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147-615: Rowley Park Speedway is a former dirt track racing venue that was located on Torrens Road in Brompton, South Australia and supplanted the Kilburn speedway (1946–1951) on Churchill Road , and the earlier Camden motordrome (1935–1941) on the Bay Road . The speedway ran continually during Australia's speedway seasons (usually October to April) from its opening meeting on 21 December 1949 until its last meeting on 6 April 1979. Rowley Park

294-646: A demolition derby pit, or a tractor pull straightaway. Brisbane Exhibition Ground The Brisbane Showgrounds (formerly known as the Brisbane Exhibition Ground ) is a multi-purpose venue located in Bowen Hills , Brisbane . Established in 1875, it hosts more than 250 events each year, the largest being the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka) . The Brisbane Showgrounds was designed by Claude William Chambers and built by Walls & Juster. It

441-420: A National and/or Regional touring racing association to schedule a sanctioned event. The racers in these events earn points for ranking within the series and sometimes the tracks points. The associations also usually require a guaranteed purse from the tracks of sanctioned events. Some tracks also have a "run-what-you-brung" contest usually toward the beginning of the season. Spectator racing pits two drivers from

588-700: A Speedcar for an interview by Sydney-based Channel 10 television compare Steve Raymond (who was also the track announcer at the Liverpool Speedway in Sydney where his brother Mike Raymond was not only a Channel 7 motor racing commentator, but also the Liverpool track promoter), was hit twice in the face with a cream pie by his long-time friend George Tatnell (also from Sydney). With cream covering his face, race suit and his special helmet complete with drawings of naked ladies, Bonython laughed and said "I didn't know Tatnell

735-539: A Speedcar or TQ rolled, the driver was at risk of death or serious injury as his or her head was usually well above the height of the rear roll bar. Also, until seat belts became compulsory in the 1970s, drivers often raced without a seat belt or nothing more than a lap sash, leading to drivers sometimes being thrown from their cars. It wasn't until the late 1960s that fireproof racing suits became compulsory. Before then, drivers often raced in overalls and some even raced in shorts and T-shirts. Bike riders were at risk of hitting

882-435: A central clerestory . It was erected in 1876 along Gregory Terrace near the corner of Bowen Bridge Road, at a cost of £ 1254, and was a modification of a design prepared by Queensland Colonial Architect FDG Stanley. Sydney exhibitor Jules Joubert added a rectangular wing to the northern side to increase the extent of his exhibition. Cattle, sheep and horse stalls of hardwood framing with corrugated iron roofing were erected in

1029-415: A circumference of 402 metres (440 yards) (the track length would not be changed again). A safety catch fence was also added on top of the existing safety fence, which was re-shaped to follow the track in 1955. The catch fencing was upgraded again in 1965 and lasted until the track's closing in 1979. The chain mesh used in the catch fence was of such a heavy gauge steel that it was then transferred and used at

1176-424: A decade and all tracks paved over eventually reverted to their former surfaces. Each racetrack or sponsoring organization maintains a rule book outlining each class of race car which includes dimensions, engine size, equipment requirements and prohibitions. The requirements for each class are usually coordinated with multiple tracks to allow for the widest available venue for each type of car. This coordination allows

1323-840: A few original stock parts and may be nearly as fast as late model race cars. Most cars have their glass windshields removed and their interiors stripped out. The original seat may be allowed to be used in the lowest classes, but a racing seat and roll cage is required to be installed in higher divisions. Other safety and performance features are added to higher division cars. The engines in lower divisions are completely stock, and higher divisions are highly modified and enhanced. Most modified production cars use full exhaust systems. Engines vary from unmodified 4 cylinders to highly modified V8. Cars in lower divisions use stock tires, and higher division cars use purpose-built specified racing tires. Common names of modified production car divisions: These are Full-bodied cars with very few changes allowed from

1470-692: A late model stock. Crate late models use Chevrolet small-block engine engines that have been sealed with a special tag. Typical motors include the GM 602 and GM 604 engines. Recently the GM CT525 crate has been a popular choice of racers and some after-market Ford motors have surfaced in competition. Crate engines are sealed at the intake manifold, cylinder head , front cover, and oil pan with special twist off bolts. Crate engines must not be altered, modified, or changed in any way from factory specifications. Crate late models have three primarily Southern region touring series:

1617-568: A major concern and major injuries or even death was accepted as just part of the sport (during the 1960s, an average of 1.9 drivers and riders lost their lives in Australian speedway each season). In addition to the various state and national championships held at the speedway, it also held two memorial race meetings for the Speedcars. These were the "Harry Neale Memorial" and the "Rick Harvey Memorial", both named for popular drivers at Rowley Park during

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1764-401: A moist, properly prepared clay oval their favorite dirt racing surface. Preparing a dirt track correctly for racing is both a traditional learned craft as well as a long and complex job requiring hours of work. Typical machines used in track preparation include a grader, a cultivator or rototiller, 2 types of rollers and a watering truck, although the process varies at different dirt tracks around

1911-426: A number of classes, and many tracks offer both open wheel and stock car racing. There are a wide variety of event formats. These races are 2-5 laps for drivers to get an understanding of the track conditions and the set up of their race cars. They are at the very start of the night before qualifying and the heat races. A qualifying session happens before the start of the event. The Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series and

2058-522: A prominent roof fleche , was erected along the northern side of Gregory Terrace near the main entrance. A section of this building was utilised as a Post Office by August 1933. During the First World War (1914–18), a military recruiting and training camp, complete with a rifle range, was established at the Exhibition Grounds, but this did not prevent the annual Exhibition from proceeding. In

2205-618: A purely utilitarian exhibition of produce, animals and farm machinery, may have been induced by the additional attraction of the Acclimatisation Society Gardens. The Intercolonial Exhibition was intended to promote and showcase the agricultural, pastoral and industrial resources of the whole of Queensland. Whether it could be sustained beyond a single exhibition remained to be seen. The National Association did not wish to supplant regional agricultural societies and associations, but wished to encourage their organisation, and foster

2352-545: A road accident in 1956 while on duty. Harvey, who was 27 at the time of his death, was killed along with his partner, Constable John Raggatt, and a third motorcyclist, Giovanni Cragnolin. When speedway racing in Adelaide moved to Speedway Park in 1979, the Harry Neale and Rick Harvey Memorials were run there for many years. Rowley Park Speedway's long-time Clerk of Course was Glen Dix, who would later become internationally famous as

2499-437: A set number of points for where they finish, 1st-59 2nd-57 and so forth the lower they finish. To add to the points the driver gets for finishing, the driver also gets 1.5 points for each car they pass. They will then usually take the top 16 drivers with the highest total number of points and line up the A feature. There may be a semi-feature where unqualified racers may race their way into the remaining open starting positions in

2646-543: A show ring in the position of the present main show ring, the 1885 grandstand (where the Ernest Baynes Stand is now located), animal shelters along the boundaries and the secretary's residence near Brookes Street. The new exhibition building was completed in 1892 and a public holiday was declared for 10 August 1982 to mark the official opening of the Exhibition. Despite the economic depression, 32,000 people attended on

