Hope for motorcycle racing to return to Barbagallo in 2019

Motorcycle racing could return to Wanneroo Raceway in 2019

Following the return of recreational motorcycle activities to Barbagallo Raceway in September 2018, WA Sporting Car Club (WASCC) and Motorcycling Western Australia (MWA) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in order to address works required to the circuit so that motorcycle racing can re-commence.

Wayne Maxwell, Mike Jones, Glenn Allerton
Wayne Maxwell, Mike Jones, Glenn Allerton – Wanneroo 2016 – Image Keith Muir

The MOU, jointly signed by WASCC President Russell Sewell and MWA President Tracy Simpson, pledged WASCC and MWA to cooperate in a spirit of mutual understanding and to develop a closer relationship of goodwill. Within a matter of weeks of the MOU being suggested, the commitment to work together resulted in a solution for the return of motorcycle racing at Barbagallo Raceway.

Ben Henry leads Ryan Hampton and Mike Jones
Ben Henry leads Ryan Hampton and Mike Jones – Wanneroo 2015 – Image Andrew Gosling

Subsequent to the presentation of a concept design by MWA, WASCC consultant engineer, Steve Brake of Calibre Consultants, prepared technical and works drawings in accordance with the requirements of Motorcycle Australia’s Track Guidelines – 2018 as well as the run-off calculations as indicated in Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Hall Report.

MWA forwarded these drawings to Motorcycling Australia (MA) who have provided written confirmation that, pending successful completion of the works and a subsequent inspection, MA would issue Barbagallo Raceway an appropriate license.

By the time the lights went out, it was all about Wayne Maxwell who snared the hole-shot in all three races. Maxwell defeated Stronach in race one by a massive 11.866sec with Anthony McFadden, also mounted on an S 1000RR in third.
Kings of Wanneroo 2014 – Image Steve Thibou

WASCC is currently reviewing the scope of works and obtaining costings with a view to dove-tailing the works into its programmed major works schedule in January 2019, concurrent with a planned re-surface of the raceway.

Motorcycle Racing Club WA and WASCC have agreed dates for the MCRCWA racing and other activities calendar for 2019 (pending issue of the MA track license). Members of MCRCWA were briefed by its Executive at a Town Hall meeting held on Wednesday, 7th November.


WASCC President Russell Sewell

“This is an exciting development for the sport of motorcycle racing in Western Australia following the unfortunate, extended absence from Barbagallo raceway. The new spirit of cooperation between the two main bodies representing tarmac based motorsports in Western Australia has been fruitful at both the Executive and management levels.”

2016 ASBK at Wanneroo – Image Trevor Hedge

MWA President Tracy Simpson welcomed the new agreement between the two bodies and noted that it was an important step towards getting motorcycle racing back at Barbagallo raceway. Tracy said that it has been a focus for MWA and new CEO Joe McCarthy to work with all parties to enable racing to resume at Barbagallo and is thrilled that a detailed plan has been provisionally approved for 2019.

2016 ASBK at Wanneroo - Image Keith Muir
2016 ASBK at Wanneroo – Image Keith Muir

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