"Speedway by the Freeway - An Illustrated History of Parramatta / Sydney / Valvoline Raceway" is a 472 page, hard cover book covering the history of Sydneys iconic Parramatta Speedway - now named Valvoline Raceway - from its inception in 1977 until this current season.
The tome has over 1500 images from the days when the track was bulldozed into shape, the opening meeting, and right up until this seasons action (2013-14).
The book has been produced/authored by Tony Loxley of Full Throttle Publishing, with editorial contributions from Shaun McDonald. The Foreword is from Sid Hopping and the Afterword by current Track Manager, Mike Raymond (OAM).
The book has editorial coverage of every season run from 1977, and individual essays from those who have been insrtumental in ensuring this race track has survived, and flourished since 77. Writers such as Dennis Newlyn, and Alan "Olly" Edworthy have contributed, and former promoter David Lander has scribed a wonderful story on his years promoting the track. Stuart Telfer, Lance Wilson, Wade Aunger and others have also given their impressions of the track, and the imagery is nothing short of incredible.
Photographers such as Wayne and Bill Meyer, Tony Loxley, Gavin Skene, Gary Ried, Joanne Richards, John Morris (Mpix), Lauren King and many more, have provided photos that in many cases, are simply breathtaking!
American racing legends such as Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Donny Schatz, Steve Kinser, Gary Patterson, Jack Hewitt, Ron "Sleepy" Tripp, Tony Elliott, Davey Ray and many more are covered in stunning colour and black and white, so to Kiwi legends such as Barry Butterworth and Michael Pickens. All the local stars such as Garry Rush, Steve and Garry Brazier, Bob Blacklaw, Gordon Smee, Brooke and George Tatnell, Skip Jackson, Max Dumesny, Kerry and Ian Madsen, Ross Nicastri, Ron and John Pyne, Barry Graham, Stephen Gall and Ron Mackay are also covered in detail.
This is, quite simply, one of the finest racing books ever produced on an Australian - if not the worlds - oval track venues.
