by Nyree and Nathan Johnson
There are many different motorsport disciplines, and Central Queensland has a variety of them to quench the thirst of anyone wanting to get involved.
This begs the question, how does a person get involved and what discipline do they choose?
It can be pretty straightforward – find the pursuit that interests you and then join a club. Our local clubs are where it all starts and where the grassroots racing happens. Whether you’re into Speedway, Hill Climbs, Rally, Motocross, Khanacross, Drifting or Karting, for example, you need to start somewhere and by joining your local club, you will be supported. You will find people who are willing to give you advice and direction.
Our local clubs are the region’s quiet achievers because these clubs have been holding events encouraging locals and interstate enthusiasts to visit our area too. This results in visitors staying in our region and spending here as well. These little events then become more prominent; next thing you know, we live in an area known for holding award-winning events like RockyNats.
The next big event in July is the Gold Rush Hill Sprint, which is sure to satisfy. As a very young event, it has already got the attention of the wider motorsport community in Australia, and nominations have come in from all over the country. It’s set to be a great weekend on the Mount Morgan Range.
If you want to be involved in these events but do not have the budget to be a competitor, most clubs would love to have you anyway. Everyone has a different skill set, and clubs can offer various opportunities, including positions in their committees, and provide training to officials and event staff. There is something for everyone, and not only will you learn or enhance a skill, but you’ll also make new friends.
The focus on performance street cars is very much in the public eye, and we desperately need a complex to take our cars off the street and use them to their potential in a controlled environment. South East Queensland is the closest track to take our car and push it to the limits. Soon there will be a new location available in Townsville when their facility is up and running.
These complexes are controlled by governing bodies and can hire out the venues to clubs and organisations for drive days and off-street events.
When Nathan came onto the car scene in Rockhampton in the early 1990s, he remembers going to public forums to talk with locals and state and federal members to have a motorsports complex built here in our region. Most discussions have been around where to create one that does not impede on neighbours and end up underwater during flooding, for example. Still, to this day, we have a great team of people working hard to secure this for our region. Discussions and plans are always happening, and I hope that sometime soon, we can get an outcome.
If you want to be involved in any form of motorsport, contact your local club: more members, events, and fun.