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Sydney International Speedway… Four shows in and full-steam ahead

Sydney International Speedways’ Garry Willmington proved a lot of people wrong in just four months… But it wasn’t easy – far from it. Weathering many doubters day in day out took its toll on Willmington and his family, but weather it they did.

The personal attacks also hindered those who worked closely with him, and of course, the Boldy family, who also had to cope with an unprecedented amount of unprovoked abuse. Some of it was abhorrent… But to throw in a metaphor or two, they have sailed on and past those who chose to wreak havoc by firing their broadsides at any given opportunity, and are now focused firmly towards the future.

Nevertheless, a week after their highly successful two-night show, Garry Willmington was happy to talk to me in relation to his thoughts on the recently completed summer season, and Sydney International Speedways’ future as he sees it; a future that right now, looks very bright.

“Firstly, I have to say, I honestly couldn’t believe how low people can go to destroy others’ reputations,” Garry began with. "That was the most critical issue I had as I took on managing the venue (for the Sydney International Speedway promotion) just five months ago. We, therefore, chose not to throw stones back, because we knew deep down that we could get the job done – we just needed time to prove it.”

And prove it they did. But there were some issues to contend with as they learnt the, at times, fickle speedway promoting business.

“Our first show was a real learning curve, I’ll admit that” Garry lamented. “Marty Perovich, my son Braydan, Ash, the track crew and I had reworked the track substantially, and we ran a practice night that also allowed us to gauge how the track changes were going. Of course, throughout this time, we were also finalising terms and conditions with the government, so as you could imagine, there was a lot going on.

“But after we had held the initial practice run, we felt we were pretty close, and for our first meeting we had a great crowd on hand and good car counts, too. But there was a bit of dust around which upset a few, but what they didn’t know was that due to the fact that storms were heading our way, we hesitated watering down the infield and the track – but as it turned out, we were rained out in the end. It was very frustrating – but we learnt by that, too.

“Then we worked a little more on the track, and our second show was much improved. More practice nights followed, and this time on a new clay surface that Marty and the track crew perfected, we ran our very successful Saturday night and Sunday end-of-season show and I couldn’t have been happier – nor the entire Sydney International Speedway promotion.

“For me,” Garry states emphatically, “it was a vindication of sorts, but we still have improvements to come, some things to learn, and some important changes will be made next season, too.”

One of the issues Garry feels needs to be rectified is entry into the pits, and it is an issue that will be sorted out by the start of season 2024-2025.

“There were some problems arising from that last Saturday night with the time it took to get everyone into the pits, but there was also a reason – an unfortunate one at that. You see, we have to ensure that everyone who enters the pits does it lawfully – we had issues with people entering the pits at our previous show without signing in or entering under false pretenses – this of course affects us two ways: loss of income, and it put us in a difficult position if those people who flaunt the rules are injured or the like while under our jurisdiction.

“Therefore, next season we are hoping to make it more streamlined to enter the pits, but at the same time, more stringent. But I thank everyone for their patience… Again, we are only four shows in, and we are learning, and willing to learn, too.

Garry continued: “The other issue is people entering the infield without permission, and again, flaunting the rules to suit themselves. No one is going to pull that move on us next season, that’s for sure. So next season we will have all our valuable media and officials sorted out so everyone is accounted for every show; everyone will have to sign-in and wear appropriate infield vests – there will be no exceptions. Tracks such as Premier Speedway and Avalon Raceway, for instance, do this very well. It makes good sense.”

While Garry was happy to outline important changes at Sydney International Speedway regarding the aforementioned issues, he also praised those who made the promotion’s first four shows successful ones, and at the same time, outlined his thoughts on what’s coming for fans and competitors during the current winter season and the upcoming 2024-2025 season.

“I have to thank Marty (Perovich), my son Braydan, Ash and our track assistants for all their hard work – they really put in unbelievable hours to ensure the fans and competitors had the best track and show presented to them. Sure, we need to improve here and there, but I don’t feel issues such as fireworks – or the lack of them – would make any difference to what the fans have seen on the track this season… You couldn’t have asked for better racing, in my opinion – and that’s ultimately what the fans want.

“Likewise,” Garry continued, “the track volunteers, the girls in the ticket boxes, Alan Edwards assistance with our officials, and crash crews and of course the media who have supported us, have made our lives so much easier – we can’t thank them enough.”

Praise was also passed onto the relevant racing clubs and associations too for their wholehearted support, and this is where Garry was happy to pass on his thanks with open arms.

“So many clubs and associations supported us and have contacted us about competing at our venue this season, and particularly, next season,” Garry enthused. “Again, it has been a rapid learning curve, and while some were happy to give us a hard time initially, I certainly feel we have now cemented some strong relationships with those clubs, but of course, it is important we all continue to work together, as running a track such as Sydney International Speedway is really a group effort – therefore we do need to work together with these various clubs, and other tracks, too, and be open with our communication at all times. If we do that, we all benefit.”

We are negotiating with several prominent sponsors hoping they will come on board and support for next season, but at the same time we are looking for an overall naming rights sponsor for the venue; this is an issue the venue will be working towards wholeheartedly.

As for the suggested Sunday afternoon shows during the 2024 winter, Garry did confirm that an announcement isn’t far off – it will probably cater for a show in July and two shows in August, depending on numbers of competitors available (although at this point, I’m sure that won’t be an issue).

There was also much praise from Willmington following the first successful Clay-Per-view coverage at Sydney International Speedway last weekend.

“The coverage from Clay-Per-View I thought was excellent, and I am looking forward to more of the same next season,” Garry stated excitedly. “It’s a great medium to have on hand to showcase our track and racing, and we will work with them next year to make the coverage even more impressive.

“I have a few ideas I want to see in the coverage, too, but as I said, this is a group effort and I’m sure you will see some exciting additions to the coverage next season.”

So how would Garry rate his first big city speedway managing experience? He gave a direct, honest answer…

“It was tough – very tough to be honest. But other than those who chose to tear us down – and yes, one or two still have a go, which I might add does them no favours with me nor the promotion – most race fans, competitors and officials couldn’t have been more supportive.

“One thing we ensured we would do is bring a better overall feeling to the track; treat people with respect and work closely with those who are supporting us. In that regard I really think we have tried our best, and we have for the most part, succeeded. The Government and relevant authorities are very happy with our progress, and we have some exiting plans for our racing next season… we will release more news on those plans, soon… But overall, we are happy, and we are looking forward to next season, that’s for sure.”

Garry makes mention of genuinely thanking the race fans, for their patience and support at the events that have been held and hopes that they will continue to support and attend the venue in the future as the race fans are a major part of the growth of speedway in Sydney.

For those who know Garry Willmington, know of his racing history and what he has achieved in the past, the sport of speedway should be eternally grateful this tough as teak, yet kind-hearted man has taken on the job allocated to him by the directors of the Sydney International Speedway with aplomb.

He is now totally focused in ensuring this multi-million-dollar show-case venue’s future is a successful one, and while he knows only too well the highs and lows the sport of speedway is capable of throwing your way at any given time, in my mind you couldn’t ask for a better man to be on hand to guide speedway in Sydney towards a successful, and bright, future.

Written By: Tony Loxley

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