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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John Lytras Dominates Pro Twins Sweep at Aussie Flat Track National

September 9, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

WODONGA, VIC

Pro Twins rider John Lytras (#308) put on a sheer display of dominance at Round 3 of the Aussie Flat Track Nationals, claiming pole position and sweeping all four races for a perfect 225-point haul.

Lytras proved unmatched across the weekend in Wodonga, setting the pace from qualifying through to every single checkered flag. His flawless four-for-four victory in the Pro Twins class stands as one of the most commanding performances of the championship season, highlighting the elite caliber of talent powering Australian flat track motorsport.

With the Maryborough and Wodonga rounds now locked in, the Yamaha Aussie Flat Track Nationals head into the high-stakes final stretch of the season:

Round 5: Griffith, NSW — October 10
Round 6: Gunnedah, NSW — November 7
Round 7: Gunnedah, NSW — November 8

As grassroots dirt racing continues to draw passionate crowds across regional Australia, performances like Lytras’ demonstrate why flat track is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting disciplines to watch on two wheels.