COVID-19 and flooding have impacted the local speedway’s racing calendars since 2020, including the forced cancellation of its opening three events this season due to Echuca-Moama’s October 2022 floods.
But there’s nothing standing in the way now, and the speedway will roar back to life on Saturday night at 6pm with round eight of the Eureka Sheds and Garages SRA Sprintcar Series headlining the first race meeting of the year.
Track owner Dave Roberts confirmed a strong field had been nominated for the popular sprint car series. And with just five rounds remaining, drivers are set to put the pedal to the metal in front of local revheads.
For Roberts however, simply waving the starting flag will be a win in his eyes.
“We’ve got about 34, 35 sprint cars coming along with two other divisions of cars,” Roberts said.
“But just getting started is what we’re looking forward to.
“It’s been a massive effort by everyone trying to get the track ready after the floods and back to where it should be.
“It’s been a great big effort. Hopefully it will kick off.”
The series was originally scheduled to go ahead in October, and Sprintcar Racing Association of Victoria president Ian Vale said it was good to be back in Moama for the crucial fixture.
“Dave Roberts and his crew at Heartland Raceway have always been very accommodating to the Eureka Garages and Sheds Sprintcar Series and we’re looking forward to a great night to repay him for his support earlier this season,” Vale said.
“A majority of the top 20 in the series standings are set to appear along with a number of interstate raiders from New South Wales and Tasmania, while the race for the series championship really starts to heat up with only a handful of rounds remaining.”
The battle to keep an eye on will be that of series leader Terry Rankin, who currently holds a 17-point lead over seven-time champion Matt Reed.
The racing program will also include the C & H Trucking Sprintcar Series, SDAV Hotrods, and Heartland’s latest addition, Late Model Racing Victoria in what is primed to be a high-octane night of racing action.
Racing kicks off at 6pm on Saturday, February 4. Adult entry tickets are $30, concession spectators $25, and children under five are permitted free entry.
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