Calder Park Rises this Weekend
After a 15-year hiatus, Calder Park Raceway returns to the Victorian State Race Series roster this weekend, with state-level Motorsport Australia sanctioning returning to the historic Melbourne circuit.
To date, A massive effort has seen the circuit outfield presentation brought up to spec, with the works including a raft of safety improvements, with an emphasis placed on the end of the straights and the back straight kink.
One thing is for sure: the layout should provide a big equalizer for the competition, with the long straight mixed in with tight corners, while fast switchbacks are complimented by oddities such as the leap of faith over the top of Mount Jane, and the various bumps around the circuit placing an emphasis on car setup.
Following a pair of events at Sandown and Phillip Island, plus the annual trip north to Winton, the sixth and final event on the state championship schedule ensures that Victorian competitors have access to the country’s most diverse roster of venues.
All told a total of seven classes are set to feature on the program, providing a good mix of machinery for fans trackside.
The Porsche 944 Challenge kicks off the running order, and if the racing elsewhere in 2023 is anything to go by, it will be well worth watching, ditto the Improved Production cars, with the big banging Holdens at the head of the field set to enjoy the wide-open spaces of the drag strip.
The MGs and invited British Sports Cars will add a touch of class to proceedings, while the Ford versus Holden Saloon Cars were dynamite last time out at Phillip Island, with more of the same expected for Calder.
As a bonus for spectators, the BMW E30s will once again be combined with the Hyundai Excels, ensuring action spread around the entirety of the 2.28km layout.
The Vic Formula Vees have been churning out the best action in Australian motorsport this year, with the slipstreaming battle down the main straight set to be worth the price of admission alone, while a combined sedan field will round out the roster.
Saturday kicks off with a full round of 20-minute-long qualifying sessions, followed by 25-minute races, with two full rounds of racing to be contested on Sunday, with the fine weather set to be for the betterment of competitors, who won’t have to deal with the slick drag strip.
Entry fees for the meet have been kept in check – $5 per person or $10 for a car, while kids under 16 are free.
Tickets will be available at the gate, with spectators able to enjoy the best viewing area on the Vic calendar, with the expansive mound at the top of the main straight well-appointed with seating.
Mark Walker (administrator)
A vastly experienced Motorsport Public Relations operator, journalist, commentator and photographer, Mark brings his unique angle to The Race Torque in both words and imagery. As well as serving as our key photographer on the ground at major events around Australia (and overseas), Walker will often chime in with his unique and pin-point sharp viewpoint of the racing world via the keyboard too.
