Welcome to the official website of the Ellesmere Motor Racing Club (E.M.R.C) a C.T.R.A. sanctioned speedway. Located near Leeston, south of Christchurch City, the rural track fires into action during the winter months - keeping the true grass-roots spirit of speedway alive!
+ Thursday Nov 17 - 2011+
Final Fling For The Season - Ellesmere Raceway finishes the 2011 season in usual fashion as the annual and very popular Twilight Meeting hits the track in Saturday November 26. All the usual classes will be on hand to compete with the addition of the dirt slingin' midgets! Gates open at 3pm with racing set to get underway at 4pm. Be there for the final fling of 2011...
+ Thursday Sep 15 - 2011+
Smashing The Van - It's back! Ellesmere's infamous caravan Derby hits the track once again on Saturday October 8. Ellesmere was the first track in the Southern hemisphere to host one of these events some 20 odd years back. Since then other tracks have borrowed the idea as an ideal way to destroy old and un-wanted caravans, and entertain the crowds. Get track-side to see caravan carnage at it's best.....
+ Tuesday May 24 - 2011+
Next up at "the Action Track" - Ellesmere Raceway is the running of the CTRA Championships for Saloon Classes on Sunday June 12. The Hobby Saloons and Production Saloons will take to the track to fight out their relevent titles. The day will be completed with a full supporting programme.
+ Tuesday May 24 - 2011+
The season calendar has been brought up to date - check out whats on at "The Action Track"
+ Sunday May 15 - 2011+
Weather has been the winner for todays "Selwyn Burt TQ Midget Classic" meeting. Overnight rain has forced the postponement of the meeting until next Sunday - May 22.
+ Thursday May 10 - 2011+
The countdown is on to this weekends "Selwyn Burt TQ Midget Classic" at Ellesmere Raceway. It's sure to be a hard fought race with many of the local christchurch top-guns expeceted to front all with one intention - to claim the Trophy for the 2011 running of this prestigious event. As usual raccing starts at 1.00pm - be there to see some great open-wheel action, along with a full supporting programme.
A quick update of the classifieds section has been done - if you are after an economical way to join speedway at Ellesmere, Ashburton or Oxford check it out now....
+ Thursday April 21 - 2011+
Ellesmere Raceway continues the 2011 season on Sunday May 15. On the cards for this meeting is the prestigious Selwyn Burt TQ Midget Classic title along with the first round of the South Island ATV Championship.As is the usual case a full programme of classes will be out to fling some dirt. Racing starts at 1.00pm, Get yourself trackside at "The Action Track" Ellesmere Raceway.
+ Saturday April 3 - 2011+
The 2011 Ellesmere Raceway season kicks off in full next Sunday afternoon (April 10) Its sure to be an action packed meeting with a huge range of classes on show, Including Midgets, Moto X, and Saloons along with other dirt flinging classes. Gates are set to open at 10.00am, with racing starting at the usual 1.00pm.
Drivers are reminded that under new CTRA standards, cars need to be green-sheeted for this season and all relevent documentation will need to be presented on race day. Scrutineering will be held starting at 10.00am with the intention of being finished by 12.00pm. Please advise E.M.R.C management if you are running late on the day.
+ Thursday February 10 - 2011+
Yet again Ellesmere has made a change to the next proposed meeting. The sign on practice day has been moved forward to Saturday February 19. This move has been made so that the meeting doesn't clash with a race meeting at Oxford Speedway. The EMRC club apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
+ Wednesday February 2 - 2011+
Theres been a change of details for the previously mentioned Twilight meeting, This meeting will now be a club registration, green-sheeting and practice day to be held on Sunday 20th of Feb. Ellesmere is taking a new approach this season and for the 2011 season all cars will need to be "green-sheeted" prior to racing at the track.
Drivers who hold a SNZ Green sheet must bring their signed off sheets to the EMRC so that competing cars can be entered into the CTRA register for the season.
Gates open at 10.00am, with the costing of this yet to be decided. the day is open to all spectators and interested parties.
