Motorsport Australia joins the wider motorsport community in mourning the loss of Chris Piggott, following his passing in late-February.
Chris made an indelible mark on the New South Wales motorsport community, founding the Raleigh International Raceway in 1988.
In 1980, then aged 24 and a motorsport enthusiast, Chris had a vision of building a racetrack on his family property.
With his parents’ blessing he applied to Council for permission to construct an autocross circuit.
Approval to start construction was given and in 1982 Chris designed and constructed a dirt track, a distance of 1,300 metres, and in 1983 the first event was held.
In 1985 Chris received approval for a dirt go kart track of approximately 500 metres. In 1987 the surface went to bitumen and the canteen building and tower were erected.
The year 1987 marked the formation of the Raleigh Kart Club and Raleigh Raceway was officially opened on 13 March 1988.
In 1990 Raleigh International Raceway became affiliated with CAMS (now known as Motorsport Australia) for karting.
Then in 1992, Chris had an opportunity to hold international events for karting, encouraging him to upgrade his circuit, increasing its length to 1,050m.
In 1993, the first International was held at Raleigh International Raceway with competitors from overseas and Australia, attracting 5,000 spectators, a major milestone for Chris and his team.
In 2009, drifting was introduced at Raleigh Raceway and in the same year Chris decided to build a Saloon Car, Falcon AU.
Chris entered the car in a support category, with his son as driver, at Bathurst, Phillip Island, Mallala, Sandown, Eastern Creek and Warwick. The team went on to win the 2010 Championship in the NSW Saloon Car Series.
Major events to take place at the raceway over the years include Aussie Legends, Bandag Bullet, VW Spectacular, Hotrods for over 20 years, Ford Kartstars, stages of the World Rally Championship on multiple occasions and Supermotard.
Chris continued to promote grassroots motorsport at Raleigh International Raceway until his passing. His generous nature, knowledge and smile will be missed by all.
Motorsport Australia extends condolences to Chris’ three children Bradley, Rachel and Daniel, sister Amanda and brother Brett.
Vale Chris.
