Section 8 - Chainsaw
Saturday 25 July ONLY | Timber Sports Area
Australia's top timber sports competitors will showcase incredible speed, precision and power in one of the Kilcoy Show's most exciting spectator events. From local competitors through to Australian Championship racing, there's action throughout the day for the whole family.
Planning to enter Chainsaw Races?
Start here.
Download the official schedule, check the regulations and required paperwork, and contact the Chief Steward if you are unsure.
Chainsaw Racing
When & Where
Saturday 25 July
Timber Sports Area
Local Events start approx. 10:00am
Australian Championship events follow throughout the day
Entry Information
Competitors must:
Hold a minimum Level 1 Chainsaw Accreditation
Be over 16 years of age
Pay gate entry PLUS nomination fees
Nominate before the published closing date
Steward Contact
Chief Steward: Graham Retschlag
Mobile: 0477 090 266
Steward: Hannah Retschlag
Mobile: 0455 547 363
Important Operator Reminders
Forms.
Rules.
Competition is conducted under the Queensland Agricultural Show Rules. Competitors must be over 16 years of age and hold a minimum Level 1 Chainsaw Accreditation Certificate.
Safety.
Safety is the highest priority throughout the competition. Competitors, officials and spectators must follow all directions issued by the Chief Steward and event officials.
Entry Fees.
All competitors are required to pay Show gate admission plus the applicable nomination fee for each event entered. Nominations are paid on arrival prior to competition.
Right of Refusal.
The Chief Steward reserves the right to refuse any competitor or equipment that does not meet competition requirements.
Competition Capacity.
Competitor numbers are capped to ensure safe operation within the designated competition arena.
Meet the Stewards
Behind every successful Chainsaw Competition are two dedicated volunteers committed to preserving one of Kilcoy's proudest traditions.
Chief Steward Graham Retschlag and Steward Hannah Retschlag work year-round to coordinate competitors, organise events and ensure the competition is conducted safely, professionally and in the true spirit of timber sports.
For Graham and Hannah, it's about far more than running a competition—it's about sharing an important part of Kilcoy's history with the community and showcasing the skills that helped shape the region.
Together, Graham and Hannah bring decades of competition experience, championship success and a shared commitment to preserving the rich timber sports heritage of the Kilcoy Show.
To us, it's about showing the community a rich part of Kilcoy's history—the timber industry. Every year we aim to put on an exciting demonstration for the crowd and bring Australia's best competitors to our town. That's the most rewarding part for us
— Hannah Retschlag, Chainsaw Steward, Kilcoy Show
Competition Achievements
Graham Retschlag
2018 Australian 100cc Post Rip National Title
2018 Australian Teams Post Rip National Title
2018 Skipper Watson 090 Queensland State Title Post Rip
Hannah Retschlag
2025 Queensland State Title Ladies 100cc Speed Race
John "Johnny" Harrison competing at the Kilcoy Show, helping shape the proud timber sports tradition that continues today.
About Chainsaw Racing
Chainsaw Racing has been a crowd favourite at the Kilcoy Show for many years, combining raw power with remarkable precision and skill.
Competitors travel from across Queensland to test their speed, accuracy and technique in a variety of cutting disciplines ranging from local events through to prestigious Australian Championship competitions.
The 2026 program proudly features the Ladies 100cc Australian National Title Post Rip, attracting some of Australia's leading female competitors alongside the ever-popular John Harrison Memorial and Hot Saw events.
Whether you're cheering on local competitors or watching championship racing for the first time, there's plenty of excitement throughout the day.
Making History
Australian Title – Ladies 100cc Post Rip
The 2026 Kilcoy Show is proud to host the Australian Title – Ladies 100cc Post Rip, marking the first time this prestigious championship has ever been contested.
This milestone holds special significance for the Kilcoy Show and the Australian timber sports community.
Eleven years ago, Kilcoy's own Hannah Retschlag became the first woman to compete in a Post Rip competition—right here at the Kilcoy Show. Her achievement helped pave the way for greater female participation in chainsaw racing across Australia.
Today, more women than ever are competing in Post Rip events, and it is fitting that this historic Australian Title will be contested where that journey began.
The Kilcoy P.A. & I. Society is honoured to host this landmark event and welcomes competitors and spectators to witness a significant chapter in Australian timber sports history.
Proudly sponsored by Kilcoy Mechanical & Small Engine Centre.
Sponsors & Supporters
The Chainsaw Competition is proudly supported by local businesses, industry partners and generous families whose sponsorship helps deliver prize money, maintain equipment and continue one of the Kilcoy Show's most exciting competitions.
We sincerely thank every sponsor for their ongoing support of this iconic event.
Business Sponsors
We sincerely thank the families and individual supporters whose generosity helps keep the Chainsaw Competition thriving.
Their support contributes to prize money, event sponsorship, volunteer resources and the ongoing success of one of the Kilcoy Show's most exciting competitions. Every contribution helps preserve the proud timber sports tradition that has been part of our Show for generations.
Family & Individual Sponsors
Supporting the Chainsaw Competition with More Than Sponsorship
The Weaver Family continues to support the Kilcoy Show Chainsaw Competition during the event.
Behind every successful competition is practical support like this, helping transport timber, prepare the competition area and ensure the event runs safely and efficiently for competitors, volunteers and spectators alike.
The Kilcoy P.A. & I. Society sincerely thanks the Weaver Family for their ongoing generosity and commitment to the Chainsaw Competition.
WEAVER FAMILY
Memorial Trophy Donors
Kilcoy P.A. & I. Society proudly acknowledges the families who honour the legacy of loved ones through the Chainsaw Memorial Trophy events. These memorials celebrate the people whose dedication, generosity and passion helped shape the timber industry, the Kilcoy Show and our local community.
John Harrison Memorial Trophy
Donated by the Harrison Family
Event 12 - John Harrison Memorial 090 Post RipJohn “Johnny” Harrison was a well-known local timberman, earthmoving contractor and long-time supporter of the Kilcoy community.
What began with a man and a chainsaw grew into a respected family business built around timber, logging, Caterpillar dozers, Mack trucks and hard work across Kilcoy, Hazeldean, Bellthorpe, Jimna and beyond.
The Harrison family’s connection to timber work spans generations, from bullock teams in earlier days through to logging, earthworks, dams, roads, pasture improvement and local community projects.
John and Sue Harrison, together with their family, have been generous supporters of the Kilcoy Show and the Chainsaw Competition. The John Harrison Memorial honours Johnny’s contribution to the timber industry, his connection to the land, and the family’s continued support of Section 8 — Chainsaw.
Kilcoy P.A. & I. Society sincerely thanks the Harrison Family for their ongoing generosity and support.
Related Links
This page is a helpful summary only. Exhibitors must read the official Chainsaw Section for full event details, conditions, entry requirements, prize details and required paperwork.