Sydney is home to the highest number of speed cameras in the entire country ; and very likely the world. Although most would agree that speeding on most roads is a dangerous thing to do and most would agree with some regulation, it is arguable whether all the intent with so many cameras is really speed control rather than revenue raising for the government’s taxation gaps!
However, here’s the really great news for Sydney residents who enjoy some lead footed fun and the occasional release of the stallions!
Around 2 hours south of Sydney is one of the most versatile race tracks in the country. In the normally quiet country town of Goulbourn, situated half way between Sydney and Canberra, lies Wakefield Park. Also known as Wakefield Raceway, the property is a purpose built, full featured race track and amenities suitable for all kinds of cars, carts and bikes to enjoy a day’s racing like the pro’s. With a garage for each car, pit areas, training and cafe, the venue provides the full race experience to even the most novice.
Being a short track, it is probably best suited to fast fours and sixes, however even the largest V8’s have plenty of room to roar down the straight and test their handling through the bends and turns with such trepidation causing names as Horse-Shoe and Fish-Hook!
The beauty of Wakefield is that stock street cars can enjoy the track as well as professional race-cars. With plenty of run-off areas made of grass, sand and gravel pits, a spin off the track leads to a boggy destination rather than the concrete barriers of most other tracks.
A good, stock V8 Falcon or Commodore, with a skilled driver at the wheel can do an excellent lap time of under 1:15. In fact the red Ford TE50 in the gallery below managed consistent 1:13 to 1:13.5 and the blue Ford GT closer to 1:10.
Purpose built and lighter racers can get as quick as 1.06 but for most street V8’s, 1:10 and 1:13 are around the best.
Some of the classic muscle cars like the 500hp Corvette, comfortably achieved 1:15 and the red HSV Commodore about the same.
Regardless of who the organizers of that particular track day happen to be, the establishment provides administration services and track officials with the day rate to ensure that all goes smoothly and that any mishaps, as in the unfortunate BMW which blew it’s gear box on turn 4, can be dealt with quickly and professionally.
The environment is relatively safe and a great fun day for those who don’t mind pushing their cars a little further towards their limits. At the very worst, it’s a day of legal speeding, grudge match settlements and cobwebs blowing at 180k down the main straight. At the very best, you’ll learn more about your car in that one day, than you would in 3 years or more of normal street driving.
For further information on the track, and to arrange your own fun track day, contact Wakefield Park. If you require organisational services or you want to be a regular weekend racer, you may contact one of the many co-ordinators such as the Track Day Club.
Gallery:
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