Gunnedah is revving up for the highly anticipated Whitehaven Weeks of Speed Festival, an annual celebration of the town’s deep connection to motorsports.
Now in its 28th year, the festival will feature an action-packed lineup of 23 events over five weekends.
The event will draw hundreds of competitors and their families to Gunnedah.
Not only is this festival a cherished tradition, but it also provides a significant boost to the local economy, contributing approximately $736,000 each year.
The festivities kick off in style with the Street Parade on Saturday, March 1, at 10am. Vehicles of all kinds —speedway cars, hot rods, tractors, and even emergency vehicles — will parade down Conadilly Street, proudly led by Gunnedah’s town band.
The parade concludes at the Woolworths car park, where visitors can enjoy a Show ‘n Shine event, including a special display of hot rods at Wolseley Park.
The official opening of the festival will be held at 11am in the Woolworths car park, with the display open for viewing until noon. The excitement continues into the evening with speedway racing at Blue Vale Speedway from 5-10pm.
The Whitehaven Weeks of Speed Festival promises something for everyone, featuring crowd favourites like the motorkhana, Clash of the Sirens, Sinker to Shotgun – fishing and shooting competition, motorcycle racing, the Drag-ens Safari, horse racing, 1/8 Mile Drag Racing, ½ Mile Sprint/Roll Racing, and the Rural Museum Open Day.
For those seeking a different type of speed, the Monthly Markets offer ‘speed-shopping’ alongside thrilling performances by the Australian Whipcrackers and Plaiters Association.
The iconic Billy Boiling Championships of NSW also return to the Railway Hotel — how fast can you build a fire and boil the billy?
New to this year’s lineup is the Gunnedah Mountain Bikers’ Weeks of Speed Ride.
This family-friendly event invites mountain biking enthusiasts to join a fun ride on the club’s mountain bike track. Riders can meet at the end of Sunnyside Farm Road at 10am for a day of outdoor adventure and community spirit.
The excitement takes into the sky on Saturday, March 22, with the Gunnedah Aero Club’s Navigational Time Trial Exercise.
Want to learn more about the events or get involved? The Gunnedah Business Chamber is hosting a networking event at Club Gunnedah, offering the perfect opportunity to meet competitors, organisers, and sponsors—why not make an evening of it and enjoy a delicious dinner too?
Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of speed, community, and tradition. The full program is available at the Visitor Information Centre or online at www.visitgunnedah.com.au
Start your engines — Gunnedah’s 2025 Weeks of Speed Festival is about to begin!
David Partridge at the opening of the 2024 Weeks of Speed.
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