A “once in a lifetime” rain event rather than the dreaded COVID-19 virus has prompted cancellation of the 2022 Speed Week by Dry Lakes Racers Australia (DLRA) which was scheduled for February 28-March 4 about 440km northwest of Adelaide.
“Due to record rainfall over the lake (Lake Gairdner in South Australia) and the surrounding area we are left with no choice,” says DLRA president Greg Wapling who understands it could be many months before washed-out roads are repaired and the lake cleared of about 500mm of “very dirty water”.
“Over three days Mt Ive (Station) received 181mm of rain – more than 60% of its annual average – with many of the surrounding homesteads receiving similar rainfall,” Wapling explains.
“This has been an exceptional event and you have to go back to 1974 for the highest recorded totals.”
Wapling says the DLRA camp at Lake Gairdner appears to have escaped damage.
This year’s entrants who have lodged entry forms and fees can roll over their entry to next year or apply for a refund, with further announcements expected.
Photos of the flooding can viewed here.
