Katherine Speedway
Location: Bicentennial Road Katherine NT
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Phone: 0438 808 131
Mobile: 0438 808 131
Get Involved in Speedway
Attending different types of Speedway racing events will help you work out which discipline of the sport you would like to become involved in.
Speedway events are run on almost every weekend of the year, depending on which state you’re in, and range from grass roots events to major events such as World Series Sprintcars or the National Super Sedan Series.
As a Speedway competitor, you’ll experience the thrill of being in the driver’s seat at high speeds in intense competition.
The cost of competing varies depending on the type of Speedway racing you would like to participate in – from varying licence costs to the cost of a car, travel and spare parts. Here are a few pointers to get you started in Speedway!
Hours: Call mobile number provided
Description
Junior Speedway: A Brief History
Australian junior motor racing began at the Forest Hill Speedway Association in 1971, hosting fields of unmodified cars (mostly Prefects, Angler 105s and Triumphs) that were perfect for junior racing thanks to their low entry cost.
In 1978, 1200cc stock cars with roll cages, welded drivers seats and virtually no other modifications became popular. In 1998, Speedway Sedans Australia took junior racing national, with approximately 60 WA competitors and smatterings of other competitors across the rest of the country, holding their first national title in 2002.
In 2005, Quarter Midgets were incorporated into a junior program for the first time. Open-wheel junior racing is a relatively new concept - most of today’s elite open-wheel drivers progressed through the Junior Sedan ranks before making the switch.
Minimum Ages
Minimum ages for competition vary between Speedway divisions. Generally, junior competitions facilitate drivers up to the age of 16 years. After turning 17, the driver can enter senior competitions. Children as young as 5, up to the age of 16 years may compete in JQMA events. To compete in ASCF Junior Sedans, children must be aged between 10 and 16 years.
Entry Costs
Entry costs also vary between Speedway divisions. For Juniors, the Junior Quarter Midgets Australia Association (JQMA) have implemented a ‘stock standard’ rule for all classes to help keep the running cost to a minimum for families (a Quarter Midget is a ¼ scale version of an actual open wheel midget racer). As a Speedway entry point, the JQMA is focused on teaching children race craft and good sportsmanship, not “he who spends the most wins”. For an entry level vehicle plus gear, getting started in a Quarter Midget is likely to cost between $5500 and $8500.
ASCF Junior Sedans, another popular entry point for junior racers, can be cost effective and one of the safest forms of junior competition. Vehicles are limited to 1200cc of power in sedan, coupe or hatchback, enabling older, cheaper vehicles fitted with roll cages such as Datsuns, Escorts and Charades to compete.
To get started as a senior driver can seem daunting. After all, going up against experienced campaigners on the track is a big step. Many Speedways have participation or come-and-try days, where you can try out Speedway without fully committing yourself financially. Speedway Australia also offers One-Day Licences to competitors, so you can get out on the track without paying for a full season of racing. One-Day Licences are also available for junior drivers.
Becoming an Official
Another option may be becoming a Speedway Official. Becoming a Speedway Official at grass roots events is an inexpensive way to experience the sport first hand, while learning what goes on at a Speedway track, rules, regulations and what competing is all about – who knows, soon you just might be officiating National Speedway Events!
Junior Official licences are available for applicants as young as 14 years of age.
Before You Start Competing
To ensure that every Speedway competitor is fit and capable to compete, all competitors must be licensed. This means that they have applied to Speedway Australia for a Speedway licence and have satisfied the licensing criteria by:
Becoming a member of an association or club,
Applying For a Speedway Australia Licence,
Submitting a health statement,
Undertaking an approved medical examination,
Agreeing to abide by the Speedway Australia Drug & Alcohol Policy,
Agreeing to abide by the Speedway Australia Code of Conduct.
Where To Start
The JQMA operates in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales at Avalon Raceway, Brisbane International Raceway and Gunnedah Speedway.
ASCF Junior Sedans compete at a range of venues in most states throughout Australia.
Competitor Associations are a fantastic source of information. The best way to get involved in racing is to visit an association, club or track and ask them for advice!
Joining an association or club helps you meet people who can assist you to get into the sport, and can be a great place to buy spare parts or even your first vehicle.
For more information on upcoming events and getting involved in Speedway, contact your Speedway Australia State Branch or Speedway Australia Head Office directly on (08) 8139 0777.
You can also find a Competitor Association or Track by clicking the links.