September 3rd to 6th 2009*
A celebration of Historic Competition Vehicles and Their Drivers.
*Repco Rally Runs from September 3rd to 6th 2009
whilst Speed on Tweed runs on 5th and 6th only
   
MEDIA RELEASE – 30 April 2009
THE sight and sound of historic racing cars in the popular Festival of Speed on
Tweed will return to the streets of Murwillumbah as part of the Repco Rally
Australia entertainment program in the New South Wales Northern Rivers this
September.
Speed on Tweed, in which around 200 historic racing cars of many types and some
of Australia’s best drivers of past years race against the block on closed
public roads, will be staged on 5-6 September, organisers announced today.
The event will be run on a one-kilometre temporary circuit, similar to that used
in previous years, which also will be used on three nights as a Super Special
Stage by competitors in the Repco Rally Australia World Rally Championship round
on 3-6 September.
 Founded in 2002 by driver Roger Ealand and the Rotary Club of Murwillumbah, the
Festival of Speed on Tweed quickly became one of Australia’s most popular
historic motor racing events, attracting almost 30,000 spectators each year, but
the organisers decided they did not have the resources to continue it after
2008.
Rally Australia general manager Gary Upson said the rally had provided the
opportunity for Speed on Tweed to return.
With the highly-regarded Mr Ealand retiring to focus on his racing, Speed on
Tweed would be run by a committee of Rotary club and rally representatives, with
experienced motorsport administrator Steven Brow appointed as Event Manager.
"This is a great outcome for everyone, including fans and competitors. By
combining resources, we have been able to ensure the continuation of a
widely-supported historic motor racing event and add a major attraction to our
program in Murwillumbah,” Mr Upson said.
As well as being able to see three days of World Rally special stage action out
in the rural areas of Tweed and Kyogle shires, spectators will enjoy three
nights of Super Specials in Murwillumbah, plus Speed on Tweed and runs by cars
competing in the Australian Tarmac Challenge and Outback Classic Rally.
 The Murwillumbah precinct will be geared to provide full entertainment
facilities, including great viewing with grandstand and corporate hospitality
options, food and drink and a Rally Show.
The Murwillumbah Rotary Club and Roger Ealand have done a superb job in
developing Speed on Tweed. While Roger is stepping back, he has provided advice
and encouragement in the transition to the new organisation.
We pay tribute to his vision, which created this event, and look forward to the
Festival of Speed on Tweed becoming an even more successful attraction for the
Northern Rivers.”
Roger Ealand said he was delighted to see Speed on Tweed continue.
"This Festival is just too good not to continue. It brings a huge financial
boost to Murwillumbah and develops a real community pride in presenting the
Tweed in such an excellent light. I can see it going from strength to strength,”
he said.
  
Speed on Tweed has attracted many legendary drivers over the years, including
Sir Jack Brabham, Vern Schuppan, Frank Gardner, Jim Richards, Kevin Bartlett,
Dick Johnson and John Goss.
Sir Jack’s Repco-Brabham was one of many grand prix cars to have graced
Murwillumbah’s streets, along with numerous Bathurst winners, Le Mans sports
cars and many others that told the story of Australia’s motor racing history.
The non-profit event also raised more than $160,000, which has been given to
national charities such as the Childrens' Cancer Institute, the Peter Brock
Foundation, service clubs, schools emergency services and hospitals.
Repco Rally Australia, Round 10 of the 2009 FIA World Rally Championship, is
scheduled to run on 3-6 September. Closed-road competition stages will be run in
the Tweed and Kyogle Shires, with a rally car service park at Kingscliff and
operations headquarters at SALT Resort. Drivers and teams from many countries,
including Australia, will participate.
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Drivers - Please register
your interest in competing this year by email to:
info@speedontweed.com
Facts
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Speed on Tweed is the only non-profit charity event of its type in Australia.
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Approximately 700 volunteers are involved in organising, building and
dismantling the track, marshalling and cleaning etc. which is almost 30% of
the adult population of Murwillumbah.
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The
Festival of Speed on Tweed is hosted by the town, the shops, hotels and
restaurants dress up with flags, bunting etc. No other town in Australia hosts
an event with such enthusiasm.
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The
committee deliberately centres activities in the Main St on Friday and
Saturday to bring an economic boost to the town.
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Council workers volunteer their time to build the track
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The
event costs approx. $150,000 to stage and the organising committee for Speed
on Tweed have no Federal, State or
tourism funding.
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Looking for a Place to Stay During Speed on Tweed?
offering a choice of accommodation for Speed on Tweed with two Bed & Breakfast suites, one with luxury double spa
bath, in a private guest wing of the main
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CLICK HERE TO FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
SPEED ON TWEED ACCOMMODATION
    
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