CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF THE EKKA: WHERE GRASSROOTS MOTORSPORT HERITAGE LIVES ON

By Jocelyn Dare, Nomad Dirt Culture Editorial (Independent Motorsport News)

For 150 incredible years, the Royal Queensland Show—our beloved Ekka—has stood as the ultimate celebration of Queensland culture, community and tradition. From the iconic showbags and woodchopping to the livestock rings, the RNA has created a legacy that generations of families cherish.

But for the Nomads, engine builders and dirt-track diehards, the Ekka holds a second milestone that hits right in the chest: this October 16th marks 100 years of Grassroots Motorsport at the Exhibition Speedway.

The team at the Ekka have recognised the power of high-octane family entertainment, keeping the spirit of motorsport alive in the main arena decade after decade.

Displayed at Channel 7 Pavilion Room, Photo source: Jocelyn Dare Archives

Honouring a Century of Dirt, Methanol and Smoke

Walking through the grounds during this 150th celebration, the deep roots of Australian motorsport are impossible to miss. On display is a classic Jawa Solo Speedway bike, presented alongside the historic Vintage Speedcar Association (Qld) Inc. plaque—a tribute to the brave riders and drivers who turned the Ekka arena into Queensland's premier coliseum of speed starting back in October 1926.

That commitment to entertainment continues today through world-class displays that keep the crowd on the edge of their seats:

• TrackSkill V8 Team: Delivering precision driving, roaring V8 power and crowd-pleasing tire smoke.

• Aussie FMX Team: Gravity-defying aerial stunts from high-flyers like Brodee Rowan, Brodie, and Tyler Wakeford.

• The Grand Parade Connection: Seeing Jocelyn Dare represent the grassroots motorsport community in the historic 150-Year Ekka Grand Parade proved just how deeply entwined racing culture is with Ekka history.

Captured on 12th August at the Ekka Grand Parade. Featuring Jocelyn Dare, Amber Carmichael, Brodee Rowan, Brodie Carmichael, Rhianna Buchanan, Tyler Wakeford.

 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE: An NDC Speedway Show at the Ekka?

Grassroots motorsport at the Ekka has never been just about chasing trophies—it was built to bring smiles, laughter, deafening engine roars and unforgettable memories to everyday families sitting in the grandstands.

As we look toward the 100th anniversary of speedway at the Exhibition grounds, Nomad Dirt Culture wants to take that tradition to the next level.

What if Nomad Dirt Culture brought a dedicated Speedway Team to the Ekka main arena next year?

Imagine an explosive, high-energy display of pure showmanship—bringing classic speedway nostalgia, loud engines, family banter and raw motorsport entertainment back to the iconic dirt track where it all began.

LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN: Drop a Comment Below! 🏁

If you want to see Nomad Dirt Culture light up the main arena with an official Speedway show at the Ekka next year, we need the community to make some noise:

1. Comment 🏁🏆 below if you’d back an NDC Speedway team at the Ekka!

2. Tag @theekka and tell them you want to see pure grassroots speedway entertainment on the main arena schedule next year.

3. Share this post to help keep Queensland’s 100-year speedway heritage alive!