Robinson Park Track Upgrade Progress

from Kylie Reynolds

The upgrade of the Barossa Kart Club's Robinson Park facility means SA karters have virtually two new venues to race at within a six month period.

Above: Robinson Park prior to up-grade works commencing

Following completion of Barossa’s last race meeting in September 2008, the track was closed and an ambition up grade commenced. During in depth discussion around the committee room table in early 2008, regarding the future of the Barossa track, the motion to commence the up-grade process was passed, although not unanimously. With budget costings determined the Barossa track loan approval was granted by the AKA shortly thereafter.

With funds available, works were to include track re-shaping & widening, alteration to the existing light towers and sundry fencing as required due to the re-shaping works. As works approached commencement the scope of works increased dramatically with the present time to improve the track’s facilities perfect in preparation for the Sth Aust Open & Closed State Titles which will be hosted in 2009 by the Barossa Club at Robinson Park. The additional revenue to be created from SA’s two main meetings for the year, hosted by the Barossa Club, was considered a major factor in the minds of the approving committee personnel when voting for the upgrade as the monies would benefit the club’s ability to repay the AKA loan.

As works progressed the contractors list of items grew to include:-

1. New out grid & associated fencing
2. Revising the in grid layout.
3. Revising Pac ferme & associated fencing.
4. Increasing the pit area including associated earthworks.
5. Upgrading the roadways surrounding the track.
6. Alterations & improvement to the existing stormwater system.
7. Demolition & dumping of derelict buildings.
8. Removal & dumping of excess tyres.
9. Creation & revamping spectator mounds & viewing locations.
10. Reshaping the earthworks to the interior of the track.

With Robinson Park commencing operation in the 1960’s there were no personell available to confirm what maybe encounted during the demolition phase of the works whilst removing the existing bitumen. Unfortunately it was quickly discovered that when the original track had been laid and then resurfaced the quantity of materials used must not have been a concerning issue. Whilst discussions suggested the relevant contractors should allow removing materials 75-100mm thick this was quickly amended to include concrete, bitumen, concrete and then bitumen again layered to an overall thickness of 300-350mm.  Hence in an attempt to minimise dumping costs raised areas for spectators viewing were created to conceal the existing track’s bitumen & concrete.

Above: Demo phase of the works and some of the extra thick materials under the surface

Whilst considering Robinson Park had been an existing go-kart track since the 60’s, surrounded by ‘substantial trees’ & required to abide by an Environmental group's requests regarding tree removal, the AKA track & safety rulings for track separation altered during the last 30 years and the tracks 1995 amendments, the Barossa Committee was restricted in their ability to amend the track's overall layout. Ultimately we have now created a track meeting current day requirements which is a minimum track width of 7 or 8 metres wide, increased straight lengths, technical corners allowing for ample passing opportunities with both high & low speed sections in a track 505m long and a kart capacity of 26 where you can race under lights.

Above: Ariel views of the new track as taken late last week.
pic - Paul Brown, GC&J Constructions

With the contractors finished and the Barossa Committee/Working Bee schedule of works almost complete, Robinson Park should be operational and open to 2009 club members in January.

2009 scheduled race meetings include:-

1. Doug Liddle Memorial - Saturday 14 February 09
2. Night Titles/Festival State Cup Rd 2B - Saturday 4 April 09
3. SA ‘Closed’ State Titles – Saturday/Sunday 16 & 17 May 09
4. Midget/Rookie/Junior Challenge – Saturday 29 August 09
5. Jenke Vineyard Classic (feature event clubman 40’s) Saturday 17 October 09
6. SA Open Championship 27/28/29th November 09

As the Barossa Go-Kart club is the only track is SA to run it’s meetings under lights, generally held on a Saturday with racing conducted during the day and progressing into the night, interstate visitors are always welcomed and have the ability to travel home early Sunday.

During the up-grade of Robinson Park thanks should go out to the Barossa Go Kart club members for their understanding during this construction phase, the Barossa Committee, Working bee participants, the AKA and their track safety inspectors, building contractors including JEM Earthmoving, Topcoat Bitumen, Professional Line marking, Dave’s Fencing and particularly GC&J Constructions for Project Management services.

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