2793-639: A site for brick manufacture and by 1860 it appears that Aboriginal people were no longer able to reside in the area. In July 1863, the site became part of the Queensland Acclimatisation Society 's grounds. This Society, established in 1862 to promote the introduction, acclimatisation , propagation and distribution in Queensland of economically useful plants and animals, was granted 33 acres (13 ha) of land bounded by Bowen Bridge Road, O'Connell Terrace, Brookes Street and Gregory Terrace . At

2940-482: A spirit of friendly rivalry amongst them by holding a grand central exhibition for the competition of winners at minor shows. To avoid clashing with local shows and in order to hold the exhibition during fine weather, before the shearing season, and when good feed would be found along the roads, it was decided to stage the Exhibition in August 1876. The first exhibition building was a large timber hall with side aisles and

3087-469: A successful 20 years as Rowley Park's promoter. The consortium only ran the show for one season (1973–74) before it was taken over by the Racing Drivers' Association of South Australia. The RDA would run the speedway from 1974 until the track closed in 1979. After Bonython sold the lease he made a number of appearances at the speedway until it closed with people continually asking him to come back, though he

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3234-439: A variety of structures and facilities associated with the annual August Ekka. The site has been the venue for Queensland's principal agricultural exhibition for 139 years. It remains the home of the annual Royal Queensland Show and is Queensland's premier showground. Since 1876, four annual Royal Queensland Shows on this site have been cancelled: the 1919 Exhibition due to the influenza epidemic , in 1942 during World War II when

3381-561: A week later. Rowley Park had a number of track announcers during its 30-year history. Among those who lent their voices were Mel Cameron (father of long time Adelaide radio personality Grant Cameron), Noel O'Conner, Brian Lamprell, Warwick Prime and Jim Chamings. The final announcers at the speedway were David Sabine and media personality Rob Kelvin . Kelvin, who joined Adelaide television station NWS9 in 1979 and would go on to be Nine's Nightly News anchor from 1983 until his semi-retirement in late 2010. Sabine would also go on to commentate at

3528-479: A young boy in the late 1920s at the Wayville Showgrounds , successfully set about making Rowley Park Speedway the place to be in Adelaide on a Friday night during the summer. In 1953 the track surface was changed from shell grit and brick pipe clay to dolomite , which was ideal for both cars and bikes at the time. In 1955 the track was given a more oval shape and its length became 358 metres (392 yards), with

3675-519: A young solo rider from Christchurch in New Zealand named Ivan Mauger raced the Australian season primarily at Rowley Park. Mauger would go on to win a record six individual Speedway World Championships , and 15 World titles overall with wins in World Pairs , Teams and Long Track championships before retiring in 1986. It was while competing at Rowley Park that Mauger became friends with Jack Young,

3822-413: Is Speedway night" was the publicity slogan Bonython used for Rowley Park, as was a cartoon, with the words "Almost everybody goes to Rowley Park on Friday nights", which showed everyone from a grandmother to ambulance drivers (complete with a bandaged patient on a stretcher), and a jockey all making their way into the speedway. In January 1963 a reported crowd of 20,000 "Pie Eaters" (Bonython's nickname for

3969-551: Is also referred to as the RNA Showgrounds, Ekka Grounds, Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland, Exhibition Grounds/Show Grounds, and Royal Queensland Showgrounds. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 25 July 2003. The Brisbane Showgrounds is owned and operated by The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland . Over 9 days in August, it hosts

4116-555: Is being run. The racetrack dictates what type of late model is raced, but most fall into one of these categories: Current dirt super late models feature steel constructed tube frame chassis with aluminum bodies that give them the sleek aerodynamic appearance of a stock race car but there is nothing stock about these 2300 pound machines. The cars are powered by an 850 horsepower (630 kW) motor than can turn in excess of 9,000 rpm. The engines are based on V-8 Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Ford power plants. These cars are considered to be

4263-507: Is expected to take 15 years to complete, at a projected cost of $ 2.9 billion. The association with regional Queensland and the rural tradition has been and will remain central to the character of the Brisbane Exhibition and the grounds in which it is held, but the RNA has incorporated new ideas and technology to meet the expectations of today's show patrons. In recent years new attractions at

4410-475: Is generally regarded as the best motorcycle-only speedway in Australia, Gillman Speedway . At Rowley Park's final meeting, the feature race winners were: Graham Mason (Stock Rods), Bill Wigzell (Sprintcar), George Tatnell (Speedcar), Tony Orlando (Saloon Cars), Leigh Wingard ( Sidecar stars) and Lou Sansom (Solos). Also on hand to farewell the speedway was former track promoter Kym Bonython, who, while sitting in

4557-429: Is held for each division. The top cars from the event compete in the race. The starting positions may be determined by the season's point standings, or by a combination of the heat/qualifying speed/trophy dash/semi-feature finishing positions. It is usually the longest race in the program and depending upon the division it may range from 10 laps to 50 laps. Points, a trophy, and frequently a purse are generally awarded, with

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4704-879: Is much more expensive. To get the frame (chassis) and parts all new without the transmission and motor is around 20,000 to 30,000 dollars depending on the quality and from which manufacturer the chassis comes. The top manufacturers around the country include Rocket, Sweet-Bloomquist, Club 29, Longhorn, MB Customs, Black Diamond Racecars, GRT, Warrior, Barry Wright Racecars, Rayburn, MasterSbilt, Kryptonite, Domination chassis, and Schwartz Race Cars. The engines for these cars are around 850 horsepower and can cost up to 40,000 dollars. Motor builders include Hatfield Racing, Jay Dickens Racing Engines, Durham Racing Engines, Cornett Racing Engines, Sheered Engine Development, Gaerte Racing Engines, Clements Racing Engines, Custom Racing Engines, Vic Hill Racing Engines and Pro Power Engines. Most racing series and special events offer different motor options with

4851-498: Is repeated as necessary according to climate, location and soil composition. Using offset boom nozzles to on water trucks will avoid mashing aerated soil. A dirt track should be rolled and watered as required on race morning with a final light watering, just prior to wheel-packing. Outdoor dirt tracks are typically aerated 12" deep. Nearly all tracks are oval and less than 1-mile (1.6 km) in length with most being 1 ⁄ 2 mile (800 m) or less. The most common increments in

4998-538: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia , which since 1923 had been conducting a bank at the Exhibition Grounds during the annual show, constructed a purpose-designed bank building in the grounds, just to the south of the Council Stand. Although it was not uncommon for banks to establish agencies at showgrounds around Australia, this building is believed to be the only "exhibition" bank building specifically constructed for

5145-592: The Vacuum Oil Co . (concrete structure), and the Kodak Company Ltd , and a demonstration fibrous cement cottage designed by architect EP Trewern for James Hardie & Co . At this period the RNA sought to make the grounds a first-class venue for cricket, football and other sports, but had limited success in attracting the big matches. The year 1928 was a high point for the Association's sporting ambitions, with

