On Sunday, September 14th, 43 members and interested persons attended a meeting convened by the committee of the Palmyra Drag Racing Club at Mackay, Queensland.

The meeting opened at 1 pm. with the president of the club, Geoff Everett, briefly outlining the reason for the meeting and the serious nature of the financial status of the club. The treasurer's report was then read, stating the amounts outstanding and the bank balance of the club. The bottom line is that although the club is not outstanding on any accounts, the bank loan repayment of $610 per week is stifling any chance of growth. Adding to this is the recent spate of rain affected meetings at the club's Palymra drag strip, lowering the club's working account to critical levels.

General discussion was then entered into with several suggestions coming from the floor. The main focus of discussion ended up being whether or not to investigate the prospect of selling the drag strip and land and to be then leased back on a perpetual basis. The other most prominent idea was for the racers themselves to band together to actually invest in the track to lower the debt.

The meeting was generally in agreement of the downturn in spectator numbers, the increased cost of staging major events and the need for further upgrading of facilities at the track.

For the club to be able to move forward in these difficult times, the members agreed by way of a carried motion that something needed to be done to lower the immediate financial burden on the club.

Generously, 28 of the present members of the PDRC pledged ongoing assistance, to the tune of $15 each week for a minimum of six months to be directly paid off the loan. Other members who were not present for the special meeting will also be given the opportunity to participate.

It is generally acknowledged that this is not a total fix solution to the economic problems facing the club. However, this provides a very large commitment from the local racers to their facility and also allows the club breathing space to be able to reassess the direction in which the club will proceed in the future.

In reading this report, you may start to get some insight as to how the members of the Palmyra Drag Racing Club have been able to maintain this track as a "club track" for thirty years. Most racers visiting the track for the first time comment favourably on the facility and in doing so are praising the efforts of all past and present club members.

Any readers of this magazine with offers of assistance, please contact the club by phone or fax on (07) 4959-3144.