ADVICE FOR SPECTATORS

Speed week is six days of racing. From Monday through to Saturday.
Racing should start around 8.00am and run till 6.00pm with a lunch hour around 12.30pm.
Any vehicle can run at any time on any day, there is no list or schedule. And there are no special days for cars or motorcycles.

Vehicles that have qualified to break a record will usually be the first to run in the morning.

We hope you enjoy your time at Speed Week and if you have any questions or require assistance, find the Registration Van in the middle of the pits and ask the people there.

1. SPECTATING

Spectators will pay an entry fee at the gate at the entrance to the lake. Whilst within the event area, spectators are under the control of DLRA officials and volunteers and will comply with their directions. Failure to comply will result in explusion from the event area.
There will be special areas assigned for spectating whilst the vehicles are racing. Included with your Lake Entry will be a program, in the program will be maps showing track layout and spectator areas, please take the time to read this and note where you can spectate from.
The pits will be open for you to enjoy during race times, but for security reasons will be closed to spectators at all other times.

You can purchase a lake entry passes at the entrance to the salt. It doesn't matter if your there for a day or a week the cost is the same, the fee is per person, you can pre-pay for this on our Online Booking system.

2. ARM BANDS

All spectators must wear appropriate Lake Entry armbands in order to be permitted on to the salt. The bands are obtained from the check point at the lakes edge or the registration caravan. Spectators access is confined to the entry road, pits and designated spectator area at the start line, all other areas are restricted.

3. VOLUNTEERING

Spectators are more than welcome to volunteer* at Speed Week. Check out the Volunteer Register to see the range of jobs we have on offer and the days and times they are available.
You can apply on line or just come up and see us at the Registration Caravan.
(* Obviously there are some jobs that require a specific level of expertise or experience, but there are plenty of jobs there for everyone)

4. ROAD RULES AND SPEED LIMITS ON THE SALT

The salt is a National Park, all South Australian Road Rules apply. Seat belts must be worn in cars and helmets worn on bikes. All vehicles, other then competing vehicles, must be registered or have an appropriate permit. No riding on tailgates or in the back of utes. On all roads keep to the left.

The last 35 kilometres in to the lake (from the DLRA sign) is a Private Road on a pastoral lease, and as such your vehicle insurance may not cover you or your vehicle in the event of an incident, please check your policy. Same goes for hire cars.

On the mats from the edge of the lake. 10kph maximum.

Access roads from the edge of the lake to the start line or to the pits 60kph maximum

In the pits, walking pace only.

Track 1 dedicated support vehicle track from the Start Line to the return road, 100kph maximum (60kph past the pits)

Track 1 return road restricted to entrants vehicles and support vehicles 100kph maximum.

See Track Layout Map.

Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the event.

5. DRIVING ON THE LAKE & PARKING

Spectators are permitted to drive their vehicles onto the lake. However they must dust their vehicles off prior to entering the lake and must desalt upon leaving the lake. Whilst on the lake you will be under the direction of officials at all time. Please stick to defined access roads and observe the 60kph speed limit.

Officials will be monitoring the access road constantly and may re-align the road as required. If the salt under the access road begins to deteriorate spectators vehicles may be banned from entering the lake. There is ample parking in front of the canteen and a shuttle service may be provided to the pits.
Spectators must only park in designated Spectator Parking areas as defined in the track layout and program. There are found at the south east corner of the pits and adjacent to the start-line. Spectators definitely DO NOT park in the pits.
NOTE: All vehicles must be parked on a tarpaulin to protect the salt from fluids dropping from vehicle. This is a fundamental requirement of our agreements with the Lake Gairdner Co-Management Board and the Department of Environment and Water. Failure to do so will result in the vehicle being expelled from the salt. If a driver/rider can't be found for a vehicle it may be removed for you.
Please obey all signs.

6. ALCOHOL

Alcohol is permitted on the lake in cans only, do not bring glass onto the lake in any shape or form. It's best to enjoy your favorite beverage within the designated Spectator Areas, if you can refrain from bringing alcohol into the pits, that would be appreciated. Alcohol is strictly banned from the Technical Inspection area and the Start Line.
The lake is a public place, South Australian Road Rules apply, if the police catch you driving with a blood alcohol content over 0.05 is a $600 fine, over 0.08 and it's straight to court.

7. KEEPING TRACK OF THE ACTION

If you have a UHF radio tune to channel 15 to listen to the official DLRA broadcast. Do not use UHF channel 10, this is used for communication between the Race Director and entrant support vehicles.
We will also be broadcasting on 89.2FM.

Details of entrants as well as information on vehicle classes is available in the program.

8. PROGRAM

There is a souvenir Speed Week program printed that you can pick up at the Registration Van while they last. It contains a list of all the pre-entrants as well as details of vehicle classes so that you can work out what all those letters mean, so it's a handy thing to have to follow the action.

There is a schedule of events program on-line for you to check out as well. Although each day is pretty much the same. Wake up, race, go to bed x 5...