5292-466: The "Rick Harvey Memorial". During the early 1970s, Kym Bonython saw that crowds at the speedway were starting to drop. This was due to competing attractions such as television. Prior to this, there had actually been little competition for the spectators money. The Six o'clock swill was still in effect until 1967 in South Australia (pubs were forced to close at 6 PM), cricket was still played during

5439-516: The 1910s, Brisbane architects Richard Gailey snr and Richard Gailey jnr established a relationship with the National Association which was to last through the 1920s and 1930s. In May 1914, they called tenders for the construction of a sheep, pig and poultry pavilion and fencing along Gregory Terrace and in 1917 for timber dog and horse pavilions. In 1917, Toowoomba's Austral Hall (designed by architect William Hodgen and erected in 1904)

5586-529: The 1920s and 1930s. Most oval track speedways are similar to those in the US for car racing such as sprint cars , speedcars (midgets) and sedans, with most tracks generally around 1 ⁄ 4 to 1 ⁄ 3 mile (400 to 540 m) in length. Most tracks have a clay surface, though some use dolomite , dolomite and clay mix or even sand and clay mix. During the 1970s and early 1980s, a small number of tracks were paved with asphalt, though this phase only lasted about

5733-637: The 1950s. Neale, nicknamed "The Black Prince", was South Australia's most successful driver who won the Australian Speedcar Championship in 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958 and 1959, as well as the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix and Speedcar World Derby in 1958. Neale was killed in a crash at Perth's Claremont Speedway on 6 February 1959 at the age of 39. Harvey, a motorcycle cop with the South Australian Police, died in

5880-405: The 1959–60 season, Bonython also went all out and paid for Peter Craven , the 1955 World Champion from England, to be based at the speedway for the Australian season. At Rowley Park Craven would be regularly matched against the 1951 and 1952 World Champion, Adelaide's own Jack Young and would become a crowd favourite at the speedway. Another import was in the very next season in 1960–61, when

6027-494: The 22-hectare (54-acre) site; comprising an upgrade to the showgrounds' facilities and the inclusion of new office, retail and residential spaces. This involved the demolition and clearing of various buildings and areas – mostly concentrated in the southeastern portion of the site (bounded by Alexandria Street, St Pauls Terrace, Costin Street, Constance Street and Gregory Terrace). Buildings and areas demolished or removed by 2015 included:

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6174-615: The 40-minute welcome ceremony at the Exhibition Ground. A number of new buildings were erected in the 1960s. In 1962, the RNA moved its offices from the Queensland Primary Producers Association building in Adelaide Street to the Exhibition Grounds and in 1970 a purpose-built RNA Administration Building costing $ 111,584 was opened. In 1963, on land acquired along Constance Street, a double pavilion known as

6321-425: The A feature event. This race is called the last chance qualifier or B feature. The cars who did not make the A feature through the heat race or qualifying session get one more chance to qualify for the A feature through the B feature. The B length is anywhere up to circa 20 laps. Depending on how many B's there are determines how many transfer to the A, anywhere up to circa 6 will transfer. If a driver transfers through

6468-560: The Agricultural Hall and Douglas Wadley Pavilion was constructed. The Agricultural Hall housed district and junior farmer exhibits. The Douglas Wadley Pavilion, extended in 1968 and again in 1977, housed dogs, and is used regularly for exhibitions in addition to the annual August show. In 1968 the Ring Control and Broadcast building was enlarged. By 1970, the grounds comprised approximately 55 acres (22 ha). The first animal nursery

6615-412: The Association's assets, leasing the Exhibition Grounds back to the Association at an annual rental. In the early 1900s, the Queensland economy revived and the National Association's financial position firmed. Substantial improvements and re-arrangements of the Exhibition Grounds were made in 1906 in time for the August show. A fine new grandstand, designed by Brisbane architect Claude William Chambers ,

6762-418: The B, they will start behind the drivers who made it through the heats / qualifying position. At selected other races with a larger car count, there may be more "alphabet soup" features (C, D, E, F, etc.). In those cases the drivers in the lower feature race will race with a certain number who advances to the next higher feature (e.g. top two in the F advance to the E, etc.). The A feature or main feature race

6909-484: The Commonwealth Bank. The northeast end of the building was extended in 1947. Despite the severe economic depression of the early 1930s, the Exhibition continued to attract its strong annual August attendance. More land was acquired, including a further 2 acres (0.81 ha) 23 perches (580 m ) excised from Bowen Park in 1932, bringing the total Exhibition Grounds to about 40 acres (16 ha). Improvements to

7056-649: The Durrence Layne Dirt Late Model Series, the United Crate Racing Alliance and the Fastrak Crate Late Model Series. There are hundreds of additional unsanctioned regional and national special events run throughout the year. Dirt and grass track bikes have capacities of 250, 350, 500 and in the solo classes and can reach speeds of up to 80 mph (130 km/h) on the straights and with no brakes fitted to

7203-578: The Economic Development Act 2012, with the term Priority Development Area superseding the term Urban Development Area). The RNA launched a project to redevelop the showgrounds and in 2009 selected property and infrastructure company, Lend Lease , as their redevelopment partner. In 2010, the RNA and Lend Lease unveiled plans for the Brisbane Showgrounds Regeneration Project, a redevelopment of 5.5 hectares (14 acres) of

7350-672: The Ekka show . Throughout the rest of the year, other events can hire spaces in the Brisbane Showgrounds. The site of the Brisbane Showgrounds, together with the nearby Victoria Park , was originally utilised by the Indigenous Turrbal or Duke of York clan as a camp ground. They called this area Barrambin . During the early colonial period, the British named it York's Hollow . During the 1840s, up to 400 Turrbal people would reside around

7497-416: The Ernest Baynes Stand overlooking the show ring, had been constructed. The Stand was originally two storeys. At some early period the northern end of the building was extended to incorporate an entrance to the seating in front of the stand. By 1938, a third storey had been added to the building and later a two-storey extension facing Executive Street was constructed. In 1927, legislation was enacted to grant

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7644-678: The Exhibition Building was refurbished for the Queensland Museum , which moved to the building from William Street in 1899 (now known as the Old Museum Building ). At this time the museum grounds were resumed from the National Association's land as a separate reserve. The National Association struggled to maintain the viability of the remaining Exhibition Grounds until 1902–03, when the Queensland Government took control of

7791-480: The Exhibition Ground was commandeered to host the matches, as a safe distance could be maintained between spectators and would-be protesters. A two-metre-high (6.6 ft) chain wire fence was erected to separate spectators from players. A new two-storey brick building for use by the police during the annual show was completed for the 1971 Exhibition. It was located inside the main entrance from Gregory Terrace and replaced an earlier timber building. A new Members Stand

7938-514: The Exhibition Grounds were occupied from late 1939 to 1944 by military authorities as a venue for training, accommodation and embarkation of troops. (Showgrounds and racecourses with their ovals and existing toilet facilities were favoured places to temporarily accommodate service personnel.) Troops at the exhibition grounds slept in pig and cattle pens; the bars beneath the John MacDonald Stand became wet canteens; and troop trains departed from

