The 77-year-old is a former track captain and committee man with Halifax Harriers but emigrated to Australia in 1970 and lives in Canberra.
Thackray remembers the notoriously sloping grass track at Spring Hall, which has given way to a superb £1million version opened two years ago.
And he is putting the new facilities to good use as he prepares to take part in the 100m, 200m and 400m in the British Masters at Birmingham at the weekend.
Thackray said: "I was impressed to see the track at long last.
"I have been kept up to date with what has been happening and it is definitely what was needed - all the local talent was going off to Spenborough and Bradford."
Thackray recalls an earlier effort to bring Calderdale's athletics facilities up to scratch. "We were invited to have a look at Shroggs Park in 1953 or 1954 but nothing came of it," he said.
Thackray and his wife Hilary (neeTetley) are mid-way through a two month stay with ex-Harriers clubmate Joe Bragg and his wife Barbara in Sowerby Bridge.
"I also met my wife througth athletics," said Jack. "She was a spinter but she couldn't run fast enough to escape from me," he quipped.
Thackray could run the 100 metres in about 10.8 seconds in his prime and he can still cover the distance in around 15 and a half seconds. He has had a couple of second places in Australian championship events this year after winning an amazing six titles - including two over hurdles - at Hobart last year.
Around 750 competitiors are expected to attend the British Masters and Jack, having made the most of the facilities at Spring Hall, looks sure to give his rivals in the 74 to 79 age group a run for their money.