Historical information

The speedway located on the Maribyrnong Reserve, Maribyrnong was built in 1946, on what had been an undeveloped football ground.

The first public race held at the raceway was in October 1946, in front of approximately 7,000 spectators, and quickly became a major venue for solo motorcycles, sidecars, and midget speedcars.

Soon after opening, the track was taken over by the Kirjon Speedway Company, and was renamed the Kirjon Speedway.

Fred Tracey, a well known solo motorcycle racer and winner of the 1947 Victorian Solo Championship, took over the venue around 1951, renaming it Tracey’s Speedway.

Tracey’s Speedway closed in 1963, ending nearly two decades of racing.

This sculpture of Fred Tracey, in honour of his contribution to speedway racing, is located in the Highpoint City Shopping Centre, Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong.

Maribyrnong was originally part of the former Shire of Braybrook and later the City of Sunshine. However, in 1994, Victoria underwent council amalgamations, which resulted in Braybrook being incorporated into the City of Maribyrnong.

The suburb of Maribyrnong continues to attract considerable attention from the residents of City of Brimbank, particularly its historical features, the old buildings and distinctive streetscapes that characterise the area.

Significance

Tracey’s Speedway in Maribyrnong was one of Melbourne’s most famous post‑war dirt tracks, opening in 1946 and operating under several names before becoming “Tracey’s Speedway” in the early 1950s under promoter and racer Fred Tracey. It drew huge crowds, hosted national championships, and became a cultural landmark until its closure in 1963.

Physical description

Digital photograph

Inscriptions & markings

5207 - Highpoint City - Fred Tracey Sculpture 2025.JPG