+ Thursday January 27 - 2011+
Ellesmere Raceway wishes to advise competitors of a twilight race meeting to be held on February 19th. This will be the first meeting of the new season at the country track. Twilight meeting tend to be popular at Ellesmere and the E.M.R.C. are hopeful that this one will attract good numbers across all classes. Gates open at 1.00pm, with racing set to get underway at 4.00pm. Further details will be posted as they come to hand....
+ Tuesday January 18 - 2011+
It's a new year, and with that comes a new action packed season for Ellesmere Raceway! However, before the wheels can start turning on the track, theres a heap of background work that needs to be done. Starting the ball rolling will be the Ellesmere Motor Racing Club AGM. Set to be held at the Springston Hotel on Thursday, January 27, starting at 7.30pm, the meeting is open to all interested parties. So get along to support the club as it gears up for the 2011 season!
A tentative race calendar has also been posted on the site. These are dates only with feature events yet to be finalised. This information will no doubt be on the agenda for the AGM and relevent information will be posted as soon as it comes to hand.
+ Tuesday November 16 - 2010+
Ellesmere Raceway wishes to advise all competitors and spectators of the time of events for the up-coming "Twilight Meeting" Gates open at 1.00pm, with scrutineering running between 1.30pm and 3.00pm. Racing will kick into action at 4.00pm.
+ Monday November 8 - 2010+
Ellesmere Raceway has one more run for the 2010 season and it's the popular "Twilight Meeting" this meeting has steadily been growing in stature over the past few seasons, with the evening racing usually enticing good fields to show and some close and hard fought racing on the track. It's looking like being a full programme with races being held for the following classes over the evenings event: 6-Cylinder Sprints, T.Q. Midgets, Production Saloons, ATV's, Midgets, C Grade Saloons, Hobby Saloons, 1/4 Midgets, Moto-X and Modifiedsprints.
The Ellesmere promotions team are also hard at work trying to entice the popular Super/A Grade Saloons to also take to the track for this night. Racing for this end of season meeting is set to get underway at 4.00pm. Make sure you get there early because if the past seasons twilight meetings are anything to go by seating will be at a premium!
+ Tuesday October 4 - 2010+
Ellesmere Raceway has recently decided to rechedule its next meeting. The meeting originally set down for Saturday, October 9th has been rescheduled to Sunday October 17th. This move has been made to allow competitors to take part in the second practice session at Ruapuna Speedway. The meeting will host the running of the Ellesmere ATV and C Grade Saloon Championships. The meeting will also see the modifiedsprint class contest the third round of their Winter Series.
+ Saturday July 31 - 2010+
Ellesmere raceway has decided to cancel the August Club day event scheduled for Sunday August 8. The next meeting at Ellesmere will now be on September 12 when classes will contest the Ellesmere Championship titles. The E.M.R.C apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.+ Tuesday July 27 - 2010+
Get your cars ready for Sunday August 8, Ellesmere Raceway will be holding one of it's regular Club Days. All drivers are invited to use the club day to have a laid-back and "not so" competitive day of racing or experimenting with setups etc.+ Wednesday July 7 - 2010+
This weekends meeting has been changed from a Club Day to full race meeting. We are running: 3rd round ATV South Island Championships, Hobby, B Grade, C Grade Saloons, 6 Cylinder Sprints, Moto X, Modified Sprints.+ Sunday June 13 - 2010+
Wouldnt you know it - the rain is back! Todays meeting at Ellesmere Raceway has been cancelled due to more rain falling in the Canterbury region. The next meeting at Ellesmere will be on July 11, when the club hosts one of its Club Days.
+ Thursday June 10 - 2010+
From club day to RACE DAY, The Ellesmere Motor Racing Club has decided to turn this Sunday's proposed Club day into a full race meeting. On the cards for the day is a Hobby, B and C Saloon Challenge. Drivers will be racing over the day for prize money that will be allocated to the classes. With the weather being doubtful at this time of the year the EMRC advises all competitors to listen to MoreFM at 10am for any cancellations. Class Reps can also text Rob Roxburgh for any confirmationon 0274 342 550.
The Ellesmere Motor Racing Club - wishes to apologise for the late notice of this change.