9. OPERATIONAL PLAN

The Operational Plan describes the requirements to conduct the annual Speed Week held at Lake Gairdner in South Australia by the Dry Lake Racers Australia.
All motoring events have an element of public risk and potential for environmental impact. The Operational Plan has been compiled with due consideration to reduce these risks and to prescribe the tasks required to conduct a safe and enjoyable event for participants and spectators.

10. RESCUE AND MEDICAL ATTENTION

The DLRA has doctors and an ambulance on duty for the full duration of Speed Week. We also have a sizable number of fire and rescue crew and vehicles. If you require their services contact your nearest DLRA official and they will call them for you or direct you where to go. There is medical services located in the pits next to the merchandise truck. In the event of a emergency medical evacuation it is highly recommended that you have current medical insurance, even though Flying Doctor Services are free.

11. CATERING AND PROVISIONS

Your last chance to stock up on provisions is at Port Augusta. Prices are reasonable so there is really no need to drag it all the way from home when you can load up on the way.

Coming from the West your last chance to stock up will be Wudinna or Kimba depending upon which road you take in.

There is a canteen on the edge of the lake operating for most of the time we are there, you can buy cold drinks, beer, and all your meals there if you wish. They sell cooked breakfast, lunch and dinners, sandwiches etc.. Prices are very reasonable and the dinners very generous. To see the menu go to the catering page.

If you are not buying from the canteen you will need to provide all your own food and drink. Bring more than what you will think you need in case you get stuck out there for whatever reason.

For those that are staying at the DLRA camp there is a free to use large cool-room for you to store perishables. Salt Bush camp, you're on your own.

12. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Spectators are free to set up in the designated spectator areas and once you have set up you are at liberty to leave what ever you want there. So long as you have tarps under any vehicles and fuel etc. contained in bunds. However we strongly advise do not leave small items out in the open at any time day or night, better to keep them under lock and key. Same goes for your vehicles, especially if they are unattended for any length of time. Over the years, there has been the occasional opportunistic theft, but thankfully these are rare. Better to be safe than sorry.
If you are away from your vehicle during the day, make arrangements with your neighbour to keep an eye on things. The pits are open to the public during the day and the lake is open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm each day. There is a DLRA security team on the salt each night that patrols the pits and the lake.
Any shade structures that you have must have the covers lowered or removed each night as it gets very windy and they will quite easily blow away or be destroyed or potentially damage your vehicle or worse some body else's vehicle.

13. DEW FIRE BANS

• You cannot light a wood fire in parks during the Fire Danger Season (November to March). Some parks have year-round bans on wood fires.
• All open fires, liquid fuel and gas stoves are banned in all parks on Total Fire Ban days as declared by the Country Fire Service (CFS) and broadcast on the radio. Parks may be closed to visitors on Total Fire Ban days. Contact the CFS Bushfire Information Hot-line on 1300 362 361

14. FIRE RESTRICTIONS

• DEW imposes fire restrictions to ensure the safety of visitors using the reserves, and to protect the reserves and neighboring properties. This includes the Mt. Ive Station camp and the DLRA camp.
• For information on fire restrictions in National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and Wilderness Protection Areas contact DEW.

15. WATER

The water in the tanks at the Salt Bush camp and the DLRA camp is not suitable for drinking.
You are strongly advised to bring your own drinking water

We have a contractor who sells ice by the bag or the block, and considering where you are it is quite reasonably priced. He has a route around the pits and the camps morning and night. He will be there from the Saturday before Speed Week until the Friday we pack up.

16. RUBBISH

The rule is very simple, EVERYTHING YOU BRING IN, YOU TAKE AWAY WITH YOU. There are bins for recyclable containers ONLY (cans, PET bottles) at the canteen or you can bag them up at your camp site and someone come around and collect them.

There are NO bins for you to dump rubbish in at the salt. Bring some nice thick garbage bags and take it back to Port Augusta.

17. FUEL

Your last stop for fuel is Port Augusta, so take the opportunity to fill up then. There is no service stations on the Eyre Highway between Port Augusta and Iron Knob where you turn off on to the dirt. So you will need enough fuel on board to make the 432km return trip out to the salt and back plus what ever traveling you do while your out there. You can buy petrol and diesel (no LPG) at the Mt. Ive Homestead which you will pass on your way in and out.

Coming from the West your last fuel will be Wudinna (340km return) or Kimba (256km return) depending upon the route you have taken.

18. MONEY

Life at the lake is a cash society. Bring plenty. But you will only need it if you want to buy something.

There are no EFTPOS facilities at Lake Gairdner, nor at the canteen or registration. But there is EFTPOS at Mt. Ive homestead but no cash back.

There area number of banks in Port Augusta, Wudinna and Kimba.

19. COMMUNICATIONS and the INTERNET

Due to the remote location there is no fixed land line, mobile coverage or internet.

If this is something you require your only option is a satellite phone, modem or hot spot.

