Queensland Moto-Trials State Championships - Round 2 review
Story by: Chris Williams

The 2007 Western Districts Trials Club Grandchester Open / Round 2 of the Queensland Moto-Trials State Championships was held at Mick Searle’s property on Archery Rd at Grandchester on Sunday 20 May 2007.

The weather conditions were perfect, with a mild and sunny day, and entry numbers were good.

Many favorable reports were received with respect to the sections being set with the correct amount of difficulty for the respective grade, and good access to the sections.

Ninety-Two riders competed on the day and not even a single scratch was reported.

The presentation was made with the absence of trophies, due to a whoopsie where the trophies were left in the boot of a person’s car (who can remain nameless). Suffice to say that the price of affluence is that when you have multiple carriages in the family concourse, that the silverware can be in the boot of the Bentley rather than the every day Rolls which was driven to the Trial.

A breakdown of the championship classes is as follows:

The Open Solo class was won by Mark James, with Chris Cox in second place and Richard Kent in third. The competition was missing local gun riders Mitch & Boyd Willcocks, who were busy flying the Aussie flag at the Scottish Six Day Trial. Mitch Green and Kale Reed's talents were also missing on the day.

Youth class (16 – 21years riding B grade lines) was won by Glenn Chadwick, with Russell Jamieson in second place and Nic Duley in third. This class is shaping up as the class of interest with only 5 points separating the top 5 riders at the end of lap 1.

With the Sherco Woman’s Cup in Canberra being run on the same day, Tiarna Spence was the lone entry in Women's class.

Veterans class (over 40 years riding C grade lines) was very competitive with 11 entries. Steve Holzhauser and Paul Moore lost only 2 points each over the 40 sections. When the Venables system points were added (the riders age deducted from 70 years) the winner was Steve Holzhauser, with Michael Frith in second place and Paul Moore in third.

The Junior class had 12 competitors with Drew Anderson finishing in first place, Lachlan Gibson in second place and Karl Hellyer in third. Only three points seperated first and third place at the end of competition.

The Classic class saw the ever consistent George McKenzie in first place, the jet lagged Peter Sampson in second place and Bill Aland in third.

The Post Classic class (Twin Shock - riding club person lines) saw a fantastic tussle between Darryll Martin and John Isherwood Snr, both riders had lost only two points after 40 sections and a ride off was organised on C grade lines, it took 4 sections to split the pair. Darryl had an unfortunate dab which put him into second place. John Isherwood Snr finished in first place and David Lahey was third.

The day was an outstanding success, and all are looking forward to the 3rd Round of the Championship which will be run by the Logan River Moto-Trials Club at The Overflow, Beaudesert.

Full results available from www.mqld.org.au

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Sel Walton Memorial
Story by: Gavin Elmes
Photo by: Gavin Elmes

Stars of the past will come together at Mike Hatcher Park this Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend for the annual Aussie Classic Speedway Rider Reunion. The event culminates with the running of the Sel Walton Memorial Shield for classic solo riders aged over 50 years.

Sel Walton (pictured) moved from Toowoomba to the Gold Coast in the early 1970s. He had enjoyed moderate success at speedway racing and in 1992, started the classic speedway movement on the Gold Coast. Walton rode in shiny black leathers and black helmet and was dubbed "The Black Warrior" by his friends. He devoted much time and effort to organising many classic events at Mike Hatcher Park. In October 1994, Walton suffered a fatal heart attack. This annual event is promoted to help keep his memory alive.

It began in 1995 as an inter club challenge between the Bundaberg and Gold Coast clubs, the latter being the inaugural winner. Sadly it then lapsed, but was re-ignited in 2000 as an individual event for Queen's Birthday weekend, where it has remained ever since. With the growing amount of interest and entries, what has been a Sunday only meeting has, for the first time, been spread over two days.

Saturday's program, with free admission and starting at 2pm, includes the running of two rounds of evolution and classic solos. Sunday's extravaganza begins at 10am and features evolution solos, classic solos, stockbikes, pre-84 sidecars and classic and modern sidecars. Junior 125cc solos will take to the inner circuit during maintenance work on the main track.

Six times World Speedway Champion Ivan Mauger will give demonstration rides and approx 16 vintage speedcars will go through their paces. Sunday's admission is $10 per person, with children under 12 admitted free. Food, drinks and a bar are available.

The oldest competitor in the line-up is 72 year old Victorian Jack Walker who rides a classic sidecar, and at least four of the classic solo riders are over 60 years. Apart from Victoria, the event has attracted nominations from Canberra, Sydney and many parts of northern New South Wales and Queensland. Previous winners of the Sel Walton Memorial Shield include: Terry Hentschell (3 times), Vern Grayson, Kevin Beazley and Ken Carratt (Canberra). 

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GIRLS ONLY PRACTICE DAY

Where: Vintage MX Track, Nudgee
When: Sunday 22 July 2007
Cost: $5 yearly Club Membership
$15 per rider
$20 Single Use Recreational Licence (if required)
Time: 9am - 3pm

More Details:

Contact: Sandra on mb: 0433 155 702 or Raelene 3281-2255

Proudly brought to you by:
The Motorcycling Queensland Womens Subcommitte & Brisbane Motorcycle Club

Enduro Championships a 'Hit'
Story by: Leigh Lalonde
Photo by: Leigh Lalonde

An impressive turnout of over 200 riders descended on Gum Valley near Mackay on the last weekend in May Round 1of the 2007 Yamaha Queensland Two-Day Enduro Championships.

Feedback from the riders indicated that this event was a standout due to the the challenging trails and “fun” tests.

Title-chasers and those out for a good time are now looking forward to the second round of the championship, to be held at the fantastic Fat Farmers property near Warwick on June 9 and 10.

Pro Honda rider Ryan Smart won the event outright by a small margin over Yamaha rider Chris Reading.

Reigning and seven-time Queensland enduro champion, Team Moto Yamaha’s ‘King’ Kirk Hutton, was nursing a serious back injury and opted not to race the event. However, Hutton still made the trek to the idyllic property from his home base on Brisbane’s northside.

“I wanted to go and help out and work the event, but it was hard not to ride,” Hutton said.

“I really want to win another championship, but there was no way I could race. Specialists told me I needed to give the two, small, broken bones in my back time to heal, and I wanted to respect that” said Hutton, who hurt his back in a crash at the last round of the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships in Victoria.

“Helping with the timing and the running of the event at Gum Valley was fun. It was good to see the race from the other side for once, and it was great to see good, fast racing from Ryan Smart and Chris Reading.

Smart said he would have preferred to win if Hutton and team mate, KTM’s Michael Oliver had been racing.

“The first round of the Queensland Two-Day Champs this year was the first of the series I have won since the first round back in 2003 at Rockhampton,” said Smart, who has recently started racing Rally cars, which is leaving him less time for enduro racing.

“At that race it was a similar scenario, Kirk had a broken ankle, so he wasn’t racing. I don’t get very excited any more about these wins, I don’t like winning due to other people’s injuries' he added.

The promoters opted to use the moto track that they are running for the Gum Valley round of the Australian Motocross Championships (Round 7 – 30 June / 1 July) for a final moto / special test, and the feedback from the riders was universally positive.

 “It was a good event. It was well organised from the club’s point of view. It was well arrowed and all the tests were really good. “Also, there was a good amount of riding each day, six to seven hours, it was well worth the money.” said Smart.

The Yamaha Two-Day Enduro Championships boast classes from juniors to clubman, expert to pros and women, as well as Non-Competitive Rally Class. More information, including Supp Regs & Entry Forms, and Results are available from the Motorcycling Queensland webpage – www.mqld.org.au

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Talented junior Dirt Tracker, and now talented Junior Road Racer – Jake Horne is a Queenslander competing in the newly formed MRRDA Junior Road Racing Series, and was good enough to keep a travel diary of efforts in Round 2 of this Series.

Friday 11th May:-

Having left home on the 6am flight out of Brisbane on Friday, we have arrived in Melbourne, Victoria, (my first time here), a little bit before 10am. From here, we still had a 2 and a half hour drive to Benalla where our accommodation is. For those of you who don’t know Benalla is only about 8kms from Winton Raceway – the venue for round 2 of the Series.

I like to stay as close as possible to the track so we haven’t got to drive for too long early in the morning. We drove straight out to Winton Raceway to have a look at the track. I’m soooooooooo glad to be here the track looks awesome.

I can't wait to get out there and have a go. I had to do some real sweet talking and begging to get my Dad to pay the $125 big ones for probably 30 minutes of track time, but it worked and I had my skins my back brace, leathers, helmet and gloves on before Dad could check the tyre pressure.

WOW how lucky we were, the first 10 minute session was awesome. For the first couple of laps I just cruised around getting used to the track but there was about 8 other juniors on the track so it didn’t take long before we were all trying to win practice.

Gradually I became more confident on the track, so I pushed a little bit harder but I’d only done about 5 minutes in the second practice session when I noticed my third gear was playing up, so back to the garage.

After explaining the problem to my dad and Andy (Weldalloy), they just looked at each other and made some oohs and ahhs and I knew it couldn’t be good. So plan B was put into action Honda supplies a spare CBR 150 for the juniors at every race meet, so we collected the spare bike and then had the discussion about  whether to take the motor out of the spare bike and put it in my bike or change fairings rear sets and handlebars from my bike to the spare bike, we decided to change fairings etc, that was done in no time at all thanks to Darren and Drew Etheridge and Dad, I was back on the track for the final session.

The spare bike was great. Felt exactly the same as my bike and I felt comfortable straight away. I have never felt so relieved, we head back to the motel for dinner and an early night.

Saturday 12th May:-

We are up about 6.15am and it was extremely cold outside. A quick breakfast, hot shower and I’m hoping to be at the track for about 7am. As it turns out we get there at 7.15am. Team Weldalloy (Andy Jnr and I) are sharing a garage with the Corish boys from NSW.

I have had a lot of road time on the 150 thanks to Craig ‘Fuji’ Alick and Motorcycle Sportsmen who put on Practice for Junior Road racers twice a month and I feel ready to race. I WANT TO RACE!!!!!!

At riders briefing I was presented with the Red Bull leader’s helmet from round 1, it is an awesome helmet and I’m determined not to give it up easily.

The weather was warm and practice session one was great. I felt really quick and confident on the track. The second practice session was my best and I had the quickest time a 1.13.010.

Qualifying one was not what I had in mind, as I couldn’t manage to break the 1.14’s and I was very disappointed because the boys and girl from heat 1 were getting low 1.13s. I still had one qualifier to go. Unfortunately it wasn’t much better, I don’t know what happened. The bike was great, I felt like I was pushing doing good times but the times sheets showed otherwise. I was going to have to go much faster tomorrow. I’m glad today is over, back to the motel to prepare for an all out assault on Sunday.

Sunday 13th May  

I qualified 4th for the first heat so I was still on the front line (phew). I got a cracker of a start and was at the first corner in position #1. Fellow Queenslander Ryan Dymond was on my tail and I just couldn’t shake him. He went past me, now the race was on. For the entire race we were back and forth, one lap to go and my team mate Andy Jnr hit the wall hard and the red flag came out and the race was called.

Andy was taken to hospital but returned a little sore but thankfully he was fine. In between time I had managed to pass Ryan and was able to pass the finish line in first place.

The 2nd heat was awful with rain absolutely pelting down. I got a another good start, but I had a little get off on the first corner, but luck was on my side as my bike was still running so I jumped back on and managed to finish the race in 5th.

Now only the final to go. I can’t believe that round 2 is nearly finished. It seems like I wait forever for these rounds to come around, and then there over and done with before I know it.

With riders slipping off at regular intervals we were all a little unsure as to what the final positions were. I was just hoping to make it as close as possible to the front line. I managed to qualify 2nd so I was on the front line.

The rain had stopped but it was still a wet track we changed my tyres from Bridgestones to Dunlops for the wet final.

I was feeling a little bit nervous on the start line because I had to tackle that first corner, my thoughts were to keep the bike upright and make it to the finish line.

