Archerfield Speedway at Acacia Ridge to host last race after 45 years
It’s the end of an era for Queensland racing fans with Brisbane’s major speedway to host its last race next year after more than 1200 events since 1978.
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An iconic Brisbane speedway will fly its checkered flag next year when the venue hosts its last race after more than 1200 events across 45 years.
Archerfield Speedway at Acacia Ridge announced this racing season would be its last after the site, which opened in 1978, was sold.
Located in the Archerfield Airport industrial precinct, the speedway had been on the market for some time before its sale, with a previous contract last season falling through.
Managers Kathy and John Kelly have been running the speedway since 2000 and their two children have only ever known life at the speedway.
“Our kids have been doing junior quarter midgets — like go-carts with a roll cage, since they were seven,” Mrs Kelly said.
“It teaches them everything from how to drive, safety, courtesy … you don’t just drive for yourself out there, you drive for everyone.”
Mrs Kelly said the closure of the speedway was disappointing but they also supported the move.
“The owners of the speedway, given their age, have given more to the sport than anyone could have ever asked,” she said.
“They are 88 and 81 now.”
The 6.4 hectare property is not considered “commercially viable” and is expected to be used for industrial development but the agents behind the sale said both the sellers and the buyers asked for confidentiality.
With only 13 races left until the closure, fans and racers have taken to social media to express their devastation at the loss of a piece of Queensland racing history.
“Another sad day for all of speedways with the lost of another awesome track,” one person said on Facebook.
“Worked on the construction of the track, was there for the first meeting and will be there for the last,” another said.
“Pretty sad really has been an icon for as long as I can remember. Riding there in the 80s on dirt bikes on a Friday night was definitely a highlight of my racing career.”
Mrs Kelly said she hoped the Queensland Government would follow their New South Wales and Western Australian governments and fund a new track within the Brisbane City Council area.
“Queensland has the biggest competitor base in the country,” she said.
“The city tracks really do prop up the country tracks and once you move out of the city the numbers typically drop off.
“We‘d love to be involved with the government to build a new track in the Brisbane City Council area.
“A new speedway could even be used for other things, especially with Olympics coming up in 2032.”
Archerfield Speedway’s final event will be on June 3 next year.
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