8085-547: The Exhibition Grounds, in time for the 1928 show. (Previously the creche was located on the main showgrounds north of Gregory Terrace.) The centre was operated by the Creche and Kindergarten Association and provided baby care while parents were enjoying the rounds of the show. In 1939, the Creche was removed to a new location near the Anglican dining hall, north of Gregory Terrace. In 1929,

8232-604: The Frank Nicklin Pavilion, Walter Burnett Building and Auditorium, Agricultural Hall and Douglas Wadley Pavilion, Frank Robertson Pavilion, Building No.4, Main Parade Food Stall and Show Time Snack Bar, Agricultural Street Bar, Machinery Street Fish Place, Agricultural Open Area, Industrial Open Area, Police Exhibit and chairlift. The plans for the project were approved in 2010 and construction began in April 2011. The project

8379-544: The Mayor of Hindmarsh, Florence Pens. 14 September 1991. The plaque was removed after it was destroyed by vandals. It was replaced in 2014. Rowley Park Speedway operated in an era when safety was not the main concern of anyone involved. It wasn't until the early 1970s that safety roll cages for the open wheeled cars and seat belts became compulsory. Until the addition of the roll cage to the cars, Speedcar and TQ drivers, plus bike riders, were most at risk of serious injury or death. If

8526-473: The National Association and Acclimatisation Society grounds creating the Exhibition railway station . The line was later re-routed via Central Station , Brunswick Street (now known as Fortitude Valley railway station) and Bowen Hills railway station , but the Exhibition railway line still opens each year during the August show. By 1882, the Exhibition Grounds comprised all the land south, southeast and east of

8673-501: The National Association called for competitive designs for a permanent exhibition building. Under the provisions of the National Association and Acclimatisation Society Act 1890, the land leased from the Queensland Acclimatisation Society for an exhibition ground was resumed and granted to the National Association as Trustees, who were also empowered under this act to borrow money from the Queensland Government to erect

8820-523: The National Association perpetual lease of the grounds, at that time comprising just under 20 acres (8.1 ha). There followed a burst of ground improvements, mostly designed by architect Richard Gailey Jnr, including a dog pavilion, meat exhibition pavilion, more turnstiles and a new lavatory block in 1927; new horse and cattle stalls; and turnstiles at the corner of Costin Street and Gregory Terrace, in 1928. Also erected in 1928 were show pavilions for General Motors Pty Ltd , Brisbane Cars & Tractors Ltd,

8967-433: The RNA's exhibition facilities. In 1936, Gailey called tenders for a Wool Hall, additions to the pig and horse pavilions, new Stock & Station Agents' offices and dining hall and a new yearling sale ring. New concrete roads and additional seating accommodation were provided. The old Industrial Pavilion was demolished in 1938 and its replacement, designed by Richard Gailey Jnr and covering an area of 3.5 acres (1.4 ha),

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9114-601: The Scottish Highland Agricultural Societies. They planned to hold exhibitions (mainly of pastoral produce) at Brisbane , Ipswich , Warwick , Drayton and Gayndah , in rotation, and some shows were held before the Association became immersed in more political activities. Nurseryman Albert John Hockings was instrumental in holding horticultural shows in Brisbane from 1855. In the 1860s other regional agricultural and pastoral associations were formed, among

9261-455: The U.S. are 1 ⁄ 2 mile (800 m), 3 ⁄ 8 mile (600 m), 1 ⁄ 3 mile (540 m), 1 ⁄ 4 mile (400 m), and 1 ⁄ 8 mile (200 m). With the longer tracks, the race cars achieve higher speeds up to 160 mph (260 km/h) and the intervals between cars increase. This decreases the chance of crashes but increases the damage and chance of injury when cars do crash. In Great Britain

9408-512: The World of Outlaw Late Models use the qualifying system to line up their heat races. They give each driver 2 timed laps to get their times. This system is also used to line up the big crown jewel events. For most of the regional series they use the method called the "pill draw." Before the races each driver draws a number and that determines where they start in their heat race. Recently the innovation of Transponder Scoring has brought dirt track racing into

9555-459: The action for nothing from their rooftops or erected small grandstands for friends to also watch, something that those running the speedway never complained about. Not all local residents were fans of the speedway though as evidenced by the complaints to the local council. At one time Kym Bonython allegedly asked a lady whose house overlooked the Speedway if he could paint a sign promoting Rowley Park on

9702-422: The amount of each is determined by finishing position. The winner of the feature event is considered the winner of the event. Many tracks have special events which tends to draw a larger crowd. Occasionally, a track will sponsor a "powder-puff" race to allow women the opportunity to drive racecars for a few laps of racing. Otherwise, woman racers may compete in the same events as the men. Many tracks contract with

9849-643: The annual Exhibition, the building is in constant use for all sorts of activities, including expositions, balls and conferences. It was also the venue for the first public airing of the Fitzgerald Inquiry Report on corruption in Queensland, on 3 July 1989. In 2008, Bowen Hills – including the area of the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds – was declared an Urban Development Area under the Urban Land Development Act 2007 (replaced by

9996-573: The beginnings of commercial agriculture in Queensland, introducing or trialling crops and plants such as mango trees, ginger plants, sugar cane , olive trees and choko vines. The history of the Ekka on the site of the Brisbane Showgrounds dates back to August 1876, with the staging of the Queensland Intercolonial Exhibition. None of the buildings from 1876 have survived, but the grounds have increased from an original 12 acres (4.9 ha) to 22 hectares (54 acres) and contain

10143-466: The bottom of "The Brick Pit" was below the level of the water table , which made playing soccer virtually impossible. The Soccer Association then obtained a lease on Hindmarsh Oval from the Hindmarsh Council but, as owners of Rowley Park, were keen to make money from it rather than let it sit unused. The initial lease for the speedway was £ 26 per meeting plus a toll of 1 penny per head through

10290-659: The class, the cars may have wings to aid in handling at higher speeds. Open wheel cars are generally manufactured with tubular frames and a body purchased for that particular class. The wheels of these vehicles are not protected by fenders; they are exposed or "open". Classes include: Open wheel sanctioning bodies include: Popular chassis manufacturers around the country for winged sprint cars are Eagle, Maxim, J&J, Triple X, and GF1. There are also several engine builders that build both 410ci and 360ci engines for traveling sprint car teams. Speedway, Kistler, Gaerte, Wesmar, Shaver, Don Ott Racing Engines, and Fisher Racing Engines are

10437-427: The country, Bonython was forced to pay Tattersall himself when others showed a lack of interest. Tattersall's crowd-pleasing performances at Rowley Park soon had other promoters changing their tunes though. "Tats" as he was known, made his international debut racing a V8/60 at Rowley Park, but ended his first night in hospital after an accident in the speedcar feature race where he hit the turn 3 fence, causing him to miss

