The 2025 Australian Speedway Sidecar Championship, held over Easter weekend (April 19-20) at Bowen Speedway, exhilarated the Whitsundays, galvanising Bowen as a hub of motorsport. Promoted by the NQ Speedway Riders & Supporters Club, this momentous event drew swathes of people to the granite-based track at Bowen Showgrounds, revived in 2019 after decades of history since 1927. For Bowen, a coastal gem of the Whitsundays, hosting this national championship was a triumph, magnifying local pride and boosting tourism. The event showcased the region’s ability to stage world-class spectacles, putting Bowen on the map alongside its stunning beaches and vibrant community spirit.
The championship was a tempestuous rollercoaster of highs and lows, with fierce rivalries and heart-stopping action. Mark Plaisted and passenger Ben Pitt, from Adelaide, captured the title in a thrilling final, overcoming tricky track conditions that varied across rounds. Mark credited his team and praised Mike Zahlen’s bike for their edge in the competition. Meanwhile, Justin Plaisted, brother of Mark and also from Adelaide, battled back from an early exclusion to secure fourth place, showcasing heart and resilience. “Once you make the finals, anything can happen,” Justin noted, reflecting the event’s unpredictability. Crashes punctuated the races, with sidecars,1000cc beasts with no brakes, skidding on tight turns, spraying dirt pebbles onto the roaring crowd, amplifying the raw intensity of the sport.
The atmosphere was electric, fuelled by the speed and screaming sound of sidecar engines hitting 100+ km/h, their engines snarling and fuel fumes pervading through the air. Spectators, from toddlers to grandparents, felt the adrenaline as riders and passengers leaned into curves, mere inches from the ground. The crowd’s cheers swelled to a crescendo with each pass, dirt flecks dusting their faces, creating a visceral connection to the action. Bowen’s supportive audience, praised by both Plaisted brothers, turned the Showgrounds into a cauldron of excitement, with families soaking in the family-friendly vibe. “The Bowen crowd was awesome, really behind us”, Mark noted, appreciating the enthusiastic turnout.
Food stalls added to the festive spirit, offering hot dogs, chips, burgers, and a range of beverages, including alcoholic for crowd members looking to spice up their night. These stalls, buzzing with activity, kept fans fueled as they mingled, swapped race predictions, and cheered for heroes like defending champions Darrin Treloar and Blake Cox, who pushed the leaders hard. The event’s inclusivity shone, with junior sidecar support races inspiring young fans and free pit access before 6 pm letting kids meet their idols. Mark, a sidecar racer since age 10, had a message for aspiring juniors, “Stick with it, from junior Speedway to chasing your dreams like I did.”
For Bowen and the Whitsundays, the championship was more than a race, it was a celebration of community, grit, and adrenaline. From Mark’s victory to Justin’s comeback, the highs and lows enchanted all, leaving families with memories of roaring engines, flying dirt, and shared joy, ensuring Bowen Speedway’s legacy burns bright.
Racers doing a lap around the prior to races. Photo Credit: Munir Kilic.
Racers lining up for the finals . Photo Credit: Munir Kilic.
Racers battling out in the finals. Photo Credit: Munir Kilic.
Champion Mark Plaisted and Passenger Ben Pitt: Munir Kilic
Mark Plaisted and Ben Pitt on the podium. Photo Credit: Munir Kilic.
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