Upgrades to the racing surface at Albion Park continue with Racing Queensland (RQ) and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club (APHRC) agreeing to co-fund additional works to safeguard the track against further racing disruptions in the future.
Following the discovery that further work was required to stabilize the track base, RQ and the APHRC have agreed to incorporate improvements to the track design as part of the scope of works.
The additional works will include:
- An upgrade to the track base including the laying of a new base layer of crusher dust
- An improved track design with increased camber and better transitions from turns into the straight
- An extension of the crown at the top of the track on turns 3 and 4;
- The spreading of a new racing surface material.
It is envisaged racing can return in the week commencing 19 November 2018 in time for the Australasian Young Drivers Championships and the Summer Carnival, which starts on December 1.
As a result of the works the following calendar changes will occur:
- Albion Park 13 November 2018 transferred to Redcliffe
- Albion Park 16 November 2018 transferred to Redcliffe
- Albion Park 17 November 2018 transferred to Redcliffe
Racing Queensland Chief Operating Officer Adam Wallish said: “Racing Queensland wishes to thank the Albion Park and Redcliffe clubs, as well as all participants, for their ongoing patience to ensure Albion Park returns as Queensland’s premier harness racing surface.”
APHRC Chairman David Fowler said the club looked forward to a return to racing once the much-needed works had been completed.
“A safe and competitive track at Albion Park is of the utmost importance to the industry and, importantly, the new scope of works has been developed in consultation with harness participants,” Mr Fowler said.