+ Tuesday May 11 - 2010+
A simply brilliant sunny Sunday afternoon greeted all who attended Ellesmere Raceway for their second fully competitive meeting of the season. Speedway enthusiest and Ellesmere commentator Warrick Korstanje, put pen to paper after the days events to supply a run-down of the days happenings - it can be found on the "Reviews" page.
+ Tuesday May 11 - 2010+
Ellesmere now takes a break from it's competitive meetings and hold a couple of club days over the next few months - club days are a great way to trial cars, setups and in some cases drivers! All classes are welcomed to attend club days.
+ Monday May 3 - 2010+
It's a quick turn-around between meetings at Ellesmere Raceway - hot on the heels of the ANZAC meeting, Ellesmere continues in fine form with the running of the Selwyn Burt T.Q. Midget Classic and CTRA Championships for the B Grade and Hobby Saloons, as well as a full supporting programme.
The Selwyn Burt T.Q. Classic is sure to be a hard fought for title and this event is quickly becoming a "one to win" event. Put into place as a tribute to long-time (and generally well known) speedway enthusiast and past competitor, the T.Q. Classic is a fitting of Selwyns stature within the speedway scene.
The B Grade and Hobby Saloon titles will also be hard fought and although numbers at the previous meeting were quite low the classes offered some good close racing.
Also set to take to the track are the modifiedsprints, back for the second round of their Winter Series, A Grade Saloons, 6 cylinder sprints, Moto X, 1/4 Midgets and the ATV's who will be contesting their Club points series.
+ Thursday April 15 - 2010+
Ellesmere Is gearing up for one of it's most popular meetings of the season! Over the past few years the annual ANZAC meeting at the country track has been one "not to miss" as full fields generally grace the track for the day. As a result of quality fileds comes quality racing, which often has the spectator area close to capacity. This year the invite has gone out to the A-Grade Saloon class to come and strut their stuff for the Ellesmere Championship. The Midget cars always seem to please at Ellesmere and they will make another high-speed appearance along with a full supporting programme of events. So, if you're after some speedway action on April 25 - get yourself out to Ellesmere Raceway to take in the ACTION!
+ Thurssday April 8 - 2010+
Get your racecars out and head on out the Ellesmere Raceway this Sunday (April 11) for the first club day of the season! Club days are generally a test day, or great for experimenting with setups on your car before taking on the challenge of the Ellesmere Champs/CTRA champs and the like on offer at Ellesmere over the coming season. All drivers are welcome in all classes, however you will be required to become a club member to take to the track...
+ Wednesday February 17 - 2010+
This weekend Ellesmere Raceway come alive with the sound of classic motorcycles as competition of the two-wheeled variety take to the track for their annual outing. If motorcycles are your thing make sure you get track side to take in the action!
+ Wednesday February 2010+
The 2010 season is just around the corner for Ellesmere Raceway - and the first step begins this Saturday February 20 with a Working Bee at the country track. Starting at 9.00am there is sure to be plenty to tidy up before the season arrives. All members and interested parties are more than welcome.
+ Wednesday February 2010+
The 2010 season calendar has been released, please note that events are subject to change, so keep checking back for any updates.
+ Thursday November 12+
More details on the ever popular twilight meeting to be run at Ellesmere Raceway have come to light. For Competitors scrutineering runs between 1.00pm and 3.00pm, with racing set to get underway at 4.00pm. If previous years meetings are anything to go by, youll want to get there early to grab a good trackside vantage point to take in one of the bigger days on the Ellesmere calendar.....
+ Sunday October 18+
The Ellesmere Motor Racing Club regretfully advises that today's Club Day has had to be cancelled due to the on-going recent bad weather. The next meeting for Ellesmere Raceway will be one of the popular "Twilight meetings" on November 28th - further details on this meeting will be posted as they come to hand.
+ Friday October 9+
Sunday October 18 will see Ellesmere Raceway come alight with one of their popular "Club Days" Many drivers use these days as vital testing sessions before the summer racing season gets underway. Ellesmere Motor Racing Club president Bob Lambie encourages and welcomes all classes to take part in the day.
Scrutineering runs between 10am-12pm on the day with on track action starting at 1pm. Drivers will need to pay a $10 fee to assist with covering the cost of ambulance services. Spectators can take in the day free of charge!
