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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RED TAPE CAN’T STOP THE NOISE: NOMAD DIRT CULTURE CHAMPIONS GRASSROOTS RACING AS SPEEDWAY SEASON KICKS OFF

August 22, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

TOOWOOMBA SPEEDWAY

The engines are officially roaring at Hi-Tec Oils Toowoomba Speedway as practice night launches the new season. While Nomad Dirt Culture (NDC) encountered administrative red tape regarding track access this season, our commitment to Australian motorsport heritage remains completely unshakable. Fences do not dictate journalism; the drivers, pit crews and diehard fans who keep this sport alive will always have our full support.

Led by founder and lead motorsport journalist Jocelyn Dare, NDC continues to establish itself as the premier digital authority on Australian grassroots Motorsport racing. Driven by a mission to preserve speedway, motorsport heritage and deliver modern digital reach to local teams, NDC proves that authentic storytelling transcends venue boundaries.

To mark the opening practice, NDC is proud to feature work from industry mentor and legendary motorsport photographer Andy Ticehurst of Andy Ticehurst Media. With over 40 years of credentialed experience in media, Ticehurst’s veteran lens captures the raw power of tonight’s practice line-up—covering Late Models, Modlites, Speedcars, V8 Dirt Modifieds, Wingless Sprints and Speedway Sedans.

At a time when Australian venues need visibility more than ever, NDC remains dedicated to providing high-impact coverage that protects, promotes and elevates the sport professionally from every vantage point.

MEDIA CREDITS