Breaking News - Events Cancelled / Postponed on weekend of 16/17 February
Story by: Motorcycling Queensland

Recent wet weather throughout the 'sunshine' state has played havoc with some motorcycle events that are scheduled for the weekend of 16th & 17th February. The following events have been effected:

*Queensland Speedway Sidecar Championships
*Round 2 Shell Advance Sunshine State Motorcoss Series
*Queenslad A4DE Training Camp

Queensland Speedway Sidecar Championships postponed

The Queensland Speedway Sidecar Championship scheduled to take place at the Rockhampton Showgrounds this Saturday night (16th February) has been postponed.

Recent heavey rain in the area has made preperation of the track for the meeting impossible. All riders entered for the event will be notified directly by Motorcycling Queensland.

An alternate date is yet to be confirmed, however once a new date has been confirmed all riders will be notified directly by Motorcycling Queensland, and the new date / details will be advertised on the MQ website - www.mqld.org.au

Round 2 Shell Sunshine State Motocross Series - postponed

Round 2 of the Shell Advance Sunshine State Motocross Series, scheduled to take place at the Coolum Motocross Track this weekend (Saturday 16th & 17th February 2008) has been postponed.

Heavy rain on the sunshine coast in recent days has led to flooding in the pit area at the Coolum track, making the conduct of the event on this weekend impossible.

The Coolum round (2) will now take place on the weekend of 23rd & 24th February.

Riders - please note the following information regarding the rescheduling of this round:

*All round 2 (16/17 February) entries will be automatically transferred to the new round 2 (23/24 February) date;

*If you are unable to attend the new round 2 date, please ring or text the Race Secretary - Kevin Mortimer on 0408 705 606, to advise that you are unable to attend the new date;

*If you are unable to attend the new round 2 date, you may choose to transfer your entry to round 3, or you can request a refund. If you wish to transfer your entry to round 3 - Mundubberra (1/2 March), you must still complete and return an entry form for round 3. If you are seeking a refund you must first return your passes from round 2 to the Race Secretary - Kevin Mortimer.

*If you are unable to attend the new round 2 date, please do not assume that your entry will be automatically transferred to round 3 (it wont). You must still complete and return an entry for this round.

Queensland A4DE Training Camp - postponed

Due to heavy rain throghout the area the Queensland A4DE Training Camp which was scheduled to take place at Green Park, Conondale this weekend (16/17 February) has been called off.

An alternate date is currnelty being sought, and all effected riders will be notified accordingly.

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Vermeulen delivers 'Ultimate Coaching Experience'
Story by: Drmsby Middleton
Photo by: Your Sports Shots

Queensland's very own MotoGP Star Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki) gave up and coming road racer Nathan Houterman the 'Ultimate Coaching Experience' at Ipswich Kart Track today (Monday 4th February 2008).

This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was eagerly received by 14 year old Nathan, who won the Road Racing component of the Ultimate Coaching Experience, an innovative competition promoted by Motorcycling Queensland.

Rainy weather, and therefore a wet track, threatened to put a dampener on proceedings, but Vermeulen’s innate knowledge of road racing ensured that the day was highly successful, as did Nathan’s willingness to take to the track despite the conditions.

Chris had a preliminary chat with Nathan to start the day, going over some basics and outlining what the day would involve. Nathan then suited up, and headed out onto the track to turn some laps. 

After getting a feel for the grip level of the still damp track, he started pushing the bike a little harder, before coming in for a half-time debriefing. Chris made some assessments and suggestions, and after the two had finished their discussion Nathan took to the track once more, and the difference in his riding was visible.

He was riding faster and smoother, with more intent and focus. Following the riding part of the Experience, Chris and Nathan sat down to talk at length about the many facets of road racing.

At the conclusion of the day, Motorcycling Queensland via our very own Ride! eNews Road Racing contributor - Drmsby Middleton spoke to Chris regarding his thoughts on the day’s proceedings.

Ride! eNews: Chris, why did you get involved with the Ultimate Coaching Experience? 

Chris Vermeulen (CV): Well I have actually had an MA Licence for ages, and thought it was about time to put it to use! When Motorcycling Queensland approached us about it I thought it would be great, and I would definitely do it again.

Ride! eNews: Did you ever receive coaching in your early career similar to what you are providing for Nathan here today?

CV: No, not like this anyway. It would have been a great help back then too.

Ride! eNews: How important do you think coaching like this is for a young racer’s career?

CV: I think it depends on the age. Around 14 to 15 year's old like Nathan it’s great, but much earlier than that is too young. Especially with road racing, there is just too much to take in.

Ride! eNews: Have you done any other coaching?

CV: No, well not officially anyway.

Ride! eNews: What tips and techniques did you cover today?

CV: Lots of stuff, and not just specifically related to riding the bike either. For instance I spoke to Nathan about the importance of communicating bike setup to the team, and being honest with your feedback, as that is a huge part of road racing. We spoke about other setup issues. I also gave him some ideas regarding finding and keeping sponsors, and lots of other things concerning racing.

Ride! eNews: What do you think of Nathan’s riding?

CV: Really good. He had a good safe approach to riding here today. He didn’t just go out hard in the wet and crash, he took it easy at first and worked his way into it. He has a good attitude towards racing, and listened to what I had to say.

Ride! eNews: What are your thoughts on the Ipswich Kart Track?

CV: The track looks good, the more road racing tracks that we have for Juniors to practice on the better.

Ride! eNews: How important do you feel it is for Juniors to ride road-based bikes early in their career?

CV: Very important, but it should not be the only type of bike they ride. When I am asked why Aussies do so well in road racing, I say it is because of the dirt riding most of us did when we were younger. It is important to have that side of it as well. But I think it is great that these younger guys now have road racing bikes to ride, it’s really good to see.

Ride! eNews: Thanks Chris, and good luck with season 2008!

Competition winner Nathan Houterman also spoke to Ride! eNews about the big day.

Ride! eNews: What was it like to meet Chris Vermeulen?

Nathan Houterman (NH): Awesome, I was really looking forward to it. I was very nervous at first though, but he (Chris) seems like such an easy going guy, so after a short while I felt comfortable.

