Speedway numbers on the rise, American keen to defend WA crown

The Speedway racing world is enjoying a promising period of growth as the sport heads towards the 2023/24 season.

Speedway Australia has revealed the overall number of license holders is up %25 on pre-COVID numbers since 2018/19.

It is an impressive rise considering a number of races were lost to COVID-19 disruptions from the back end of the 2019/20 season.

Speedway Australia CEO Darren Tindal was delighted to announce the news and affirmed that the increase was not based on the expected reduction during the covid affected seasons, but overall since the uninterrupted 2018/19 season.

“Obviously Covid was a very destabilising time for everyone, so this season’s numbers are certainly up on the statistics on the previous two seasons,” he said.

“However, looking at the curve from the 2018/19 period when the sport was in great health, to the close of the 2022/23 main season in July shows the sport has not just bounced back but is on a very healthy upward curve.”

Tindal continued outlining the biggest amount of growth has arrived in the number of officials and mechanics while driver numbers have remained steady to provide a “vital” boost for the sport. Overall annual mechanic (pit crew) licenses have grown 28% since 2018/19.

“For a while now the competitor figures have far outweighed the number of officials,” he said.

“But after 17% growth since 2018-19, the ratio has increased to one official for every five competitors, which is vital for a sport like ours.

“It really bucks the trend throughout Australia where many sectors are struggling to find volunteers.

“Our officials and crew numbers are heading in the right direction and demonstrating an increase in the overall practical experience of the sport.

“But our competitor numbers have remained steady, so our staff are already meeting with national and state division presidents to discuss strategies for growing their divisions and getting more cars on speedways more often.”

Tindal said this positive news allows Speedway Australia to look at other areas of growing the sport and highlighted junior development as one of the targeted areas.

“This growth enables us to invest back into the sport, and gives us the head-room to be more creative around our junior development and other programs, while still keeping up with the escalating costs of insurance and administration,” he said. 

“But we have some pretty cool projects in the pipeline that aim to take speedway from being motorsport’s best kept secret to a widely recognised and credible sport on the wider stage.

“Our board and staff are working hard at thinking outside the box so we can step into a new era of expansion.”

Americans readying themselves for Aussie challenge

Californian Cory Eliason is coming back to defend his title in WA.

Defending Speedweek champion Cory Eliason is coming back to WA to take part in the USA v WA Sprintcar Speedweek.

Across six races the Americans will aim to beat the locals at Perth Motorplex, and Bunbury Speedway.

Eliason dominated last season’s event, winning four of the seven rounds and is back to defend his title.

However, he will be doing so with new colours, going from blue to yellow driving the Luch Monte #17.

The 32-year-old Californian has since secured wins at Weedsport Speedway and Dodge County Fairgrounds in America and finished 19th in the World of Outlaws.

“I’m super excited to be coming back to Perth with a new team,” Eliason said.

“I have to thank Luch Monte for this great opportunity to wheel the Monte farms #17 this season.”

WA v USA Sprintcar Speedweek calendar

Round 1 – December 26, 2023 – Boxing Night – Perth Motorplex

Round 2 – December 28, 2023 – Merger Contracting Sprintcar Muster – Perth Motorplex

Round 3 – January 1, 2024 – USA v WA Sprintcar Speedweek – Bunbury Speedway

Round 4 – January 2, 2024 – Totally Workwear New Year Derby – Perth Motorplex

Round 5 – January 6. 2024 – Maddington Toyota Summer Slam – Bunbury Speedway

Round 6 – January 13, 2024 – USA v WA Speedweek Finale + Late Model Nationals – Perth Motorplex

Main Image: Corey Gibson Photography

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