Baskerville Foundation Formed To Preserve Historic Raceway

A new foundation has been established to secure the future of the Baskerville Raceway near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia’s oldest operating raceway.

The foundation is aiming to raise $600,000 for vital upgrades to the racetrack and facilities including resurfacing, drainage works along with improvements to the access road and control tower.

It's off to a good start, with $50,000 raised during the track's recent “Motor Racing Old Boys Get Together” meeting.

Former Bathurst 1000 competitor Garth Wigston was present at the meeting, saying that Baskerville had been vital in the development of drivers such as John Bowe, John Goss and Greg Crick.

“The thing about Baskerville is while it is diminutive in size, it combines tight esses, a blind crest and off camber turns with a beautiful sweeper at the end of the straight to make it one of the most challenging and enjoyable race tracks to drive,” Mr Wigston said.

Chairman of the Baskerville Foundation, Peter Killick, said that while the track is being self-funded, a $600,000 bill to upgrade the facilities required a new approach to fundraising.

“For club motoring enthusiasts in Tasmania, particularly those in the south, Baskerville is loved by all as a great club circuit,” Mr Killick said.

“As it stands, while the track continues to pay its own way, the prospect of a bill of approximately $600,000 to resurface and upgrade the track is simply beyond the means of the circuit and that is why the foundation has been created.”

Those interested in supporting the efforts of the Baskerville Foundation can contact the Hobart Sporting Car Club to learn more (website opens in new window).