Ride! eNews: Did you learn much from him today?

NH: Yeah heaps – Everything from chasing sponsors to setting up for a corner, lots of stuff really.

Ride! eNews: You must be looking forward to your next race now!

NH: Yeah definitely. I think I will go a lot better, and I am really keen to try and implement some of the things Chris and I have talked about here today into a race situation.

Ride! eNews: Have you had any other coaching?

NH: Yes I have done Fitness and Riding school, and have done some dirt stuff as well because I also race motocross. 

Ride! eNews: How do you like the Ipswich Kart Track?

NH: It is a good fun track, but it’s very slippery when it is wet. I was a bit worried about it when we got here this morning and I saw the track was wet. It was good fun though.

Ride! eNews: What's your racing number, and what class do you race in? 

NH: My road racing number is 22, and my dirt number is 228. I race CBR150s in junior road racing and 250F in motocross. 

Ride! eNews: Where do you hope to go with your racing career?

NH: I would like to follow in Chris’ footsteps!

*More images from the Chris Vermeulen 'Ultimate Road Racing Coaching Experience' available from: www.yoursportsshots.com

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Suncoast MCC Wins Award
Story by: Motorcycling Australia
Photo by: Suncoast MCC

The Suncoast Junior Motorcycle Club took out Event of the Year at the Caloundra RSL Sportstar of the Year 2007 awards ceremony on Friday night.

The club received the award for the Honda Junior Motocross Championship it hosted in September of 2007 at the its Track in Coolum.

Past Club President Mike Kelly, was thrilled with the award and proud of the efforts everyone had put in.

“It’s such a great boost for not only the club but for the sport too,” he said.

“Motocross doesn’t get much mainstream coverage so to beat an event like the Australian PGA is just brilliant.”

Other contenders for the Event of the Year Award in addition to the Australian PGA included the Noosa and Mooloolaba Triathlons and the Coolum Kite Festival.

The award ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort with about 500 guests attending the black tie dinner.

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Top Gun Trainers
Story by: Lyndon Blake
Photo by: Lyndon Blake & Tye Thies

It would seem an odd mix, the Australian Defence Force and two MA motorcycle coaches. No, it doesn’t mean that we will see camo and weapon-clad Huskies out on the frontline any time soon!

This is a story about ProART, a small coaching outfit based in Toowoomba and its epic three and a half week, 10,000 km trip to provide off road training for our motorcycle brethren in the Australia Defence Force throughout Queensland and the Northern Territory, under the Federal Government Rider Safety scheme.

Lyndon Blake is one of the founders of ProART. He started coaching back in the 1980s at a riding park called Blackbutt Gully Motorcycle Park, just south of Nowra, NSW.

At a young age he served his apprenticeship under instructors Anthony Gunter, Trevor Williams, Phil Lovett, Grant Cramer and Trials ace Peter Pace. Lyndon has raced in just about all forms of motorcycling and now is retired to racing Vets and Trials. 

ProART’s other founder is an up and coming rider by the name of Tye Thies. Tye has proven his speed, racing his 125 against the favoured 250 fourstrokes. Together, Lyndon and Tye approached the Federal Government to become one of the preferred providers for their off-road safety initiative.

Now, on with the story.  Says Lyndon- It took over month’s worth of organisation, as we had planned schools for the Defence Force for Townsville, Cairns, Darwin and Katherine, as well providing our private coaching schools along the way. 

One Saturday morning, it seemed like just another race day as Tye and I loaded the van with the prepped Huskies and all the gear we needed for the trip. The rest of the day saw us travelling the coast till we reached Mackay, where we set up camp at a caravan park. Rising early, we reached Townsville by mid afternoon the next day.

In what ended up being the start of a regular pattern, we found our place to stay and then headed out to a local riding park not far out of Townsville. It was great to be out of the van after travelling two days and throw a leg over the bikes. For the rest of the afternoon Tye and I contented ourselves with riding a variety of natural terrain motocross and Supercross tracks as well as the short Enduro loop. At the end of that day we were convinced that the park would make a great training ground for our Defence course which was set to start the next day.

Monday morning saw us up early and ready to deliver our first 2 day defence force Rider Safety Course.  ProART’s defence force course is similar to our private coaching school, but without the high risk activities like jumping and with less intensity. This course provides everything to bring the rider’s skill level up so that they can be in control and ride more safely by being more stable in their operation of the bike in the chosen terrain. As most of the attendees were trail riders we spent most of the second day working our way around the terrain they would be most likely to meet.

The course went really well, except for the fact that the heat was starting to take its toll on the instructors from down south!! We were happy to load up the air-conditioned van and head north to Cairns.

Our late arrival at Cairns was met by the welcome smiles of the Cairns Speedway Association. A big thanks goes to Debbie for getting a home cooked meal into us before we crashed out for the night. The sleep in was broken by the smell of bacon and eggs the next morning, as Debbie played mum again! Breakfast was soon gone, and Tye and I hopped back into the van to drive up to a area called Innot Springs, some 2 hours drive from Cairns up in the high country on the Atherton Tablelands.

Innot Springs was a perfect training area, with its low risk deep sand motocross track and a great Enduro loop. The best thing about Innot Springs was that the motocross track was only 300 metres from the cabins we were staying in; on top of that, they had hot springs which was a welcome relief for the sore attendees after day one of our course.

Late that afternoon however, we had to make a quick dash back to Cairns as the gear lever on my Husky had done its day out on the loop. Our thanks go to Holeshot Moto, Cairns’ local Husqvarna dealer for pulling off a gear lever from one of their showroom bikes to get us back in the game. After that mad rush we spent the time cleaning and servicing the bikes before heading out to have dinner with the Speedway guys and girls at the ‘local’.

The course ran well, until the last part of day two, when we went out for a ‘follow-me’ trail ride. On the return home I was sweep for the slower riders of the group. As we entered a creek crossing, one of them seemed to leap off his bike - well, that’s what it looked like from my position riding at the back...

The guy who appeared to ‘leap off’ was nicknamed Charlie, who was a great road bike rider and was impressive on dirt too. However, a large stick had come between his groin and the ground and launched him from his ever faithful DR. Luckily Charlie only ended up with a couple of stitches.

