Celebrating the Legacy of Rowley Park Speedway

Celebrating the Legacy of Rowley Park Speedway: PARAQUAD SA Reunion at Greyhound Park, January 23, 2000

On January 23, 2000, the PARAQUAD SA organization brought together speedway enthusiasts, former racers, and fans for a memorable reunion celebrating the legacy of Rowley Park Speedway. Held at Greyhound Park in Angle Vale, South Australia, this event marked over two decades since the final race at Rowley Park in 1979. For many attendees, the reunion was a chance to relive the excitement of Friday night racing and reconnect with friends, legends, and the history of the iconic speedway.

A Day of Memories and Nostalgia

The reunion, hosted by PARAQUAD SA, an organization supporting people with disabilities, served as a fundraiser while paying tribute to the thrill and community spirit that Rowley Park had fostered. Attendees were greeted with displays of vintage speedway cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia from the track’s golden era. Many visitors arrived early to walk through the exhibits, admire the restored vehicles, and share memories of races gone by.

The event featured an impressive array of vehicles, including sprint cars, sidecars, speedcars, and T.Q.s, each one a reminder of the exhilarating nights at Rowley Park. Restored and polished, these machines stood as symbols of a bygone era, with some still bearing the battle scars of their time on the dirt track. Former drivers were on hand to talk about their experiences, sharing stories of the thrills and challenges they faced racing under the lights at Rowley Park.

Honoring Rowley Park’s Legends

A highlight of the reunion was the presence of some of Rowley Park’s most celebrated drivers, who were honored in a special ceremony. Legends like Garry Rush, Barry Pinchbeck, and Bill Barrows were recognized for their contributions to the sport and the impact they had on fans and fellow racers. Fans eagerly gathered to meet these icons, collect autographs, and hear firsthand accounts of races that had become part of speedway lore.

For many in attendance, it was a chance to reconnect with the people who had defined Rowley Park’s spirit. Drivers, pit crew members, and longtime fans shared stories about the intense rivalries, photo finishes, and unforgettable moments that made Rowley Park one of Australia’s most cherished speedway venues.

PARAQUAD SA: A Cause with a Purpose

The PARAQUAD SA Rowley Park reunion was not only a celebration of speedway history but also an opportunity to support a worthy cause. PARAQUAD SA, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities, used the event to raise awareness and funds for its initiatives. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and donations went directly to PARAQUAD SA’s programs, helping provide essential services and resources for people living with disabilities in South Australia.

This charitable focus added a layer of significance to the reunion, bringing the speedway community together not just to honor the past but to contribute to a cause that enriches lives.

A Tribute to Rowley Park’s Enduring Legacy

The PARAQUAD SA Rowley Park Speedway Reunion was filled with nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt memories. For those who had attended races at Rowley Park, the reunion was a chance to revisit a place that had meant so much to them. For younger attendees and family members, it was an opportunity to learn about Rowley Park’s history and the impact it had on South Australian motorsport.

As the day came to a close, attendees left with renewed appreciation for Rowley Park Speedway and the community it created. The reunion proved that, though the track may be gone, its legacy lives on through the people who cherished it. From the roar of the engines to the smell of fuel and dirt, the spirit of Rowley Park Speedway was alive and well at Greyhound Park that day, thanks to PARAQUAD SA and everyone who came together to celebrate.

The reunion was a fitting tribute to a historic venue, reminding everyone that while Rowley Park Speedway may have held its final race over 20 years prior, its memory would continue to inspire and unite the speedway community for generations to come.