+ Thursday September 3+
Ellesmere Raceway kicks back into action on Sunday September 13 after a break over the colder winter months. Feature events for the meeting are the running of the postponed CTRA B Grade Saloon Championship, the CTRA Hobby Saloon Championship and the CTRA Flat Trackers Championship. A full supporting programme will spice the day up and put on some exciting racing.
+ Saturday May 23+
Ellesmere Raceways usual run of good weather has been turned on it's head in recent weeks, with the on-going rain and bitterly cold winds its understandable that Sunday's meeting (May 24) has had to be cancelled! A rain-date for the meeting will be announced in the future. Ellesmere's next meeting is a scheduled "Club Day" on June 14.
+ Monday May 18+
Time to go Racin! Ellesmere Raceway is looking forward to getting their season back on track after bleak weather forced the postponement of the May 10 meeting. The May 24 meeting will be high-lighted by the running of the vigorously fought "Selwyn Burt T.Q. Midget Classic" along with South Island titles for both B-grade and Hobby Saloons (dependant on entries) Something new for recent times at Ellesmere will be a turn out of stockcars for the day's action, along with the usual 6-cylinder sprints, Moto X and ATV's as supporting classes.....the dust begins to fly at 1.00pm - get trackside for some winter speedway action!
+ Sunday May 10+
No-one could doubt the outcome of todays postponement at Ellesmere Raceway, constant rain throughout the week leading up to the meeting and of course a less than desirable Sunday for the meeting forced the inevitable! The Ellesmere Club has re-scheduled todays meeting for Sunday May 24th, with the same programme of events on the cards. This gives B-grade and Hobby Saloon drivers a bit more time to confirm their entry with the club.
+ Thursday April 30+
A brilliant summer-like day greeted a relatively good crowd to the annual Ellesmere ANZAC weekend meeting, backing up the weather was some brilliant on track action throughout the competing classes - further proving that this is a meeting that should'nt be missed during the winter months. Ellesmere Raceway's next meeting is set down for May 10, with the Feature event being the "Selwyn Burt T.Q. Midget Classic" If the racing from these guys on Sunday was anything to go by - this is going to be a hard fought battle for supremecy - make sure you are there to see it! As usual racing gets underway at 1pm.
+ Tuesday April 14+
The Ellesmere Motor racing Club wishes to advise competitors that entry forms for the following Championship meetings are now available by email! To obtain an entry form for any of the following championships: South Island Modifiedsprint Championship (April 26), South Island Hobby Saloon Championship (May 10), South Island B-Grade Saloon Championship (May 10), and Ellesmere A-Grade Saloon Championship (April 26) - please email ellesmereraceway@hotmail.com to receive your copy.
+ Friday April 10+
There's Something about Ellesmere's ANZAC weekend (Sunday April 26) race meeting that generally brings the crowds out to the country track and in recent years class numbers have also began to grow as the meeting gains popularity across the varied classes that attend. This years meeting is looking good with a multitude of class titles up for grabs - headlining the proceedings will be the CTRA South Island Title for Modifiedsprints and the Ellesmere Champs for A-grade and Super Saloons. Support classes throughout the day will consist of T.Q. midgets, Hobby Saloons, 6 Cylinder Sprints, Moto-X, B&C Saloons, Midgets and the popular ATV's. Racing is set to get underway at 1pm.
There's sure to be planty of excitement on the track as these photo's from the last Ellesmere Raceway meeting show......Dont miss the Action!
+ Saturday February 21+
Apologies to all involved as far as the season calendar goes, a slight error in supplied information had the opening meeting (March 8) featuring the CTRA Modifiedsprint Championship - however the correct date for the championship is April 26th - We apologise for any inconvenience.
+ Sunday February 15+
The Ellesmere Motor Racing Club is gearing up for a comprehensive and exciting 2009 season at Ellesmere Raceway. The release of the proposed season calendar enforces the Clubs desire to return the Leeston track to it's former glory. Kicking off on Sunday March 8th, the calendar is crammed with action packed meetings and is sure to include something for everyone throughout Ellesmere's 2009 season.
