It is a big community victory boosting Gilgandra Speedway to star status, secretary and life member Louise Harland says.

A half million dollar grant from the state government helped get Gilgandra Speedway back on track for Saturday 4 October.

''The drivers said the changes lived up to expectations and there was a huge crowd so happy racing is back, it was awesome.''

“The significant funding for the speedway upgrade is amazing for the town as it means Gil Speedway goes from a 3-star to one of the first 5-star tracks in NSW outside of Eastern Creek, allowing us to host major events that will bring visitors and dollars into our region.

“The not-for-profit Gilgandra District Racing Club gives back by supporting community groups and hosting charity events and fundraisers, such as for the Gilgandra and District Cancer Council.”

She told the Western Plains App it brings Gilgandra Speedway back to its glory days when riders and drivers came from all states of Australia and the United States.

Driver Nathan Harland says newtrack measures to keep track safe for both fans and drivers was fantastic .''Awesome track for the Fender Benders which I was lucky to win and Brian pushed me all the way.''

Work underway on speedway walls. [IMAGE: GSC]

Gilgandra mayor Doug Batten assisted NSW Duty MLC Stephen Lawrence Saturday night to open the new speedway changes and says the sporting future of his Shire on the back of the $16m sports precinct funding announced just two weeks ago makes this more exciting. 

He commended locals for their tireless work grading the track and making it safer for spectators and drivers.

“The enthusiasm and hard work of the Gilgandra Speedway Committee is to be commended.

"The successful delivery of a new cement track wall has created a 5-star speedway venue, one of only a handful across the nation, making Gilgandra Speedway a true showcase for drivers.

“Council is proud to have partnered with the Gilgandra Speedway Committee on this important project. It adds to the vibrancy of our region, and we look forward to celebrating their season opener on the October long weekend.”

State MP for Barwon Roy Butler also paid tribute to the community. “It’s fantastic to see Gil Speedway go from a track in crisis to a venue ready for national-level events with its upgraded safety wall. 

“Gil Speedway is part of Gilgandra’s identity, there are many passionate enthusiasts who will benefit from these upgrades. I thank the NSW Government and Gilgandra Shire Council for this investment to ensure it remains a safe, vibrant hub for racing, fundraising and community connection.”

“I look forward to seeing increased numbers of racers and spectators driving money into the local economy.

“The significant funding for the speedway upgrade is amazing for the town as it means Gil Speedway goes from a 3 star to one of the first 5-star tracks in NSW outside of Eastern Creek, allowing us to host major events that will bring visitors and dollars into our region.

“The not-for-profit Gilgandra District Racing Club gives back by supporting community groups and hosting charity events and fundraisers, such as for the Gilgandra and District Cancer Council.”

The new look guard and safety fence is supported by NSW Crown Lands who provided Gilgandra Shire Council with a $525,154 grant from its Crown Reserves improvement Fund.

The safety upgrades ensure ‘Gil Speedway’ can host local, regional, state and national racing events.

The sp 

A fender bender race at the speedway prior to the upgrade. [FOOTAGE SUPPLIED]

Parts of the original track wall — installed 34 years ago when the speedway first opened in 1991 — had slumped, exposing steel connectors and creating uneven surfaces and a potential risk to vehicles.

A new concrete barrier wall has been installed around the 426-metre clay racetrack topped by a new safety ‘catch fence’ to protect spectators, together with a pit gate upgrade, to allow for the resumption of racing.

Local race meetings attract an average of 80 drivers, 40 volunteers and 350 race patrons injecting spending into the local economy while providing an exciting venue for locals to gather and socialise.

The return of racing was celebrated on the October 4 with about 180 cars competing across 9 divisions, from national and state divisions to crash and bash, wingless sprints, V8s, and junior races from 10 years old. GIl races again in November.