As we waved the course attendees (and a few new mates!) good bye, Tye and I headed for the hot springs, as running the first two courses had taken its physical toll.  We had learnt at the AIS level two coaching course that for recovery, ten minutes spent in hot and then ten spent in the cold pool was the thing to do! The protocol worked well, as the next day as we loaded up the van to head to Darwin and we were feeling completely recharged.
                                             
The weather at Innot had been kind to us two southerners, as it had been like the weather back in Toowoomba - cold and wet - even had fog over the tablelands as we set out for the three day drive to Darwin. The first day took us from Innot to Mt Isa. 

On the second day of this part of the journey I reminisced that the run from the Queensland border to the Stuart highway in Northern Territory was as flat and boring as I remember from the last time I drove across it to do the Finke Desert Race in 2005!!

Two days of travelling later and we ended up at a place called Daly Waters, a little one-pub town some 500kms south of Darwin. The thing that sticks in my mind about Daly Waters is the fact you can go from the pool to the Bar of the pub in your towel, still wet. Mind you, there is only a gate between them. That night we treated ourselves to fresh wild barra, char grilled!! Day three completed the run to Darwin.

ProART had done courses in Darwin before, so Tye and I were able to stay with a friend we had made at the last defence course, to prep the bikes, wash the gear and ready ourselves for the next course after the long drive. With a little time up our sleeves we did some sightseeing, a little shopping and some riding to try and get used to the sudden onset of the heat that the tropical north had to offer. At that time it was the start of the wet season, and storms roll in like back home, but the heat stays the same. It takes a bit to acclimatise!!

The short break passed quickly and soon we were heading out to Hidden Valley Raceway for the third of our defence force courses. The Darwin group was a mixture of Army guys, from tank corps to infantry; we even had a lieutenant colonel on the course, which in Army terms is a very high rank. The next two days went off without a hitch and was enjoyed by all that attended. Tye and I didn’t stop drinking water and Gatorade. I think the record amount of water consumed here was 7 litres each per day per instructor.

Following another day’s rest, which included cleaning bikes and gear, as usual - our next course was a private one for the Top End Motorcycle Club in Darwin.  We were  to hold the course under lights (it gets so hot up there  they have lights around the motocross track so they can race in the cooler evening!) but had to put it off till the next day as a bad storm moved in and lightning and water soon put a stop to our plans. With the courses being postponed till the next day, Tye and I had a chance to do a bit more sightseeing.

Our next course was in Katherine, the home of Australia’s “Top Gun” F-18 fighter squadrons. Our thanks go to the Katherine Off Road Motorcycle Club especially Brad Kirkels, because when we arrived to do our ‘recon’, the track was perfectly prepared. Brad and other members met us to show us the track and Enduro loop.

After a few hours riding, the heat just about flattened us poor southern riders. We were glad there was a pool where we were staying. The guys from Tindal RAAF Base who attended the course had a great time even though the temperature on the track hovered over the 40deg mark even at 10am.

As you can imagine as instructors we were dripping in sweat, so Tye and I broke our own record by consuming 12 litres of water each per day!!  

As always, following after the course we were cleaning bikes and gear, but this time it was for a special reason.  The guys on the course had arranged for us to get a look around the Tindal RAAF base where we were able to see some of the weapons that go into the F-18s, I say some, because most of the weaponry is ‘top secret’.

We were fortunate enough to get up close to a plane capable of doing over twice the speed of sound and carrying enough firepower to flatten a small city (we even got the pictures to prove it!!).  ProART would like to thank the Commanders of Tindal base, FSgt Brad Kirkels and FSgt Glenn “Flip” Withers for showing us around.

With another day off after the photo shoot with the Hornet, we took time out to see the beauty of the Katherine Gorge – Tye and I agreed it’s a very special place. Seeing the Gorge also gave us a break before the private course we held for club members of the Katherine Off Road Motorcycle Club.

At the completion of this course, we had 6 courses, 3 and half weeks and approximately 10,000kms under our belts, with close to 70 riders choosing to do their MA licensing and competency testing with us.

Over the three and a half weeks Tye and I had a lot of fun, made some great mates along the way and Tye broke the lap record at every track we went to on his 125. Our last thanks must go to Husqvarna dealer, Toowoomba Bikes and Bits for their support – also to others that I may have missed in this story.

ProART are available to do coaching in the remote areas of western and north western Queensland.  They can cater for private one-on-one or if you get a group together. Contact Lyndon on (07) 4697-9106, mb: 0427 910 561 or e: proart@icr.com.au

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BEN SCHODEL MOTOCROSS COACHING

COOLUM & KILCOY TRACKS

Ben Schodel is a Level 2 motorcycle coach operating out of the Coolum & Kilcoy Tracks. Ben has his privately owned Motocross Track on his own private property near Woodford licenced by Motorcycling Queensland to conduct permitted coaching and practice.

Contact Ben on 0410 690 392 for all your coaching needs.

Speedway's 'Ultimate Coaching Experience'
Story by: Gavin Elmes
Photo by: Gavin Elmes

And the winner is… Nick Morris!

Thirteen year old Nick, who lives just outside Ipswich, could hardly believe his second windfall of the weekend when his name was drawn at Motorcycling Queensland's Presentation Dinner on Saturday 2nd December 2007.

Morris was amongst hundreds of other riders who had submitted an entry in Motorcycling Queensland's 'Ultimate Coaching Experience'.

The competition, developed by Motorcycling Queensland, offered Queensland licence holders from all riding disciplines the opportunity to win a one on one coaching session from some of Queensland's and Australia's top riders, including names like Jason Crump (Speedway), Chris Vermeulen (Road Racing), Daniel Reardon (Motocross) and AJ Roberts (Enduro / Off Road) to name just a few.

Morris was drawn as the winner of a one-on-one coaching session with two-time World Speedway Champion Jason Crump.

The previous day, the youngster had taken delivery of a brand new 350cc speedway bike, sponsored by Pyrme Pty Ltd. Nick has to wait until his fourteenth birthday in June before competing on the machine, however he only had to wait a month for his illustrious rendezvous.

