Orange City Council has given in-principle support to the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club's proposal to build a motor racing museum at the former Gnoo Blas motor racing circuit.

Councillors voted unanimously to support the motion of in-principal support for the car club’s museum, which was put forward by Cr Kevin Duffy at last Tuesday’s meeting. Council also agreed to support the club in exploring options to use part of Crown Land at Jack Brabham Park, the site of the historic Gnoo Blas track, to help progress the project.

Addressing council prior to the vote last week, Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club President Wayne Swadling highlighted the history and legacy of the Gnoo Blas Motor Racing Circuit.

“Established in 1953, Gnoo Blas was the site of many Australian firsts,” Mr Swadling said. “It hosted Australia's first FIA-sanctioned international race in 1955, placing Orange on the world motorsport map. It was here, in 1960, that the very first Australian Touring Car Championship — now known as the Supercars Championship — was held. Many of our country's greats, Max Stewart as well as the legendary Sir Jack Brabham, had their very first road race here,” he continued.

“The museum will ensure that the stories of Gnoo Blas — its victories, its setbacks, its heroes and volunteers—are not lost to time.”

Mr Swadling also spoke of the potential economic benefits he believes a museum would bring. The annual Gnoo Blas Classic Car Show already attracts visitors from all over the county and is estimated to have brought in $3 million to the Orange economy, he said.

“The Gnoo Blas Museum would be a magnet for motoring enthusiasts from around Australia and overseas,” Mr Swadling said.

“It would give people a compelling reason to travel to Orange — not just during our annual Classic Car Show, but throughout the year.”

The club’s preferred site for the proposed Gnoo Blas Museum is at "Windsock Corner” on the northern edge of Jack Brabham Park. Mr Swadling said their proposal includes adding much-needed new amenities that would be available for sports teams, spectators, and park visitors... such as a cafe and a function space, making it an important community asset.

“We see this museum not just as a destination, but as a resource for the people of Orange — one that enriches their use of the park, strengthens community identity, and makes Sir Jack Brabham Park a more vibrant, multi-purpose public space,” Mr Swadling said. “This is not a facility for an exclusive few — it is a centre for the whole region.”

The first hurdle for the Gnoo Blas Classic Car Club’s proposal is that the chosen location is on Crown Land, but Mr Swadling is optimistic that with the support of council, as well as that of State Member for Orange Phil Donato, they will succeed.

“We’ve got a vision, and our committee is unreal – they’ve all been working really hard on it – so if we can get the land, then we can start looking at funding and then finally get it started.”