[macca9540]

Sadly, Oran Park racetrack is closing down at the end of this year and the last motorcycle race ever is a 6 hour production bike race on 20-22 Nov 2009. If anyone has'nt ever been there yet this race is your last chance. I will be there with some mates and it will be a huge weekend.
(I just hope there are no kangaroos at turn 1 )
Also look at the results section at the bottom of this page, you'll find some well known names.

Here are a few websites F.Y.I.

Oran Park Raceway: About

Motorcycling Australia | Bel-ray to partner the 6 Hour at Oran Park

6 Hour Race - Last Ever at Oran Park - Motorcycle Council of NSW

Some history

The race was run by the Willoughby District Motorcycle Club and held at Amaroo Park until 1983, when it was moved to Oran Park for 1984 until the final race in 1987. At the time it was the biggest and most prestigious bike meeting in Australia, enjoying huge support from not only Castrol and much of the motorcycle trade, but also was a great hit with the motorcycle community who saw it as a real test of the motorcycles they might wish to buy. It also had considerable television coverage and either contributed to or was the result of a motorcycle sales boom.

Originally the race was called the Castrol 1000 in recognition of the prize money on offer from Castrol. $1000 was a considerable sum in 1970 as can be seen by the fact that the eventual winning bike in the first race, a Triumph Bonneville 650, could be purchased for around $1,150.00 at the time.

At first the race was for 3 classes; Unlimited, 500 cc and 250 cc. The race continued in that format until 1975, when the 250 cc class was dropped for "rider safety". Then in 1978 the 500 cc class was dropped and a 750 cc class introduced. For 1983 The maximum capacity was limited to 1000 cc, probably to comply with the ACCA regulations and in 1987 a 250 cc class was reintroduced.

The first race was run on Sunday, October 18, 1970, when 68 riders lined up for the Le Mans start.

The end came partly because of Castrol pulling out of road racing to concentrate its efforts on initially the Mr Motocross Series and then V8 Supercars, and partly because of controversy that had dogged the event since the start over eligibility of bikes or components. Also races for production bikes were losing support as more people moved to the new Superbikes. The move to Oran Park was also not popular with many fans.
There have been attempts to revive the idea of a six hour endurance race, including one at Phillip Island, one at Eastern Creek and two at Oran Park in the 1990s and early 2000s but none met with the success of the original six hour.

Star Riders
Many famous names competed in the event, such as Mike Hailwood, Wes Cooley, John Kocinski, Ken Blake, Robert Holden, Graeme Crosby, Rob Phillis and lists winners such as Gregg Hansford, Michael Dowson, Kevin Magee and Wayne Gardner.

Results
here Castrol 6 Hour - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[bladeracer]

This is a real shame. Always great racing at Oran Park and the one circuit I've always wanted to ride.

[tat2dude]

And another piece of history is demolished.Housing i think i read?
Was fortunate to make it there one year in the 80s (86 possibly),would liked to have gone for this final event,but not possible.
Hopefully will be a fantastic finale for all that compete/spectate.

[Rhojef]

I live 20 mins from the place. It has been so convenient for Track days and to just go over and watch, bike or car racing. It will be missed.
Hope the promise by the owner to build a new track elsewhere comes to fruition.
Severely limited choice of tracks in NSW at present.

[bladeracer]

Originally Posted by Rhojef

Severely limited choice of tracks in NSW at present.

Limited to how many?
We have Wanneroo and Collie.

[macca9540]

Originally Posted by Rhojef

I live 20 mins from the place. It has been so convenient for Track days and to just go over and watch, bike or car racing. It will be missed.
Hope the promise by the owner to build a new track elsewhere comes to fruition.
Severely limited choice of tracks in NSW at present.

I lived about 5 or 10 mins away in Camden for a while and worked in Penrith .
Drove past every day and always called in if I saw any action going on. It was really handy living that close.
I hope the rumour is true about another track.

[macca9540]

Originally Posted by bladeracer

Limited to how many?
We have Wanneroo and Collie.

These are the only 2 I can think of after Oran closes. Its 12 hours or a lot more to get to the rest.
Wakefield Park

Wakefield Park is one of NSW's premier motor racing circuits located near Goulburn, between Sydney and Canberra.
Eastern Creek International Raceway

Eastern Creek Raceway hosts car racing and motorbike racing events on the (almost) 4km long road circuit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mallala Motor Sport Park

Mallala Motor Sport Park is a road racing circuit located in South Australia.
Phillip Island Circuit

The Phillip Island Circuit is an international standard road circuit which hosts car racing and motorbike racing events.
Queensland Raceway

Queensland Raceway is a road circuit in Queensland and holds a range of motorsport events.
Sandown International Raceway

Sandown International Raceway is located in Melbourne and is a road circuit that hosts a range of motor racing categories.
Winton Motor Raceway

Winton Motor Raceway is a road circuit located near Benalla just off the Hume Highway, Victoria.

[bladeracer]

If you're happy to go to Mallala, go to McNamara Park first in Mount Gambier.
Mac Park Raceway
I like both circuits but MacPark is much more enjoyable.

[macca9540]

Originally Posted by bladeracer

If you're happy to go to Mallala, go to McNamara Park first in Mount Gambier.
Mac Park Raceway
I like both circuits but MacPark is much more enjoyable.

I might be biased but all things called McNamara are enjoyable blade.
I think my mate has raced there with the B.E.A.R.S. as well.