Away we went and it was a flying start from everyone else except me, I was back in 6th before I could change gears. I managed to keep up with the front runners for a while but then they just took off, the track felt slippery, and I didn’t feel confident to push it too hard. After a few laps there was a couple of dryish lines so I started to push a bit more but so did a couple of kids behind me.

‘Mad’ Mike (Jones – another Queenslander) must have been feeling good, because he went flying past me. Mike is the last junior I want tailing me or in front of me for that matter because he has lightning straight line speed and accuracy, not to mention he’s about 30kgs lighter than me...

I was focused on getting my position back from Mad Mike (I wanted it back) and was unaware of the carnage that was going on in front of me, with riders slipping off at just about every corner. Two at a time on some corners.

I managed to get in front of Mad Mike on the last lap, when I came to the straight I noticed the race leader Cohen Arthur (another Queenslander) was off, I looked ahead and could only see one rider in front and I had no chance of catching him. All I had to do was stay in front of Mike, which I did, and I would have second. Not as good as first, but still an awesome and pleasing result. I have never been happier to have a race over.

I managed to hold onto the Red Bull leaders helmet by 2 points. I told you I was determined not to give that thing up.

Presentations completed, I was now heading straight off to Tasmania, for a couple of days R and R, some training, and then the chance to see the big boys do their stuff at the Symmonds Plains round of the Australian Superbike Championships.

Series results, information etc. available from www.mrrda.com

JAKE HORNE # 99

MRRDA round 3 at Queensland Raceway

Round three of this hugely successful Series comes to Queensland on 7th and 8th of July.

Many of the young Queensland riders have been kicking some serious butt down south and will be hoping to continue their good form at home. More info from www.mrrda.com or www.motorcyclesportsmen.com.au

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Doing it the Scottish Way
Story by: Mitch & Boyd Willcocks
Photo by: Mitch & Boyd Willcocks

Brother’s Mitch and Boyd Willcocks report on their trials and tribulations at this year’s Scottish Six Day Trial held recently. This is the third time Mitch has participated in the event, and second time for younger brother Boyd.

From Mitch's Perspective

After gaining a last minute entry for the 2007 SSDT, I had a very quick sort out of the bike and was off to Fort William.

I was number 257 which was miles away from any of the other Aussies which was a bit disappointing but I was still happy just to get the ride. My rider number meant that I had a late start on Monday which turned out to be quite wet. I arrived at one creek crossing on the loop just before lunch to see four or five bikes upside down and in pieces with their riders draining water out of them.

The rain didn't seem overly heavy but it was constant and it brought the water level right up, leaving one group of sections completely washed out after lunch. Monday’s conditions had me thinking it was going to be a hard week but it didn't turn out too badly weather wise and we even saw the sun on a couple of days.

After the first day I was in the 70s somewhere in the results which is where I was to stay all week. Tuesday was much better weather wise as it was much warmer and sunny for most of the day. Tuesday was probably one of my better days only losing 25 but it didn't bring me up many places on the scoreboard. Wednesday was the ferry crossing day and was a good day for spectators. Mum and Dad were able to follow us around and saw us at three or four different groups of sections. It was a fairly difficult day points wise with everyone losing a few more than average and I was happy to get back into town at the end of the day. I was feeling sore and tired all over. I reckon Tuesday/Wednesday is when you feel it the most, after this point you tend to get over it and just deal with it towards the end of the week.

Thursday is the longest day with a loop of 120miles. I had a good ride again on Thursday but still managed to lose more points than I would have liked. The day went pretty hassle free for me this year which was a first. I later found out that it had been a disaster for Boyd who had done well to just get around. I had to do a few things to my bike before I headed off so I was a bit behind at the start but I kept up the pace all day and managed to finish with five minutes to spare and still smiling so I was happy.

Friday was quite slippery. The loop had a lot of road sections and it was a pretty short day. I started the day off well but threw away a few points later on which I wasn't too happy with. Friday was my early day and I really noticed it with very few riders in front of me to scrub the sections in. I had a bit of a shocker on Friday and had my most memorable ride of the week which was for all the wrong reasons. I managed to stall the bike and five the very last section of the trial smack in the middle of town in Fort William. I had to laugh, as did everyone else watching. That just about summed up my day I think.

