Speed on Tweed: on hold

Started by Roger Eland in 2002, and overseen by him each year until 2008, Murwillumbah in the Northern Rivers of NSW, hosted "Speed on Tweed", which was widely regarded as the premier historic motor sport classic event in Australia.

Featuring street circuit speed trials, the event attracted more than 150 racing, sports and touring car enthusiasts for a weekend of competition and social events.

Almost succumbing to logistical issues and skyrocketing insurance costs in the wake of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC), which almost put coverage beyond the reach of the charity fundraiser event, hopes were raised when support was provided by the Rally Australia as part of the 2009 World Rally Championship (WRC).

But the final Speed on Tweed was held in 2010, after local objections saw the Australian leg of the WRC move to Coffs Harbour, and practical support for Speed on Tweed, went with it.

In 2018, a local committee was established to bring Speed on Tweed back, but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the planned 2020 event has been rescheduled to October 2021. This too has now been posponed due to ongoing pandemic lockdowns.

In its halycon days from 2002 to 2009, if you looked closely, you may have seen legendary Australian racing drivers like world F1 champions Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones, Grand Prix of Endurance (24 Heures du Mans) - Le Mans 24 hour endurance race winner - Geoff Brabham, or celebrated touring car drivers like John Bowe, Dick Johnson or Jim Richards showing off their pride and joy, or putting the pedal to the metal around the picturesque Murwillumbah road circuit.

Spectators and visitors got to enjoy the friendly and festive atmosphere of a traditional country town, and had the chance to get up close and personal with motoring legends for photos and autographs, or enjoy the opportunity to wander through show and shine displays, and talk to competitors and restorers about their cars.

The non-profit festival, which had donated more than $100,000 to local charities and causes over the years, was managed by the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah, with a huge team of volunteer officials and enthusiastic workers keeping the show on the road.

Sponsors included Rally Australia, South Coast Automotive, Tweed Shire Council, Southern Cross Ten, and numerous local businesses.

Big Volcano TM&M, Speed On Tweed, September 2010

Big Volcano Speed On Tweed playlist, September 2007 - 2010

Malcolm Oastler, Union Jag Hillclimb Special, Speed On Tweed, September 2007

External Links:

* The return event date was slated for the October long weekend in 2021.  This is now on hold.

Nearby Towns and Villages for accommodation and attractions

Murwillumbah, NSW, 2484

You'll hear locals refer to it as "Mur-bah" and debate the claim that Murwillumbah means "Place of many possums" in the local aboriginal dialect.

With a number of historic buildings in the art deco or federation style along Main Street, many of the shop fronts reflect the era, while there are also a tempting range of al fresco cafes and eateries scattered along its length for you to sit, relax and enjoy the ambience of a small country town. >> More...

Chillingham, NSW, 2484

A scenic 15 minutes or so drive from Murwillumbah, Chillingham is the NSW gateway to Springbrook National Park in southeast Queensland (QLD), and the truly amazing Natural Bridge (previously known as Natural Arch) via the Numinbah - Nerang Road.

A range of farmstay and guesthouse B&B style accommodation is available at nearby Crystal Creek, and around the village of Tyalgum 15 minutes drive south. >> More...

Tomewin, NSW, 2484

Straddling the Queensland/New South Wales border about 20 kms inland from the twin towns of Tweed Heads and Coolangatta, and a 10 -15 drive to Murwillumbah, a number of B&Bs, cabins and homestays have opened recently, taking advantage of the spectacular views provided by the hillside locations and increased demand for secluded accommodation from weary and stressed out city dwellers. >> More...

Uki, Mt Warning, NSW, 2484

Founded on timber getting and dairying, Uki (pr. yook-eye) is a beautiful and peaceful village located virtually at the foot of Mt Warning, just 10 -15 minutes drive to Murwillumbah.

Accommodation ranges from a caravan park, comfortable and affordable guesthouse style accommodations, and exclusive B&B retreats where you can enjoy the natural environment in total luxury. >> More...