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 BUILD IS ON. YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A BRAND NEW JUNIOR SPEEDWAY SIDECAR

June 1, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

Published: 12th May 2026, Brisbane.

WHO WANTS A BRAND NEW SIDECAR?

We aren’t just looking back at 103+ years of history we are building the next century. Team Thompson Racing is putting a brand new Junior Speedway Sidecar on the track and it could be yours.

The Mission: 100% of these funds go toward building another bike and getting more kids into the pits.

THE DETAILS:

$100 per entry

Strictly limited to 100 tickets (Incredible odds!)

Verified build quality by TTR

HOW TO ENTER:

1. Head to the @teamthompsonracing page.

2.Read their terms & conditions at https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16op2J7QU5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

3. Message them to secure your number on the board.

TAG THE NEXT CHAMPION below who needs this bike!

Nomad Dirt Culture is providing official media coverage and advocacy for this initiative. All entries, payments and raffle management are handled exclusively by Team Thompson Racing. Please contact their page directly for terms, conditions, and number allocation.

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