Riders gear up at Willowbank
THE speeds are very different from those of the usual vehicles racing there, but bicycles have found a new home at Willowbank Raceway.
In a joint venture with Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich City Council and Ipswich Cycling Club, Queensland's premier drag racing facility is now Ipswich cycling's home. Willowbank Raceway managing director Steve Bettes said each event was expected to host hundreds of cyclists.
"While the club members needn't worry about the hazards of the road when competing at Willowbank Raceway, there are still plenty of challenges on hand for them," Mr Bettes said.
"With many variations in track length and surfaces providing for high speeds along the drag strip and challenging low-speed corners, events will provide a true road-like experience. We couldn't be happier to welcome such a key member of the Ipswich community."
Ipswich Cycling Club managing committee member Graeme Hancock said the raceway was a perfect venue.
"The facilities are unique in the cycling world, with all of the amenities you could ever want and a dozen or more optional tracks ranging from 400m circuits to a 4.5km route which takes in almost the entire Willowbank Raceway complex and is ideal for time trialling," Mr Hancock said.
"The piece de resistance is the 4km one-way circuit which has just had drainage and bitumen works done by the Ipswich City Council, allowing us to eliminate any two-way traffic spots for larger races whilst keeping technically challenging corners, up and down grades and a section on the drag strip in play.
"It's a good interim home until the council builds us a permanent home."
Mayor Paul Pisasale said the council was pleased to support the sports partnership.
"Funding from Ipswich City Council enabled works to upgrade existing internal roads and in the near future, installation of a new gate to further improve safety during cycling events. Ipswich Cycling Club now has a ready-made circuit with access to amenities for both competitors and spectators," Cr Pisasale said.
The first event under the new arrangement will be tomorrow.
