Records to fly as Baskerville transforms

John Pooley, Donald Potter and Peter Killick

To the delight of thousands of Tasmanian motorsport enthusiasts, the Pepsi Max Baskerville Raceway has been entirely resurfaced for the first time in 60 years.

Winner of the Baskerville Foundation’s Flying Finish competition, John Pooley christened the brand-new track at 10am this morning, burning down the back straight to mark the first flying lap.

Today’s events saw the realisation of a four-year fundraising campaign, with almost $1 million raised and invested to completely refurbish and resurface the iconic Tasmanian raceway.

Since beginning in 2013, the Baskerville Foundation has been embraced by the Tasmanian motorsport community, with major events such as the Baskerville Historics raising thousands for the cause.

The ambitious $900,000 fundraising goal was pushed closer to the finish line earlier this year thanks to an $80,000 Sports and Recreation grant awarded by the Tasmanian State Government.

Baskerville Foundation Chairman Peter Killick said he was amazed how much the foundation had been able to achieve in such a short period of time.

“Today is a special day for Tasmanian motorsport,” Mr Killick said.

“It was only seven years ago there was talk of abandoning the circuit all together, but instead we are introducing a beautifully resurfaced racetrack.

“The incredible physical and financial contributions from the Tasmanian motorsport community have allowed us to complete far more than just the resurfacing project.

“Since the foundation’s inception we have also upgraded the control tower, sealed the site entry road, completed major drainage works, rebuilt the footbridge and installed new track power.

“In all reality, the value of the work completed would be closer to $1.3 million at full commercial rates.

“I’m proud to say we have secured the future of a first-class racing facility for motorsport enthusiasts to enjoy for generations into the future.”

The foundation’s final fundraising initiative was the Flying Finish Competition, awarding the winner the opportunity to complete the first flying lap on the new track.

Competition winner John Pooley relished the opportunity, revealing the pace of the new track would put records at risk.

“The resurfacing project has been a long time coming, and I was really excited to see how it would drive,” said Mr Pooley.

“From my brief experience, I’m confident we will see some impressive times this weekend.”

Tasmanian car and motorcycle enthusiasts will get their first taste of the new track this weekend at the second round of the Hobart Sporting Car Club Tasmanian Super Series.
Baskerville Foundation Chairman Peter Killick