The two hour coaching session took place at the North Brisbane on Tuesday 8th January 2008. Aspects of racing techniques and preparation were covered, while emphasising the importance of fun and enjoyment of the sport, as Crump put his eager pupil through a rigorous work-out.

Crump (together with another Speedway legend - Mitch Shirra) recently completed a Level 1 Coaching Course with Motorcycling Queensland and demonstrated an effective, relaxed and attention gripping manner in his delivery.

Motorcycling Queensland would like to offer a huge thank-you to Jason Crump for agreeing to give up his valuable 'holiday time' to be involved with The Ultimate Coaching Experience.

Young Nick now has a better insight into racing, as he prepares to move up into the 350cc ranks and ultimately to race a 500cc bike when he turns sixteen. It was certainly a day to remember, thanks to Motorcycling Queensland and Jason Crump.

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The Gold Coast Sidecar Championship at Mike Hatcher Park on January 19 was a special night which, I am sure, left everyone feeling very good about life.

Not only was the racing sensational, which is almost a "given" on this track when it comes to sidecars, but the generosity of speedway people was never more on display.

The collection arranged on the night to raise funds for young Dirt Track and Road Race star Matthew Kuhne netted over $2,000 (see photo).

This money will go some way towards defraying the costs of enabling Matthew to travel to San Diego, USA, to undertake an intensive rehabilitation program with Project Walk. Matthew's mother, Lisa, will travel with him as his carer.

Matthew, who grew up on his home track at Mike Hatcher Park, suffered an accident in early August last year which left him with a broken neck in three places and a C6 quadriplegic analysis. He has been in Brisbane's PA Hospital ever since and is due for discharge on January 31. This, is itself, is a remarkable feat, as this is the quickest anyone in Matthew's situation has completed the rehabilitation program the hospital can offer.

He is best mates with World Moto GP Champion Casey Stoner and was Casey's best man at his wedding a little over a year ago. Casey caught up with Matthew just before Christmas and both he and Anthony West, another good mate, have been very supportive. These three, of course, raced together so many times as juniors at Mike Hatcher Park and tracks all over Australia.

Matthew is a determined character who is very positive about his future and absolutely determined to walk again. He was accepted into the Project Walk program in America when they found out about his determination and will to succeed, a trait which characterised his racing days.

His initial visit to America will see Matthew complete two stages of the five-stage course, the final one being able to walk again. This will necessitate numerous trips back and forth between Australia and the USA, with no set time-span for the complete course. As every case is different, determining a final stage date is impossible at this stage, but it goes without saying that Matthew will give it 110% effort, and will not take 'no' for an answer.

Everyone who knows Matt has every confidence that he will succeed. A massive thank-you to all of the wonderful Speedway people who so generously gave for the cause. What makes their generosity even more heart-warming is that Matthew is not even a Speedway person, yet everyone their on the night saw beyond this and supported someone in need.

If anyone who was not there on the night and happens to read this and feels he/she/they would like to contribute something, please contact Bob Leyden on (07) 3277 3367 to arrange it.

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Shell Motocross Series Springs to Life
Story by: Scott Bishop

Australia’s most popular motocross series returned on 3rd and 4th February, with round 1 of the 2008 Shell Advance Sunshine State Series roaring into Hervey Bay. The Series is entering its 15th year and shows no signs of slowing down with huge support again coming from the industry and the riders for 2008.

WHERE and WHEN

Rd 1- Feb 3 /4 - Hervey Bay
Rd 2 – Feb 23/ 24 (new date) – Coolum
Rd 3 – March 1 /2 – Munduberra
Rd 4 – April 12/13 – Tivoli
Rd 5 - May 17/ 18- Bundaberg
Rd 6 – May 31/ 1 Kilcoy
Rd 7- Jun 14/ 15- Chinchilla
Rd 8 – Jun 28/29 – Toowoomba

The credibility of this series has grown remarkably in the past few years and the racing talent being churned out from Queensland is due to the quality of events we are staging. Again in 2008, plenty of national race teams are looking at the early Queensland events as way to fine tune their settings and get some racing under their belts before the Rockstar Motocross National Championships start in April.

Confirmed for the opening round were the entire line of Team Motorex KTM, Jay Marmont from CDR Yamaha, Dean Ferris from Woodstock Honda Cool Air Racing, Yamaha Queensland and the usual host of local hot shots. So as always the racing will be on, and the high quality field will only continue to develop and make our riders better.

Junior racing is also super strong in Queensland and the fact that young kids ride and race on the same track as the Pros shows up in the national results. Queensland has a deep talent field of junior racers and the Sunshine State Series is the perfect showcase for the youngsters to strut their stuff.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT

Again Shell Oils have retained the naming rights of the series and continue their long association with the Sunshine State Series. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Southside Toyota and Channel 10 are also back on board and this year the series welcomes DIRT ACTION Magazine and also Leatt Brace to the major sponsor list.

Both new comers will have plenty of profile at the events with DIRT ACTION covering the series at selected events via the magazine and also DVD content, while Leatt Brace will have a stall set up and answer all your questions regarding their safety equipment and also sell braces on site.

Manufacturers have also stepped up this year with Suzuki Queensland supporting a new team, while Yamaha are running an extensive contingency program across almost every class. Supplementary Regulations for the Series are available from www.mqld.org.au.  

ROUND 1- HERVEY BAY  

Hot, humid conditions and a perfect track greeted the riders for the opening round of the 2008 Shell Advance Sunshine State Series. Again huge entries were received and the tough, sandy Hervey Bay circuit made life tough for the unfit and the unprepared.

Plenty of big names rocked up at the event and the racing was first class. Mal Watson and his crew up at Hervey Bay do a sensational day and the track was as good as it’s ever been.

Noise testing was carried out through the day and the general consensus is that the majority of riders are doing the right thing and trying to keep noise down.

Many manufacturers and exhaust makers have been in contact with Motorcycling Queensland and the Motocross Subcommittee and it’s good to see all are working together to meet the new limits and also commonsense applications of the rule were used throughout the Hervey Bay event.

