If you've ever headed out to the Woodstock Speedway for a Saturday race meet, chances are you’ve seen Steve Kurtz on the microphone or helping out youngsters with their bikes.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For his dedication to motorcycle racing in Cowra, Steve has been named the recipient of the 2018 Bob Barr Memorial Award.
Steve, the President of the Cowra Motorcycle Racing Club, has been heavily involved with the organsation since the late 1970’s as both a rider and a committee member.
“A lot of the old, old guys were involved in the club back then, Clive Chew, Reg Norton, Les Stanford,” he said.
“We used to have a great time, travel around everywhere to different towns racing.”
Known as the Cowra Motorsports Club back then, the club hosted both cars and bikes.
Steve started off racing in Speedway competitions, however after purchasing his roof tiling business, switched to Formula 500s, where he won two Australian titles in 1988 and 1996.
“I was absolutely useless, I wasn’t much of a rider at all when I started but I battled my way through,” he said.
After his success on the track, it was time to pass the mantle onto his sons – Todd and Brady Kurtz – who have won multiple Australian Speedway titles between them and now race professionally in Europe.
“The boys came along and I just bought Todd a little Peewee and it all started from there,” he said.
“Everyone thinks it’s glamourous, travelling all over the world and riding everywhere but it’s seven days a week and you never stop.
“There’s a lot of hard work involved but they enjoy it and working their way to the top.”
Steve said the success of Todd, Brady and other Cowra riders such as Matt Gilmore, Ben Cook and Zac Cook has resulted in more young riders joining the club.
“Through the years, we’ve brought so many kids through to be multiple Australian champions and NSW Champions so its been a really good road really for the whole club,” he said.
“There’s been a lot of young riders that have seen what they’ve done and want to follow in their footsteps.”
According to Steve, the Club’s continued success can be attributed to a move out to Woodstock, building up the facilities at the Speedway, a family focus and a hardworking committee.
“I always thought I would love to build a speedway out here at Woodstock if the chance ever arose… we are known as having one of the best dirt track complexes in NSW, if not Australia,” he said.
“Its just continued to build and build and get better and better to where the club is at the moment.
We cater for everyone.”