After a much needed hot shower and something to eat we were off to the presentation. It was great to see all the Aussies do so well (except for Grant who was just unlucky) and didn’t get a finish. Trev had a great ride for his first Scottish and Gary and Mitch both finished although I didn't get to speak to them much. Congratulations to Boyd and Adrian on their rides, they both did very well. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, especially Mum and Dad for running around after us, John Lampkin and his team, and Kal Daly and Dave Ryan for their continued support.

From Boyd's Perspective

It was great this year to see so many Aussies at the Scottish with the Australians being one of the loudest countries in the parade this year. This was thanks to many high flying Aussie flags and a few blow up kangaroos as well as the usual bright colours. I had received a great riding number this year with so many big name riders situated around me with a lot of Scottish experience. I was also lucky enough to get a ride next to Adrian Harry and Grant Morris who were a big hand.

Monday was my early day, which to be fair wasn't a bad day to be early. I had a great start to the day however in doing so I dragged my time on a bit late. The afternoon saw a rush for time and I ended up coming in 13 minutes late, giving me 13 extra penalty points thus putting me a long way down the field.

Tuesday was a much better day for me. I learnt from my mistakes of the previous day and came back in time making a nice improvement in the positions. This however came at an expense, as I had a large crash on a slippery wooden bridge crossing leaving me with an extremely bruised right hip and limited movement in my right hand. Wednesday was another solid day for me while I was still trying to find my 'Scottish legs'. I had no real problems from the previous day's crash, although I rode a little slower over the slippery bridges.

Thursday turned out to be a hard working day due to bike problems when I reached the first set of sections at the chairlift. Although I did manage to get it all sorted, the time it took to do so left me in big trouble forcing me to race the whole day. I somehow managed to get in on time amazingly and also had a good ride at Fersit, the last group. My scores in these sections moved me down the positions for the day.

Friday was a really good day for me, with good weather and a good sleep from my big day before helping me to my lowest scoring day. I had some really good rides in the wet conditions apart from one silly 5. I did earn that 5 in the end though, first off I wasn't exactly on line and made a real mess of a step and had to roll back receiving a 5. However to add to the embarrassment I then proceeded to actually crash three times getting my bike out of the section which the observer had a great laugh over. I did have to join in and laugh at myself though as it really was funny.

I started Saturday in 48th position and was determined to make the top 50 cut off. Apparently my bike didn’t agree though as it stopped dead about 50m before the first section of the day.  After massive stress, and thinking it was electrical, I found the problem to be a completely clogged pilot jet and got the bike going again.  The real problem now was that I was 1 hr 15 minutes behind time so once more I had to speed through the day but somehow I managed to come in only 1 minute late.
After the shocking last day for me, I thought I had moved outside the top 50 for sure and it was to my complete amazement that I found out I made the Special First Class division that night at presentation.

I would like to give a big thanks to all the Aussie riders for their support and all my sponsors who made the whole thing possible.  Another massive thank you must go to the entire team at John Lampkin Imports for their brilliant support throughout the entire event.

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Reardon Roars, Moss Makes Good, and Harrison Hoots
Story by: Scott Bishop
Photo by: Kawasaki Motors Pty Ltd

With four rounds already in the record books, things are really starting to take shape in the Nokia Motocross Nationals. All three championship classes have offered some tight racing and then the inclusion of Chad Reed at the Raymond Terrace event lifted the Series up another gear.

HOME COMING

The Raymond Terrace meeting was the first time Chad Reed had done a major outdoor event in this country since the 2001 Broadford GP and didn’t the crowd come out to support him. Reed is a superstar in the US and his results speak for themselves, but the fact that he took the time out to race at a national event in this country, and at a track 30 minutes down the road from where he grew up, makes his status even higher, and no doubt gained him many more new fans.

This year alone, both Jason Crump (2006 World FIM Speedway Champion) and Chad Reed have more than done their bit for motorcycling by returning home and proudly promoting not only themselves, but their sport. The sport owes them both a big thank you and we all will continue to benefit from their high profile.