The Calendar can be checked out online now by using the "Racedates" link in the menu to the left. For competitors wishing to participate at Ellesmere for the 2009 season, some general information about Fee's etc can be found here
+ Monday January 5+
IMPORTANT NOTICE! The Ellesmere Motor Racing Club hereby announces to its members that the 2009 AGM will take place on Tuesday 27 January, at the EMRC clubrooms. The meeting will begin at 7.30pm and all members are urged to attend.
+ Monday January 5+
The 2008 season has drawn to a close with a succesful twilight meeting, the Ellesmere Motorracing Club are currently working on the 2009 season calendar, which will be released onto the site in the near future. In the meantine take a look at some photo's from the twilight meeting.....
+ Friday November 7+
Summer is here, the nights are longer and that means one thing.......
Ellesmere Raceway presents an under the sunset showcase of speedway action with a special end of season twilight meeting. Come and see some of the Canterbury regions top open-wheel competitors spray some clay! Watch the 6 cylinder sprintcars contest their CTRA South Island title, see the midgets, T.Q's and modifiedsprints battle wheel to wheel, hear the ATV's and Scramblers scream around the oval, all in a quest to be first to the flag.....
For competitor enquiries, email: ellesmereraceway@hotmail.com
+ Saturday November 1+
A Classifieds page has been added to the site, to find out more about listing your items/services for sale send an Email to: ellesmereraceway@hotmail.com
+ Saturday September 27+
The race meeting scheduled for October
12 will revert back to being a Club day.
This change has come about after the Promotions Team, Club President and a Vice President
weighed up the options following a rather disturbing lack of support in some classes.
The decision has been made to cancel the S.I Youth Mini Stock Championship, and some
classes will be put on notice that their continuation on the programme at Ellesmere is by
no means certain due to their continued poor representation at race meetings.
A further announcement will be made shortly in regards to any other possible events at
Ellesmere during 2008.
Club Day:
All competitors are welcome to attend...Where class numbers dictate 'races' will be run,
while other competitors may decide to use the day as a 'practice' session.
Costs: A CTRA license is required...cost $10 for a day license, otherwise use your CTRA
full license. $10 per competitor will also be charged for the cost of St John Ambulance
personel
+ Thursday September 11+
Note to competitors! Please note that the previously listed CTRA S.I. Championships have been re-allocated. The S.I. 6 Cylinder Sprints and S.I. Youth Ministock events have now been moved to October 12. We apologise for any inconvenience this late notification may cause.
It's finally starting to look like the weather is settling allowing Ellesmere Raceway to kick back into action this Sunday - 14 September. Features for the day will include CTRA South Island championships for the B Grade Saloons, Ministocks (Adult) and Flat Trackers along with a full programme of the usual support classes. And It has to be added (just in case) cancellations will be broadcast on MoreFM at around 10am.
Sadly The Ellesmere Motor racing Club has had to announce that admission prices for future meetings will have to increase, rising from $8.00 to $10.00 for adults. It's an unfortunate outcome and one that wasnt an easy decision, however with the ever increasing overhead costs (Ambulances, Insurance) it was the only option to make race meetings viable.
+ Wednesday August 20+
The winter weather continues to be a burden for racing at Ellesmere Raceway with this weekends scheduled meeting once agin being cancelled. The Ellesmere Club released the following press release early on Wednesday.
"The meeting scheduled for Sunday August 24 has been cancelled due to continuing heavy track and ground conditions. This is the third time that the CTRA sanctioned South Island Mini Stock and B Grade Saloon car championships have been put off this season.
"The rain really needs to
stop" said club President Bob Lambie who says that the track surface is so soft that
it is not fit for racing, and a significant amount of dry weather will be required before
that changes.
The next meeting at Ellesmere Raceway will now be on Sunday September 14"
+ Thursday August 14+
With winter extending its run into
'spring' this year the decision to postpone the meeting originally scheduled for August 10
was a wise one. The track has been saturated with all of the recent snow and rain but with
a promised break in the conditions its looking good for August 24.
Remember- that day the feature events are the CTRA South Island Championship for Mini
Stocks, B Grade Saloons and Flat Trackers...there will be support races for all of our
regular classes however for the benefit of all, we really do need to have bigger fields in
some classes!