For all the results, check out www.orion-timing,com and round two blasts off on rescheduled date of February 23 at the Coolum circuit, which is shaping up to be a mini national event with plenty of teams expressing an interest in competing.

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Go Girls Cup in Review
Story by: Tamara Gray

The Inaugural 2008 Go Girl Racing Women’s Cup, which this year incorporated the Trans Tasman Challenge, yet again lived up to its name as the biggest Women’s motocross event in this country!

Hosted once again right at the impressive Glenfern Park, Kilcoy, which considering the amount of rain the area had had in the weeks leading up to the event, was very well prepared. A record-breaking 270 entrants entered for the meeting, with more than 100 being female, many of whom were making it their first race appearance for the season.

The Senior Women’s class was alight with race action. The first moto saw Husky Chix’s Ashlea Bates go down and finish well back in the points.  South Australian Steph Cutler ran with the opportunity and held out Amy Boyd and “Girl’s on the Gas winner” Jacqui Jones to finish first, second and third respectively. 

In moto two the tables were turned. Ashlea Bates kept her Husqvarna on two wheels and managed to take a win, and in so doing grabbed back some valuable point’s. Amy Boyd and Steph Cutler diced again, this time it was Boyd second, and Cutler having to settle for third.

Moto three saw Ashlea Bates grab the holeshot, QLD Yamaha Girl’s Team rider Tamara Gray finally made an appearance after battling with starts earlier in the day.  Gray chased down Bates, but a minor mistake saw her drop off the back of Bates, Amy Boyd also managed to slip by Gray, with positions staying this way till the end of the race.

Amy Boyd showed that consistency pays off with finishes of 2-2-2 giving her the overall win for the event. Ashlea Bates did her best regaining in points after her fall, and 11-1-1 put her in second place overall. Unfortunately Steph Cutler couldn’t finish off her early form, but finishes of 1-3-7 put her on the last step on the podium for the day.

The Female Junior Lites class had something a little extra riding on it this year.  Incorporated in this class was the Trans Tasman Challenge, with special quest appearance by New Zealand women’s Junior Champion - Alicia McLauchlan. Alicia ended up taking back the massive gold cup with her on the plane after beating her Australian counterpart Sarah Guthrie.

Tori Dare won the overall on the Female Junior Lites class after 1-2-1.  Husky Chix rider Courtney Knight has showed massive improvement over the break and came out swinging with a 2-1-2 score for second overall. Alicia McLauchlan finished third overall with 5-3-3 finishes.

In the Female 85cc 12-u16yrs Meghan Rutledge was the girl to beat, however Meghan’s rein of dominate wins was brought down in the third race.  As a result Mackenzie Tricker 2-2-1 won the overall.  Rutledge with finishes of 1-1-6 finished took second overall, with the diminutive Patty Hearne (3-3-2) aboard her KTM125 rounding out the top three.

The fledgling Female 85cc 9-u12yrs was won by Brooke Wicks (1-1-2), Tanisha Messer (2-2-1) and Jozee Adamson (3-3-3) placed second and third respectively.

Female 65cc 10-u13yrs was dominated by Taylor Jones with three wins. Tanisha Messer (4-2-2) took her second, second for the day and Maddison Hold (2-6-3) had a great opening race that helped her secure the third overall.

Alex Evans 2-1-1 got over the line in the Female 65cc 7-u10yrs.  Cheyenne Taylor 1-2-2 placed second overall and Olivia Sippel 5-3-3 placed third.

Female 50cc Division 2, with three straight wins was won by Allie Hicks.  Allira Baericke and Karla Curtis placed second and third respectively.

Information and results can be viewed at www.gogirlracing.com.au

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Meet Ashlea Bates
Story by: Tamara Gray
Photo by: Paul Feeney Group

You will have seen this name all over the face of women’s motocross last year.  In her first year of senior competition, Ashlea Bates put on a fine display of what we can expect from the up and coming young girls amongst women’s motocross.

This quiet 17 year old from Coffs Harbour has spent many weekends here in Queensland racing in some of the popular women’s motocross events such as the Go Girls Cup, Go Girls Off Road Series, and of course the Queensland State Championships.

She can rattle off a list of stellar results from 2007 alone, such as winning the Queensland Championships and Go Girls series, 2nd in the Australian titles and 3rd in the Oceanic Cup at Barrabool. 

With Ashlea securing a ride with Husky Chix Racing for 2008 she has already managed to place 2nd at the Go Girl Racing Trans Tasman Cup earlier this year. 

You could definitely say that Ashlea has been showing potential from an early age.  In the 2002 Junior Australian Titles in Chidlow, Western Australia, Ashlea was the only girl to compete and finished an incredible 3rd against 68 boys in her class.

Ride! eNews caught up with Ashlea before our season started, whilst she was on a break from travelling all over Australia to compete.

Ride! eNews: So Ashlea, you have had an incredible season in 2007, especially on your debut in to senior competition, how has it left you feeling?

Ashlea Bates (AB): Last year couldn’t have turned out better, I’ve had an awesome year and had lots of fun made new friends and it’s just been awesome.

Ride! eNews: What was your experience racing the Australian Women’s Titles?

AB: Racing the Australian Women’s titles was a good experience for me.  I did better then I expected.  The riders were all very fast.  Australian riders are becoming very very fast.  The drives for two of the rounds were very long and boring and the weather was mostly fine but some were very muddy like Toowoomba, it was a race to see who could stay on (their bike) and not everyone made it around the track, it was that bad.

Ride! eNews: You were selected for the Australian team and rode at the Oceanic Cup at Barrabool, what did you think of that?

AB: Yeah riding for the Australian team was a dream come true, it was so awesome and I loved being a part of the team.

Ride! eNews: I have kept my Australian front number plate from the Oceanic events, did you keep yours and what did you do with it?

AB: Yeah sure did, I put it on my bedroom wall along side all the other ones I have, it’s got its own special place on my wall.

Ride! eNews: Speaking of keepsakes, what is the coolest trophy you have ever won and what was it for?

AB: That’s a tough one.  I have three best ones.  One is from the 2002 Australian motocross titles.  It’s big, heavy and the shape of Australia.  Another one is the number plate style trophy I got from the round of the Australian women’s titles at Toowoomba.

