I can remember watching handicap racing as a5 to6 year old from here, thanks

Went to Catalina Park a few times. One of the issues with it being a gully was that rainwater would seep across he track in several places for days after rains. It was a natural amphitheatre with little in the way of grandstands so fans had to sit amongst the trees. It operated while Warwick Farm and Oran Park were there so hat made two tracks closer to the big smoke. Loved Warwick Farm where we saw the likes of Jackie BRM-BRM, Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt, and other world class drivers. Surprised that Storming Norman had such an edge on the S's which were more suited to tracks like Catalina. I note lanky Phil Barnes running close to Foley and Manton here. For his limited operation Phil was one of the greats in his little Brick.

What an epic race track, sadly wasn't around to see it running.

Use to love Katrina Park as a kid we'd drive up on Friday afternoon with dad , then drive back home to Melbourne straight after the last race on Sunday. Thanks Bill.

Great video mate. Just went and checked it out myself. Being 20 myself I'm obviously far too young to ever know what this track was like, but it was an awesome experience walking around it

Awesome thanks bill

Catalina Park was just the race track not the area, which was Frank Walford Memorial Park. I'm not clear on details but i read on a sign that Frank Walford donated the land. In the 70's & 80's it was commonly known as the gully by residents of the surrounding streets but around town was Catalina or Cato. The video tells why the road circuit fell into disuse, the rallycross was killed off by propert developers arguing noise pollution.

I watched some Superkarts at Catalina. They were awesome, in the literal sense of the word. Any idea how often the karts came? I would like to know the year to assist my ailing father's memory. Thank you.

@BillsBuildandRace

Жыл бұрын

I have no idea Brett. That question is best asked here: facebook.com/groups/131938003502806

Interesting, I would love to see some rallycross at Catalina, do you have any?

@BillsBuildandRace

9 ай бұрын

No I don't, but if you search You Tube you will find 3 or 4

@noelwebb6843

Ай бұрын

The rallycross was brilliant, not much footage available which is a pity I would of thought Chanel 7 might of kept some.

I drove it around 20 years ago. What a disgrace that politics has allowed it to fall into such a state of disrepair.

Hi Bill awesome vid as usual sorry ina advance if this info is somewhere right in front of my eyes but. How can we order your book ?

@BillsBuildandRace

Жыл бұрын

Yeah it was there - in the last shot of the video. :) Just Google search the title and "buy" and you'll get the best online deals. Just make sure they are selling you the hard cover, as a few have the paperback at a higher (ripoff) price.

@stevekeene2682

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the good oil on that bill much appreciated.

How much for a copy of your book Bill?

@BillsBuildandRace

Ай бұрын

Best way to buy it is online. Just Google search "Buy Birthplaces of". Was $129, now about $105. Hardcover is best.

Great video. Such a travesty that the true history has been distorted for the sake of the agenda. The people were never forcibly removed from their holiday camp made up of a few run down humpies. They were given homes and opportunity which most actually embraced and prospered from just like Katoomba did with the building of the racetrack. The facts are not what is told around the track just an untrue version of a much bigger story.

@BillsBuildandRace

Жыл бұрын

Mate that is fantastically stated. Not a word wasted, and the truth concisely put forward. Couldn't have said it better myself - literally. Well spoken.

@gregbroad3118

Жыл бұрын

Thankyou BSB..I went to school in Katoomba and had friends that were given homes and jobs because of the track building. Importantly it was private property before the council bought it. It was mostly swamp not like it is now. Correct the town prospered as well as the entire Blue Mountains.

@gmcg28c

Жыл бұрын

I directly know some of the people who lived there. They were forcibly evicted they had to find a new place to live. They weren't given a home. Stop making shit to suit your own bloody agenda

@gmcg28c

Жыл бұрын

@@gregbroad3118 You again, making up your own version of bloody facts.

@buildingscottbonnars4970

Жыл бұрын

@gmcg28c you are wrong mate. Please do some real research and get your facts straight. I have family that were directly involved in the rehoming with the council. There are factual records if you look, relating directly to the rehoming of the few families that were affected by the building of the track. Don't be blinded by the wrong side of history that is being told. Always two sides to every story and it seems you have only heard or listened to one side.