Australian Speedway Expo sees big growth
The third Australian Speedway Industry Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds has paved the way for an even bigger 2024 show.
It was a big weekend at the Melbourne showgrounds for the Speedway industry, as a sold out Awards night followed on from the biggest attended industry expo since it was first held in 2021 on the Gold Coast.
Last year saw it double in size from the inaugural event when it was shifted to Melbourne, and an even bigger and improved showing this year has led to plans of further expansion for 2024.
Speedway Australia CEO Darren Tindal says he was thrilled with the response from both the attendees and exhibitors.
“The foundational goal of the Expo has been to facilitate networking and for it to be a ‘show’n’tell’ event to present our sport at its best,” Tindal explained.
“However, we knew it would take a few years to build up to be ready to promote outside of our sport and be something we can be really proud of.
“But after the response this weekend and the feedback we’ve received across the board, we’ve clearly reached that tipping point now where we feel the Expo is big and impressive enough to promote outside of the four walls of the speedway community.”
Over 30 cars and 40 exhibits featured at the 2023 Australian Speedway Industry Expo at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Image/main Image: Aidan Freeman Photography
The expo moved to the larger Town Square Pavilion for this year, and featured more than 30 cars on display, as well as over 40 industry exhibits, providing a comprehensive showcase that displayed the sports healthy growth.
Tindal also says that plans for next year are already being formulated, saying that he expects it to even double in size from this year’s record showing.
“Watch this space…we’re on the front foot now to make sure this is locked into everyone’s calendars with plenty of notice.
“This year’s event was announced last December, but we’re keen to lock in a date and venue in the next two months, and will very likely double up again with the Australian Speedway Awards on the Saturday night.”
Victorian Sport Development Officer Nev Ross, has overseen the expo over the past two editions, and supports Tindal is the idea of its further growth.
The Awards night saw Grand Annual Classic winner Brock Hallett awarded the Sportsperson of the Year
“What we saw on Saturday was a brilliant showcase of the best value motorsport in Australia, and we’re confident that the concept is now ready to go to the broader market,” he said.
We can promote it to the wider motorsport-friendly community to come and see just how great our sport is, and draw more competitors, officials and fans to the speedway family. I’m very confident we’re now ready to go to the next level.”
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