A Grade Saloon Teams- We issued a challenge to Oxford for an Ellesmere v Oxford A Grade
Saloon teams event.
All of the recent rainouts at both tracks have meant that this event may have to be
delayed until ' a later date'.
6 Cylinder Sprints- the guys who went over to Australia and raced at Archerfield and
Grafton had a blast, and proved to be very competitive. Hopes are high that the Aussies
might make a return visit.
Sponsors- we are always after the support of businesses, so if you own a big or
small business, we can cater for all of your advertising needs!
PHOTOS- remember to support TJ Photos, our official track photographers...email Trev at tjphotos@hotmail.com
Bob Lambie and Kevin Burt are headed off to the CTRA Conference this weekend. We have a
number of issues that need to be discussed with our controlling body- mainly in the
regards of bringing a bit of uniformity to the North Island, and South Island rules.
Website advertising...if you have any RACE RELATED items for sale, please let us know, and
we'll place your ad on the website, for a minimal cost.
E Mail list...obviously we have your email address, but please forward this to any other
'interested' persons...they don't need to be members of the EMRC. If you have received tis
update 'second hand'..please forward your email address to ellesmereraceway@hotmail.com
CANCELLATIONS- keep your eyes on our website... www.ellesmereraceway.co.nr, macgors- www.macgors.has.it or tune in to More FM 92.1
at 10AM on racedays. At the next race meeting, when you sign in, leave us your cell phone
number, as we are going to compile a register of these so that you can be advised on
cancellations by txt
REMAINDER OF SEASON
August 24 CTRA S.I Mini Stock, B Grade Saloon and Flat Tracker Championships
September 14 CTRA SI 6 Cylinder Sprint and Youth Mini Stock Championship
October 12 Club Day
+ Saturday August 2+
+ Ellesmere Raceway has had to postpone the meeting scheduled for August 10, until August 24. The meeting will still feature the CTRA sanctioned South Island Championships for B Grade Saloons, Mini Stocks and Flat Trackers.+ Wednesday July 23+
+ Ellesmere Raceway invites all competitors who are racing, or intend to race at the track to register with their email service by emailing ellesmereraceway@hotmail.com Drivers will be kept up to date with any information relating to future meetings.
+ Sunday July 6+
+ After a short period of hibernation the EMRC is gearing up to kick back into action for the completion of the 2008 season. The season calendar has been updated with details of the remaining meetings.
+ Saturday June 7+
+ Due to the current coldsnap hitting the Canterbury region, the meeting set to take place tomorrow (Sunday June 8) at Ellesmere Raceway has been cancelled. A suitable date for the rescheduled the meeting has yet to be decided.
+ Tuesday May 20+
+ A quick review of the last race meeting (11 May) has been added.
+ Entry forms for the two championship titles to be run at Ellesmere Raceway's next meeting are now available. Download the relevent entry form below.
CTRA South Island B Grade Saloon Champs. CTRA South Island Ministock Champs
+ Wednesday May 7+
+ A belated report of Ellesmere's 25th Anniversary Meeting has been added to the reviews page.
+ Tuesday April 29+
+ Captured through the camera lens of Brian Hopping, heres some action shots from the ANZAC day meeting:
For prints of these images or to view other photo's taken on the day visit: http://www.mainlandphotos.co.nz/
+ Sunday April 20+
+ Meeting Update! High interest from the local T.Q midgets ranks has seen the class added to the meetings line-up.
+ Saturday April 19+
+ The next meeting at Ellesmere Raceway is fast approaching and what a meeting it should be, with all the major speedways around the region now going into their off-season Ellesmere could offer drivers those last few laps before winter fully sets in. Friday April 25th - Ellesmere will be celebrating 25 years of racing at the current location and is hopeful that a few of Canterbury's top midget car drivers will be on hand to add to the already exciting mix of classes set to run on the day....
+ May 11th will be another hotly contested meeting at Ellesmere Raceway as the CTRA Sanctioned South Island A Grade Saloon and CTRA South Island Modified/Mini-sprint titles will be contested. Entry forms are now online and can be downloaded from here: S.I. A Grade Saloon Championship. S.I. Modified/Mini-sprint Championship.