Moving Tribute At Speedway

South Burnett Speedway Club secretary Patreece Rackemann, South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff and club president Tanya Barron at the solemn opening ceremony to launch the 2024-25 racing season

October 17, 2024

A moving tribute to South Burnett Speedway Club member Steven Wheeler – who died in a tragic traffic crash earlier this year – launched the club’s 2024-25 racing season on Saturday night.

The club has decided to dedicate its season openers from now on to Steven’s memory, creating a perpetual shield and trophy which will be awarded to the driver who accumulates the most points on the night.

Steven, known at the speedway as “Ice Cream”, was killed alongside his parents Bob and Margaret in an horrific head-on crash at Nanango on May 30.

Club president Tanya Barron paid tribute to Steven and then asked for a minute’s silence at the Kingaroy Showgrounds track in his memory.

Members of Steven’s family were present during the ceremony.

South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff then officially launched the 2024-25 season which will feature nine meetings, including the huge Kings Royal across the Australia Day weekend.

The inaugural winner of the the Steven Wheeler Memorial Shield was one of the youngest drivers competing on the night, Lachie Burke, who was driving in the Junior Sedans New Stars category.

Lachie was the highest points scorer overall.

It was also a big night for South Burnett driver Josh Harm who took out the final of the Modifieds category by downing triple-State champion Joel Berkley.

The next speedway meeting in Kingaroy will be held on November 5 and will feature Formula 500s, Modlites, Late Models, Lightning Sprints and Wingless Sprints.