The Story of Bairnsdale Speedway Association Inc.

Bairnsdale Speedway Association, a volunteer-run community organisation, began about 35 years ago and started racing at Granite Rock Speedway, on the northern outskirts of Bairnsdale. This is still its home. The club began with daylight race meetings, progressing to night racing. Currently we plan, seven night race meetings per season, from November to April.

The club works very closely with a number of volunteer groups at the race meetings, and in turn donates annual amounts to these organisations. Lakes Entrance Lions Club operates the canteen at each race meet, while Bruthen Lions Club handles the entry gate and traffic control. The local Red Cross provides first aid and injury management and Sarsfield Fire Brigade provides emergency safety support for the races.

In the past three years, BSA has focussed on significant upgrades of the track, including 360 metres of level 5 safety fencing to ensure the safety of spectators, crews and drivers. This is the highest safety fence in Victoria. This was one reason the Victorian Speedway Council, voted Bairnsdale Speedway Association the top speedway racing club in Victoria, for season 2007/2008. Other categories included efficiency of race meetings, organisation, standard of facility, safety, value entertainment and enjoyment.

State Championships are regularly held at BSA’s raceway at Granite Rock. In the 2009/2010 season, the Division 2 Hot Rods State Titles was held. The BSA will also be hosting the Victorian State title for Marsh Modifieds this season.

Women will specifically be catered for in races this season. However, some women compete in the open class races throughout the season as well.

The major event of the racing season is traditionally on Boxing Day. This night race meet has usually the largest crowd of the season attending. This season, the crowd will thrill to Super Sedans, as well as the VSC Sprintcars, Mini Sprints, Division 2 Hot Rods, Limited Sportsman and the Standard Saloons. The VSC Sprintcars are always popular with the crowd and compete five times at Granite Rock this season.

Bairnsdale Speedway Association strives to provide good-value family entertainment to the Bairnsdale and district community. The audience ranges from very young children to grandparents. During the summer and at Easter, locals and visitors to the region enjoy the racing. Outside the racing season, the Granite Rock Speedway has periodically been used for school concerts, Monster Trucks and 4WD races and in October this year will be hosting Lawn Mower Racing for the first time in conjunction with the Mossi Tambo Fire Brigade.