Pedal to metal for Weeks of Speed

Gunnedah Shire Council

Gunnedah Shire is all fired up for the 25th anniversary of the Weeks of Speed, with a program of events fast enough to give you whiplash.

From the Mt Porcupine Hill Climb to Australian Whipcracking Titles, drag racing, Show and Shine and speedway racing, the Weeks of Speed 2022 has something for everyone in one action-packed month.

The festival will officially open at 10am on Saturday, March 5 with the traditional Tractor Trek down Conadilly Street and a Show and Shine at the Woolworths Car Park with a working steam engine on display. The festival will be opened by Chris Frend, who is a former Gunnedah Shire Council Tourism Team Leader who has been involved in organising the event for 20 years.

The opening day will also include an Observation Rally from 2pm to 3pm including a 45 minute drive around Gunnedah to test your local knowledge and observation skills, hosted by Gunnedah Motoring Enthusiasts.

Speedway Racing kicks off at 5pm at the Gunnedah Speedway on Bluevale Road with fast-paced action include the V8 dirt modifiers, the RSA NSW Street Stocker Title and AMCA’s Fender Benders.

The first day is just the beginning, with greyhound racing, the Australian Whipcracking and World Bullock Whip Titles, motorcycle racing, drag racing and other events leading up to the Mt Porcupine Hill Climb on Sunday, March 27.

The iconic Hill Climb makes a great spectacle with drivers testing their skills on the winding Apex Drive to the summit of Mt Porcupine. The Rural Museum Demonstration Day and Tractor Pull will also be held on Sunday, March 27.

Gunnedah Shire Council Tourism Team Leader Nikki Robertson said the Weeks of Speed were an ideal opportunity to welcome back visitors.

“It has been a difficult couple of years for events, but we are roaring into a full year in 2022 with the Weeks of Speed,” Mrs Robertson said.

“It’s an high-speed program full of popular events, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming back both those who come every year, as well as some new faces to Gunnedah.

“The Weeks of Speed Committee have been working hard to bring a great standard and variety of events. There’s something for everyone.

“A big thank you goes to local Gunnedah businesses who have got behind these events to be sponsors, despite the challenges of the last years, have jumped on board to help make this happen.”

For the full Weeks of Speed events program, visit www.visitgunnedah.com.au or drop in to the Visitors Information Centre.

Weeks of Speed Gunnedah 2022:

Saturday, March 5: Official festival opening

Show and Shine

Observation Rally

Speedway Racing

Sunday, March 6: Greyhound Racing

Saturday, March 12: AWPA Australian Whipcracking Titles and

World Bullock Whip Titles

Sunday, March 13: AWPA & Many Fabrication & Engineering Novice Whipcracking

Motorcycle Racing Round 1, Club Championships

Saturday, March 19: Multicultural Markets

1/8 Mile Drag Racing

Clash of the Sirens

Sunday, March 20: 1/8 Mile Drag Racing

Saturday, March 26: ½ Mile Single Sprint

Hill Climb practice

Sunday, March 27 Mt Porcupine Hill Climb

Rural Museum Demonstration Day and Tractor Pull

Caption: Tractors on parade during the Tractor Trek on the first day of the 2019 Weeks of Speed.

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