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.

Latest News

SPOT 05 • FEATURED BRISBANE & QLD

SECTION 5 AD SPACE

Advertise your brand here. Prime trackside & online exposure for SEQ businesses.

HIRE SECTION 5 →

WORLDWIDE REACH GLOBAL AUDIENCE

SECTION 6 AD SPACE

Advertise your brand here. Connect directly with international motorsport & dirt fans.

HIRE SECTION 6 →

FEATURE STORY

GREEN AND GOLD GLORY: TEAM AUSTRALIA CROWNED SPEEDWAY WORLD CHAMPIONS

30 August 2026

WARSAW, POLAND Team Australia has etched its name into international motorcycling history, storming to victory in the 2026 FIM Speedway World Cup (SWC) Final inside a packed PGE Narodowy Stadium. Amassing 38 points to defeat...

READ FULL ARTICLE →