Don and Des have made their mark at Gillman Speedway - October 2015

October 16, 2015 by Gillman Media

This year’s Gillman Classic Championships meeting (Sunday, 1 November) will honour two of the most admired volunteer workers at the Gillman Speedway who have more than left their mark on the venue, the Marker brothers, Don and Des.

Don and Des have both been a major part of what is affectionately known as “Dad’s Army” — a small group of unsung volunteers who have been at the stadium virtually every Tuesday and Thursday since the idea of the stadium was first conceived, doing the thousand and one jobs that regularly need doing to keep the place running.

They have been dedicated and tireless workers at the venue from day one, and speedway manager David Parker says “without their dedication and input, plus hard work and man hours, I can categorically say, without any doubt, Gillman Speedway would not be what it is today. Everything you see at the stadium, Don and Des have had a major role in either building it, erecting it or maintaining it. It will be a great pleasure to honour them on our Classic night and to host them and their families in our VIP area – which, of course, they had a major hand in building!”

Nominations for the Classic meeting close next Friday (23 October) but there are already a good number of entries including riders from WA, Vic, NSW and Queensland keen to take on the local SA riders. The Sidecars will run under the usual classes of British/European/American; Japanese; Post Classic; and Evolution, but the Solo classes have changed slightly this year to reflect the changing availability of bikes and riders. The classes this year will be 2 valve for riders aged 40 and over; 2 valve for riders under 40; 4 valve upright; and Laydown for riders aged 40 and over.

The change of classes has already encouraged a couple of “new” riders to enter in former international rider Shane Bowes, and one of his rivals from the North Arm Speedway days, Steve Graetz.

There are a host of former Rowley Park and North Arm riders in the Sidecar classes, and some current day riders, most noticeably Justin Plaisted and Shane Rudloff. And the mighty Vincents are back from Victoria to take on Harleys, Nortons, Triumphs and a JAP 8/80 in the British/European/American class.

A full list of entries so far received can be found on the Nominations page of the Gillman Speedway website.

With the meeting on a Sunday this year, starting times will be slightly earlier with the gates opening at 2pm, and racing starting at 5pm. It is expected the meeting will finish around 8pm. Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for aged pensioners and student concession holders, with children under 16, grandstand seating and car parking free.

Photo: Don (left) and Des Marker. Photo by Mark Neale.