07 October 2025

Red Dust Revival Brings Motor Racing History to Life in the Outback [video]


The Red Dust Revival, a week-long event held in 2019 and 2022, brought the thrill of vintage motor racing to Lake Perkolilli, a dry lake bed in Western Australia. The event re-enacted the races that took place on the lake's hard, smooth surface between 1914 and 1939, where drivers reached speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.

About 130 vintage cars and 50 motorcycles participated in the event, which showcased the region's rich motor racing history. Event founder Graeme Cocks said the Red Dust Revival was keeping motor racing history alive, with many of the vintage vehicles restored from wrecks and rebuilt over years.

The event was a family affair, with participants sharing stories of their loved ones and the history behind their vehicles. Murray Wood, whose family has been attending the event for decades, brought his daughter, who became the youngest female driver to compete at Lake Perkolilli.

A race car at Lake Perkolilli claypan racetrack in 1928. (Supplied: WA Museum)

Restoration projects were a highlight of the event, with some participants spending years rebuilding their vehicles. Peter Harrold, 77, spent over two years building a replica 1925 Chrysler, which he raced at the event. Unfortunately, his journey wasn't without incident, as he drifted off the track and damaged his car.

The Red Dust Revival is a unique event that preserves motor racing history and showcases the passion and dedication of vintage car enthusiasts. With its rich history and family-friendly atmosphere, the event is a must-attend for anyone interested in motorsports.

Sourced from ABC News

Main image: James Gatti (left) and Harry Hyde drove their green 1936 Dodge at the Red Dust Revival. (ABC Goldfields: Jarrod Lucas)

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