Many
Speedway Fans may remember, or have heard the stories of the
famous Tracey's Speedway, located in Maribrynong, Melbourne,
Victoria. Tracey's closed in 1963, but the memories of that
great Era in Australian Speedway History will always have a
place in the minds of Speedway enthusiasts.
These
memories created a dream for a number of dedicated followers to
obtain & restore genuine vintage speedcars to their former
glory, with a view to display and demonstrate the cars in the
manner they were presented in their heyday, the 1950's- 1960's.
The
Vintage Speedcar Association was formed in Victoria in 1987,
catering for the preroll cage (1970) speedcar or "Midget" as
they were affectionally known as during those years!
The
Association expanded in 1990 to become the Victorian Classic
& Vintage Speedway Club, and now encompasses all classes of
speedway cars, including Hot Rods, Sportsman, Super Modifieds,
Production Sedans and Sprint Cars.
The
cars are maintained and presented in as authentic condition as
possible, but some concessions have been made to allow us to
conform to modern day safety standards. The authenticity means
the cars are no longer raced as such but participate in
"spirited demonstrations"; the vehicles are ever increasing in
age and value. Some of the drivers are not as experienced as
others, so speed is left to the discretion of the driver. The
Club members are pure enthusiasts and do not run the cars for
any price money.
Originally
the meetings were held at the home of Fred & Gary Hopcroft,
and then onto Barry Power's Factory. The meetings then moved on
to Lou Morina's Hotel in Richmond, with Frank Nankiville as
President. Other meetings have been held in Doncaster, Glen
Waverley, and the Red Back Brewery in North Melbourne. Until
recently meetings were held at the Newport & Braybrook
Motorcycle Club Rooms. Our new venue is now the Spotswood - Kingsville RSL
located at 59 The Avenue, Spotswood. Meetings are held every
second Tuesday of the following months commencing at 8pm,
February, April, June, August (Annual General Meeting), October,
and December for the Christmas break-up. Visitors and New
Members are most welcome.
