IN PICTURES: Cocktail dinner a special way to kick off Albany Speedway Club’s 60th anniversary celebrations

Albany Speedway Club marked the start of its 60th anniversary celebrations in style, with more than 100 people attending a cocktail dinner on November 7. The club began in 1965 and has a rich history in the sport, producing a host of State and national champions and holding countless blue-ribbon events. The Attwell Park venue has become one of the premier speedway facilities in the country and the 60-year journey was on full display for the anniversary celebrations. Guests came through a walkway filled with photos and memories from years gone by before a red carpet arrival into the decorated clubrooms. Photos printed on the walls inside told the stories of many speedway meetings. There were also history boards on special events and moments, as well as a memorabilia and trophy display area. A number of vintage cars were proudly displayed and rolling footage of the fantastic racing seen in Albany. Speedway Australia’s Mitch Berliner was the MC for the formal proceedings, speaking with special guests about their memories of the club. ASC chair Calon Ball went first before club stalwarts Russell Pearson, Kevin Theyer and Peter Kerr, and finally current national junior sedan champion and third generation Albany driver Harrison Beres. The formalities finished with a life membership presentation to Bill Gibbs and Terry Bailey. Both were racers at the club before going on to do countless years of volunteering — Gibbs as the venue’s track curator and Bailey as the driver of the pace ute. A special presentation was also made to committee member Chantelle Rowley who was the driving force behind the anniversary event and helped research and produce a lot of the material for those to reminisce.