This book from avid motorsport enthusiast and historian, Bill Pearson makes me sad. 
 
I’m delighted to have it, but reading about so many great places that haven’t lasted is both good and bad. It’s great to have so many listed, with so much wonderfully researched information about them. Bill has done his work assiduously, talking to the right people, and finding fascinating facts from more than 200 different sources! 
 
The sad part is that so many failed, for a wide range of reasons. They reflect the passion of people who want to go perilously fast, but also that haven’t always been good at the finances of keeping them going. The other aspect, however, is population growth; as towns spread, newcomers to the motor racing area often complained about the noise – and won. The courts don’t seem to be on the side of motorsport. 
 
As Bill notes, without this book, most of us would not know of the many tracks that grew at the edge of regional towns, of the bigger, fancier places that held events like Australian Grands Prix, Australian Touring Car Championship races, or of the even less likely places, hill climbs - of which a few were where what are now Sydney residential areas. Nor of a couple of banked ovals. 
 
Although I’ve seen a fair few open and close, there are names and places I’ve never heard of, so thank you, Bill Pearson, for putting them on the record. Well done. 
And rest quietly those lost venues.