EkkaNITES X-TREME Get ready for high-energy performances and heart-stopping stunts, as X-Treme entertainment hits the main arena as part of EkkaNITES. Ladder Bike Flair Stunt Riders – A Tribute to Daredevils of the Past Jack Field and Billy Gough from Flair Riders / Flair Action Sports will bring a nostalgic motorbike stunt sequence inspired by the fearless arena riders of yesteryear. The spectacular Ladder Bike Stunt pays tribute to the golden era of arena daredevils, including legendary Queensland motorcycle stuntman Johnny “Wonder” Fogwell, whose high-risk showground performances helped define the thrill of Ekka entertainment through the 1960s, 70s and 80s. With riders climbing elevated ladders mounted to moving vintage- style motorbikes, the performance blends nostalgia, danger, precision and theatrical showmanship before leading the crowd into the thunder of the V8 Precision Driving Utes. The result is a modern salute to the stuntmen who made Brisbane audiences hold their breath, reimagined by two highly skilled motorcycle experts for a new generation of Ekka fans. V8 Utes: Tribute to Precision Driving Team presented by Trackskill Buckle-up for a thrilling tribute to the iconic Precision Driving Team – a legendary act born at the Ekka in 1965 and embedded in Queensland show history. For decades, the roar of engines and razor-sharp choreography of fearless drivers thrilled arena crowds and characterised Ekka entertainment. In celebrating 150 years of the Ekka, we proudly bring that spirit back to centre stage. Presented by Gary Baxter of Trackskill, this reimagined tribute will honour the pioneers of precision driving – the V8 Utes – capturing the skill, timing, and adrenaline that made the original act unforgettable. Gary Baxter Gary is one of Australia’s leading drivers and has been competing in various competitions for more than 20 years. He’s a two-time Australian ROH Wheels Commodore Cup Champion, having taken out the series in both 1995 and 1996 and regularly stunt drives in movies and television commercials. Tim Ramages Tim is a professional performance driver and trainer who has worked on movies including Mortal Kombat. He started his
career in Gravel Rally (Australian Rally Championship) at a state and national level in the early 1990s, moving onto drifting and competing in the Tarmac Rally. Graham Edwards Graham brings experience in the V8 Brute Ute series and Trackskill V8 Utes. Having cut his teeth in go karting, with multiple titles from Queensland and across Australia, he now focuses on his role as Lead Instructor for Drift School Australia and instructor for Race X. Michael Baxte r Fresh from performing at the Darwin Show, Michael will perform for the first time at the Ekka. He has been performing with the Trackskill team since 2021 and is keen to take over the reins from his father, Gary one day. Michael is a star in a go kart but loves the big V8 power. Hot Wheels Heroes featuring Matt & Madz Mingay Get ready for BIG air and BIG excitement as legendary stuntman Matt Mingay and his son Madzy bring the iconic toy brand to life in a high-octane Main Arena performance. Known for their fearless performances and crowd-favourite stunts, the Mingays will push the limits with gravity-defying jumps, high-speed action and precision driving that captivates audiences young and old. This thrilling segment blends nostalgia with cutting-edge live entertainment, tapping into the imagination and energy that have made Hot Wheels a global phenomenon. Matt Mingay Matt is a world-renowned professional stunt rider and action sports athlete who’s been thrilling crowds since turning pro in 1997. A multiple-time Australian Stunt Riding Champion, Matt is known for pushing the limits with jaw-dropping stunts, fearless precision, and an infectious passion for motorsport. Madzy Mingay Following in his father’s tyre tracks, Madzy, who is just 19 years old, is already showing incredible skill, wowing crowds with his fearless attitude and natural talent. A rising star of the stunt and motorsports world, Madzy is one to watch as he continues to rev up the next generation of thrill seekers.
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