A Century of Speedway: Three Generations of the Titman Family Celebrate 100 Years of Brisbane Dirt Track History

BRISBANE, QLD

One hundred years ago, on 16th October 1926, motorcycle speedway made its official, historic debut on the iconic arena clay of the Brisbane Exhibition Ground (the RNA).

While Australian dirt track racing traces its foundational lineage as far back as 1901 in New South Wales, that October night in 1926 cemented the Ekka into Australian sporting folklore. For the next six decades, the Brisbane Exhibition Ground served as a cultural cathedral, drawing tens of thousands of spectators every Saturday night to watch fearless gladiators slide sideways on raw horsepower and sheer nerve.

To mark the historic centenary of that inaugural 1926 meeting, Queensland’s motorsport community gathered this week for a heartfelt tribute organized by dedicated vintage speedway. Hosted by dedicated vintage speedway enthusiasts and members of the Vintage Speedway Association of Queensland (VSAQ), the centenary was commemorated with a special clubhouse gathering and heritage machinery display. Marquees, historic scrapbooks, and meticulously preserved racing hardware lined the grounds as generations of supporters, mechanics, and former riders shared memories from the sport’s golden eras.

The highlight of the day was an appearance by three generations of one of Queensland’s most celebrated racing dynasties: the Titman family.

Surrounded by friends and supporters, Australian speedway legend John "JT" Titman—the 1977 Australian Solo Champion, multi-time Queensland champion stood proudly alongside his son, prominent sprintcar competitor Kevin Titman, and his grandsons, who are continuing the family racing tradition.

Central to the display was JT’s original, immaculate 1978 Weslake 500cc machine—the very bike he piloted under the twin towers of London’s Wembley Stadium during the Individual World Speedway Championship Final.

Reflecting on the family milestone and the centenary of the sport, Kevin Titman noted:

"Not 'On Any Sunday' — 3 Generations of a Racing Family. The Original Weslake Bike ridden by Dad 'JT' in 1978 World Speedway Final at Wembley, the 2nd last World Final run there, one for the ages! All on a day celebrating 100 years since Speedway began at the World Famous EKKA, our family Church. Now on 4 Wheels these 2 Keep the Legacy rolling!"

 

The relaxed clubhouse event offered enthusiasts a rare, up-close look at machines that contested world championships, while paying quiet homage to the volunteers and club stalwarts who dedicate their personal time to maintaining vintage machines and cataloging Queensland’s dirt track heritage.

Preserving Heritage for the Next 100 Years

Within the Nomad Dirt Culture (NDC) historical archives sit the verified records, photography, and competition history of legends like John Titman, alongside the foundational legacy of icons like Ron Johnson.

Grassroots clubhouse displays serve an important role in keeping personal memories alive among dedicated club circles. At the same time, safeguarding the long-term future of speedway requires institutional engagement.

Media & Archival Information

• Subject: John Titman 1978 World Final Weslake display & 3-generation family feature.

• Event: VSAQ 100 Years of Brisbane Exhibition Speedway Clubhouse Gathering (18.10.2026).

• Participants: John Titman, Kevin Titman, and 3rd Generation racers.

• Archival Preservation: Nomad Dirt Culture IP Historical Motorsport Collection.

• Image Courtesy: Kevin Titman Archive.