Classic motorsport to be revived in red dust at Lake Perkolilli for triennial event

Vintage cars and their enthusiastic owners are taking to Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s iconic red dirt this week for a unique event that steps back in time.

Pre-World War II cars and motorcycles will take over one of the oldest motor racing circuits in the world, just outside Kalgoorlie-Boulder, for the triennial Red Dust Revival.

Lake Perkolilli, a 3.2km claypan, will once again host the multi-day race re-enactment event that has occurred every three years since 2019.

It is one of Australia’s oldest racetracks with a motorsport history which dates back to 1914 when pioneers of the nearby Goldfields town of Kanowna used Lake Perkolilli to race their piston-pumping machines.

With more than 140 pre-1939 cars and 50 motorcycles already set to take part, and more pre-sold spectator tickets than ever before, organisers are gearing up for a massive week.

Drivers began practice on Monday and will continue until Wednesday, with the official event starting on Thursday and going until Sunday.

With all proceeds from the event going to Variety WA, event co-organiser Ash Trow said there were plenty of reasons for spectators to come and witness a unique glimpse into the past.

“Just come down and watch something you just don’t get to see everyday — or even every year,” he said.

“The drivers all wear the old-style helmets and the airplane goggles and they drive around this dust track, getting covered in dust and they just smile and get back out there and go again — they love it.

“It’s a little bit of history and these people absolutely live and breathe for this.

“They get to go somewhere and drive these incredible cars and hang out with others who all have the same interests, it’s quite amazing actually.”

For more information, including spectator entry fees, visit the Red Dust Revival 2025 Facebook page.