lakesideguy

Something for the westside... Drag racing legend Victor Bray will be at Battery World Indooroopilly with his insane burnout car to chat with fans and sign autographs on Saturday, 27 November @ 10:00 am - 1:00pm. The first 100 people will get a free poster. Enter the competition to win a powerful Century Hi Performance battery for your ride valued up to $200.

MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release MOTOR RACING RETURNS TO MT COOT-THA 6 May 2009 Brisbane - Priceless historic cars and motorcycles will race up Mt Coot-tha's roads in a once in a lifetime event on May 30 and 31. The Cootha Classic will showcase over eighty years of automotive racing technology with 218 entries ranging from a 1921 Amilcar to a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 10. As part of Brisbane City Council's 150 celebrations the Historic Racing Car Club of Queensland is re-creating Queensland's first recorded motorsport event, which was held at Mt Coot-tha in 1916. As it was known then, One Tree Hill will have a 1.5km circuit along Sir Samuel Griffith Drive and JC Slaughter Falls for the pit paddock. Event organiser Bill Westerman said, "Motorsport has always been a part of Brisbane's modern story and we have a truly unique opportunity to make it accessible to the people of the city. It'll be a casual affair and we invite everyone to have a wander around and chat with the drivers and riders." "It's incredible value, where else can families park in a suburban shopping centre, picnic at the Botanical Gardens and see entertainment all day for less than a trip to the movies?" Competitors will race the clock as they individually sprint up and down a winding road over looking Brisbane's CBD. Entries include global marques from Datsun to Ferrari and Expensive Daewoo to BMW. Competitors include multiple Bathurst winner Jim Richards in his Porsche Turbo and South African world motorcycle champion Kork Ballington on a bike raced by Queensland racing legend Gregg Hansford. Motorcyclists are calling their un-timed demonstration runs a salute to talented Queenslander Gregg Hansford, who tragically died in a racing incident at Phillip Island in 1995. Hansford successfully raced both motorcycles and cars at the highest levels with ten Grand Prix wins for Kawasaki and touring car victories at Sandown and Bathurst. He wears the distinction of being the only man in history to win at Bathurst on a motorcycle and in a car. Event Secretary for motorcycles Ian Milton said, "Queensland has had a lot of talented riders achieve a lot of success on the national and international stage, but Gregg was a pioneer and redefined what was possible." "Incredibly, we will have four of Gregg Hansford's old GP bikes and five examples of a Manx Nortons, the world's most successful GP bike ever!" Road closures will allow spectators to enter from 3 points and roam the tree lined pits and circuit. Food and drink will be available for purchase, but no alcohol will be sold or allowed in the competition area. Parking will be limited so shuttle buses will be operating - see website (www.coothaclassic.com) for map and more details. Admission for adults on Saturday or Sunday is $20. Weekend adult pass is $30. Children under 14 years are FREE. ### For more information contact: Scott Clark media@coothaclassic.com www.coothaclassic.com

MEDIA RELEASE Long Lease Locks in Lakeside For Immediate Release: 18 December, 2007 Brisbane, Queensland - Supporters of Queensland's Lakeside Raceway received an early Christmas present this year with the Pine Rivers Shire Council and Wrexmere Pty Ltd (Queensland Raceway) signing off on a long term lease to operate the historic circuit on Brisbane's north side. The agreement for 30 years, with an option for 10 years, obtained State Government Ministerial approval and will insure the facility celebrates its 50th anniversary on 19 March 2011. Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts president Ian Milton said, "We're delighted and relieved by the news, but if we want to get on the track, everyone will have to pitch in and do their part - there's no more excuses for sitting on the sidelines." When asked what the major challenges were to getting club-level motor racing back to Lakeside, John Tetley of Queensland Raceway said, "We have all the usual major project hassles including red tape, availability of scarce resources, etc." Mr Tetley said that an initial $1.2 million has already been secured to invest on rebuilding infrastructure and, "The rest will depend on how wisely we invest the initial capital input and how many people come and spend their money there." "We're targeting and hoping to re-open the driver training in February or March next year. Racing, maybe June, depending on a lot of variables including re-education of competitors and neighbour management." Pine Rivers Shire Councillor Mike Charlton was very excited to declare the situation as "all systems go!" He described the council's vision for Lakeside as, "Preservation of an iconic motorsport site embracing historic, commercial and club motorsport activities, combined with life-saving driver and rider education and community events." Cr Charlton said that a legal action in the Planning & Environment Court between the PRSC and Mr Ron Curtis is "unlikely to delay" and is confident in their legal advice because it is "tried and tested" law. Last month a local newspaper article revealed that people had been listed as co-applicants without their permission. The action has been adjourned until 23 January, 2008. Mr Milton pointed out the significance of events, "An historic moment is occuring for the people of Queensland, and particularly the motorsport community, because I can think of no other example of a motor racing circuit in Australia being brought back from the brink like Lakeside." "On behalf of LMRE members, I would like to extend a sincere invitation to anyone who has a passion for motorsport to help us get this deal over the line by registering on-line to help reconstruct Lakeside. You don't need to be an engineer, just bring the right attitude. To be part of history, please visit this site and fill in the form - "www.queenslandraceway.com.au/qrformlake.php." For more information visit www.lakesideraceway.com. ###

