Motorsport fans can get the New Year off to a flying start this Saturday with the Wangaratta Motor Sport Club’s first event for 2012.

Speedway action returns to the popular Wangaratta track for a night of fast-paced action, with five categories chasing the chequered flag.

The feature event will be the Wangaratta 1000 for Production Sedans, with Bob Bailey and Steven Laidlaw two of the favourites in a field that includes locals, as well as drivers from as far afield as Leeton and Rosedale.

Junior drivers will take centre stage with the first round of the Goodyear Auto Care / Home Hardware series, with up to eight drivers fighting it out for the win.

The first round of the Vic Sports Sedan series will also take place, with drivers fine tuning their driving and cars for the state title, to be held in Wangaratta on February 25.

Standard Saloon drivers will also have an eye on their state title, to be held in Wangaratta in early March. The field for tomorrow night’s race includes local drivers Bob Jarred, John Patton and Stuart Densom.

The meeting will also feature races for Compact Speedcars and GP Midgets.

Gates open for spectators at 12pm, with racing to start at 4pm and will continue until around 11.00pm.

All categories will race several times during the night, with finals at the end of the program to follow the preliminary heats.

Entry to the track is $20 for adults, $15 for pensioners, with children under 16 admitted free if accompanied by an adult. A full commentary, event program and catering facilities are offered, as well as access to the pits* for those interested in taking a closer look at the competing cars, and for a chance to meet the drivers.

For further information on the Wangaratta Motor Sports Club, visit their website (www.wangcityspeedway.org.au), or phone 0427 308 976.