth Mile Series of the Doorslammers scheduled for 25th June have both been cancelled. It is with great regret that the club has made this decision as both of these Group One events would not only have provided much needed income for the club, but also boosted the region’s tourism and hospitality by attracting thousands of people from outside the immediate Mackay area and provide an injection of revenue for local businesses.
The club’s round of the National Series, the nationally televised Sunstate Nationals is also currently in jeopardy. While it is scheduled for 30th September and 1stOctober, if the club is not able to resurface the racing surface and
braking area the club will be forced to cancel the Sunstates. This would be the second year in a row with last year’s event washed out.
The Club has run a national round of the series for at least 15 years, and is the only drag racing track outside of a capital city that is afforded the hosting of a round. The remaining rounds are hosted at tracks in Brisbane, Sydney
and Perth. This national round draws competitors and crew from all over Australia to compete and only helps to boost the regions tourism. The TV coverage of the last Sunstates also included a snap shot of the community and the surrounding tourism regions, offering Mackay and the Whitsunday regions with a free promotion on a nationally broadcast event. It is also the only drag racing event that is televised showcasing the grass roots racing of the sport.
As a direct result of the damage to the facility and the loss of income the Club is in desperate need of financial assistance to ensure the facility continues to operate and host these national events. The facility is not just used for
drag racing, but is also utilised for advance driver training, motorcycle rider training, school based driver training and education, mine site driver training and also provides an avenue for the general public of motoring enthusiasts
to test their vehicles out in safe and controlled environment at the Keep the Speed Off the Street events.
The facility is club owned and operated, with the club run by volunteers and all income generated is put back into the facilities. The club is a not for profit organisation and has been running since 1968, but the financial burden
caused by the unseasonal rain over the past 4 years is beyond the capabilities of the club and its loyal supporters.
As a result financial assistance is required from Federal, State and Local government, as well as from the Private Sector to enable to facility to get back to running national level events here in Mackay and remain open for future
generations.
Anyone who may be able to assist can contact the club Sectary Daryl Elfverson on 040 776 22 55 or the club President John Smith on 0407 525 440.