Thanks very much for your support. We've already received many selfless and enthusiastic offers of help and will gladly accept many more - especially from the locals! As this develops, the best way you can keep in touch with what's going on is by keeping tabs on the Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts website www.lakesideraceway.com, or PM me your email address and I'll put you on the LMRE Supporter's List so you are kept in the loop. Organising the refurbishment of Lakeside is John Tetley's (Queensland Raceway) responsibility, but we will liase and help to bring it together. Also, thanks again for the words of encouragement and support over the past few years and soon we'll have the opportunity to turn those words into action. This is a very rare victory for motorsport and its up to us to get it across the line. Scott

Media Release Lakeside Raceway gets Green Light from Council 27/09/07 - After a six year saga, on Tuesday 18 September 2007, the Pine Rivers Shire Council voted to enter into a lease with Wrexmere Pty Ltd (Queensland Raceway) to re-open and manage the historic Lakeside Raceway on Brisbane's north side. The deal still must obtain State Government approval and the lease has not yet been signed, but neither party foresees any major delays. Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts president Ian Milton said, "Credit to the Council for demonstrating the vision and determination necessary to deliver a victory for ratepayers, motorsport and common sense. Lakeside will deliver long term economic, social and life-saving benefits to the whole community." While very pleased with the progress, John Tetley of Queensland Raceway cautioned, "This is just one more step along the way. Albeit a big milestone, it's not the last milestone by any means." Work remains before Lakeside can once more be operational. Even though most neighbouring residents chose to live in the area long after the race track was established in 1967, Mr Tetley is currently visiting the UK as part of the continuing effort to incorporate the concerns of neighboring residents. "Many of the UK tracks have fairly severe noise restrictions and I think there is a lot to be learnt from them", he said. "Without a lot of physical support for tidying up tyre walls, repairing ARMCO etc, it is possible we will not re-open with racing for some time, but instead concentrate on low investment, low revenue activities as the business finds its feet again and builds up some spending money. That is not to say there won't be speed events like sprints, but full-on racing may have to wait until we have the money to pay people to fix the edges, drains, tyre walls etc." Cr Bob Millar sits on both the Pine Rivers Shire Council's Strategic & Planning and Co-ordination committees responsible for approving the Lakeside Raceway lease. He said, "I think it's good for the ratepayers to finally reach a point, after a lot of time and effort has been spent on the concerns of residents, to get to where we can now move forward." Council minutes showed one of the Co-ordination Committee's recommendations as, "In addition to the operational and capital development matters, the lessee, in consultation with Council, is to include in the capital improvement program construction of a barrier at the western end of the circuit (known as the Carousel). This barrier may take the form of a vegetated mound or similar barrier." When asked when he expected to see Lakeside re-start operations, Cr Millar replied, "Two years ago!" Mr Milton reaffirmed LMRE's position, "We've always said we'd support the bonafide winner of the Council's tender process and we're very pleased to get to this point after years of people saying that Lakeside was dead and buried, but now it's up to the motorsport community to determine Lakeside's future." ###

MEDIA RELEASE Thousands Rally for Lakeside For Immediate Release: 13 August, 2007 Brisbane, Queensland - With only three weeks preparation and a budget of less than two hundred dollars, The Save Lakeside Cruise in Show on Sunday,12 August received over 500 entrants and thousands spectators. Motorcycles and cars of every description poured into Lakeside Raceway to support the Pine Rivers Shire Council's efforts to re-open the landmark circuit. Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts president Ian Milton said, "It's been an outstanding success and we're extremely pleased with the number of local people who've turned up." "It was a very busy weekend for the local motorsport calendar and we're happy with the support even though many clubs couldn't make it due to prior commitments." A phalanx of motorcycles lined the entrance and one of the most eclectic gatherings of road registered and racing cars filled the southern side of the circuit, all the way down to the famous Karrousel corner. Everything from supercharged hot rods to World War Two motorcycles provided the diverse crowd. The event was attended by Pine Rivers Shire Deputy Mayor Bryan Battersby and Councillors Dwyer and Charlton. Cr Charlton said the Council recognised motorsport as a "legitimate recreational activity" and reiterated the council's firm commitment to returning motorsport to Lakeside. He also suggested that other issues had arisen that were affecting the re-opening of Lakeside and that people should contact their local State representatives. Citizens Against Road Slaughter representative Bobbie Henry was well received by the relaxed and attentive crowd. She said, "As a non government funded organisation CARS appreciates the opportunity to meet with car enthusiasts to explain what we do and how we all can help with reducing the terrible road toll. We support the re-opening of Lakeside as a means to achieving that goal." For more information, please visit www.lakesideraceway.com. ### PS: Thanks guys for the effort and support. The day was an unqualifed success, due to your efforts and gets us one step closer to re-opening our track. You guys are Lakeside Legends! For event pix by Bernard Wylie, visit http://www.p-two.net/Lakeside/images.html

