The Victorian Historic Racing Register is one of the many events that will continue at Sandown when the Melbourne Racing Club takes over By Shaun Inguanzo
THE Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) will be in charge of another type of horsepower when it takes control of Sandown Raceway’s motorsport operations later this year.
Sandown’s motorsport management has been traditionally left to Rapid Australia, and promoted by Easternats mastermind Jon Davison.
But the MRC will as of October manage the Sandown Motor Circuit when Rapid Australia’s management licence expires.
The popular Sandown track, located in Springvale, was built in the early 1960s.
Motorsport activities have been managed since the track opened by the Light Car Club, and more recently since 1990 by Rapid Australia.
The racing club said in a statement that it was managing motorsport for new commercial opportunities.
The MRC already owns the Sandown Racecourse and Sandown Motor Circuit, and a spokesman said the Sandown 500 would remain its headline act.
Easternats promoter Jon Davison said the event was permitted in Greater Dandenong for at least seven more years, and he would continue promoting the event as he owned the rights to it.
The MRC publicly thanked Mr Davison for his work as motorsport promoter of Sandown.
Greater Dandenong mayor Youhorn Chea also thanked Mr Davison, and wished the MRC all the best with its new venture.
“It is pleasing to know that one of Greater Dandenong’s premier sporting and cultural icons will continue to prosper,” he said.
“Sandown is home to some of Australia’s favourite motorsport events, including the Sandown 500 and the Easternats.
“The City of Greater Dandenong has a proud sporting history and will continue to support and promote sporting events at Sandown and elsewhere to build stronger and closer communities.”
