Kurt Murdoch Classic to be held for last time at Maryborough Speedway

An annual speedway event held in memory of a teen whose life was tragically cut short will go ahead for the final time this weekend.

The final Kurt Murdoch Classic is set to be held at Maryborough Speedway this weekend, an event which has honoured the memory of the beloved teenager since 2012.

The final Kurt Murdoch Classic will be held at Maryborough Speedway this weekend, an event which has honoured the memory of the beloved teenager since 2012.

Mr Murdoch died after being crushed in a workplace incident in 2012, and the first Kurt Murdoch Classic was run in memory of the 19-year-old later that year.

It became an annual event, but Maryborough Speedway president Paul Swindells confirmed this year would be the last.

He said generally memorial events were carried on for 10 years and the club would find other ways to honour Mr Murdoch.

Mr Swindells said while it was sad to see the classic come to an end, other options to remember the young man were being explored.

The event was inspired by Mr Murdoch’s love of racing.

“Since 2012, this race has been more than just laps on a track — it’s been a tribute to my son Kurt and the passion he had for speedway,” his mum Desolee Cowley said.

“From the time he was 12, watching from the sidelines while I worked in the canteen for the Maryborough West Scout Group, Kurt was hooked.

Kurt Murdoch tragically died when he was just 19.

“He began racing in 2008, and everything changed when he won the George Bezant Junior Encouragement Award.

“It lit a spark in him that never went out — until his life was tragically cut short in 2012.

“Over the years, the drivers, friends, and racing community have kept his memory alive.

“Seeing so many of you return year after year to race in his honour has filled my heart in ways I can’t explain.

“You’ve carried Kurt with you on the track, and for that, I will always be grateful.

“But the time has come to say goodbye.

“This Saturday night will be the final lap for the Kurt Murdoch Classic. While the race ends, the memories, the friendships, and the love remain.

Desolee Murdoch and Russell Cowley with Kurt Murdoch's BA Falcon. Photo: Valerie Horton / Fraser Coast Chronicle

“Thank you — to every driver who has pulled on a helmet for Kurt, to every mate who’s stood beside us, and to every supporter who’s cheered from the fence.

“You’ve made this journey one I’ll never forget.”

Mr Murdoch died in May, 2012, after he delivered a load of treated logs to a Brisbane school.

He was using a small crane mounted on the trailer to unload the 10m long pieces of timber when the incident happened.

Police said the 19-year-old was working on his own at the time and nobody witnessed the fatal incident, however other people working on the site discovered his body.

Mr Swindells encouraged racegoers to come to the event on Saturday.

He said it would be a chance to see Queensland champion Ryan Farrell defend his title, as well as support the Maryborough racing community.

The Maryborough club has had seven rainouts so far this season and the public is being encouraged to come along and support the event on Saturday.