Goulburn Australia to celebrate the Centenary of Hosting the First Motorcycle Grand Prix to be held in the Southern Hemisphere: An Historic Event Celebrating the Spirit of Speed and Braver Goulburn, NSW – June 23, 2023 – With one year to go the Organising Committee is proud to announce the centenary celebration of the first Motorcycle Grand Prix to be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

This landmark event will be held over three days from 21 – 23 June 2024, and will commemorate the historic race that occurred on Monday 23 June 1924.  The highlight of the celebration will be an escorted, re-enactment ride along the original 80 kilometre course. The original event, which was sanctioned as an official Grand Prix by the Auto Cycle Union of NSW, and organised by the Goulburn Motorcycle Club, took place on the 23 June 1924, on a bitterly cold winter’s day over a course that ran from the outskirts of Goulburn, to Windellama, across to Bungonia, and back along Mountain Ash Road to the start finish line.

Amazingly, the original course exists almost entirely and can be ridden today. The Senior Grand Prix was won by Dave Brewster riding an Indian Chief, with Tom Benstead and R Preston coming in second and third respectively riding Harley Davidsons. The three-day event is a collaborative effort between the Classic Riders Club of Goulburn, Goulburn Motorcycle Club, Goulburn Mulwaree Council, and the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce. With their shared passion for motorcycle racing and commitment to preserving Goulburn’s rich motorsport heritage, these organisations have joined forces to create a truly unforgettable experience for enthusiasts and spectators alike.  Bruce Tinsley, President of the Classic Riders Club of Goulburn, expressed his excitement for the event, saying, “The centenary celebration of the first Motorcycle Grand Prix is a wonderful opportunity for all motorcycle racing enthusiasts and the public at large to see how it was done 100 years ago.  It’s an opportunity to showcase the remarkable history of motorcycling in our region and to celebrate the timeless thrill of speed.  We are honoured to be part of this historic occasion and look forward to welcoming riders and fans from around the world”.

Peter Walker, Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, added, “Goulburn has a proud tradition of motorsports, and hosting this event is a testament to our commitment to promoting tourism and fostering community spirit. This event will allow us to share our beautiful landscape and warm hospitality with visitors from far and wide.”  Richard Toparis, President of the Goulburn Motorcycle Club, remarked, “As the oldest motorcycle club in Australia, and the organising club of the first event, we are delighted to contribute our expertise and passion to this historic event. The re-enactment ride will be a thrilling experience, providing riders with a unique opportunity to follow in the tyre tracks of those who came before them. We are proud to be part of the revival of this iconic race”.

Darrell Weekes, President of the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the significance of the event for local businesses, saying, “The Grand Prix which was held 100 years ago, was another first for Goulburn. This celebration event, which we intend to host on an annual basis, will generate substantial economic activity for Goulburn, benefiting a wide range of industries, including hospitality, tourism, and retail. This event is an exceptional opportunity for our local businesses to showcase their products and services to a diverse audience, and we are thrilled to support its success. Wakefield Park Raceway and Pheasant Wood Circuit, both top notch motorsport tracks will be hosting events which will provide spectators with an up-close experience that will surely be remembered”.

Goulburn’s Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix centenary promises to be an historic celebration of speed, heritage, and camaraderie. The re-enactment ride and the accompanying festivities will pay homage to the pioneers of Australian motorcycle racing while creating memories that will endure for
generations to come. Goulburn is the true birthplace of Grand Prix racing in Australia, hosting not only the first Motorcycle Grand Prix in 1924, but also the first Car Grand Prix in 1927, and, the first Australian Motorcycle TT (Tourist Trophy) in 1914.

For further information, please contact:

Darrell Weekes
Media Relations Officer
Organising Committee Goulburn Motorcycle Grand Prix Centenary
Phone: +61 418 166 854
Email: President@goulburnchamber.com.au

Goulburn Mulwaree Council –Marketing and Events Team
LOCKED BAG 22 GOULBURN NSW 2580
Telephone: (02) 4823 4492
www.goulburnaustralia.com.au