At the helm of the historic Melbourne Raceway in York is John Smith, a revered figure in the racing community. The venue, located at Ash Lane, YO42 4SS, boasts a storied past dating back to its RAF Bomber Command origins in the late 1940s. Once a key airfield, it featured advanced runways and a unique FIDO fog dispersant system, making it a critical diversion point for wartime squadrons.
Post-1946, the airfield ceased flying operations and, under the guidance of the Pennine Drag Racing Club, transformed into York Raceway in 1977. The subsequent resurfacing in the late Eighties led to its revival as New York Raceway. Between 1997 and 2004, and once again from 2013 to 2017, the track became a prominent venue for the Straightliners racing series.
Facing potential closure in 2017, John Smith spearheaded the Save Melbourne Raceway campaign. The campaign successfully raised £100,000 to construct a new two-lane 1/8th mile track. Thanks to robust support and donations, a new track was completed in June 2020, paving the way for an inaugural Run What Ya Brung (RWYB) event in August that same year.
The transformation involved substantial work; old banking was removed and significant soil excavation created new spectator areas and banking. In May 2020, the old grandstand and track surface were dismantled, making way for a smooth, new track surface. Collaborative efforts continued with weekend work parties, culminating in the installation of Armco barriers, conversion of shipping containers for race control, and safety enhancements.
Today, Melbourne Raceway stands as a premier destination for racing enthusiasts. Under John Smith's leadership, the facility promises top-tier racing events, ensuring every visit delivers thrilling and unforgettable motorsport experiences. Whether participating in a RWYB event or a championship round, racers and spectators find a vibrant, state-of-the-art venue at Melbourne Raceway.