Sport
6 June, 2026
Speedway gets revved up
CAIRNS Speedway has launched its 2026 season, unveiling a 12-event calendar headlined by two major four-night race meetings and record prize money.
The season was officially launched at a private function in BAR36 at The Reef Hotel Casino, where Cairns Mayor Amy Eden addressed guests and climbed behind the wheel of the NQ65 Sprintcar on display, courtesy of driver Gwesyn Dalliston.
The 2026 calendar runs from 6 June to 31 October and features the modified sedans northern nationals and ‘Thunder in the Canefields’, alongside three club rounds and a season finale.
The modified sedans northern nationals will be held across four nights on 19, 20, 26 and 27 June with $28,700 in prize money on offer. Thunder in the Canefields will run on 31 July and 1, 7 and 8 August offering a combined $55,000 in prize money for sprintcars and wingless competitors.
Cairns Speedway Club president Wes Jenkins said the club had worked hard to build participation and improve racing.
“The speedway has done a good job in building class numbers creating great racing. We’ve got some big boots to fill following last year. By all reports I think the racing was amazing,” he said.
“The club rounds are important but the (major) shows are what puts Cairns on the map and we get the southern contingent come up year after year.
“It’s one of the most affordable family events going around. It’s cost-effective to get down there. The food’s amazing, the show is great. Even if you’re not a speedway fan you’ll be impressed.”
Naming rights sponsor Walsh’s Auto Cairns owner Brian Walsh said the venue continued to grow each year.
“I think the Cairns Speedway has been growing each year, they put a lot of effort into growing the club, the facilities, the racing,” he said.
“I’m excited to see how the season unfolds, I think it will be better than the ones preceding and I’m particularly excited for Thunder (in the Canefields).
“Traditionally, speedway was a place you went and had some beers and sat on the hill with your mates, whereas now I think they’re putting together a really good night of entertainment, you can take your family, there’s something for (everyone).”
Mayor Eden said the growth of Thunder in the Canefields was delivering benefits for the region.
“We’ve seen real momentum and real growth in (Thunder in the Canefields),” she said.
“We are seeing participants come from all over the country even in a fuel crisis and that says a lot not only about the quality of the ride and the event itself but the experience they have in Cairns, so they are really high-value participants and visitors that come to the region and inject big money.”
The speedway is also celebrating 50 years of history this year and plans to release stories highlighting its past throughout the season. Organisers are promising a festival-style atmosphere at major events.
