Where and when did speedway start?

Speedway culture began in Australia on January 1, 1901, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during an illuminated Night Cycling Carnival featuring motorized tricycles, followed by official motor bicycle races in 1902. While commercial promoters credit Maitland Showground in 1923, historical archives held by Nomad Dirt Culture prove track motor racing existed two decades prior across NSW showgrounds.

Did speedway start in Maitland in 1923?

No. The 1923 Maitland event was a grass-track novelty show where riders were disqualified for putting a foot down to slide. Speedway and illuminated night motor racing actually originated earlier, starting at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1901 and Newcastle Rugby Football Ground in 1905.

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KATARNA ROBINSON TURNS HEADS ON ROYAL ENFIELD DEBUT AT AFTN PRO TWINS

September 4, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

Location: Wodonga, Victoria (Wodonga Flat Track)

Katarna Robinson (#334) brought pure grassroots grit to Round 3 of the Australian Flat Track Nationals (AFTN) in Wodonga, steering the K.M.E Racing Hunter Valley Motorsports Royal Enfield to an impressive 8th overall in the competitive Pro Twins class.

Track Breakdown & Performance Focused on setup progression and building confidence on the new twin-cylinder machine, Robinson consistently chipped away at her lap times across the weekend, dropping over two seconds from her opening qualifying stint:

Qualifying 1: 8th (24.759)
Qualifying 2: 8th (23.754)
Race 1: 8th (22.758)
Race 2: 9th (22.555 — Weekend Best)
Race 3: 9th (23.423)
Race 4: 9th (23.593)
Championship Standings: 8th Overall | 130 Points

Grassroots Energy & Twin Power Reflecting on the meeting, Robinson highlighted that it was the most fun she’s had on a bike since her early 85cc days at Queensland tracks like Gum Valley and The Retreat. Lowering her lap times in 4 of the 6 track sessions showed immediate promise on the Royal Enfield platform as the team dials in the chassis setup.

Key Partners Behind the Campaign

Hunter Valley Motorsports: Machine acquisition, technical setup, and custom 19” wheel conversion.
Royal Enfield Aus NZ: Direct backing for the Flat Track campaign.
Teencee Graphics: Custom livery design by Rach and the crew.
Revelry Racing: Technical guidance and after-hours workshop assistance.

Source & Photo Credit: K.M.E Racing / Katarna Robinson

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