Ride! eNews: So, how did you get started off in bikes in the first place?

AB: When I was little my parents bought my brother and me a motorbike for Christmas because we had acres.  Then one day I went and watched the motocross at the local track here in Coffs and decided I wanted to give it a go so it just went from there.

Ride! eNews: What kind of racing/riding have you done through out your career so far?

AB: Well when I first started racing I just did club days.  As I got older and a bit better I started going to places within 1-2 hours drive from home.  Then after a few years our family started racing all over New South Wales and Queensland.  When I was like 11 or 12 we started doing the Australian junior motocross titles as well as racing in Queensland most weekends.  There are not many weekends that we are home.

Ride! eNews: On the topic of travel, where are some of the furthest places you have travelled to race?

AB: The longest place I have travelled to in Australia is Chidlow is Western Australia, and Cairns in Queensland. Other than that I have raced in both the South and North Islands of New Zealand.

Ride! eNews: So you have done some pretty cool race meetings, what was your favourite?

AB: The Australian and New Zealand Women’s Motocross titles.  The competition is so intense and is a really good experience, and just really good to race against the top Australian and world riders too.

Ride! eNews: So what would be your favourite track then?

AB:  That would have to be Toowoomba.  I love how wide open it is, the hills and just the whole track.

Ride! eNews: What are the highlights of racing to you, what draws you to it?

AB:  Highlights for me are meeting lots of friends, having fun and hanging out together at the tracks, all going out for tea the night before. Travelling together in big groups, hanging out the windows (of the car).  Also the sights and places you go and see it’s just an awesome sport, which I love so much.

Ride! eNews: So where do you want the sport to take you?

AB: My goal/dream is to go over to America and race there and become one of the best women’s motocross riders, and to have fun while I’m doing it.

Ride! eNews: Every girl in the country has to marvel at your performance this year, tell them a little about what it is that gets you to where you are.

AB: Well the main thing is to never lose sight of your goals, stay focused and never give up.  As my Dad says you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it.  You’ve just got to try.  In the bible in Philippians 4:13 it says you can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Believe you can do it and just go out there.  Give it your best shot and just have fun.

Ride! eNews: We always see your family at the track with you, they offer you great support yeah?

AB:  My family are so awesome, they back me up 110%.  They are so supportive of my career in racing, with all the work they put in, the money, the travelling.

Ride! eNews: Well Ashlea we all look forward to seeing you out on track next year.

AB: Thanks, I would just like to thank my mum and dad, brother Nathan, and sister Elisha, also my whole family and friends and everyone else that helped out.  My sponsors Husky Chix, Go Girl Racing, Dirt Angels Clothing, Fox, Shift and Monza Imports for all their help so far.

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The General - Guest Australasian Dirt Bike 'columnist'
Story by: Lindsay Granger (Motorcycling Queensland General Manager)

Driving the Sport at State Level

Last month I was asked to write a guest column for the Australasian Dirt Bike Magazine. I’ve re-printed it here so that I can share these thoughts with our members.

Back in 1995, when I started in this role, we were the third biggest State Controlling Body (SCB) behind NSW and Victoria. We had about 2500 members and we were solely involved in motorcycle competition. There have been some significant changes since then.

These days we issue more licences than any other state in Australia and we support every type of motorcycle sport and recreation. We’ve got about 7000 licensed members and we issue another 17000 ‘one-event’ licences each year.

A number of factors have been significant in providing this growth. Good economic times, a high Aussie dollar and low unemployment have led to increased motorcycle sales. However these circumstances applied right across the country and yet the membership growth has been particularly apparent for Motorcycling Queensland. I believe that this can be attributed to our attitude, our events and our people.

While we are all called a State Controlling Body, we are first and foremost a service organisation. It is our responsibility to ensure that every motorcycle rider who wants to participate in our events is able to do so with a minimum of cost, delay and red tape. Safety is also a priority and we run the Junior Coaching Program and the Queensland Government’s Blue Card Child Safety Program for officials and coaches. While these add to licensing complications, the benefits to the sport are obvious and worth the minor inconvenience.

Motorcycling Queensland has consistently pursued the development of major series events, particularly in the growth disciplines of Motocross and Enduro. Nearly all of our major events are part of a series, both at a state and a regional level. This provides our riders with a huge range of events across the state, it provides our officials with the opportunity to hone their skills and it gives our clubs the benefits of series sponsorship.

This consistent approach has been tempered with the desire to constantly improve our major events, and the greatest growth has occurred in those events which keep evolving in their formats to give the best racing to the greatest number of riders. For example, the classes at the two-day South East Queensland Junior MX Series were rearranged to allow each class to be able to complete its racing in one day. It keeps costs down for competitors and minimises the stress on officials.

The development of recreational events and particularly Queensland’s legendary trail rides has opened up new opportunities for riders to join the sport. These are particularly ‘family-friendly’ events and a great way to attract young riders who can then move across into competition events.

MQ couldn’t do what we do without the people who work to make the sport happen. They are mostly club officials who work behind the scenes and without acknowledgement. We’ve always taken the lead with our officials training, right from the day when we wrote the first training courses in Australia back in the early ‘90s. We are still developing these courses but the result is that we sanction over 800 motorcycle events a year where we are confident that the riders will get their money’s worth, the officials will manage them confidently and the events will be safe and financially viable. A significant part of their financial viability is that MQ has developed an equitable permit fee structure which the majority of clubs accept as fair and reasonable.

We’ve also got people in Queensland who have taken an idea and continued to develop it, improve it and market it. A few standouts include Craig Hartley and his team at the Dalby Moto Trail Rides, Kevin Mortimer with the Sunshine State MX Series and our whole Junior Subcommittee who have pushed the SEQ Junior MX Series to greater heights for the last 13 years. MQ has been fortunate that we’ve been able to provide the support for these events to grow and improve.

Our people also include our riders and their quality is top class. This is reinforced by the training which MQ provides for our coaches and the coaching camps which we run for our best young riders, both in senior and junior classes.