10584-505: The daytime, Harness racing was held on Saturday nights at Wayville and later Globe Derby Park , at the time Greyhound racing was banned in Adelaide, while television was still in its infancy. Keen to further his interests in the art world, Bonython moved his family to Sydney and bought an art gallery and sold the lease on Rowley Park to a consortium of local former race drivers – Kevin Fischer, Cec Eichler, Rex Sendy and Ray Skipper, thus ending

10731-621: The driver and passenger working together to obtain the best grip and speed around the corners. Many obsolete race vehicles that were left in barns to rust are being restored to their former glory. The restored race vehicles are being displayed at car shows and sometimes raced. Cars that compete in vintage racing events are from the late 19th century to historic cars from a few years ago. There are more than 170 racing events in North America, and thousands of other vintage events sanctioned by hundreds of clubs. The typical race program usually involves

10878-475: The drivers to compete at many different racetracks, increase competitors' chances of winning, and lets racing associations develop a series of race events that promote fan interest. Many tracks support two types of racing in their programs, open wheel cars and stock cars. Both types range from large and powerful V8 engines to small yet still powerful, four-cylinder engines. Some of the smaller open wheel race cars have classes for single-cylinder engines. Depending on

11025-459: The drivers. Super Stock cars are very similar to Late Models and can be built from the ground up by the racers. They have limited engines and other restricted items that keep them from being full blown Late Models, but they are much more powerful than the Street Stocks and are an intermediate class between Street Stock, Modifieds and Late Models. The bodies are aftermarket or made by the racers in

11172-763: The earliest being the Darling Downs Agricultural Society (based at Toowoomba ) in 1860, the Drayton and Toowoomba Agricultural and Horticultural Society in 1864, the East Moreton Farmers Association (based at Ipswich) in 1866 and the Eastern Downs Horticultural and Agricultural Association (based at Warwick) in 1867. These Associations conducted annual exhibitions of agricultural, horticultural, and pastoral produce and farm machinery. Prizes were awarded for best exhibits. The object

11319-492: The factory except for the roll cage. These would also be considered Pure Stock, but not full sized. These are also Full-bodied cars but can have changes to the frame, engines, tires and some changes to the suspension. They have to have bodies shaped like the actual cars that are used on the street direct from the factory. As with the Pure Stocks cars, all are required to have a full set of Roll Cages and safety harnesses to protect

11466-454: The factory models sold for general use on the streets. Changes can be limited to a certain type of tire, making some parts of the car stronger to withstand the punishment of racing and so forth. All cars used on the race track are required to have a full set of Roll Cages and safety harnesses to protect the drivers. Some tracks have what they call Hornets which are smaller unibody cars with 4-cylinder engines, that must be pretty much as they left

11613-409: The feature event. In a race where they qualify to determine their starting position for the heat race they use a "heads up" system. This system is where there is a predetermined set of cars that go to the A feature from the heat race, usually either the top 3 or 4. In a race where they use the pill draw to line up the heat races they use a method called passing points. In this system a driver receives

11760-401: The first exhibition building was destroyed by fire. The public called for it to be replaced with a masonry building, but the National Association was reluctant to commit to the necessary expenditure without more secure land tenure, against which they could borrow money for permanent exhibition buildings. In 1888 a temporary timber exhibition building was constructed for approximately £ 500, while

11907-578: The first few years he also controlled the bike races until the Speedway Riders' Association selected their own starter. As a flagman, Dix became famous for waving the checkered flag in the same enthusiastic manner for every car that crossed the finish line, no matter whether the driver finished in first or last place, a trait he continued at the Formula One Grand Prix meetings. Due to the growing number of complaints from residents about noise and

12054-407: The gate based on a minimum of 23 race meetings per season. The speedway was originally shaped with four distinct corners and the safety fence was almost rectangular in shape and was nicknamed "The Butter Box". The first meeting at Rowley Park took place on Wednesday 21 December 1949. The original promoter of Rowley Park Speedway was Wal Watson, one of the group of disgruntled drivers who brought about

12201-496: The general shape of the brand being represented (Chevrolet, Ford, Dodge, etc.). These cars are automobiles just as driven on the street; including the original interiors. The engines may be modified as allowed under different rules: Saloon These are stock cars custom built for racing, usually with welded tubular frames and custom built or purchased bodies. The most popular type of dirt full-bodied stock cars are late models. They are categorized depending on what track and series that

12348-534: The grounds and a small showring was established north of the Exhibition Building. The first Queensland Intercolonial Exhibition was declared open by Governor Cairns on Tuesday 22 August 1876 and ran until 28 August. It proved immensely popular, with a total of £ 1045 taken at the gate. Thereafter, the Exhibition became an annual event. In the period 1876–1888, the National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland expended an estimated £ 7000 on

12495-403: The grounds at this period included more cattle stalls along O'Connell Terrace (architect Richard Gailey Jnr) and a new show pavilion for Foggitt Jones Pty Ltd (architects Addison & MacDonald ) in 1932; and a new dairy produce hall (architect Richard Gailey jnr) for the RNA in 1933. As the economy recovered during the second half of the 1930s, a number of substantial improvements were made to

12642-533: The grounds were occupied by military personnel and the 2020 and 2021 shows due to COVID-19. Queensland's 1876 Intercolonial Exhibition was not the first competitive demonstration of agricultural and industrial progress in the colony. In 1854, squatters from the Darling Downs and Moreton Bay districts of New South Wales established the Northern Districts' Agricultural and Pastoral Association, modelled on

12789-405: The grounds. The main exhibition building was doubled in size for the 1877 exhibition and another annexe was provided for horticultural exhibits. In 1879, the National Association was awarded a lease of 23 acres (9.3 ha) of the 32-acre (13 ha) Acclimatisation Society grounds for a period of 50 years, for use as an exhibition ground. In 1881 the railway to Sandgate was constructed through

12936-414: The holiday and more than 66,000 over the four-day course of the Exhibition. However, the National Association did not escape the effects of the 1890s depression , struggling to repay the government loan on the exhibition building. In 1897 the Queensland Government resumed the building and liquidated the Association's debts. The Exhibition Concert Hall continued to serve as a concert venue but the remainder of

13083-456: The internet immediate post "live" scoring and timing of events (Race Monitor). Preliminary races for each class, called heat races, frequently open the schedule. The heat races may determine the starting race position in the main events and usually earn season championship points. The heat races are shorter than the feature races, and not as many cars race in each heat, from 8 to 12 laps for a heat race. There are numerous formats for qualifying for

13230-551: The machine. The American Grand National dirt track championship uses motorcycles of up to 750 cc capacities and can reach speeds of up to 130 mph (210 km/h). There are three sidecar classes. The continental class has a 500 cc single-cylinder engine, also in Great Britain there are left- and right-handed sidecar machines with the engines up to 1000 cc. Sidecar races are some of the most exciting in Grass Track sport, with

