By The last time high level roads competition took place in Australia, was back in 1996 at the New South Wales based Port Kembla course.
Hosting the ‘Australian TT’, which ultimately turned out to be the final running of the prestigious race, the 4.1 kilometres long roads circuit proved an instant hit with various competitors.
Photo by Scott Sullivan
Feature race success 21 years ago at Port Kembla, went the way of Ian Hambridge, whilst the Bears, Singles and 250cc Production crowns where clinched respectively by Phil Allen, Phil Dombkins and Chris Wilkie.
Attracting strong praise from Cemetery Circuit legend Tony Rees, the meet attracted a strong turn out of 11,500 spectators.
The event despite it’s success, proved not as fruitful financially for organisers, Forcefield Promotions.
With this in mind, it was not surprising that race action did not return to the coastal roads of Port Kembla in 1997.
Since then unfortunately pure road racing action has not returned not only to Port Kembla, but also apart from the odd specialised event to Australia.
Words by Stevie Rial