BACK TO THE RACES

Reardon has been a one-man winning machine in 2007. Apart from a crash in the opening moto at round three at Conondale, he is simply dominating the Open class landscape. But the challenge of meeting Reed excited Daniel and the opportunity to gauge just where he is at wasn’t to be missed. Reardon is eyeing off a move to the US in the near future, so to race against Reed would give him and prospective sponsors an idea of just how he is going.

Daniel left the rocky, hard pack Raymond Terrace track with his head held high. In both motos he grabbed the lead from the get go and made Reed work for it. Moto one saw Daniel lead until just before the half way mark, then Reed overtook him and set sail for victory. Moto two and Reardon put up a fight. He didn’t want Chad to get by and there was even a time when he ran the 8 Million dollar man off the track and into a drainage ditch. This only got Reed angry and he got back on the track and hunted down his rival.

By moto end, Reardon was within 10 seconds of Reed. And they were another 50 seconds in front of the third placed rider, Daryl Hurley, who was ‘a man on an island’ and a long way clear of the next rider.

But 2007 is also proving to be a good year for the privateer. At the Conondale event alone, five of the top 10 riders in the Pro Open class were privateers. Nathan Crawford and Troy Carroll have been right in the thick of the action and are proving that you don’t need to be a factory rider to post top results. After four rounds Crawford sits on fifth place overall with Carroll not far behind.

PRO LITES

Just like Reardon in the open class, Jake Moss is simply smashing them in the Lites. He has gone on a six moto winning streak and coasted to massive victories in excess of 30 seconds on most occasions. His lap speed is well in advance of his competitors and there doesn’t look to be a challenger in sight. After years of showing plenty of potential, Jake Moss is making good and roosting the opposition into the dirt at the same time.   

The racing back in the pack is good with a heap of riders all around the same speed. Championship contenders Ryan Marmont and Daniel McCoy have gone down with injury while riders like Cameron Taylor and Mitch Hoad just don’t seem to have the speed to match Moss.

UNDER 19’s

The speed of these guys is exciting. At the majority of the rounds, the top four riders in the class do lap times that would sit well against the top five in the Pro Lites class. But as they say, you race the track and the riders, not the stop watch so the test for these guys will come when they mix it up with the big boys.

But it’s almost an all Queensland affair up the front with Brendan Harrison, Todd Waters and Dean Ferris leading the way. Add in Jamie Bain and Andrew Reardon and the future of motocross in Queensland is in good hands. Kirk Gibbs and Lawson Bopping have also shown ptenty of speed at some rounds. There is also a healthy rivalry building up among these guys and it will only work to make them better.

RIVALRY

At the moment, that is something the Pro classes are missing. At the beginning of the year, a Cheyne Boyd, Daniel Reardon dual was set to take shape but Boyd went down with injury. Other than that, the national events just lack the intensity between a couple of riders that don’t like to be beaten. The days of Gunter vs Gall, Dack vs Bell, Gobert vs Ashkenazi and to a lesser extent Anderson and Hurley are gone. We need someone to step up and challenge the likes of Reardon and Jake Moss, both for the sake of the racing and the riders we are producing.

All the latest info on the Nokia MX Nationals can be found at www.ozmotox.com.au

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Sounds of Thunder and other Bits 'n' Pieces
Story by: Scott Bishop

Well, that’s what it used to be called, but now the old ThunderX Series has been renamed the Natural Terrain Motocross Series and there is a class to suit everyone on any bike, well almost.

With the four-stroke invasion well and truly taken over, last year the series was bought back to its intended use. A natural terrain, European style, grass track, with a class that caters for a great range of bikes and riders. No bike or rider is too old in this series and the emphasis is on fun, not fortune.

Where and When

Round 1 June 17 – Hervey Bay
Round 2 July 29 – Mt Perry
Round 3 August 19 – Kingaroy
Round 4 September 9 – Warwick
Round 5 October 28 – Canungra

Entries and all the information is available from the Motorcycling Queensland website - www.mqld.org.au
 
The Hervey Bay track isn’t the Dundowran circuit used for the motocross, although it isn’t far from there. It’s been in use for a few years now as the Natural Terrain Series has gained momentum and each time the club lay out a different track.

