In what looks set to be a much needed win for drag racing in Victoria and Australia in Australia, it has been revealed that Heathcote Park Raceway is now in the hands of new owners, with Victorian racing families Wally and Lyn Szabolics, Daniel and Sandy Szabolics, and John and Lauren Ricca having formed a partnership and acquired the facility.

“We are honoured to announce that Heathcote Park Raceway has officially entered a new chapter,” said Wally.

Work has commenced to improve the facility, and according to Dan, it’s already looking better than it ever has before. “We’ve been trying to keep things quiet, but we’ve been out there cleaning the place up for weeks,” said Dan.

“We have big plans; hopefully when people pull into the place they won’t be able to recognise it, because everything will be new and fresh. We want to focus on attracting Group 1 stuff, Drag Challenge and other large events, rather than just opening up every weekend for test and tunes. We’re hoping it’ll be the start of a new era for Victorian drag racing.”

This comes after the track has laid dormant since July 21st 2025, when it ceased operations under previous ownership. The sale has been in the works for quite some time and has been a convoluted process, with multiple delays.

“It’s been a massive, massive job to try and get the sale through,” said Dan. “If it wasn’t for Wally, John and I would have walked away ages ago! He’d always say, ‘These young fellas need to learn to be a bit patient and work though things!”

With the sale now finalised, HPR’s new owners are stoked to lead the facility toward a brighter future: “We’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead, not just for Heathcote Park Raceway, but for drag racing in Victoria and the wider racing community,” said Wally.

“Our shared vision is driven by passion, respect for the sport, and a deep commitment to the racers, teams, families and fans who make this community so special. This is only the beginning!” Street Machine looks forward to sharing more news about Heathcote Park Raceway’s future as details come to light.