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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Night 1 of the Australian Late Model Championship

June 1, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

Published: 3rd May 2026, Toowoomba.

Night 1 of the Australian Late Model Championship and the V8 Dirt Modified Championship was pure, raw horsepower.

Walking through the pits tonight, I was reminded why I started Nomad Dirt Culture. documenting this journey because I believe in the Gold Standard of our culture. We’re not just here for the highlights; we’re here for the heritage.

Day 1 is in the books. The rigs are being prepped, the stories are being told, and tomorrow night... we go again. See you at the fence.

I want to hear from you guys, were you standing at the fence with me tonight, or were you glued to the screen watching the live stream?