Wakefield Park sale to deliver a return to racing 

In a result that is set to secure the future of Motorsport in the Goulburn Mulwaree Shire and Greater NSW, The Benalla Auto Club is excited to announce that Wakefield Park has been sold to Steve Shelley, the owner of Pheasant Wood Circuit. 

The vital collaboration means that work is now set to ramp up in conjunction with the involvement of the surrounding community, to facilitate and ensure the re-opening of Wakefield Park.

Pheasant Wood Circuit is located at Marulan, just 25 minutes drive from Wakefield Park towards Sydney.

 Both the BAC General Manager Stephen Whyte and Steve Shelley have attributed the facilitation of the arrangement to Local Liberal Member Wendy Tuckerman, who related her enthusiasm for the breaking news.

“We are thrilled to have found a solution that will allow the reopening of Wakefield Park Raceway,” said Tuckerman. “This is a win for the motorsport community, local businesses and the wider community.”

MP Wendy Tuckerman (L) Steve Shelley (centre) and Steven Whyte (R), at the Shelley owned Pheasant Wood Cicruit in Murulan NSW

Whyte has declared it a “significant moment” for the future of the park, and that its new custodian is well placed to ensure its continued operation.

“Today is a significant moment for the future of Wakefield Park,” Whyte described.

“With Steve and his team having significant experience in Motorsport facility management and event management, I couldn’t think of anyone better to be the custodian of Wakefield Park Raceway.

“It is significant that Steve already knows the area and the current situation with Wakefield Park and I have no doubt he will continue to work with the Residents, Council and Government to secure the future of the Facility.

Whyte contributed the facility of the sale to the hard work of Liberal Goulburn & NSW Minister for Local Government, MP, Wendy Tuckerman, as well as acknowledging the Goulburn Mulwaree Council CEO, Aaron Johanssen.

Wakefield Park has been sold to Steve Shelley, owner of Pheasant Wood Circuit (pictured), NSW

“This arrangement would not have happened without the significant involvement and passion of Local Liberal Member Wendy Tuckerman. 

“Throughout this whole process, the Support of Wendy and her understanding of what we (the current BAC management) inherited, has given us some positive direction and clear indication of the obvious support from the government for the future of the Raceway.”

“I must also acknowledge the Goulburn Mulwaree Council CEO Aaron Johanssen, and council staff that have been working through this behind the scenes over this time. We also look forward to continuing to work with Steve and his team in the future as they put plans together to reopen the circuit.”

The passion of the park’s new owner, Steve Shelley, is evident, and he gives his thanks to all the parties involved as it assures the survival of the much loved and recently embattled raceway.

“I am passionate about Wakefield Park and have competed there on many occasions,” Shelley said. 

“The opportunity to continue our Track Ownership along with investment in the local community of Goulburn is something that we believe is critically important for the future of Motorsport in the region. 

“I’d like to thank Wendy Tuckerman for putting myself together with Stephen and the Benalla Auto Club Group, and for being so passionate about a Motorsport Strategy that gives us the confidence to commit to this wonderful opportunity.”

A statement from the Pheasant Wood Circuit owner also included this reference to the reopening in addressing the concerns of local residents.

With the new ownership, and the strong relationship forged by Tuckerman, Shelley will set about building a new and exciting future for the track.

“I look forward to working closely with the neighbours of Wakefield Park and The Goulburn Mulwaree Shire Council when planning and securing the future of Wakefield, and especially avoiding any repeat of mistakes made in the past,” he continued.

“I hope all parties and the Motorsport fraternity in New South Wales will be buoyed by this announcement about Wakefield Park Raceway.”

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