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SEAC is the premier motor sports club
in the South East of South Australia. Located in Mount Gambier, we regularly
conduct Trials, Motorkhana, Khanacross, Autocross and other events up to
Australian Championship level. The club has a strong membership, and owns its
own private Autocross track which is regularly used for competition and training
days. SEAC welcomes new members from any discipline of motor sport or simply
those interested in becoming involved in the club in any capacity.
SEAC PARK
The South Eastern Automobile Club proudly owns and manages its own
CAMS sanctioned Autocross facility, affectionately named SEAC Park. Located to the west of
Mount Gambier, the property is an excellent venue for driver training,
competition days and social events. SEAC regularly conducts working bees to keep
the various tracks and land in top condition.
During the late 80's and early 90's
the club decided that it would be interested in purchasing some land for the
purpose of holding club events. The land that was used for racing on at the time
was becoming harder to manage and so the hunt was on for a suitable site that
was not too far from Mount Gambier, was varied and interesting in topography and
was at the right price. After looking at a few locations, a former quarry site
was selected on Megaw Rd, west of town. The land was soon purchased and SEAC
Park was born.
The club then started out on
developing the land into a facility that would be able to be used in a variety
of ways. Early events had a huge selection of tracks that could be chosen from.
Eventually it was decided that the club would benefit from having the track
sanctioned by CAMS. The best way to do this was to work out which were the best
track combinations to use. The plan was to have a track that would enable
competitors the most time in their cars while still keeping the track within
specified lengths as determined by CAMS. The idea was brought forward of having a
crossover on the track, similar to the one used in the WRC round in Perth.
Logistics were considered, and the decision to create the crossover was made.
As the land was a former quarry, the
decision was made to try to restore SEAC Park to a more natural setting. At the
time of purchase, Pampas grass and other noxious weeds were rampant and steep
quarry walls were the norm. Eradication programs have seen a noticeable
reduction in the Pampas grass and other noxious weeds that dotted the former
quarry. The large amount of work done in relation to the earthworks was possible
through funding from reclamation grants issued from the department of
mi nes. Extensive earthworks at the site have seen many former quarry walls
shaped and smoothed out to a series of crests and dips which add to the
excitement of driving at SEAC Park.
After the formation of tracks and the
overpass, much time and effort was put into the track surfaces. Clay and crushed
stone have been applied to many parts of the track to improve the racing
surface. The copious amounts of rain received in our region usually ensure that
the track stays in good condition. Apart from the usual few rough spots, the
track remains one which is fast, challenging and exciting for both drivers and
spectators alike.
Other improvements to SEAC Park over
the years have included the construction of a large shed used for shelter and
scrutineering, installation of water tanks, the construction of a toilet block
where all toilets are flushable, extensive fencing upgrades, the laying of white
metal tracks to access th e race track as well as Megaw Rd, the development
of a pit area, the erection of several flagpoles, spectating facilities
including a viewing box, mound, platform, the installation of a timing hut and
extensive work involving the placement of tyres to both designate track
boundaries and to slow cars down along the faster sections of road.
Immediate plans for SEAC Park include
the erection and usage of permanent light towers, concreting the shed floor, a
permanent generator setup to supply reliable power to the site, the setup of a
permanent electronic timing system, an improvement of spectator facilities and
the re-establishment of natural plants and landscapes.
SEAC Park is now a valuable asset to
our club. Through the hard work and determination of many individuals, the club
now boasts an Autocross and Khanacross facility that is comparable to the best
in Australia.
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