The DLRA will not be making these forms of communication available to you, this is something you will need to organize and pay for yourself. We do have a satellite phone which is used for emergency communication only. We can recommend devices and networks that you could buy or hire equipment from.

There is one fixed line phone at the DLRA camp, the next closest phone is at Mt. Ive Station.

Mobile phone reception finishes very shortly after you turn on to the dirt at Iron Knob.

20. BEAT THE HEAT

It will be hot, very hot and you will be walking around during the hottest part of the day. Bring appropriate clothing and a wide brimmed hat, sun glasses and plenty sunscreen. The salt is a very reflective surface, think about it and apply sunscreen to all those place that normally don't get burnt. You can bring your own shade structure to the salt, however all structures must be disassembled at the end of each day as there is usually very strong winds throughout the night.

Please read this information about avoiding Dehydration and recognising Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke.

21. ACCOMODATION

21.1 Accommodation AT LAKE GAIRDNER DURING SPEED WEEK

You have 3 options;

1. Mt. Ive homestead has a number of limited rooms, and most of this is booked from one year to the next. There are some shearers rooms available with dormitory style sleeping, but be quick and book ASAP. There is also a camping area at the homestead, tents and caravans are welcome, but you are in the outback so be prepared. Power, water (drinking), food and fuel, you have to be self sufficient, there is some power and showers. The homestead is some 18 km's from the lake. For bookings, contact Mt. Ive homestead direct.
2. The DLRA camp is where competitors and their teams and regular visitors have purchased beds in semi-permenant structures. For Spectators there are plenty of un-powered sites, with toilets and showers available . The camp is about 6 km's from the lake. Camping fees can be paid online, at the registration van in the pits or at the lake entry vehicle check point at lake during Speed Week, once paid you will collect your wrist band which must be worn at all times.
3. The Mt. Ive camp; located behind the canteen and very close to the lake. All persons intending to use the bush camp at Lake Gairdner are required to take Porta Potties for personal use - human waste is not to be left in the bush. No camp fires are permitted to be lit near the bush or trees surrounding the bush camp. To stay here you really need to be self sufficent. Run by Mt. Ive Homestead, no bookings required, pay at the canteen.

NOTE: There is strictly no camping upon the Lake itself.

There is a canteen on the edge of the lake operating for the week of the event only, you can buy cold drinks, beer, ice and all your meals there if you wish. They sell cooked breakfast, lunch and dinners, sandwiches etc.. Prices are very reasonable and the dinners very generous.

21.2 Accommodation in PORT AUGUSTA

There are a number of caravan parks and motels in Port Augusta. The DLRA recommends the Big 4 Caravan Park, Cnr Highway One & Stokes Terrace, Port Augusta. In recognition of DLRA members support over the years the Big 4 offers all racers and spectators a special 15% discount for all bookings for this year and no cancellation fee will apply should the need arise. Please do not book on-line as the discount is only available dealing directly with our staff in reception. All you need to say is that you are part of the Lake Gardiner Salt Lakers and they will add the discount to your booking.

Port  Augusta Big4 Holiday Park Ph 08 8642 2974

21.3 Accomodation in Kimba

For those people coming from the West of Australia the DLRA recommends the Kimba Gateway Hotel, 40 High Street Kimba, Postal: PO Box 42, Kimba SA 5641, Phone: (08) 8627 2888 Fax: (08) 8627 2310, Web: www.kimbahotel.com.au
They are also very happy to offer discounts for groups or singles for accommodation – you just need to mention that they are with the Dry Lakes group.
Kimba is just 120 kilometres, but about 4 hours drive to the lake.

22. Risk Warning and Indemnity Release

Motor racing is dangerous and neither the Dry Lakes Racers Australia Inc., the proprietors of Mt. Ive Station, the Government of South Australia, nor any promoter or conveyor of this or other meetings will be held responsible and a spectator, buy having paid entry to the event agrees to make no claim whatsoever against Dry Lakes Racers Australia Inc., promoters or conveyors for any damage, injury or loss arising out of or in connection with any activity convened by Dry Lakes Racers Australia Inc.
The spectator has examined and made themselves aware of the racing venue, safety equipment, fire rescue and medical services and other aspects of the venue, and are satisfied and accept the risks that exist in this environment.
If at any time the spectator considers the venue to be unsafe, they will voluntarily withdraw themselves from the event.
Spectators accept that immediate medical care and / or evacuation may not be available when required and that delays may occur for whatever reason before medical care and / or evacuation is available.
Spectators accept full and entire responsibility for any and all consequences, injuries or otherwise that may arise from their attendance at the event and waive any and all legal liability and / or cause of action that I may now have or hereafter acquire against the Dry Lakes Racers Australia, or any of its members or anyone employed or acting as timers, starters, inspectors or in any other capacity in conducting such races and / or timing event at Lake Gairdner or any other place.
By paying for spectator entry to the event the spectator affirms that I have read and understand the rules and regulations of the event and will comply with them.

WrightsAir will be again conducting commuter , joy and charter flights and landing at the lake again this year. More information available on the WrightsAir page.