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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THE ART OF THE DIRT: 1970 ALL-CHROME JAP

June 1, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

Published: 12th May 2026, Brisbane.

ALL CHROME. ALL CLASS. IPSWICH 1970

This is Les Steward on his Jackson Rotrex JAP at Ipswich Speedway, shared with us by his son, Terry Steward.

A perfect example of when engineering becomes an art form. We are auditing the last 103+ years of history and its families like the Stewards who keep the record alive.

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