PUBLIC VOTING POLL: Permanently place the Speedway Heritage Plaque at the Ekka Grounds! Logo
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  • PUBLIC VOTING POLL: Permanently place the Speedway Heritage Plaque at the Ekka Grounds!

    At this year’s Ekka Show, I created a memorial display to honour and respect the families and the riders who tragically lost their lives on the track. It was a heartfelt tribute—candles placed around the plaque, a quiet space for reflection, and a chance for visitors to connect with a piece of our shared history. The public response was overwhelmingly positive.Yet without my permission, two RNA workers removed the candles. When I asked why, I was told I was “promoting death” and being “negative.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. This memorial is about remembering, courage, preserving history, and showing respect to the community that built the longest-running event at the Ekka.While I was eventually allowed to replace the candles with flowers, the fact remains—this memorial was tampered with, and its meaning was not valued by the RNA. For nearly a century, Speedway has been a vital part of the Ekka’s history. We owe it to those who came before us, and to their families, to ensure their stories are preserved, not erased.Speedway was more than a sport — it was part of the Ekka’s community.For nearly a century, riders, drivers weren’t just racers.They were farmers, tradesmen, small business owners — the backbone of Brisbane and rural Queensland. They came from the land. They lived in our towns. Some were WWII Veterans. They were part of the very agricultural community the Ekka was built to celebrate. 🏁 Should Speedway finally be recognised at the Ekka? 🏁 Since 1926, Speedway has been part of the Ekka’s heartbeat —A legacy of dust, showmanship, and devotion. This year, self-published author Jocelyn Dare brings that story to life with her 2025 Ekka Show display:📕 Big Bad Johno — a tribute to her father and forgotten Speedway heroes🏍️ A vintage sidecar that once raced at the Ekka 🕊️ A golden memorial plaque to honour those who lost their lives on the track. But despite nearly 100 years of history…There’s still no permanent recognition on the grounds. Should that change? Vote now. Your voice can help preserve a powerful piece of Brisbane’s past —For those who rode. For those we lost. For the next generation to remember.

  • Acknowledgment of Country
    We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which the Ekka Showgrounds stand—the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. We recognize their ongoing connection to land, waters, and culture and pay our deepest respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.

    As we honor the history of Speedway and its impact on Brisbane, we also acknowledge the rich heritage and stories of the First Nations people, whose land has been a gathering place for generations.

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  • Did you know? The Ekka Showgrounds once had two-story grandstand seating, which provided an incredible view of the Speedway races and other major events. The showgrounds were designed to accommodate huge crowds, as Speedway was one of the most popular sports in Australia at the time. An estimated of over 25,000 people would watch the Speedway at the Ekka Showgrounds.

     

  • Why does This Matters?

    📌 Brisbane has a deep-rooted Speedway culture, with the Ekka Showgrounds once being the heart of the sport in the world. 

    📌 Nearly 100 years of Speedway history is missing from the Exhibition Showground & RNA records.

    📌 No official recognition exists for the events, riders, and community that shaped the showgrounds.

    📌 At least 9 riders lost their lives racing at the Ekka, yet there is no tribute to honor them.

    📌 The Speedway community was the longest tenant of the showgrounds, contributing significantly to its legacy and history of Brisbane. 

    📌 The Ekka Racetrack was once considered the best in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators from across the globe.

    📌 A world-record moment from the 1960s: Ron Johnson, known as "The King of the Ekka", held the title of the tallest Speedway rider in the world. In this rare and iconic photograph below, he stands beside Nanae Okamoto, the smallest Speedway rider in the world from Japan. Together, they created a powerful and unforgettable image that symbolised not only a world record—but the unity, diversity, and spirit of international Speedway.

    📌 There are ongoing discussions about building new stadiums for the Brisbane Olympic Games, but what about preserving a Speedway Memorial Plaque to recognise and remember the history? The original Speedway track still remains at the Ekka Showgrounds and has been classified as a heritage site—shouldn’t it be recognized as part of Brisbane agricultural? 

    In 2024, Jocelyn attended the Ekka Show and was shocked to find no acknowledgment of Speedway. While the RNA has mentioned its support in Brisbane agricultural,  there was no record of the decades of events, legendary riders, or the sport’s influence for nearly 100 years. When Jocelyn asked about Speedway history at the RNA building, two elderly gentlemen were interested, then she was then cancelled out with resistance by a lady— “there’s no Speedway here.” 

    Jocelyn, self-published author of Big Bad Johno, wrote the book in honor of her father, Ron Johnson—a WWII veteran and Speedway legend who spent 45 years dedicated to the sport. Speedway was more than entertainment—it was a symbol of resilience and joy after World War II, bringing communities together. Jocelyn has listened to hundreds of people, including the man who maintained the Ekka for over 40 years, gathering their stories and experiences. She is committed to helping the community be heard and supported, ensuring that Speedway’s legacy is not forgotten. Today, music festivals fill the space where engines once roared and childhood memories made— yet many young generations and tourists have no idea it was once a legendary speedway track.
    Like her father, who promoted Speedway at the Ekka and at his own track at the Ipswich Showgrounds, Jocelyn continues to advocate for the sport and its historical significance. Despite the renovations, the original Speedway track still remains at the showgrounds. With hopes to permanently place the new plaque on the Showgrounds.

    Jocelyn has raised this issue with the RNA, and the Ekka Show management team have been supportive by inviting her to showcase her book at the 2025 Ekka Show. Jocelyn has the support of the Speedway community for her display, alongside Darren, former president of the VSAQ Club. There is hope to permanently place the new golden Speedway Memorial Plaque, along with a historical timeline and a QR code for the public and future generations to access Speedway’s rich history. However, it is still no confirmation of going ahead with the RNA. The RNA’s website currently lacks any detailed recognition of Speedway’s legacy. In response, the community has taken action by creating the Facebook group "Ekka Speedway Glory Days," where members actively share photos, stories, and memories to help preserve this important piece of history. 

    Your Voice Matters

    🔹 Should the RNA grounds officially recognize Speedway history and establish a permanent placement of the new memorial plaque?

    🔹 Should there be more historical events at the Heritage section for Speedway?

    🔹 Does Brisbane and Australia deserve to preserve this proud part of its sporting history?

    Your responses will be presented to the RNA to advocate for Speedway’s rightful place in Ekka’s history.

    We appreciate your support in keeping this legacy alive for future generations! 🏁

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  • 📋 QUICK POLL – YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

    We truly appreciate your time in filling out this short survey!
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  • Privacy & Data Use Policy
    Your privacy is important to us. The information collected in this survey is for the sole purpose of advocating for Speedway recognition at the Ekka Showgrounds and will be presented to the RNA as part of our efforts to preserve and honor this historic sport.

    We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring transparency in how your data is used.

    How Your Data Will Be Used:
    ✅ Your responses will be compiled into a report to demonstrate public interest in Speedway’s recognition at the Ekka.
    ✅ Any personal stories or insights you choose to share may be included in advocacy efforts, but only with your consent.
    ✅ Your data will not be sold, shared, or used for marketing purposes outside of this initiative.
    ✅ You may choose to provide your contact details for updates, but this is entirely optional.

    Privacy Policy
    By participating in this survey, you agree to the collection of your responses for research and advocacy purposes. Your personal information will remain confidential and will only be used to support Speedway’s recognition at the Ekka.

    If you have any concerns about your data or would like to request its removal, please contact us.

    Thank you for your support! 🏁

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