Ipswich Back On Track For 2010

The Ipswich kart track will re-open on January 15. The entire racing surface had to be replaced after newly lay asphalt broke apart at the CIK/Pro Tour round in October last year.

The latest resurfacing was completed on December 17. The contractor, Boral, lay 982 tonne of bitumen. They used a binder that is 2.5 times more expensive than the previous surface ($702.55 per tonne). The company arrived in force with three paving machines (2 to lay and 1 spare), four Bobcats, two 1-metre profilers, 16 tip trucks, 42 staff, 3 rollers and two multi-tyres.

The Redbank bitumen plant, which processes 300,000 tonne of product per day, was dedicated solely to IKC for the three days it took to prepare and lay the new surface. The club was informed that the new surface is equivalent to the Albert Park F1 track in Melbourne. The new “lap record” for a paving machine is 7 hours 58 minutes.

Just after New Year, close to 70 members showed up to lend a hand to get the track & facilities ready for racing again.

"The real heroes here are our members" said the club's President, John McSpedden. "The fact that we’re opening so soon is testament to the character of these members, despite the club's adversities last year."

"In an era of clubs screaming out for help, and volunteer services becoming impossible to find, it is great to see the IKC is bucking this trend and has the growing support of its members. It is to these members we say Thank You! - and keep on bucking."

Above: Loyal members enjoy a break in the under cover area

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