Saturday was a reunion race meet for 70 of the sport’s best – the track has been closed for events since rider Ashley Jones was killed in a racing accident in 2005.

Big names of speedway travelled from across Victoria to take part and Bright-bred Australian sidecar championship duo Robbie Armstrong and Glen Hough were on their home track for the first time since 1997.

“Years ago, we would come down here on a Sunday, and that lead to a career in racing,” Hough said.

“It’s great to see it up and running again.”

The sports veterans were joined by newcomers too – Madison Kerss, 11, from Melbourne competed with Toby James in the junior 250cc class, calling her first competition “fun but scary”.

Dad Brett Kerss said the Myrtleford track re-opening filled a gap for his daughter’s training.

“It’s an awesome thing –  we have only Broadford or here to choose from,” he said.

“Madison wanted to get on board like dad, and it was time to get her behind the steering wheel, though their mums aren’t too keen on it.”

Alpine Council Mayor Ron Janas, a “bit of an old rev-head” made sure he was there to see the engines start up once more.

“When it was at its peak, they needed security guards, the hill was full of spectators and it was a great boost to our local economy, an iconic event,” he said.

“With the death of Ashley, it all came to a very abrupt halt.

“He was a very bright, top rider and it was an unfortunate incident.”

Mr Janas said with safety improvements made and fresh enthusiasm, he believed it would continue.

“It’s great for the region – with every sidecar, there’s six support staff,” he said.

“These guys that have got this going have dipped into their own pockets to do it.

“We hope they can get some more government support to continue this into the long term.”

Speedway president David Hogg, who has pushed for the re-opening since he started on eight months ago, said he was already knocking on doors for funding.

“We want to do capital works here – put covered pit areas in, concrete, a new office, toilet block and canteen – all that sort of thing,” he said.

“We do have big plans and we want to see this going ahead for Myrtleford.”