Richmond Speedway 1968 Here is the story of Richmond Speedways wrangles in the early years extracted from the then Tasmanian Auto News - With the introduction of two speedways (Latrobe and Richmond) and two more proposed (Carrick and Bridgewater} it became evident that some form of governing body was needed. The Richmond Stock Production Car Club applied for association with C.A.M.S. prior to its first meeting, and C.A.M.S. G.C. licence holders were permitted to drive pending acceptance by the general meeting of C.A.M.S. delegates. Meetings were conducted in this interim period under the directive of the Police Department As a result of the general meeting at Campbell Town, Richmonds association was accepted and directives were made on safety precautions by the track inspection committee, which were based essentially on standards as set down by Lloyds of London. The Old Richmond Speedway was allowed to conduct racing for one meeting providing the spectators were kept clear of danger areas. After this meeting, Richmond moved house to a new location in close proximity, and thousands of dollars were spent in safety precautions. Permanent buildings and track construction. The track at this stage was shortened from 880 yards to 550 yards. Throughout the growth of Richmond, spectator safety has been a primary consideration. It was realised quite early that although the safety precautions of the old track were adequate (and in fact passed by the police Department), that as the lap speeds increased, so the safety precautions would have to be increased. It was with this thought in mind, that plans were materialised on the new speedway, and of course since then our safety precautions have proved their effectiveness. The track and facilities in their present conditions were operational within fourteen days of the project being commenced. Since association was definitely applied for prior to the first meeting, at Richmond, the C.A.M.S. secretariat was able to permit G. C. licence holders to participate, pending final acceptance of the club application. It was only in this interim period that drivers were allowed to participate without first holding a G. C. licence. With the acceptance of association drivers were obliged to hold C.A.M.S. G.C. licences and keep log books up to date on their vehicles Policy was now based on directives from the C.A.M.S. steward in attendance. and the Police Departments representative. It was however decided by the promoters of Latrobe, in conjunction with the newly proposed Carrick, that association with C.A.M.S. was not wise. The Tasmanian Speedway Control Board was set up, and recognised by the T.Q. association and the A.C.U.T. Richmond of course was now faced with two major considerations. By recognising the Speedway Control Board, they would forfeit association with C.A.M.S., and therefore G. C. licence holders would not be allowed to compete or administrate at meetings officiated by C.A.M.S. Drivers and officials would forfeit membership of any club associated with C.A.M.S. Richmond furthermore was faced with the licensing of a new track within 60 miles radius. The Tasmanian Speedway Control Board had stated that a licence would not be issued because of the close proximity, but unfortunately the C.A.M.S. secretariat was not able to make a directive. The decision was made that Richmond would accept the T.S.C.B. and therefore drop all ties with C.A.M.S. The C.A.M.S. secretariat however may still licence the Bridgewater circuit. And now because of the spontaneous acceptance of stock car racing, Richmond is obviously affecting crowds at Baskerville. Surely this gives food for thought. Richmond has never ever clashed with meeting dates booked on the C.A.M.S. calendar. Moreover she has promoted and assisted wherever possible in advertising Tasmanian circuit dates, but still she is having a detrimental effect on circuit racing. It must be obvious to the C.A.M.S. secretariat, that should a second Stock Car circuit be licenced, the results as far as Baskerville is concerned could be disastrous. A family man can only afford so much motor
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 03:57:40 +0000
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