Vintage Speedway and Karts @ Illabo Motorsport Park (16-Apr-2026)

Tyler Disbury
Jun 4
4 min read

In a time where so many speedway venues are having to close doors, the team of hardworking volunteers at Gasworks Motorsports and Illabo Motorsport Park are really putting themselves out there.

Once again, our April event was a great success, with a great number of nominations across all categories, including Midgets, TQ’s, Sedans, Legends, Formula 500’s, a Sprint Car and junior and senior karts.

You spoke and we listened. Following suggestions regarding track maintenance and watering regime, our track underwent a major refurbishment earlier this year, and its never been better!

On Saturday 16 April, 2026 the gates opened and the drivers flowed in. The day started with a birthday announcement to our very own track ambassador and event mastermind Kerry Phelan, who was proudly presented with a certificate of appreciation from the NSW Speedcar Association for his “outstanding dedication, hardwork and continued support towards the NSW Vintage Speedcar Association” noting Kerry’s “Commitment and passion have made a lasting contribution to our club and the preservation of the vintage speedcar movement” .

Following the driver’s briefing, the engines roared to life, and the entertainment began. It was a pleasure to see such a wide variety of vehicles on the track, with skilled drivers and learners alike.

During our lunch break, we broke out the birthday cake and drew our 50/50 raffle, had a bite to eat from the fantastic kitchen facilities (graciously catered by Fujimi of The Farm House Illabo) and hit the track again for the afternoon events.

Following the conclusion of our main events, we were fortunate enough to have just enough time left over for an extra run for the karts followed by the “graduation” of one of our kart drivers into Midgets. Congratulations to Charlotte! It has been fantastic watching you evolve and grow in karts, and we are sure to see a lot more good runs from you in the midget in years to come.

Volunteer & Officials Commendation

First and foremost, sincere thanks to Mary-Rose and Charlie Vella for coordinating event entries and programming for the Vintage Speedway categories, together with Megan Behler for her organisation and coordination of the Speedway Kart divisions.

The successful running of our 33rd Vintage Speedway & Kart Meeting once again highlighted what has always been the backbone of Gasworks Motorsport Inc. — the dedication, enthusiasm and teamwork of our volunteers and officials.

Since the Club’s foundation, Gasworks Motorsport Inc. has proudly operated on the principle of providing members not only with opportunities to participate in motorsport activities, but also to play an active role in organising, officiating and supporting the many tasks required to conduct successful events.

On Saturday 16th May, more than 40 club volunteers and officials stepped forward to do exactly that. From the front gate to the control tower, the pits, dummy grid, rescue operations, canteen, water trucks and countless behind-the-scenes duties, every person contributed to another outstanding meeting at Illabo Motorsport Park.

The positive feedback received from competitors, families and spectators alike confirms that the event was once again a tremendous success and a credit to everyone involved.

It should also be noted that competitor feedback regarding the track surface and watering protocol for dust mitigation was exceptionally positive, with many describing it as one of the best racing surfaces they have competed on.

To all those who gave their time and effort throughout the meeting — whether in an official capacity or simply lending a hand where needed — the Club extends its sincere appreciation

WELL, DONE ONE AND ALL!

FIRST UP, Thanks to event entrant coordinators Mary-Rose & Charlie Vella for Vintage Speedway categories and Megan Behler Speedway Kart

Officials & Administration

Terry Clark — AASA Official: Chief Steward & Scrutineer

Joe Belling — AASA Official: Clerk of Course

Kerry Phelan — AASA Official: Administration, Finance & Regalia

Jan Ray Administration, IT & Supervision of 50/50

Mindy McInerney (from 9.30am)

Donna Beddingfield — Regalia & Merchandise

Michael Smithers — Electrical & General Duties

Jan Ray & Sherri Morio 50/50 Sales (10.30am start, draw at 1.00pm

Front Gate, Admissions & Parking

Chris Paton — Admission Desk plus Friday setup (2.00pm–4.00pm)

Mindy McInerney — Admission Desk plus Friday setup (2.00pm–4.00pm)

Alan Tucker — Volunteer Sign-On then relieving Admission Desk from 9.30am

Dave Clarke — Front Gate Meet & Greet

Ian Manwaring — Parking Coordination.

Dummy Grid, PA & Track Operations

Darby Asmus — Dummy Grid Control

Jenny Clark — PA Announcer

Leanne Boardman Driver Standards Observer & PA —

Rod Mackintosh — Track Control Tower

Lee Rowe track Flag control — Tower Support

First Responders, Rescue & Safety

Lee Rowe — AASA Official No. OLA 14179 – First Responder

Gary Blondinau — Rescue Karts, Vintage Ambulance & First Aid

Push Cars

Mark Mauro — Falcon

Tom Hardy — Mazda 6

Dave Paterson — Hyundai

Pit & Infield Operations

Mary-Rose Vella — Pits Coordinator

Tony Tunstell — AASA Official OLA12644TM (Exp. 15/3/27) – Quad Kart Pusher

Jeff Freeman — Quad

Nicole Fullager — Quad

Garry Blondinau — Kart Pusher & Rescue Quad (Infield)

Trent Hornsby — Quad

Volunteer Services

Meals, Tea, Coffee & Drinks

Sandra Hayman — Volunteer Tea/Coffee & Cold Drinks Area

Water Trucks

Will Jones — Acco

John Ray — Dyna

Mick Selby Assistant

Thanks to John Field for advice on track watering procedure

Media & Photography

Ancita Levy — Club Photographer

Canteen Operations

(Restricted Area — Contractor Staff Only)

Fujimi Ogawa — Canteen Manager

John Bell — Barista

Nancy Oram — BBQ

Helen Harris — BBQ

Gasworks Motorsport Inc. sincerely thanks every volunteer, official, supporter and family members who contributed to the success of this meeting. Your continued efforts ensure that Illabo Motorsport Park remains a welcoming and respected venue for grassroots motorsport and family entertainment.