Queensland property developer Keith Williams built his Surfers Paradise International Raceway complex in 1966 on the site of an old cow paddock near the Nerang River. The complex included a world-class road-race circuit, speedway, and what was then Australia’s best dragstrip, with lights for night racing. There was even a landing strip for aircraft.
A team of American drag racing hot shots first arrived at Surfers in 1966 bringing the latest A/A Fuel dragsters, including George Schreiber’s wild Yellow Fang. This was the start of the big time. Local drivers were just starting to invest in imported machinery, like Des Leonard and his Valspeed Plymouth Ramcharger.
When he launched his new raceway, Keith Williams created Surfers Speed Week, including a 12-hour sports car race and a fashion parade where exotic cars and models shared the catwalk.
It was exciting and ground-breaking at the time, and it helped launch 'SPIR' as a highly successful Queensland motorsport venue that endured for more than 20 years. In the meantime, Williams quit the Gold Coast and headed south to Adelaide, where he built Adelaide International Raceway.
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