Sport
1 February, 2026
Huge weekend and Aus Day honours for Gil Speedway
A huge two nights of racing and an local Australia Day Award made it a great long weekend for Gilgandra Speedway.
A huge two nights of racing and then being recognised in Gilgandra Australia Day Awards capped off a remarkable long weekend of trackside action at Gilgandra Speedway.
Around 300 people had their “backsides trackside” to witness two wonderful Gilgandra District Speedway Club meetings, with a race event on both Saturday, January 24 and Sunday, January 25. There were a host of popular winners across both meetings.
In the Bendy 1500 (Fender Benders), Nathan Harland (Gilgandra) was the winner with Col Dunne in second and Steve West third.
Across the Street Stocker Gil 1000 category, champions of the event were Killarney Collier (first), Geoff Stuart (Gilgandra, second) and Maddie Smith (third).
The Sunday meeting also featured night two of the All-Star Championship.
Bailey Jackson grabbed first place, with Billy Martin (second) and Clinton Hall (third) also on the podium.
In the New Star Junior division, rising star Bree Besant was the winner, with Charlotte Keeler in second.
Across the Fast Fours, Zac Walker was the winner with Hope Spears (second) and Grant Jackson (third) also performing well.
On Saturday, Steve West “absolutely crushed it” to be named Crash and Bender winner. Col Dunne was second with Michael Broom, in third.
Billy Martin also picked up a Saturday win the All Stars Juniors with Bailey Jackson (second) and Clinton Hall in third.
Sienna Inskip was the New Star Junior winner with Charlotte Keeler second.
Peter Harland won the Street Stocker category from Todd Keeler with Killarney Cotter in third.
In the Fast Fours, Zac Walker produced a remarkable performance to win, with the consistent Hope Spear in second and Jacob Hignett in third.
The Production Sedan category was a key feature of the opening meeting and Zach Hignett displayed incredible speed and skill to win. Braydon Holland (Gilgandra) fought hard to finish second.
“What an incredible two-night show event we've had for Australia Day weekend at the track!,” Gil Speedway said via social media.
“A massive thank you to our committee, volunteers, emergency services, track operator our dedicated drivers! Your hard work made this event a success.
“A huge shoutout to our amazing spectators who braved the scorching 44 degree heat to support Gil Speedway! Your enthusiasm made the racing even more thrilling.
“What a fantastic way to spend the Australia Day weekend - there's nothing like having your backside at the trackside on the hottest night of your life, witnessing some spectacular Speedway action!
“Looking forward to more exciting races ahead.”
The Gilgandra District Speedway Committee was also named as the Community Group of the Year at the 2026 Gilgandra Shire Australia Day awards on Australia Day (January 26), capping off a big three.
“We were shocked and honoured to receive an Australia award after such a successful weekend, our hard work and dedication to the community has paid off in recognition,” GDSC secretary Louise Harland said.
