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Post by administrator on Aug 8, 2010 12:21:29 GMT 1
kirjondrivers,jpgKirjon was a track in Victoria. The photo is circa 1946. Is any more known about this venue? Attachments:
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Post by administrator on Aug 8, 2010 12:23:32 GMT 1
headanbeasley,jpgAnother shot from Kirjon around the 1946-47 period. What type of midget cars were they using? Attachments:
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Post by leadfoot on Aug 14, 2010 0:27:24 GMT 1
Here is a piece written by Chris Meaden about the track. It ended up being the most famous speedways in Victoria during the 50's and 60's with some very famous names in midget racing competing there. The track is more remembered as Tracey's Speedway. The midgets in those periods were home built creations.
By Chris Meaden
It was only in recent years that I discovered that the nondescript park I drive past en route to High Point Shopping Centre is the remains of the famed Tracey’s Speedway. I am amazed that the speedway ever coexisted amongst the suburban houses. How times have changed.
The speedway was known as Maribyrnong Speedway when it was built in 1946. It was soon renamed Kirjon Speedway by the promoters.
Fred Tracey gained control of the speedway circa 1951 after the venue temporarily ceased operating. He renamed it to Tracey’s Speedway. Why not?!
Many top names raced at the venue including Bob Tattersall and Jimmy Davies from the USA, Frank Brewer, Graham McCubbin, Alf Beasley, Jack O’Dea, Lea Francis, Aub Cherry, Ray Fechner. Kym Bonython won the Speedway’s first 50-lap Speedcar Derby.
Surprisingly only a handful of drivers died at the venue but unfortunately Alf Beasley was one of them in 1958.
Time caught up with the venue and sadly it closed in 1964.
For those interested in taking a step back in time, I would recommend the trip to Maribyrnong. Try sitting in the old grandstand and I swear that you will still hear the faint scream of the Midgets! You may want to catch a tram to get there, on the same tram line that hordes of people would have traversed in the speedway’s heyday. Take the #57 or #82 tram.
Click on the thumbnail
Maribyrnong Reserve (behind the McDonald Reserve) is on Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong. Melways map 28B7. It is about 8 kms from CBD, as the crow flies.
The Victorian Classic and Vintage Speedway Club conduct its annual Tracey's Speedway Reunion around April each year. I will endeavor to remind MotorsportArchive.com visitors when the next reunion approaches.
If anyone has any more information or stories to tell about Tracey’s Speedway, please don’t hesitate to contact me (see below for details).
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