MEDIA RELEASE Thousands Rally for Lakeside For Immediate Release: 13 August, 2007 Brisbane, Queensland - With only three weeks preparation and a budget of less than two hundred dollars, The Save Lakeside Cruise in Show on Sunday,12 August received over 500 entrants and thousands spectators. Motorcycles and cars of every description poured into Lakeside Raceway to support the Pine Rivers Shire Council's efforts to re-open the landmark circuit. Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts president Ian Milton said, "It's been an outstanding success and we're extremely pleased with the number of local people who've turned up." "It was a very busy weekend for the local motorsport calendar and we're happy with the support even though many clubs couldn't make it due to prior commitments." A phalanx of motorcycles lined the entrance and one of the most eclectic gatherings of road registered and racing cars filled the southern side of the circuit, all the way down to the famous Karrousel corner. Everything from supercharged hot rods to World War Two motorcycles provided the diverse crowd. The event was attended by Pine Rivers Shire Deputy Mayor Bryan Battersby and Councillors Dwyer and Charlton. Cr Charlton said the Council recognised motorsport as a "legitimate recreational activity" and reiterated the council's firm commitment to returning motorsport to Lakeside. He also suggested that other issues had arisen that were affecting the re-opening of Lakeside and that people should contact their local State representatives. Citizens Against Road Slaughter representative Bobbie Henry was well received by the relaxed and attentive crowd. She said, "As a non government funded organisation CARS appreciates the opportunity to meet with car enthusiasts to explain what we do and how we all can help with reducing the terrible road toll. We support the re-opening of Lakeside as a means to achieving that goal." For more information, please visit www.lakesideraceway.com. ### PS: Thanks guys for the effort and support. The day was an unqualifed success, due to your efforts and gets us one step closer to re-opening our track. You guys are Lakeside Legends! For event pix by Bernard Wylie, visit http://www.p-two.net/Lakeside/images.html

Hi Guys, the response has been strong even though short notice and there's a few other events on this weekend, but I gotta say, my fellow Ford lovers have been pretty quiet about it. Can you guys help? If everyone talks to 3 guys they know and ask them to talk to 3 people they know this will be unbelievable. This battle has been raging for nearly 6 years and we're real close here, but we need to put the turn out over the top. I'd be pretty disappointed if more Lambos turned up than XRs. Come on guys, can you help talk to the other Ford clubs and forums? Thanks in advance for your effort, Scott

BREAKING NEWS - 10/08/07 Chains Off For Save Lakeside Day Brisbane, Queensland - Pine Rivers Shire Council has boldly offered to open the gates of Lakeside Raceway on Sunday, 12 August for the Save Lakeside Cruise In Show. Enthusiasts and shire residents are holding a motorcycle and car parade from Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, which will now finish with a vehicle display on the historic grounds of Lakeside Raceway. Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts is promoting the event to show support for the council's efforts to re-open Lakeside International Raceway, which was originally planned to be held on private land across the road from the historic circuit. LMRE president Ian Milton said, "Whilst we're not on the track, we're very excited to be actually using Lakeside for the show'n'shine, it feels like we're going home!" "Everyone is impressed by this gesture of goodwill and hopes that it is a strong indication that Council is now in a position to deliver a return on investment to ratepayers and allow us back into our sporting facility." When asked why the change of direction from the Pine Rivers Shire Council, Mr Milton replied, "I think that most Councilors understand that the positive economic, social and life saving benefits of re-opening Lakeside far outweigh the negatives and that they will reach directly, or indirectly, nearly everyone in the community." Supporters of Lakeside Raceway have patiently waited nearly six years for the re-opening of their sport's only facility on the north side of Brisbane. Mr. Milton explains, 'It's encouraging to see that the Council understands that they are the current custodians of Queensland's motor racing heritage and future and are prepared to take it seriously." "At times, I feel that we are failing the current generation of kids by not providing any alternative and thereby contributing to the street racing culture in South East Queensland." Track walking tours will be conducted by Lakeside veterans to allow old-hands to reminisce while giving first-timers a real feel for one of the fastest and most technically challenging circuits in Australia. There's free LMRE membership if you live in the recently announced North Moreton Regional Council area (Pine Rivers, Redcliffe, Caboolture). If you are, or have been a Pine Rivers Shire ratepayer it's your track too! If you're coming to the cruise and/or show'n'shine, save yourself some time and hassle on Sunday by getting your REGISTRATION FORM on-line now. SUGGESTED CRUISE DIRECTIONS (for maximum exposure): Depart Mt Coot-tha - East on MILTON Rd (toward City) LEFT onto INNER-CITY BYPASS (immediately after Suncorp Stadium) Exit Inner-city Bypass LEFT (after tunnel) and turn RIGHT onto GYMPIE Rd, North up through Chermside and Aspley onto BRUCE HIGHWAY (toward Sunshine Coast), Exit Bruce Highway LEFT at BALD HILLS/STRATHPINE off ramp North through Strathpine (past Council Chambers) and Lawnton (past Super Cheap Auto), Turn RIGHT at PETRIE ROUNDABOUT, Turn LEFT at NARANGBA RD intersection (Red Dog Servo), North 3 minutes, Turn LEFT into LAKESIDE Rd (golf course), Enter via the LAKESIDE RACEWAY gates on RHS before the end of the road. For more information regarding the Save Lakeside Cruise in Show, please visit www.lakesideraceway.com. ###

