SPEEDWAY EXPO REACHES TIPPING POINT

The Australian Speedway Industry Expo has reached a tipping point after a very successful event last weekend at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Speedway Australia CEO Darren Tindal was thrilled with the response from exhibitors and attendees alike, and already had plans in place for a 2024 expansion.

“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 it’s best, 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.”

The expo was birthed as part of the Awards and Forum weekend in 2021 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre with 14 exhibitors, before doubling in size at the Melbourne Showgrounds Victoria Pavilion in 2022 occupying around 1200 square metres. Last weekend’s event continued the upward trend, filling out the 2250 square metre Town Square Pavilion with over 30 cars on display and more than 40 exhibitors.

Victorian Sport Development Officer Nev Ross was tasked with overseeing the Expo over the last two years, and was thrilled to see it reach the point where it can expand into new territory outside of the world of dirt track racing.

“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, so we can promote it 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.”

Darren Tindal was confident that plans for the 2024 Expo would be announced as soon as possible to allow as much lead time as possible.

“Watch this space” he said, “as 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.”

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Photo: Aidan Freeman Photography