Saving York Raceway
Discussion
Us regulars at York face a possible closure due to a takeover bid by Mintex brakes.
A deal is done to gain a 10#+ year lease but significant funds need to be raised to lay a new track and build new facilities.
I for one am excited this could be the opportunity to making York great and maybe filling a void that will be left from losing Shakey.
There are a lot of negative comments from joe public and we want to address these and improve and dismiss any issues for a successful future.
Can we have a dignified debate on how to fix and improve issues and make York great again?
A deal is done to gain a 10#+ year lease but significant funds need to be raised to lay a new track and build new facilities.
I for one am excited this could be the opportunity to making York great and maybe filling a void that will be left from losing Shakey.
There are a lot of negative comments from joe public and we want to address these and improve and dismiss any issues for a successful future.
Can we have a dignified debate on how to fix and improve issues and make York great again?
I think there is only a £5 difference in sign on fees for a day of RWYB. How many runs does a typical RWYB guy get at the pod in a day?
I think York provides great value for money in this aspect as on a typical day most get around 12-15 runs and some in excess of 20 for those that see the full day out.
Also as the pits are separated they get to watch the race classes and are not stuck in queues all day with poor view of the action.
I think York provides great value for money in this aspect as on a typical day most get around 12-15 runs and some in excess of 20 for those that see the full day out.
Also as the pits are separated they get to watch the race classes and are not stuck in queues all day with poor view of the action.
Saving the track but making significant improvements at the same time is what we are aiming to do.
A fully relayed strip, brand new facilities. All issues such as the state of the entry and return roads addressed properly.
It just needs this push and a fresh way of thinking in management.
I am excited for York and really believe we can gain the trust and support of the public and the regular racers and build to a much bigger and better future for drag racing in the UK.
A fully relayed strip, brand new facilities. All issues such as the state of the entry and return roads addressed properly.
It just needs this push and a fresh way of thinking in management.
I am excited for York and really believe we can gain the trust and support of the public and the regular racers and build to a much bigger and better future for drag racing in the UK.
KarlMac said:
Is there the option of adding a skin pan? Rockingham and Pod have moved into drift days and these seem to be really popular with punters and the organisers. Appreciate it's a little outside the traditional drag racing scope but if you're looking to attract new customers it may be worth considering while you have the option to redevelop
Certainly worth consideration. I will put the idea forward this weekend thanks.gusm2 said:
I've asked the question when I've noticed a post on their instagram account but the answer is still negative
Like assholes everyone has one. There are a lot of negative comments and rumours going around. That is all they are, rumours. Granted the current situation is a bit of a complicated mess it seems but until the fat lady sings then I hold the faith, as the majority of racers and fans of York still do.gusm2 said:
I also hope service will be resumed, I've never raced there but hopefully will in the not too distant future, plus the fact I'd hate to see my £50 donation go up the spout
All direct donations and sponsorships are promised refunded. I personally sponsored £1000.Any money that went through Just giving will go to charity.
No worry though, we will be getting a track!
martynrich67 said:
Straightliners have just announced an event at York Raceway on 30th June.
Single lane, 1/8th Mile, and running in the opposite direction to "normal".
It's possibly a start of something to get York raceway back up and running ......... it needs support though, so if you ever went, go; if you ever enjoyed it, go; if you want to see York saved, go; if you want more than one drag racing venue to survive in the UK, GO!!!!
I'll be there as been going to York Raceway since the 80s, and it's my "local" drag strip ....... I want it to survive, and until I win Euromillions and save it myself, I'll support anyone who is trying
From looking at the reaction to posts on facebook and talking to people at the pod this weekend it looks like this 'small' event is going to draw a lot of interest especially from the old regular racers. As has been said I think it will make for a great reunion and the start of making York great again.Single lane, 1/8th Mile, and running in the opposite direction to "normal".
It's possibly a start of something to get York raceway back up and running ......... it needs support though, so if you ever went, go; if you ever enjoyed it, go; if you want to see York saved, go; if you want more than one drag racing venue to survive in the UK, GO!!!!
