THE SHOW will go on for the city’s speedway this Saturday night despite being robbed of its beloved red tow truck.
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Thieves stole away with the 1971 Ford F100 from the Buninyong Redline Raceway on Wednesday night, just days before one of the Belmont Speedway Drivers Club’s biggest meets of the year.
The tow truck is used during meets whenever there is an accident, flat tyre or broken wheel to ensure vehicles are hoisted and removed quickly. Crashes can occur up to four times during an event. However, organisers have ensured the quick pace and exciting atmosphere of Saturday night’s King of the Mount event will not be seriously affected.
“The crowd is here to see fun, fast racing,” club vice president Greg Raggatt said.
“We’re not nervous because we know we’ve got support from guys with tilt trays. There was never any question as to whether we’d go ahead. Even if I have to go out and pick them off the track myself, we’re going ahead.”
The club is expecting about 1500 at the event, with competitors travelling to attend from across Australia.The club purchased the tow truck 25 years ago and estimate its value at about $5000, but replacing it is another matter entirely. Mr Raggatt said he “hates to think” how much a new tow truck would cost the club.
Mr Raggatt said the club was currently upgrading the competitors’ car park and had mesh along the fence, which the thieves had simply driven through to steal the tow truck.
He said other vehicles had been tampered with, but the tow truck was the only one the thieves had managed to hot-wire and drive away.
“It’s very recognisable,” Mr Raggatt said.
“I look at it and think if it hasn’t shown up on the side of the road by now, we’re probably not going to get it back. It’s not something someone could use, so it’s going to end burnt out or cut up for parts.”
Buninyong police are currently investigating the theft.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au