Fans of Motorsport in Australia, and particularly in Sydney will have fond memories of Oran Park Raceway out there on the Northern Road at Narellan, I know I certainly do.

Well, as we know by now, its time as a racing venue is over, and it now heads the way of Amaroo up at Annangrove with housing set to take over.

For me, i look at Amaroo and think – Really – Was this necessary?  It’s out in the North West and frankly it seems like all that was lost for around a dozen homes.  If Oran Park is to feel like a better ‘loss’ i’d like to see a complete community built on the site!

Anyway – I was sent some photos this week which will make those memories fade even quicker – Sadly, the one missing is one of the Yokohama Bridge, an Iconic part of Australian Motorsport – I wonder what has happened to it?

Oran Park 'Raceway' - The Main Straight - Almost Ripped up

Oran Park 'Raceway' - the Pit Buildings and Corporate Suites

Oran Park 'Raceway'

Oran Park 'Raceway'

Oran Park 'Raceway' - All the old Tyre Walls

What are your memories of Oran park?

Mine are of the Group A races back in the early 90′s – the Nissan GTR’s i loved:), the Group E production cars were great to watch , A fantastic private test session with the best privateers ever Steve Reed and Trevor Ashby in their Group A commodore before Bathurst in I THINK it was 1986, a cold and wet evening up in the Commentary Tower on the infield with David Tapp and Leigh Diffey – helping out while they called some Super Touring Cars and there was a Truck Racing exhibition that night too – the leaks in that tower were probably never fixed.. Being in the Pits one weekend and admiring the team with Frank Gardner and the B&H BMW’s, and Glenn Seton’s Blue Sierra among others….  Could go on really!

have a look at these YouTube video’s i’ve found:)
Brock and co – 1995 ATCC

1991 ATCC with GTR’s and all (Mike Raymond Commentary on 7):

And here’s one you’ll remember – Paul Morris and Mark Larkham coming together on the Grid with a Huge Fire as a result – Commentary by my old mate Greg Rust and the Late great Barry Sheen:

Tragic photos really… but – it’s over now!