LISMORE: MEMBERS’ GRANDSTAND READY FOR NOVEMBER 6 SEASON OPENER

PATRONS will notice when entering Castrol Edge Lismore Speedway for the first meeting of the season Saturday night, November 6, a revamped, reconditioned, refurbished and completely renovated members’ grandstand.

The historic structure copped serious interior and external damage following the 2017 floods and Crown Lands set about undertaking a major facelift. The major job not only included fixing the damage but also giving the grandstand and overall spruce up that will be welcomed by all.

In its wake has come a very modern underneath kitchen and catering area with a new concrete floor and other significant interior improvements. This will be the central food shop at the venue although other catering outlets will still be spread around the ground.

Secretary of the North Coast National A and I Society Mark Sollom is delighted with the upgrade not only to the members’ grandstand but also the Lismore Showground facilities.

“As a result of an insurance payout from the 2017 floods and a Crown Lands Grant, it has enabled us to install a new concrete floor, update our toilets and disabled access facilities and reline walls with new electronic points through the premises and install fans. We also have also been able to waterproof the grandstand but it’s still a work in progress.”

Promoter David Lander also has some welcome news for speedway fans following the grandstand improvements.

“The grandstand now has concrete steps where the original old seats were, however at present, new seating have yet to be installed.

“People can still view the racing from the bottom to the top of the grandstand from the concrete steps. However, people will need to bring a cushion,” he explained.

“New seats will eventually be fitted, but until that time there will not be a charge to enter the grandstand. It normally costs an additional five dollars to buy a seat in that area, but that will not apply at the moment. It’s free until the grandstand seating job is completed and after that happens we will go back to charging five dollars for a grandstand seat.

“I must say the kitchen looks fantastic and there will also eventually be tables and chairs in the area under the grandstand. The 2017 floods did a lot of damage; the walls and old floor copped the worst of it.”

A highlight of the 2021-2022 season opener on November 6 will be the running of twin-25 lap Wingless Sprintcar main events.

All regular support categories will be programmed.

Gates will open at 4PM and preliminary racing commences at 6.

Photos: The upgraded members grandstand. Photo: Tony Powell.

The smaller seating area near the corporate boxes also has been revamped. Photo: Tony Powell.