Elders Emms Mooney – Above

Speedway Returns To Life In Cowra

Written by: The Cowra Phoenix

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IMAGE: Darcy Ward with wife Lizzie, son Charlie & daughter Emilee.

Darcy Ward Speedway Promotions (DWSP) has joined forces with the Cowra Motorcycle Racing Club and its president, Steve Kurtz, to bring the roar of Speedway back to Woodstock Park Speedway.

Widely regarded as one of Australia’s premier racing surfaces, Woodstock Park has been home to Speedway GP star and World Teams Champion Brady Kurtz. Despite its incredible potential and world-class facilities — including full stadium lighting — the venue has been underutilised. That’s about to change, with a brand-new wave of Speedway action set to ignite the track.

Adding to the excitement, Cowra’s own Cook brothers, Ben and Zach, fresh off outstanding seasons overseas, will be showcasing their skills at Woodstock Park Speedway on Saturday, 22 November 2025.

“Things are coming together smoothly,” said Steve Kurtz. “We’re on track for an epic weekend of Speedway action here in Cowra.”

Alongside the senior riders, the weekend will also feature PeeWee 50s, 125cc Juniors, and 250cc Juniors, giving young riders the invaluable chance to race and develop on a truly top class circuit.

DWSP founder Darcy Ward shared his excitement:

“Cowra’s track is one of the best in Australia. When Steve reached out, I was keen to see what we could make of it. Right now, many of our nextgeneration riders have nowhere to race — and if that continues, there won’t be an Australian Speedway future.

Hopefully, the town and surrounding areas will get behind us so we can build something big here. This could be the start of something special for both Speedway and Cowra.”

Cowra Motorcycle Racing Club President Steve Kurtz added:

“Having Darcy bring his time, passion, and knowledge to Cowra is fantastic. Our members have worked tirelessly to build this venue, and we all want to see it thrive.

The goal is to create racing opportunities for young riders, test local interest, and ultimately grow the sport with bigger events for the region.”

DWSP, together with Steve and former international rider Todd Kurtz, will help shape the direction of Speedway’s revival in Cowra. Further rider announcements and event details will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Event Schedule

Friday, 21 November 2025 – Practice & Coaching Session (commences 6:30 pm)

Saturday, 22 November 2025 – Race Night (Gates open 3:00 pm | Tapes up 7:00 pm)

DWSP and the Kurtz brothers are driving this project forward, with an overwhelmingly positive response from the Speedway community.

Riders and fans are encouraged to stay at Club Cowra Motel for the weekend.

A special thank you to Club Cowra for their ongoing support of Darcy and the event.

ABOUT DARCY WARD

Queensland-born Darcy Ward began his junior Speedway career in Australia before moving to Europe as a teenager to pursue international success.

His early achievements include:

  • Australian Under-21 Champion – 2009, 2010, 2011

  • World Under-21 Champion – 2009, 2010

Ward’s professional career saw him compete for top clubs across Great Britain, Poland, Sweden, and Germany, including the Poole Pirates (2010–2014) and Swindon Robins (2015).In 2013, he achieved a major career highlight by winning the Danish Grand Prix, part of the World Championship series, at just 21 years old. Known for his extraordinary natural ability, speed, and showmanship, Darcy was widely regarded as one of the most gifted riders of his generation.

A tragic crash in August 2015 while racing in Poland resulted in a severe spinal injury, ending his competitive riding career. However, Darcy’s passion for the sport never faded. Through Darcy Ward Speedway Promotions, he has continued to play a major role in nurturing young talent and bringing world-class Speedway events to Australian fans.

Though his racing career was cut short, Darcy Ward’s legacy remains — as both a champion rider and a driving force behind the future of Australian Speedway.

Steph Cooke MP - ANZAC

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