The countdown is now on until Gasworks Motorsport Inc’s largest Vintage Speedway meeting since the Club was established at the Illabo Motorsport Park in 2015 on Saturday, 8 August.
With more than 70 competitors expected across 12 action-packed events, spectators will be able to see vintage TQ’s, vintage midgets, classic midgets and compacts, vintage sedans, vintage modifieds and stock rods, vintage sprintcars, GP midgets, allsorts, go karts (intermediate and experienced) and mower racing.
The fantastic event is due to a large, ongoing level of support from competitors across NSW, Victoria and the ACT, and serves as a continuous vote of confidence in the abilities of the Motorsport Park and its volunteers, without whom, the venue would not have been built 11 years prior.
Gasworks Motorsport Inc Founder, Kerry Phelan, says his sincere thanks go to the tireless volunteers who will be on duty from early Saturday morning at the front gate, within parking, push cars and the control tower, as track officials, rescue crews, canteen workers, first responders and behind-the-scenes support teams.
“This event simply could not happen without their commitment,” he says.
Gates open at 7.30am at the Illabo Motorsport Park within the Illabo Showground with events kicking off from 10.00am.
The canteen will be open from 8.00am to 3.00pm.
“Whether you’re a long-time speedway supporter or introducing the family to grassroots motorsport for the first time, this promises to be one of the best Vintage Speedway meetings ever held at Illabo,” says Kerry.
“Bring the whole family and help us celebrate what is shaping up to be a record-breaking day of classic motorsport!”
The event follows the Club’s recent recognition on March 16 from Member for Cootamundra, Ms Steph Cooke MP, who presented a Written Community Recognition Statement to the NSW Parliament, recognising Kerry’s efforts in creating the “Heart of Vintage Speedway.”
Ms Cooke also acknowledged the efforts of Kerry’s entire volunteer team.
As listed in Hansard, Ms Cooke wrote:
“Illabo Motorsport Park began in 2012, thanks to local resident Kerry Phelan. Kerry gathered community members to help create “The Heart of Vintage Speedway.” What started as an empty paddock now hosts more than a dozen events each year, with participants from age 6 to over 80.”
“Today, the Motorsport Park is home to several clubs, such as the Vintage Speedway Club, Speedway Karts, Car Club, and Khanacross. The park’s main goal is to build community and support young people. The park promotes Women Active in Motorsports, with girls and women participating as drivers, support crew, track officials, flag marshals’, scrutineers and emergency first responders.
“Events held at the Illabo Motorsport Park attract participants, their families and many visitors, giving a significant boost to the local and regional economy. Congratulations to Kerry and all the volunteers who help keep the motor sport community together and thriving in Illabo.”
Kerry responded as such on behalf of the Committee and members of Gasworks Motorsport Inc.:
“I would like to sincerely thank [Steph] for [her] Community Recognition Statement presented in the Legislative Assembly Hansard on 19 March 2026 acknowledging the achievements and contribution of Illabo Motorsport Park.”
“Your generous words recognising the growth of our club since its inception in 2012, and the efforts of our many volunteers, are greatly appreciated. What began as a vision to create “The Heart of Vintage Speedway” has only been possible through the dedication of countless community members who have given their time, skills and enthusiasm to build and maintain this unique facility.
“We are particularly grateful for your acknowledgement of our focus on encouraging young people into motorsport, promoting opportunities for women in motorsport, and creating a family-friendly environment that welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds.
“It is especially rewarding to know that the contribution our events make to the Illabo, Junee and wider Riverina communities has been recognised in the Parliament of New South Wales. This recognition belongs not only to our club, but also to every volunteer, competitor, official, sponsor and supporter who has played a part in our journey.
“Thank you once again for your continued support of regional communities and grassroots motorsport.
“Your recognition of Illabo Motorsport Park and Gasworks Motorsport Inc. is a tremendous honour and will serve as an inspiration to our members and volunteers as we continue to develop opportunities for future generations.”
For more information about the Club’s upcoming event, or to take a deeper dive into everything they do, visit www.gw.org.au
Elizabeth Kovacs
The South West Slopes Times covers an area approximately the size of Fiji in country NSW. We look after a population of more than 50,000 people with our staff servicing 7 major towns and dozens of villages with our story telling footprint.
We offer weekly print editions at $3 a copy and we also offer digital subscriptions across 3 months $30, 6 months $60 and 12 months $120.
We are one of the last truly local independent family run newspaper businesses in the state.
Contact us today to find out how we can promote your business or organisation across our huge network by emailing ads@thetimes.net.au or by calling 0413 763 216.
If you have a news tip, lead or scoop for us please make contact as we love celebrating our communities. You can contribute articles via our South West Slopes Times website.
