Since sprintcars raced around Allansford Premier Speedway for the first time on March 27, 1971, the dedication of some fans has never wavered.

Speedway fanatic David McCrabb understands the addictive thrill of sprintcar racing better than many people.

He has attended every single Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic since the first one in 1972 in various roles, including serving as a clerk of course for 15 years – a role that placed him, quite literally, at the centre of the action.

“The noise that comes in on top of you … the ground vibrates and your chest vibrates from all the engines,” he said.

“It’s different. I know it’s great fun spectating, but I would love to still be in the centre.”

Mr McCrabb’s love of racing started when he was growing up in Warrnambool and hot rods used to race at the nearby horse racing track.

He said when he looked at the Classic’s growth over the years, since he helped set the first event up, pride was his main feeling.

“I’m a Warrnambool boy through-and-through and I love seeing all the people coming for the May Races, for instance,” Mr McCrabb said.

“Anything that puts Warrnambool on the map – I’m all for it.”

Warrnambool business owners say tradition is an important part of the event.

Kermonds Hamburgers’ Brett Healey said speedway was a part of the city’s heritage.

“Kermonds and the speedway are a joint tradition,” he said. “

“In 1949 Kermonds started. I’ve been here for 33 years and speedway fans have been here for as long as I can remember.”

Mr Healey said the Classic was his favourite event on the Warrnambool calendar.

“Its always really busy but the fans are always happy,” he said.

“They’re as regular as clockwork. Nothing changes. As long as they are well fed they’re happy.

“They come in and order the same burger, and they sit at the same table wearing the same speedway shirts everyday – the ones signed by the drivers.”

And for speedway fans it’s the same.

Fourteen-year-old Wallan schoolgirl Courtney Andrews has been attending the Classic since she was born.

“This is my 29^th year,” mum Jan Andrews said. “Courtney is third generation speedway fan. I can remember her falling asleep in her pram at the track when she was two-and-a-half months old.”

Self-confessed speedway addict Noel Moran from Ringwood has seen more than 25 Classics and said he constantly added to his clothing collection.

“I buy a T-shirt every time I go – in fact I’ve bought along one to wear each day,” he said.

Interstate travelling fan Glenn Nichols agreed.

“I think I have a whole drawer full of speedway T-shirts,” he said. “Maybe even more.”

What do fans love most about the unique sport?

“The power, the smell, the noise, the crashes and the racing,” Mr Nichols said. “And the fan-friendly drivers.”

Mr Moran said he admired the drivers’ skills and facilities at Allansford’s Premier Speedway.

“The track – being able to stay in one spot and see all the action,” he said.

Courtney loves the atmosphere. “And all the lovely people you meet,” she said.