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.

SPOT 01 • FEATURED NATIONAL REACH

SECTION 1 AD SPACE

Advertise your brand here. Prime trackside & online exposure for Australian motorsport.

HIRE SECTION 1 →

SPOT 02 • FEATURED TARGETED AUDIENCE

SECTION 2 AD SPACE

Advertise your brand here. Connect directly with authentic grass-roots dirt racing fans.

HIRE SECTION 2 →

Listen To Story (AI Reader)

THE AUSTRALIAN ARMOUR GOES ON THE WORLD STAGE. BRADY KURTZ TAKES P2

June 1, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

The helmet isn’t just kit, it is the final piece of armor before stepping into battle. Tonight, the historic Markéta Stadium tested the absolute limits of the world’s elite and our Aussie boys did not take a backward step.

You can’t teach raw Australian grit. Massive respect to the entire contingent for putting their bodies on the line, leaving everything on the track and defending the lineage tonight.

A special salute goes to @bradykurtzbkr for putting on an absolute masterclass and surviving the trenches to take a massive 2nd place on the world stage!