13377-425: The major automakers with certain modifications as allowed for each class. There are several general types: These cars are modified manufactured automobiles. There is a high degree of variability between classes of modified cars. The lowest divisions of modified production cars may be completely stock except for having their interior or windshields removed. The highest divisions of modified production cars may have only

13524-537: The man who waved the checkered flag at the Australian Grand Prix during its years in Adelaide (1985–1995). Dix was first involved at the speedway in 1952–53 when he 'pencilled' information for 5KA radio announcer Bill Evans who broadcast the feature races live. Dix became the Assistant Clerk of Course in 1953–54, before becoming Clerk of Course from 1954 to 1955, a position he would hold for ten years. For

13671-465: The military, for use on the site. The 1950s saw further improvements and works to the grounds with the construction of a Beef Cattle Pavilion in 1950, the work being carried out by MR Hornibrook Builders at a cost of £ 206,000, and the addition of seating around the main oval near Machinery Hill. Also constructed in the 1950s was a new Dairy Industry Hall, adjacent to the John Reid Pavilion, on

13818-723: The more popular engine builders. Modified cars are a hybrid of open wheel cars and stock cars. This class of car has the racing characteristics of a stock car. The rear wheels are covered by fenders, but the front wheels are left exposed. There are sanctioning bodies that control the rules for this class at most tracks. Each sanctioning body has their own set of guidelines provided in an annual rule book and their own registration fees. Sanctioning bodies include: Full-bodied cars, sometimes referred to as stock cars, are vehicles that, unlike open-wheel cars, have fenders covering all wheels. Full-bodied cars can vary from full tube frame chassis and aluminum bodied late models to automobiles manufactured by

13965-418: The most sophisticated cars in dirt racing. They hit speeds well over 100 mph (160 km/h) and slide around the dirt corners. They are raced on dirt tracks throughout the country anywhere from 1/5 to one mile. The expense for these cars is significant. The cost for one complete race-ready late model is around $ 70,000. There is also cheaper equipment and parts that can be purchased, but staying competitive

14112-675: The new Speedway Park track that opened in November 1979, while the catch fence itself was sold to the similar sized (372 metres (407 yards)) Borderline Speedway in Mount Gambier . Under the promotion of Bonython and his company Speedway Pty Ltd, Rowley Park Speedway began attracting crowds every Friday night upwards of 15,000. This era was aptly named "The golden era of speedway" in Australia with large crowds attending meetings in other cities around Australia such as ( Sydney Showground ), ( BrisbaneEkka ) and Perth Claremont Speedway . "Friday night

14259-644: The new Speedway Park when it opened, before retiring and being replaced by John Trenorden in the early 1980s. Today the Kym Bonython Housing Estate sits on the site of the former Rowley Park Speedway. A raised plaque sits at the entrance to the estate depicting the Rowley Park Speedway logo. The plaque reads: Placed by the S.A. speedway supporters, this plaque serves as a reminder that Rowley Park Speedway operated on this site for thirty years. Unveiled jointly by Kym Bonython A.C. D.F.C. A.F.C. and

14406-488: The new exhibition building. The design competition was won by GHM Addison, the Brisbane partner of the Melbourne-based firm Oakden, Addison and Kemp . In 1890 Addison amended his original design to a T-shape, incorporating a southern wing with a concert hall which could be rented out to offset repayments on the government loan. The new building was erected closer to the corner of Bowen Bridge Road and Gregory Terrace than

14553-437: The new speedway. In 1951 Watson sold the lease to former Sydney solo rider and speedcar driver of the 1930s, Alf Shields, who had moved his family to Adelaide. During his time as promoter, Shields also regularly drove speedcars at his own track. Shields ran and gradually improved the speedway until 1954 when he sold the lease to local entrepreneur Kym Bonython . For the next 20 years Bonython, who had first attended speedway as

14700-424: The next month's racing. One of his races at Rowley Park has gone down in history, and will forever be remembered by all those who witnessed it. During the feature of the 50 Lap Australian Speedcar Derby on 2 February 1962, Tattersall's car lost its inside (left) front wheel on lap 26, but showed his enormous skill by driving the next 20 laps (approx. 7 km!) on three wheels. Legend has Tats winning that race, though

14847-462: The north-western corner of the site, fronting Bowen Bridge Road and O'Connell Terrace, the Society established a public exhibition garden Bowen Park . The remainder of the site was used for experimentation purposes, growing and propagating plants and seeds sent from other parts of Queensland, other colonies and around the world, and raising various introduced animals. The Society played an important role in

14994-536: The on-street parking, with some of the residents having friends on the Adelaide City Council who began placing restrictions on the speedway such as parking, noise and time constraints, as well as the track becoming too small for the faster cars appearing on the scene (primarily the Sprintcars which had evolved from the old Modified Rods), the speedway was closed after the 23rd meeting of the 1978–79 season, which

15141-458: The original building. The foundation stone was laid on 25 April 1891 and the builder, John Quinn, was required to have a section of the building completed for the August 1891 exhibition, with the whole of the building to be completed within 12 months. A plan of the Exhibition Grounds published in The Queenslander on 15 August 1891 shows the new exhibition building, several smaller pavilions,

15288-421: The oval tracks are normally on grass with lengths of 400 meters (¼ mile) to 800 meters (½ mile). The races consist of several four lap qualifying heats that eliminate slower drivers. Then there is a final race featuring the fastest competitors. In mainland Europe, long tracks can be grass, sand or cinder, and can be up to 1-kilometer (0.62 mi) long. Dirt track racing in Australia has a history dating back to

15435-459: The railway line and bounded by Bowen Bridge Road, Gregory Terrace, Brookes Street and O'Connell Terrace. A 1000-seat capacity grandstand, designed by FDG Stanley , was erected in 1885 (not the first grandstand on the site). In 1887 a timber residence designed by GHM Addison was constructed at the corner of O'Connell Terrace and Brookes Street for the Secretary of the National Association. In 1887,

15582-533: The railway platforms normally used by show patrons. In 1940 and again in 1941, the military vacated the grounds temporarily for the August Exhibition. Following the entry of Japan into the war in December 1941, American troops were stationed at the showgrounds and the Exhibition of 1942 was cancelled, but was renewed in a limited fashion in 1943 and 1944. Following the war, the RNA purchased a number of buildings from

15729-456: The reality was that he retired only 3 laps from the finish with engine failure and the win being taken by local driver Ron Wood. After 13 years racing in Australia, his final win 'down under' came on 13 February 1970 at Rowley Park. Born in 1924, Tattersall died of cancer at his home in Streator in 1971, having been first diagnosed with the disease in Adelaide shortly after his final race there. For

15876-424: The regular speedway crowd) packed into the speedway to see Australia's first Demolition Derby . The South Australia Police were called in to handle traffic and hundreds of fans were turned away as the 'House Full' signs went up. The derby itself had 100 entrants and lasted for over 75 minutes. Another of Bonython's ideas was to import overseas drivers and riders to race full seasons at Rowley Park. His first import