When riders get their MA Licence through Motorcycling Queensland, they are not just getting a piece of plastic and some insurance, they are gaining access to a complete infrastructure which keeps their sport growing. It supports the clubs and promoters who run the events as well as the officials who make the events happen. It’s our job to make the couple of hundred dollars a rider spends on a licence the best value they will get in motorcycling all year.  

Check the new rules

The 2008 GCR’s have now been released and its worth checking the bold print for all of the new rules. New noise rules are in place this year, and all bikes are required to have their stroke measurement stamped on their crankcases. This will be particularly important for Road Racing, but it applies to all disciplines.

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Speedway Briefs
Story by: Gavin Elmes
Photos by: Gavin Elmes

Australian U16 Championships
Australian Solo Championship
Holder Takes The Double

Australian U16 Championships
It was a long haul across the Nullarbor Plain for six young Queenslanders who converged on Pinjar Park in Perth for the 2008 Australian Under 16 Championships on 18 & 19 January.

Diminutive South Australian Arthur Sissis won the final from Qld Champion Darcy Ward, Townsville's Clinton Dennis, and Justin Sedgmen (Vic).

Twelve year old Sissis came into the line-up as a late replacement for injured Taylor Poole (NSW). For Ward, it was his third time as runner-up in the past four years.

Ipswich's Nick Morris got off to a flying start in the heats with a win, but then a fall second time out and mechanical failure while leading a later race cost him dearly.

Gold Coast regulars Harley Brigden and Jake Moore progressed through the qualifying meeting into the main event, while Matt Day just missed out. However, 10 year old Matt has plenty of time on his side and used the trip to take in extra meetings at the Sidewinders track in Adelaide and at Mildura, as well as take part in Leigh Adams' Junior Coaching Clinic there.

On the night following the national individual title, the Best Pairs Championship was staged. Again Arthur Sissis was triumphant, paired with Mason Campton (NSW). In second place came the Victorian team of Justin Sedgmen and Josh Munro. Third place was taken out by the Queensland duo Darcy Ward and Nick Morris.

Australian Solo Championship
Queensland's rising international star Troy Batchelor (pictured) finished a commendable second to NSW sensation Chris Holder in last month's five round Australian Solo Championship Series.

Holder had no equal as he scorched to five straight finals wins, but Batchelor kept the pressure on, finishing second in three of the rounds and leading Holder for much of the last round final at Sydney's Homebush Showground.

It wasn't the ideal start to the series for Batchelor at Mildura, when he failed to make the final, but he stormed home to win the B Final and start the series in fifth place overall. He bounced back in Adelaide to leapfrog into second place, a position he then maintained to the end.

Defending Australian Champion Jason Crump and nine times winner Leigh Adams didn't contest this year's title, as they took time off racing to recover from injuries received in last year's European campaign. However their absence was compensated somewhat by the inclusion of three foreign internationals. Belle Vue ace and former World Under 21 Champion Joe Screen finished in third place. The Englishman, who was the oldest rider in a very young field, has raced in Australia several times in the past, and proved to be a crowd pleaser with his spectacular leg-trailing style.

Grand Prix rider Freddie Lindgren of Sweden took a little time to adjust to Australian conditions, but managed fifth place overall. Czech teenager Filip Sitera, who rode in Ivan Mauger's Golden Helmet Series in 2005 and 2006, also made an impact on the contest by coming in seventh.

Queensland Under 21 Champion Josh Grajczonek finished in twelfth place, but his points tally belied an impressive performance which the 17 year old will build on for many more titles to come. Grajczonek and fellow Townsville teenager Mitchell Davey have been signed by British Premier League club Glasgow Tigers for the forthcoming season, which starts early next month.

Holder Takes The Double
Hot on the heels of his senior Australian Championship victory, 20 year old Chris Holder (pictured) claimed his fourth consecutive Australian Under 21 crown at Mildura on the Australia Day weekend. In achieving this feat, Holder also became the first rider to hold both the Senior and Under 21 National Titles since Leigh Adams back in 1992.

Again Troy Batchelor found himself riding in Holder's shadow. Right from the start, when Holder beat Batchelor in Heat 1, the writing was on the wall. Who or what could stop Holder? Not even the notorious Olympic Park track, which broke up and rutted badly, could faze the defending champion as he rode to top spot in the qualifying points.

Batchelor's fourth outing resulted in an uncharacteristic third place. This necessitated a run-off between him and equal points scorer Aaron Summers (SA) for the last berth in the final. Batchelor won, and then rode side by side with Holder into the first turn of the final, before Holder broke away. Batchelor chased him hard, before falling and sliding into the fence on the third lap. The race was stopped and restarted without the Queenslander.

Again Holder shot away, with Ty Proctor (Vic) coming in second and Robert Ksiezak (SA) pulling out with mechanical problems.

Two other Queenslanders contested the championship. Townsville lads Josh Grajczonek and Ashley Cathcart made the long trek south and joined 24 other riders participating in Leigh Adams' Coaching Clinic at the Mildura track two days prior to the big meeting.

The title got off to the worst possible start for Qld U21 Champion Grajczonek when he touched the tapes first time out and was excluded. It was a race he should have done well in. With Holder and Batchelor still to meet, this virtually crippled his chances of reaching the final.

The less experienced Cathcart found the track conditions treacherous and he came to grief several times. To his credit however, he picked himself up each time, remounted and refused to let the conditions get the better of him.

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Award winning Trail Ride Series back for another year
Story by: Leigh Hutton

It’s news every trail riding-mad Queenslander has been dying to hear – the first event of the highly popular series frequented by thousands for more than 20 years is just around the corner.

The Dalby Moto Trail Ride Series, one of the most popular and arguably most acclaimed in Australia, is set to kick off at Greenlands, Stanthorpe, on February 23 to 24.

The 18-ride series was a huge hit last year, attracting as many as 1,000 riders, and landing a nation first award, the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Award for Event Excellence for an Outdoor Activity.

Winning the award was a huge feat, especially considering nominations were open to any club, organization or enterprise of any kind of sport.

The honor was proudly accepted by one of the master-minds of the series, Dalby Moto’s Craig Hartley, and commended by Motorcycling Queensland General Manager Lindsay Granger.

Mr Granger said Motorcycling Queensland was proud of the role the rides play within motorcycle sport and recreation in Queensland.

“We intend to maintain the support which we provide to keep the series happening,” he said.

Mr Hartley said the Dalby Moto Trail Rides offered a “full weekend of fun” for the whole family.

“Greenlands is a beautiful spot and the riding is breathtaking,” he said.

“The two main loops will go back up into the high country as they did last year… they will open mid-Saturday morning, and provide everything from creeks, open trails, tight forest trails and good hills.”

Mr Hartley said he was excited that Yamaha, Honda, KTM, Ron Angel Accessories (Kenda and Rock Oil) and Motorcycling Queensland, who have all been “tremendous supporters of the series”, were back on board for 2008.
 
“It’s also fantastic that the biggest motorcycle magazine in the country, ADB, will again be a media partner this year,” he said.

The Greenlands Trail Ride offers free camping, “views to remember”, hot showers and toilet facilities, licensed bar and canteen, Saturday evening entertainment, Sunday lunch included in entry and “plenty of great memories”.

There will also be a Pee Wee and upgraded Novice track for the little ones.

Pre-paid nominations are accepted until Wednesday, February 13. Forms can be obtained from www.dalbymoto.com.au. Entry is also available on the day. For more information please call Peter (0408 711 061) or Allen (07 4683 6343 after hours).

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Cini's Back
Story by: Scott Bishop
Photos by: Micky Moose Photography / Paul Feeney Group

After a 12 month hiatus in the USA where he contested the AMA Supermoto Championship in the Supermoto Lites class for Husqvarna, Adam Cini has returned to Australia and is looking forward to spending another season back on home shores.

His time in the US landed plenty of podiums and he finished the championship in a very respectable third place, but when team funds ran dry at seasons’ end, he returned home and chased up some support for an assault at local race tracks. We caught up with Adam to reflect on the past 12 months and what’s going on in the next 12.

Ride! eNews: How did the opportunity to race for a manufacturer supported team in the USA come about?

AC: I have a good relationship with the Paul Feeney Group here in Australia and through Paul I was able to get my foot in the door over in the US. I went across and competed in the 2006 X Games and from there was able to secure a deal to race the 2007 Supermoto season.

Ride! eNews: Run me through the highs and lows of your year in the USA.

AC: All up I had a pretty good year. It started out on the podium with a third in the first round and then I had a few crashes at the next couple of rounds. After that, we developed the bike a little better and I was able to run up the front again and qualify on pole for the last few rounds. I even managed to win a race in the Open class before the year was out, so it was pretty good.

Ride! eNews: How big is the Supermoto scene in the US?

AC: Well it is bigger than Australia, but I think it is a bit unstable over there at the moment. My team, as well as a few others, have pulled out due to lack of funds and it is hard to see it grow if manufacturer supported teams keep withdrawing from it.

Ride! eNews: After your team ran out of funds, did you look for another ride or did you simply want to come home?

AC: I would like to have stayed, but now there are only two major teams in the US and both of them retained the same riders for this year so it was hard to get a good ride. It comes down to money and I don’t have enough to fund myself so I had to come home. But I am happy to be here and be around my family and friends.

Ride! eNews: So, did you have anything to come home to?

AC: Yes, Husky were always going to support me, it was just a matter of working out the details when I landed. So when I got back, we thrashed out a deal for the year and I am now good to go.

Ride! eNews: What are your plans for 2008?

AC: I am doing the three national Supermoto Championships, the Queensland Motocross and Sunny State Motocross Series on a 450 as well as a couple of Off Road nationals and the A4DE. Then in the later half of the year, I am helping Husky develop their new 2009 bikes and plan on racing the 250F in the Australian Supercross Championship. So I have a lot on.
 
Ride! eNews: Racing all those different style of events will be tough, is there one that you would prefer to concentrate on?

AC: I am looking forward to the Supercross the most. I like racing Supercross and also the profile of those events combined with my role to develop the new bikes will be exciting.

Ride! eNews: You have proven to be good on a bike in all those events and had some good results, why is it that you haven’t been able to nail down a full time gig in any aspect of racing?

AC: I don’t really know why. I think Supermoto is where I get my best results, but that is so expensive to compete at the top level and the sport just isn’t big enough to have a major cash injection at the moment.

Ride! eNews: You must have a good relationship with Husky/ PFG group to be able to complete in so many events and also on the same bikes around the world?

AC: Yes and things will only get better. BMW just bought out Husky and they are already improving the bikes and making changes. The window of opportunity with them is pretty big, it is just up to me to make it happen and make the right decisions.

Ride! eNews: So, 12 months from now, will you still be racing, if so, what and in what arm of the sport?

AC: I hope I will be having a little rest after a busy and successful year and then back on board with Husky racing for more Championships.

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Dreams comes true for Mitchell Warner
Story by: Scott Bishop
Photo by: Daniel McKenzie

The smile on little Mitchell Warner’s face said it all.

After six months of treatment and 20 hits of radiation to treat a malignant muscle tumour on his eye, Mitchell was in remission and granted a wish by the good people of the Starlight Foundation’s Make–A–Wish Program. Mitchell wanted a motorcycle and to learn how to ride it.

The wish became a reality when Mitchell was surprised to turn up at the Reedy Creek Motocross Track on the Gold Coast late last year with a brand new KLX110 and a set of Fox gear waiting for him.

Not only that, Level 2 Queensland coach Chris Urquhart - www.urkymx.com cleared his day to help get the budding Chad Reed started, and Motorcycling Queensland had come to the party for the cost of an annual Recreational Licence.

I can’t believe I get to keep the bike and gear. I can’t wait to ride it more and be able to do big jumps like Chris," Mitchell said excitedly after his first few laps on the bike with Chris.

"We really appreciate what the Starlight Foundation Make-A-Wish Program and everyone involved has done for Mitchell and our family," says his father Rod.

After the day spent with Chris our lawn will never be the same. As soon as we got home he began tearing it up and despite a few crashes, he dusted himself off and jumped right back on. It has been an am