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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WHERE PASSION RUNS DEEP: How Historian Walkabout With Rob Preserved the Sacred Legacy of the Ekka

August 23, 2026|Jocelyn Dare

BRISBANE, QLD

Preserving the foundation of Australian motorsport requires more than preserving race cars; it requires remembering the pioneers who built the tracks and the heroes who gave everything for the sport. Nomad Dirt Culture is proud to highlight content creator Walkabout Rob (YouTube: WalkaboutWithRob) for giving Australian speedway history the massive platform it deserves in his latest Ekka anniversary vlog.

When Nomad Dirt Culture’s Jocelyn Dare connected with Rod during the production of his Brisbane Exhibition (Ekka) feature, she supplied verified, documented history honouring the 12 brave individuals who tragically lost their lives on the Ekka speedway track. Through this collaboration, Rob brought these critical historical records to a global audience, ensuring their names, sacrifices and contributions to grassroots racing remain unforgotten.

The vlog features rare archive footage and historic photography from the Nomad Dirt Culture vaults, including a landmark photo of speedway legend Ron Johnson alongside Bill Bingham during the glory days of Vincent sidecar racing at the Ekka.

"Without our history roots the tree would not grow and without the deeper roots the tree will fall. History for Grassroots Motorsport is sacred for the future because without it the soul wouldn’t exist. History is there to remind us that those who came before us deserve honour and respect but also how far passion runs deep into the community." — Jocelyn Dare, Founder of Nomad Dirt Culture Pty Ltd

This collaboration reinforces Nomad Dirt Culture’s unwavering commitment to factual motorsport journalism, heritage preservation and supporting independent creators who put the integrity of the sport first. Honouring our pioneers and keeping historical records accurate is how we pass the true soul of Australian Grassroots Motorsport down to the next generation.

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