16023-403: The return of service personnel from overseas at the end of the First World War , army huts were erected at the exhibition grounds as isolation wards for the nearby Brisbane General Hospital , and dining rooms were set up to feed and house the expected influx of seriously ill patients. Due to the threat of crowd contagion and to prevent disturbing patients in the isolation wards, the Exhibition

16170-405: The rider he regards as his speedway idol. Mauger would later credit Young with setting him on the path to becoming a World Champion. To supplement his income while living in Adelaide so he would be able to support his young family, Bonython also found Mauger work as a Truck driver . Kym Bonython also brought out American speedcar driver Jimmy Davies in 1963. During his short time in Australia (he

16317-418: The safety fence with no protection but a crash helmet and leathers (there were no Air Fences in those days), as well as being run over by closely following bikes (or in the case of a tumbling sidecar, having the bike land on a fallen rider). This lack of safety unfortunately led to there being nine deaths at the speedway during its 30-year run. Those who lost their lives at Rowley Park are: While all deaths at

16464-468: The showground the venue for the first England versus Australia cricket test in Queensland and the first in the 1928–29 series. Legendary Australian cricketer Donald Bradman made his Test debut at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds in 1928. More successful than cricket or football was Exhibition Speedway, established in 1926. A new Lady Forster Creche was opened in Costin Street, near the main entrance to

16611-481: The site of the 1933 dairy hall. By the late 1950s, the grounds comprised approximately 50 acres (20 ha). The Brisbane Exhibition Ground was also the site chosen for the people of Brisbane to welcome Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip , the Duke of Edinburgh , when they visited Australia during March 1954. It was Queen Elizabeth's first visit to Australia as Queen of Australia and 30,000 people attended

16758-477: The smaller sections made in Australia. The foundation stone of the new grandstand was laid by Queensland Governor, Sir Matthew Nathan , in November 1922 and the stand was completed in time for the August 1923 Exhibition, at a cost of £ 26,884. The sub-floor contained a dining room which could accommodate 600 persons at a sitting and a row of ten shops facing the lane at the rear of the structure. A second show ring, intended principally for exhibiting dairy cattle,

16905-474: The speedway were tragic, the death of Gerry Hussey in a TQ (Three Quarter Midget) on 6 March 1959 was particularly so. Hussey, a popular English Solo star and member of many English test teams that rode in Australia during the late 1950s and placed 9th in the 1958 World Final at Wembley , fell in love with TQ racing and competed regularly at Rowley Park. He was due to sail back to England the day after his fatal crash to resume his British League solo career. Hussey

17052-468: The stands who, after signing waivers, can run their personal automobiles against each other in a one-on-one 1 or 2 lap shootout. Dirt tracks tend to be somewhat more makeshift and more versatile than asphalt pavements, and can be converted for use in other motorsports. For instance, Little Valley Speedway in Little Valley, New York is a half-mile dirt track that can be converted into a figure 8 track ,

17199-426: The use of different total vehicle weights to create an even playing field: Limited late models and late model stocks have the same body rules as super late models. The main difference in the two classes is the motor rules. Engine limitations typically include maximum engine displacement size, certain required cylinder head angles, maximum compression ratios, and maximum carburetor size. Suspension rules typically forbid

17346-519: The use of expensive canister shocks. Tire choice is also typically limited to a certain tire such as the Hoosier D55 spec tire. Late model stocks have the same body rules as super late models and limited late models. This class typically has even more limited engine rules. Typical late model stock engine requirements: Many different tracks and sanctioning bodies have variations on these rules of what constitutes an open late model, limited late model and

17493-533: The use of part of the Queensland Acclimatisation Society's grounds was discussed and subsequently, a lease of approximately 12 acres (4.9 ha) from the Society was arranged. The alliance with the Acclimatisation Society was considered to be a sensible arrangement. There were common interests, the site was well supplied with water and convenient to the city and it was thought at the time that many women and townspeople, who might have hesitated in visiting

17640-502: The valley as Sideshow Alley. In 1909, the year of the Jubilee Exhibition (celebrating 50 years since the separation of Queensland from New South Wales ), the Exhibition Grounds were extended with the acquisition of Petty's Paddock, an adjacent 6 acres (2.4 ha) bounded by Gregory Terrace and Alexandria, Science and Water Streets, purchased for £ 4500. Around 1910, a two-storey timber building with pressed metal ceilings and

17787-643: The wall of her home which overlooked the speedway (and formed part of the fence of her property). Bonython was told in no uncertain terms that permission would not be granted. Rowley Park Speedway was the host venue for a number of Australian Championships in its 30-year history. These include: Additionally, Rowley Park hosted the Australasian Final as part of the qualification for the Speedway World Championship (Solo's) in 1979 . The Australasian Final saw riders from Australia and New Zealand and

17934-404: The waterholes at York's Hollow. In 1846, police constables dispersed this major campsite killing at least 3 people, while in 1849 British soldiers of the 11th Regiment conducted another dispersal wounding several. Also in 1849, York's Hollow started to be used as a campsite for the influx of newly arrived European immigrants under John Dunmore Lang 's immigration scheme. It was also utilised as

18081-461: The weird and wonderful, began to change. The tents and booths largely disappeared, to be replaced with high technology rides, tests of skill and popular music entertainment. Controversy was generated when the Queensland Government declared a state of emergency from 13 July to 2 August, during the 1971 South African Springbok Rugby team tour , when demonstrations against apartheid were held in Brisbane and throughout Australia. The main show ring at

18228-403: The word " Ekka " (a long-standing colloquial shortening of the word 'Exhibition'). During the interwar years many improvements were made to the exhibition grounds, with various buildings erected or extended during this period. A timber show hall was erected c.  1921 between Gregory Terrace and Water Street and a brick exhibition building, designed by architects Atkinson & Conrad ,

18375-403: The world. After an event, a track's rutted surface is first graded and smoothed back into the contours of the track's layout. then further smooth and tamp loose soil shoveled into any soft spots. The freshly smoothed track surface is then aerated with a cultivator or rototiller to loosen the now-compacted upper layer and assist with greater water penetration for a moister track on race day. Watering

18522-522: Was adopted in July, and the first meeting of the National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland was held at the Brisbane Town Hall on 13 August 1875. Arthur Hunter Palmer , later Premier of Queensland , was elected to the chair and other founding members included Joshua Peter Bell , George Harris , George Gromes, Thomas Harlin, Charles Stewart Mein and William Hemmant . At this meeting,

18669-602: Was cancelled that year. In 1920, the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII ) visited the Exhibition, following which the Association moved to incorporate the word "Royal" into its name as the Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland , which over the years has been reduced, unofficially, to the Royal National Association (RNA). In recent years the RNA has registered as its trademark

18816-527: Was completed along Gregory Terrace in June 1939 at a cost of £ 40,000. A new electricity hall at the corner of Gregory Terrace and Costin Street was also completed for the 1939 show – reputedly the first show pavilion in Australia dedicated entirely to electricity exhibits. (The Hall of Science, as it was later known, was demolished in 1986 to make way for a new Exhibition Building). During the Second World War ,

