HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 183 AUGUST 2025 | Page 30

Matt Nikiforoff lights up speedway commentary

with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin

Motorsport is a major part of the Australian cultural landscape and many people I know are into it on some level, even if only as casual fans. Speedway is one of the most passionate subcultures within motorsport and it’ s huge in Australia and central to the life of one man in particular. If you’ re involved in motorsport, especially speedway, you’ ve likely heard the name Matt Nikiforoff- one of the most recognisable voices of the Sydney speedway scene.

Matt Nikiforoff is a distinctive figure in Australian motorsport, known for his dual role as both a speedway driver and a commentator. His journey reflects a deep love for the sport, a respect for its grassroots history, and a voice that echoes across dirt tracks and broadcast booths alike.

As a driver, Matt has primarily raced in the Wingless Sprintcar category, a class celebrated for its accessibility and fiercely competitive spirit. While he may not have a long list of podium finishes or championship titles, his participation in events like the AWSR Australian Wingless Sprintcar Championship and the NSW Wingless Sprints Championship highlights his dedication.

He has raced at iconic venues such as Parramatta City Raceway, a breeding ground for emerging talent and shared the track with racers like his future brother-in-law, Brayden Shute.

Though his stats may not dazzle, Matt’ s contribution to the sport goes far beyond numbers. He embodies the passion of

Troy Worner from the ParraCave Podcast in studio. the everyday racer, someone who competes not for glory, but for the love of the game. His track experience brings a rare perspective to his commentary, allowing him to speak with both authority and empathy. His knowledge of the drivers and the wider motorsport community is second to none.

In fact, Matt’ s greatest impact may well be behind the microphone. He’ s become a respected voice in Australian speedway commentary, featured on platforms such as the Passing Points Podcast, where he has joined discussions on Sprintcar racing alongside notable figures like 2025 Australian Champion James McFadden. His commentary style is a seamless blend of technical insight and genuine enthusiasm, making him a favourite among fans who value authenticity and compelling storytelling.

Matt is also a regular contributor to Pulse FM 89.9’ s Weekend Sports Wrap, where he shares his motorsport expertise with a growing audience. His work across podcasts and local broadcasts has helped elevate the visibility of Australian sprint car racing, particularly in the Wingless division while keeping a strong focus on local voices, rivalries, and the community spirit that defines the sport.

Matt and fiancé, Samantha Shute with his wingless sprintcar.

World Youth champion international acro gymnast, Ritam Malik in studio.

What truly sets Nikiforoff apart is his role as a bridge between racers and fans. He doesn’ t just describe the action- he brings it to life, telling the story behind the race and giving context to what’ s unfolding on track. Whether drawing on his own racing anecdotes, explaining car setups, or reflecting on the sport’ s evolution, he adds a depth and richness that resonates with listeners.

In a world often dominated by headline names and glossy results, Matt Nikiforoff stands as a champion of grassroots racing. His voice celebrates the unsung heroes, the weekend warriors and local legends who make the sport what it is. Through his company, 4Off Productions, he continues to support and promote regional talent, while fostering pride in Australia’ s dirt track heritage.

Matt may not yet be a household name in mainstream motorsport, but within the speedway community, his impact is undeniable. He represents the true spirit of racing not through trophies, but through passion, participation, and connection.

In many ways, Matt Nikiforoff reminds us that motorsport isn’ t just about winning it’ s about turning up, speaking up, and sharing the thrill of the race. Whether he’ s behind the wheel or behind the mic, he’ s shaping the story of Australian speedway one lap, and one broadcast, at a time.

The Weekend Sports Wrap hits 300 episodes

with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin

Since I was a child, sport has been deeply ingrained in my life. It’ s not just something I do, it’ s a huge part of who I am. You often hear people say,“ I didn’ t choose the sports life, it chose me;” in my case, that couldn’ t be more accurate.

I fell in love with sport through schoolyard games of cricket, soccer, rugby league, touch footy, rugby union and basketball anything and everything. As a kid between seven and twelve, I’ d lie on my bed playing with sports cards, pretending to be the voices of Ray Warren, Richie Benaud, Gordon Bray, Ray Hadley or Martin Tyler, commentating my own little theatre of dreams. Even back in the mid-1980s, I dreamed of calling games and sharing the magic of sport with others.

Fast forward 35 years filled with playing, coaching, and just beginning to dabble in commentary and I found myself speaking to Kathryn Gene, Station Manager at Pulse FM 89.9, in February 2022. She told me they were looking to start a sports show and asked if I was interested. My answer was an emphatic yes.

I’ d spent over two decades as a devoted listener of The Big Sports Breakfast on 2KY, Triple M Footy, Dead Set Legends, and, more unusually, 2BS Sports in Bathurst

every Friday afternoon while driving trucks to and from Dubbo. That last one became my template- a one hour, dedicated weekly sports show that focused on local sport, touched on national and international stories, and left the audience wanting more with fresh, engaging content every week. Sounds easy, right? I thought so too, but I was in for a shock.

Each one hour episode took around 10 hours to prepare sourcing up-todate results, finding fresh news and guests, and pulling everything together. I had no producer; I did it all myself. I was determined to make the show inclusive and comprehensive, covering major and fringe sports alike, delivering local results and stories, and featuring both male and female athletes, voices, and perspectives. I drew on my network of contacts to shape the show around what it was always meant to be, a celebration of the everyday weekend warrior.

The show quickly expanded. Within six weeks, it moved to two nights a week, Fridays from 6 – 8pm and Sundays from 6 – 9pm. As the audience grew, so did the team. I brought in the talented Troy

Worner, host of the ParraCave Podcast, as our NRL expert. Others have contributed across different codes, including the recent addition of Joshua Lee Outland better known as“ The Shadow Cat” who joins us during the NFL season, making The Weekend Sports Wrap Australia’ s only dedicated FM radio NFL show.

The show continues to go from strength to strength, engaging communities across local netball, swimming, soccer, rugby league, union, basketball even Windsor Bowls Club legend Eddie Dries has made a cameo. Reaching 300 episodes was a huge milestone. When I started, I thought I’ d be lucky to reach 25 or 50. But the content is stronger than ever, and our commitment to representing local clubs, athletes, and supporters remains at the heart of the show’ s success.

Importantly, The Weekend Sports Wrap also has a strong female presence, covering a wide range of women’ s sports. I’ d love to see a regular female contributor or even a co-host join the show. Any female athlete, fan, or pundit passionate about sport and ready to have their say is more than welcome.

Here’ s to reaching 500 episodes and to continuing to be the voice of sport for the Hawkesbury. This show is, and always will be, for the people.

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30 ISSUE 183 // AUGUST 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT