Picture the scene. A bustling crowd 12000 strong. They’re packed shoulder to shoulder. The air vibrates with the roar of engines. This is the Altona Racing Club Grandstand in its heyday. The year is 1954.
The Altona Racing Club Grandstand wasn’t just any grandstand. It was the heart of a short-lived but thrilling motor racing circuit. Built on the edge of Cherry Lake it hosted a mix of car and motorcycle races. Legends like Jack Brabham and Stan Jones graced this track.
Brabham a future three-time Formula 1 World Champion. He set a lap record of 1 minute 50 seconds. This was an average speed of almost 120 km/h in his Cooper T23 Bristol. Jones a renowned Australian Grand Prix winner. He also competed here showcasing his exceptional driving skills.
The Altona circuit was far from luxurious. Early photographs show a barebones affair. There were few safety barriers. Large boulders marked the edge of the track. The track surface itself was initially rough and uneven. This led to several accidents. One tragically fatal. Improvements were made after the opening events. Hot-mix tar from a nearby refinery was used for repairs. Yet the inherent dangers remained.
Despite its flaws Altona drew huge crowds. Upwards of 10000 spectators came to the inaugural motorcycle event. The first car race attracted even more people. The atmosphere was electric. A mixture of excitement and raw energy.
The Altona Racing Club Grandstand witnessed incredible races. The duels between Brabham and Jones were legendary. They thrilled spectators with their speed and skill. But the circuit’s life was short lived. Flooding in 1955 caused irreparable damage. The track was submerged and the circuit was abandoned.
Today little remains of the track itself. However the memory of the Altona Racing Club Grandstand lives on. It’s a reminder of a unique chapter in Australian motorsport history. A time of raw talent fierce competition and passionate fans.