18963-424: Was constructed in 1923 for Lever Bros of Sydney . In 1922–23, the Ernest Baynes Stand was erected on the site of the 1885 grandstand. Designed by architect Richard Gailey, Junior and constructed by John Hutchinson, the building had two tiers with a seating capacity of 5000 and a total capacity of 7000. It was constructed with a steel frame faced with brick, the larger steel sections being imported from Britain and

19110-501: Was constructed in the 1970s. Improvements and new buildings in the 1980s included: The Walter Burnett Building was designed by architects Hulme and Webster and is adjacent the Frank Nicklin Pavilion (honouring Queensland Premier Frank Nicklin ) which accommodates fine arts exhibitions. The auditorium of the Walter Burnett Building seats 1000 people and is equipped with a stage and dance floor. Besides its importance to

19257-401: Was erected at a cost of £ 6248. (In 1923, this stand was renamed the John MacDonald Stand in honour of a long-serving National Association councillor). The sideshow booths which had been located on the hill to the north of the main ring, were moved to the valley on the northwest side of the railway, their place being taken by machinery exhibits. The hill has since been known as Machinery Hill and

19404-406: Was established by RNA councillor Frank Robertson at the 1964 show. The baby animals have proved one of the most popular and enduring of the show traditions and has been copied by show societies throughout Australia. At the 1972 Exhibition a purpose-built facility for the animal nursery was opened, named in honour of Mr Robertson. In the late 1960s, the face of Sideshow Alley , traditionally home to

19551-496: Was established to the north of the Exhibition railway line which transects the Exhibition Grounds and was ready for the show of 1924. Its construction reflected the growing importance of the dairy industry to Queensland where, with Government encouragement, it became Queensland's second largest primary industry and sustained rural Queensland during the depression of the 1930s . By 1925, the RNA Council Stand, located adjacent

19698-494: Was for the land to be the home of soccer in South Australia. It was purchased by, and named after Ted Rowley, an English-born dentist who moved to Adelaide from Kalgoorlie in 1908 where he had forged a reputation as being Western Australia 's best goalkeeper . However, the Soccer Association had received bad press regarding its failure to grow grass on the site. Rowley Park also had a tendency to flood during winter as

19845-613: Was held on 6 April 1979. Ironically, exactly the same reasons would see the end of the Sydney Showground Speedway just a year later. Speedway continued in Adelaide the following season with the opening of the new Speedway Park complex located adjacent to the Adelaide International Raceway in Virginia , approximately 25 km north of Adelaide, while in 1981 a new motorcycle-only speedway named North Arm Speedway

19992-636: Was killed in a crash in 1966 at the Santa Fe Speedway in Chicago ), Davies compiled a remarkable record, especially at Rowley Park. He won three of his four races on debut at the speedway on 11 January 1963 and set a new 15 lap record. Overall he won 31 of his 34 starts at Rowley Park, while placing second in the other 3 starts. Davies' major wins in Adelaide included the South Australian Speedcar Championship in 1963 and 1964, as well as

20139-498: Was never tempted knowing that times had changed. Bonython himself wasn't just the promoter and director of Rowley Park Speedway. He was also a speedcar driver who had considerable success winning the South Australian Championship in 1960. He was also involved in some of the more spectacular crashes seen at the speedway, though luckily he didn't suffer any serious injuries at the wheel in an era when driver safety wasn't

20286-468: Was opened in the industrial suburb of Gillman . Speedway Park is still in operation as at 2015, now under the name of "Speedway City", while North Arm continued until 1997 when the Government of South Australia which owned the land the speedway was on, reclaimed it, leaving Adelaide without an operating motorcycle speedway for the first time since 1926. This would be rectified in 1998 with the opening of what

20433-406: Was originally conceived in 1948 by a group of Kilburn Speedway Speedcar drivers who were disgruntled with its Melbourne -based promoters Kirjon Speedway. The Soccer Association of South Australia owned the site of a former "pughole" (South Australian term for a clay pit or brick pit) on Torrens Rd. at Brompton named Rowley Park which was located only 5 km from the city and the original plan

20580-440: Was purchased for £ 1500 and re-erected at the Brisbane Exhibition Grounds. It was the largest building of its type in Queensland. Reflecting the growing popularity of the motor car, the pavilion was occupied by representatives of the local automobile trade. It was the first Brisbane Exhibition pavilion to be dedicated solely to motor vehicle displays, automobile exhibits previously being located on Machinery Hill. In 1919 Austral Hall

20727-440: Was renamed the John Reid Pavilion following the death that year of Brisbane merchant John Reid, a long-time supporter of the National Association. Affleck House was completed by August 1918 for the showtime use of Stock Breeders' Association delegates. It was named after National Association councillor WL Affleck, who raised the finance for the construction. During the influenza epidemic which swept Australia in 1919, following

20874-532: Was speedcar driver Dick Brown from the US, then in 1957–58 Bonython contracted Bob Tattersall from Streator, Illinois , in the United States, arguably the most popular American speedcar driver ever to race in Australia, and the winner of the 1969 USAC National Midget Series . Unlike other American drivers or overseas solo riders who had raced in Australia until that point, whose fees had been paid for by various promoters ensuring they would appear at tracks around

21021-651: Was supported by Gresley Lukin , editor of the Brisbane Courier and the Queenslander , and agricultural agent John Fenwick. In May 1875 an inaugural meeting, presided over by the Queensland Governor , Sir William Wellington Cairns , was held to form the National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland. A constitution drafted by the headmaster of the Brisbane Grammar School , Thomas Harlin,

21168-484: Was the only international visitor to lose his life competing at Rowley Park. Some of the competitors who raced at Rowley Park Speedway between 1949 and 1979 include: † – Deceased * Frank "Satan" Brewer was from New Zealand but Australian promoters billed him as being from the United States to bring in bigger crowds Final Season Dirt track racing A dirt track's racing surface may be composed of any soil, although most seasoned dirt racers probably consider

21315-415: Was there. I knew he was on the grounds which was dangerous enough." Rowley Park was unique in Australian speedway in that it was in a city suburb where there were houses overlooking the venue. Some of the local residents in neighbouring streets would profit by turning their yards into makeshift car parks and charge speedway patrons to park there. Most of those whose home overlooked the speedway either watched

21462-404: Was to encourage the exchange of knowledge and to foster better farm practice. Associations such as these proliferated in Queensland during the second half of the 19th century and each held an annual "show". In 1874 moves were initiated by Queensland's Chief Inspector of Stock, Patrick Robertson Gordon , to form a national agricultural society, to plan Brisbane's first intercolonial exhibition. He

21609-652: Was won by Sydney rider Billy Sanders . In 1976 , Rowley Park had hosted the Southern Zone Final as the Australian qualifying round of the inaugural Australasian Final. Phil Crump won the Southern Zone from Sydney riders John Langfield and Phil Herne with Adelaide's John Boulger finishing fourth. Boulger would go on to win the first ever Australasian Final at the Western Springs Stadium in Auckland , NZ

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