The NEW Showground Speedway was Officially opened on 1st.May 1999.
Former World Champion Ivan Mauger and Former Australian Champion Jim Airey were on hand to cut the ribbon to get the events under way.
Solo & Sidecar riders who rode at the Original Showground in the 50s,60s,& 70s paraded in a lap of honour in well turned out Mustang
covertables .
Vintage Speedcars also gave demos with their new owners at the wheel,
with the exception of Car 54 with Sid Middlemass still in the drivers seat ,really trying to turn it on for the crowd on the odd shaped circuit
The Australian test team was far superior to the Americans ,downing the visitors 55 to 23 after 13 heats.
Had the yanks had their own bikes the scores could have been closer.
The outfits took to the track like "ducks to water" and produced some good racing
It has to be said that the track broke up badly which necessitated a complete grading at the half way mark ,which then produced better racing
The New Showground Arena is only 2 years old and has never been used for Speedway racing until now ,hopefully with regular meetings being held, Expert track preparation,better coordination,this has the potential to be a world class venue.
Spectator facilities are Excellent with unrestricted views from all parts of the track.
I have put some pictures on the following pages & hope to have some action shots soon