Save Lakeside Cruise in Show Sunday, 12 August Want a place where you can drift, drag, race or just drop a burnout without getting fined and treated like a criminal? Then, Lakeside is your place. Cruise and show 'n' shine display of both street and track cars and bikes to show support for the re-opening of Lakeside Raceway near Brisbane. All the motorsport tribes are coming together and we are inviting all XR6's to be represented too! $2 entry fee includes cruise, show 'n' shine and entry fees. Cruise meeting spot: Lakeside Cafe', Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, Toowong @ 9am - Depart time: 10am -- Cruisers must sign event registration at cafe' (parking in lot opposite entrance) Show 'n' Shine: Lot 4, Lakeside Rd, Kurwongbah (opposite the track) @ 11am MAQ Permit # 38442 For more details visit www.lakesideraceway.com

Media Release Lakeside Hostage to Land Cartel 16 April, 2207 Brisbane, Australia - A Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts' insider source confirmed that the Pine Rivers Shire Council is being bullied by a small group of wealthy landowners using a publicity campaign of misinformation to delay the successful tenderer from opening Lakeside to the community. The anti-Lakeside faction has acquired large holdings of lake-front acreage and wants to continue to prevent public access to the facility until the deal with the State Government, preserving the site's motor racing heritage, expires in 2010. It is also being reported that some councillors are resisting heavy pressure to circumvent the spirit of the South East Queensland Regional Plan with a strategy to re-zone the former Australian Grand Prix circuit after 2010, or write-it-off as a multi-million dollar ratepayer donation to the local golf club. President of LMRE, Ian Milton said, "If one of Queensland's rare public motorsport venues can be re-zoned, then this well-healed minority will continue to bully Council into permitting subdivision of their estates. This will be a lotto win for them, but opening up the water front to another 1000 houses would be an insane burden on the Shire's fragile water supply. Conversely, Lakeside has a proven record over 40 years with its own water supply, has never had a pollution complaint lodged against it and no-one has ever provided one shred of scientific evidence that it has any impact on Lake Kurwongbah." "Even if one was to accept the arguments of these selfish individuals at face value, how do they balance them against life saving public benefits to the majority of the Shire's population, such as educating our young drivers? Currently, Dakabin High School students are forced to pay higher costs and waste over 2 hours travelling to Ipswich for driver education courses when there's a vacant facility within walking distance of the school!" "For each one of these wannabe developers complaining about Council process, LMRE has a member who moved to the area specifically to be closer to Lakeside, not to mention the fact that this gang represents less than one tenth of one percent of the ratepayers of the Shire and yet they're holding everyone east of Narangba Rd to ransom." "The core of LMRE membership are Pine Rivers Shire residents and they are sick of hearing the childish cries about a lack of consultation even though the issue has been publicly debated in the media for nearly five years. How much credibility can you give someone who lacks basic knowledge of the local community issues and fails to do their own research?" "Make no mistake, this argument over Lakeside is not about noise or water quality or any other public issue, it's about a handful of well positioned people attempting to sabotage the public process for personal financial gain." LMRE has worked tirelessly for the past 5 years with the other committed stakeholders to develop a plan for Lakeside that doesn't exclude anyone, so now, we are not prepared to stand by and let a self-interested minority hijack the future of this community asset at the eleventh hour. For more information - www.lakesideraceway.com