The Stars Have Aligned For Calder’s Re-Opening.

The Stars Have Aligned For Calder’s Re-Opening.

By Mark Humphrey

Keilor, Vic/Aus. 10th September 2015. The long awaited re-opening of Calder Park Drag Racing is just about on us with final preparations being carried out by Calder Park Drag Racing promoter Peter Pisalidis to ensure the best possible conditions to re-ignite drag racing at the iconic dragstrip. 

After investing a considerable amount of his own money into replacing asphalt, adding additional concrete to the start, cleaning and re-painting the staging areas, Peter Pisalidis has finally got a smile on his face with the track prep going much better than expected and well on track for the grand re-opening this Sunday. Talking to Pisalidis you couldn't help but get excited about the future of Melbourne drag racing with a successful launch last night on Channel 31's In Pit Lane with Brett Ramsay. Modified Eliminator star Jess Turner was Ramsay's special guest last night on the show and outlined the changes Pisalidis has made to the racing surface saying she was keen to roll out on Sunday for the test n tune meeting. Ramsay noted last night that although it was only a test n tune day it had the feeling of a big meeting with so much importance riding on the event. 

Talking to people around the traps the same could be said with many excited to have a run down the re furbished track which for many will bring back fond memories of the good ol days. It is vital moving forward that the Melbourne community support the venue and all the work that Pisalidis has done to get racing back up again at Calder Park with a strong turnout expected for the opening day.

With regards to racing, Pisalidis has put out an invite to South Australian racers to make the journey over to Calder to join in with what is expected to be a good showing of both street and competition Victorian cars and bikes. The track is prepped and looking a million bucks according to Pisalidis "Yep the track is coming up good. The rubber is going down well, really well in fact so I expect it will be as good as we can get it" he said. The process of applying glue and rubber has taken Pisalidis just on 3 days to complete and is the final piece in this long awaited jigsaw puzzle. 

Gates will open at 9am with the first cars scheduled to lay rubber at 11am. Pisalidis has suggested that everyone will be looked after with an extended day of racing if required. The day is scheduled to finish around 4pm but Pisalidis has the option of running on a further 60 to 90 minutes if required. “As we don't take entries for a test n tune we really don't have any idea of how many cars will turn up. We hope that there is plenty of interest around for racers to come down and have a run. I have the option of running longer to make sure everyone has a fair go" he said. Pisalidis added "people should get to the track on time and allow plenty of time to get through scrutineering to give themselves every chance of having a busy day. We will have segregated staging lanes for street and comp cars with the aim of giving everyone an equal go" he said.

With the recent passing of comp drag racer and long-time Calder regular Craig Brewer, a muscle car cruise has been coordinated to roll into Calder just after gates open with the cars being on display in the pit area throughout the day. As is the tradition with Calder Park Drag Racing, fans can take a stroll through the pits checking out the pristine machinery and watching race crews go to work setting up their machines for their next run. Hard surfaces are provided all throughout the pit area making it ideal to rock up in your cool gear. Food and drink outlets are also found in the pit area making this area a hive of activity.

With the weather forecast showing 24c and sunny, the day is shaping up as being a cracker day of drag racing, one which I’m sure will long be remembered for kick starting drag racing in Melbourne.

See you there bright and early!

Calder Park Drag Racing Action.

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Street meets are a great way to try out drag racing and test the performance of your everyday street vehicle in a safe and legal environment.

Calder Park will be hosting ANDRA sanctioned street meets through the second half of 2013 so you can experience the thrill of Melbourne's own quarter mile.

Entry cost: $65 (includes $5 ANDRA divisional day licence)

Spectator entry: $25

To go racing at street meets, all you need is a street vehicle that passes basic safety checks on tyres, brakes, steering and liquid leaks. If you race a vehicle with a manufacture date of pre 1 January 2008 you can run up to 11.00 seconds without the need for a tech inspection or ANDRA licence. Vehicles manufactured post 1 January 2008 can run to 10.00 seconds without the need for a tech inspection or ANDRA licence. Check www.andra.com.au for specific information on safety and licence requirements.