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The Official Website of the Taranaki Historic Speedway Association

Saving the past for the future

First practice at Waiwakaiho Speedway, New Plymouth 1950

History

This site seeks to record a brief history of  New Zealand speedways and competitors, past and present, particularly in our home province of  Taranaki, starting with Waiwakaiho Speedway (1950–1970).  Speedway in NZ started in the late 1920’s and prior to 1965 ran solo motorbikes, midgets, sidecars and TQ’s. (Three quarter midgets). Other classes like Stockcars, Sprintcars and Saloon cars came later. Early NZ speedways that have since closed can be accessed below along with currently operating speedways. Histories are being recorded as we are able to research the information.  If you can help with NZ speedway history please contact the webmaster via this link.  Every effort has been made to trace copyright holders of photo’s or text used.
The webmaster would appreciate hearing from any copyright holder not acknowledged.

Where did Speedway start?

An interesting discussion page on how Speedway started. Click here

History of Speedway starting in NZ

A brief history on how it all started in NZ. Click here

Waiwakaiho (New Plymouth) Speedway History

Articles of interest on the History from 1950. Click here

History of NZ Speedway Tracks

Click here for a list of NZ Speedways, both running and those now closed. Click here

NZ Speedway Hall of Fame

Formed in 2004 to recognise the people involved in mainly Open Wheel and Bike Speedway in NZ. Click here

 

Rider and Driver Personalities

People who have been or are involved in Speedway throughout the years. Click here