I'll be there as been going to York Raceway since the 80s, and it's my "local" drag strip ....... I want it to survive, and until I win Euromillions and save it myself, I'll support anyone who is trying
Looking forward to it already
Total loss said:
But 'Melbourne Raceway' has risen to replace it 
thanks to the Straightliners getting it up and running.
Ive met Trevor Duckworth a number of times. A true gent and a complete enthusiast regarding motorsport. He puts a great deal of time and effort into the straightliner events. thanks to the Straightliners getting it up and running.It will be interesting to see how this all works for the new Melbourne raceway regarding pricing as overheads are high for insurance and licencing so gate prices need to be fair but I foresee costs for racing may be a fair bit higher than we were used to paying at York.
I hope this doesn't put too many racers off as I know Trevor will put all profits back into making the track great again.
Drumroll said:
From what I have seen it went well. They used the "edge" of the runway next to the "new" test track, hence the single runs.
It was the original left lane that was used. Little grip to start with but got better from every run and people were running 5 second 1/8ths by the end of the weekend.Trevor and the straightliner team brought barriers, timing equipment, portaloos and even a 180 seat grandstand. Considering the weekend clashed with the Mopar's at the pod the turnout of race cars was diverse and impressive. Over 100 cars and bikes took to the track. The whole weekend was fantastic. Not a bad word was said and the whole vibe was positive and hopeful for the future.
We hope to hear news soon of a long term lease, then the work will begin to raise the funds and lay a 2 lane 1/8th mile track to the right of the mintex test surface. This will involve removing the old viewing banking, scraping and laying a new surface properly with a view to extending to a full quarter mile at a later date.
The in road is already 100 times better than it ever was and will be finished off and Trevor promised to tarmac the whole pit area once the track is laid.
I for one am very excited for the future of Melbourne Raceway under the new management. Roll on 2020!
markbaker13 said:
Fundraising is now up to nearly £60,000. There's a link here with the option to donate if anyone is interested https://straightliners.events/index.php/events/mot...
We are now within reach of the total at over £91000.Please help us bring back drag racing in the North. Donate if you can or you can contact myself for to buy T shirts, Hoodies, Zoodies or stickers. Ive raised over £2000 from sales already. All profits go direct to the fund.
A little update.
The old banking to the right of the old track has been removed to make way for the ne 12 m wide strip. The soil has been used to create a noise bund to help minimise noise complaints.
The new track work begins In a few weeks scraping the runway surface and making any repairs then a quality surface is to be laid over 500m. This will allow for 1/8th mile racing initially and when further funds allow further tarmac will be laid for run off to allow 1/4 mile racing.
A fantastic effort from Trevor and the Straightliners crew, a group of regular racers and spectators have raised the funds but we are calling to those that pledged. Understandably some are effected financially by corona virus. The track IS getting done but a last push with fundraising will make Melbourne the best its ever been.
Fingers crossed we all get to go racing there sooner rather than later. See you all there.
The old banking to the right of the old track has been removed to make way for the ne 12 m wide strip. The soil has been used to create a noise bund to help minimise noise complaints.
The new track work begins In a few weeks scraping the runway surface and making any repairs then a quality surface is to be laid over 500m. This will allow for 1/8th mile racing initially and when further funds allow further tarmac will be laid for run off to allow 1/4 mile racing.
A fantastic effort from Trevor and the Straightliners crew, a group of regular racers and spectators have raised the funds but we are calling to those that pledged. Understandably some are effected financially by corona virus. The track IS getting done but a last push with fundraising will make Melbourne the best its ever been.
Fingers crossed we all get to go racing there sooner rather than later. See you all there.
markbaker13 said:
Looking forward to this year! given what has been achieved so far, i'm sure Melbourne has big things coming!
The 3 meetings we managed to have in 2020 were fantastic and sold out with limited numbers allowed due to covid restrictions. When these limits are lifted I am sure the crowds will be there to fill the new grandstands and the all new viewing area. I for one cant wait!Gassing Station | Drag Racing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff