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102-630: 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

204-529: A demolition derby pit, or a tractor pull straightaway. Sydney Showground Speedway Sydney Showground Speedway , originally known as the Speedway Royal and later the Speedway Royale but often referred to as just The Royale or The Showground, was a motorcycle speedway track, which was located at the old Sydney Showground and used from 1926 until 1996. In 1937, The Showground

306-420: 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

408-717: 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

510-539: 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

612-415: 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

714-424: 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

816-840: 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

918-593: A fitting end to the Showgrounds life as a speedway. Rush's wins in the last two main events at the Showground were for the same team with whom he had raced for at the venue some 30 years previously. Visiting American driver Jay Drake set the Showground lap record at the 20 April Grand Prix meeting when he ran the 509 metre oval in 16.876 seconds. When asked what he thought of the famous track, Drake described it as "Awfully narrow". The old Sydney Showgrounds and

1020-700: 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:

1122-579: 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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1224-401: 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

1326-426: 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

1428-556: 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

1530-437: 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

1632-476: 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

1734-561: 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

1836-488: 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

1938-531: 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,

2040-413: 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

2142-555: 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

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2244-480: 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

2346-429: 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

2448-879: 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

2550-498: 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

2652-473: 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

2754-532: 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

2856-651: The 1950s stock cars began to appear joined much later by demolition derbies and jumping motorcycles over buses and the Royale would attract huge spectator attendance. The track had a dolomite surface, which the speedway drivers and riders continually asked the owners, the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW , to mix in shale and clay (as used on tracks in England such as Wembley ) to improve traction but this never happened. A long stated reason for this

2958-672: 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

3060-405: 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

3162-425: 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

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3264-545: The Australian summer. The speedway's promoter, John Sherwood (Empire Speedways who also promoted the Brisbane Exhibition Ground ), was always looking for ways other than the racing itself to keep the crowds coming in. One of the more popular was the addition of Kings Cross strippers as trophy girls. From 1947 until 1974 the Speedway hosted the annual Australian Speedcar Grand Prix , following which

3366-418: 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

3468-689: 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

3570-460: The Martin & Angus Stand at the southern end of the track. This created a unique atmosphere with the place often filling with cigarette smoke and the smell of oil and petrol. Former dual Rugby international and part-time announcer at the speedway Rex Mossop once described the pits at the Royale as being like "Dantino's Inferno". The start / finish line at the Showground was on the eastern side of

3672-548: 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

3774-592: The Royal Easter Show and open air music concerts held at either venue. Traffic was also reportedly less of a problem on speedway nights than for the Easter Show or when sports such as rugby league or cricket used the SCG. The showground enjoyed a brief revival in 1988 as a Bicentennial Solo Test Match was held between Australia and Great Britain attracting around 15,000 spectators. Unfortunately for

3876-540: The Showground Speedway is now owned by and is part of Fox Studios Australia and although it now has a paved surface the track, and its narrow width, is still clearly visible. The Sydney Showground Speedway, like other speedways of the era, saw its share of competitor fatalities. In total there were 29 deaths at the speedway between 1926 and 1973. In December 2000, a plaque was unveiled at the Fox studios site of

3978-485: The Speedways only annual car racing event from 1990 until 1993 when the event was moved from the Speedway due to the same complaints that closed the Showground as a speedway in 1980, but returned for one last time in 1996 as the Showground was to be closed and turned into Fox Studios Australia . The 46th Australian Speedcar Grand Prix was held on 20 April. The race was won by the only competitor who had previously raced at

4080-455: 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

4182-516: 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

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4284-408: 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

4386-406: The advent of World Series Cricket in 1977 attracting a lot of the spectators, forced the speedway to close for regular meetings after 1981. What was hard to take for the promoter of the Showground, Brisbane based speedcar driver Ron Wanless, was that noise tests were conducted which proved that speedway meetings were actually quieter than sporting events at the neighbouring Sydney Cricket Ground ,

4488-422: 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

4590-474: 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

4692-659: 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

4794-427: 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

4896-510: 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

4998-628: 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

5100-475: 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

5202-466: 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

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5304-498: 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

5406-454: 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

5508-409: 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

5610-595: 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

5712-543: The former Speedway by longtime track announcer Jim Shepherd. The plaque overlooks the former start line alongside the Suttor Stand (built in 1909) which is now a cafe restaurant. The 29 who lost their lives at the Speedway Royale are Some of the more famous competitors who raced at the Sydney Showground Speedway include: † - Deceased * - Speedway World Champion Frank "Satan" Brewer

5814-407: 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

5916-496: 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

6018-456: 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

6120-598: The local fans, Great Britain defeated Australia on the night. The last ever Solo Test Match to take place at the Showground was held on 1 January 1994 with Australia taking on England . Like the first ever Test at the Showground in 1934, Australia dominated and won 68 points to 40 in front of a crowd of just over 17,000. After 13 races held at the Liverpool Speedway, the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix returned to its traditional home as

6222-507: The local residents around the showground began to complain about the noise and also regarding the cars parking on the streets as the showground had very little in the way of designated car parks. With some residents having powerful friends on the City of Sydney council who made increasing restrictions on noise and parking and demanded that meetings be finished no later than 10:30pm (meetings traditionally finished around 11:30pm). This, combined with

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6324-564: 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

6426-425: 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

6528-553: 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

6630-723: 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

6732-418: 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

6834-687: 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

6936-664: 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

7038-437: 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

7140-424: 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

7242-551: 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

7344-421: 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

7446-521: The race moved to the Liverpool Speedway in western Sydney before returning to the Showground in 1990. NSW drivers Ray Revell and Andy McGavin won a record 5 Speedcar Grand Prix's at the Showground while Bob "Two Gun" Tattersall of the United States won the race four times in 1960, 1962, 1966 and 1969. One of the more unusual things at the speedway happened on 28 December 1975 when the so-called "Speedway Streaker" made his only appearance. Unlike

7548-461: 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

7650-424: 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

7752-405: 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

7854-530: The roof, and into what riders called "The Armpit", a tight turn leading onto the back straight where the Coronation Stand stood. Turns 3 and 4 went past Martin & Angus Stand and the pits before passing the Sinclair Stand in turn 4 and coming onto the main straight to finish the lap. Although the Showground was later universally known as a Speedcar track, from the late 1920s until the 1950s

7956-418: 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

8058-423: The speedway was more well known for its motorcycle racing, hosting many Australian Solo Championship and Australian Sidecar Championship meetings as well as Solo test Matches between Australia and various visiting nations. The first test at the Showground was held on 15 December 1934 between Australia and Great Britain with Australia winning 35–19 in front of 50,000 paying fans. In March 1933, The Royale hosted

8160-474: 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

8262-549: The speedway, Australian speedway legend and 10 times Australian Sprintcar Champion Garry Rush from western Sydney. It was his second win in the Grand Prix as he had won the 1977 event held on the asphalt at the Liverpool Speedway . On Saturday 27 April 1996, approximately 25,000 fans saw Garry Rush win the last ever race held at the world-famous Sydney Showground Speedway when he took out the World Derby for Speedcars in

8364-475: 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 ,

8466-554: The streaker was revealed to be local solo rider Reg McCarthy. The Speedway ran continuous Saturday night meetings until the close of the 1980/81 season with Sydney fans spoiled for choice with the Parramatta City Raceway running on Friday nights and the Showground as well as Liverpool Speedway both running on Saturday nights. Like other suburban based speedways around Australia such as Rowley Park in Adelaide ,

8568-534: The track in front of the Suttor Stand. Running anti-clockwise as most speedway divisions do, the track then moved into the Bull Pens for turn 1, so called as this was where the cattle would enter the arena during the Royal Easter Show . The track announcers box was located close to the track above the Bull Pens. They then continued past the double decked Members Stand and the famous clock tower sitting on

8670-410: The unofficial Speedway World Championship , won by England 's Harry Whitfield from Australian's Billy Lamont and future World Champion Bluey Wilkinson . During the 1960s and 1970s the Showground was Australia's best known and best attended speedway regularly drawing crowds on a Saturday night in excess of 10,000 and often over 30,000 making speedway one of the best attended spectator sports during

8772-426: 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

8874-525: 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

8976-445: The usual streakers at sporting events who jump the fence and run around on the field until caught by either Police or Security , this streaker rode out of the pits on a Solo motorbike completely naked other than a full faced helmet (to protect the guilty) and riding shoes. He did a quick lap of the track before laying the bike down on the infield. He was last seen jumping over the fence being chased by laughing policemen. Years later

9078-662: 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

9180-403: 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

9282-466: Was claimed to be the fastest speedway in the world by the tracks promoters. The 509 metres (557 yards) egg shaped track was also the site of some spectacular crashes, some unfortunate deaths and a lot of spectacular racing. Although solos were first to race at the showground on 21 July 1926, they were soon joined by sidecars and Speedcars (also known as Midgets but called Speedcars in Australia). In

9384-502: 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

9486-561: 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

9588-664: 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

9690-510: 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

9792-474: 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

9894-406: 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

9996-539: 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

10098-540: Was that the Showground was also used year-round as a harness racing venue (though this excuse wore thin after the 'trotts' moved permanently to the Harold Park Paceway in the late 1940s). The only other major complaint about the track itself was that it was very narrow compared to other speedways. Where most tracks allowed three wide racing even in the corners, at the Showground there was barely enough room for two cars. The speedway's pits were located under

10200-484: 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

10302-415: 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

10404-683: 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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