Mt Perry was used for the first time last year and aside from a little dust due to the dry spell, many thought the surface and the layout were great.

The Kingaroy circuit is also different to the one used for motocross events while at Warwick they alter the existing motocross track to suit. At this stage Canungra is an unknown quantity, but it’s great to see new venues added to the calendar and lets hope more property owners can come forward and offer some land usage.

Classes

There are the usual championship classes for 250cc, 450cc and unlimited capacity bikes, but there also a heap of other classes that make this series so interesting. The women’s class, a couple of veteran classes catering for us old timers, a vintage class and a junior class all add up to a fun day at the track.

GIRLS AND BOYS - Yamaha Development Series

The Williams Event Management (WEM) promoted Yamaha Development Series continues in the coming weeks with round two to be conducted at the Lakes track near Newcastle, NSW. June 3 will see the Lakes event while both the girls and the juniors will also have a round in conjunction with the Nokia MX Nationals.

While Queensland doesn’t have a big representation in this series and because of date clashes with the remaining rounds, we have done well from those who have attended. In the Women’s class, Ashley Bates currently holds down second, Tamara Gray in twelth, Rebecca Bateman in 24th and Brooke Thiemann in 27th. Gray will miss the rest of the series as she undergoes the final stage of her back rehabilitation.

The juniors also have some good results with Jake Wright running second in the 12 to 14 years 85cc class and sixth in the 12 to 14 years 125cc. While Mitch Austin, who resides in northern NSW but spends plenty of time in the sunshine state currently leads the 15 years Lites class.

All the info on the series is up on the WEM website www.ozmotox.com.au

SUPERCROSS IN 2008 & BEYOND

Just last week it was announced that Chad Reed in association with Rush Sports, promoters of the Crusty Demons Tour, have secured the rights to promote the Australian Supercross Championship for the next three years, commencing in 2008.

Although its only in the early stages, it is widely rumored that the series will start around August in 2008 and be made up of six rounds for 2008, then look to expand to eight rounds in 2009 and the full 10 by 2010 and also take in New Zealand and possibly other destinations. It is further rumored that rounds of the FIM World SX GP might also be hosted in Australia with Reed and Rush under control. Fingers crossed on that one…

Supercross has usually been early in the season in Australia but next year will see the Nokia Motocross Nationals take centre stage from March through to August and then the National, yet to be named Supercross Series, takes over. The later starting date also means that Reed himself and other US based riders may be available to attend some or all events.

Supercross in this country has struggled for the past few years and this just may be the shot in the arm that it needs. Promoters are said to be looking at major outdoor venues and national TV rights already and the industry is certainly excited by the prospect. Stand by for more information on this new venture and let’s hope it can catapult Supercross into the eyes of the mainstream public audience.

CINI ON PODIUM IN AMA SUPERMOTO DEBUT

After a successful campaign in Australia last year with the PFG Husky team, former Queensland Motocross Champion - Adam Cini packed his bags and headed for the US during the off season to try his hand in the big world of racing. He had secured a deal with the official Husky team in the US and had spent the first few months getting settled and attending smaller events as his lead up for the opening round of the AMA National Supermoto Championships.

Well, wouldn’t you know it, by day's end the determined Aussie rider had put his Husky TC250 on the podium with a sensational third overall in the SM2 class.

“I am pumped I got on the podium for my first national race. I didn’t know what to expect at an event like this and I don’t really know the riders but I just got out there and did the best I could and ended up with third. The team is stoked and now I think we have a real chance of not just winning some races but also getting a great overall result. This has really lifted my confidence,” Cini said not long after the opening round. 

The series continues in the coming weeks and we will continue to keep you posted on Adam’s results.

SUPER SUB

The Serco Yamaha Team are down a rider at the moment with the injured Daniel McCoy on the sidelines for the next few events. Gavin Eales immediately got on the blower to Northstar Yamaha / Yamaha Freestyle Motocross rider Robbie Marshall and asked what his movements were in the next month. With a hole in his FMX calendar Marshall has been drafted to keep the seat warm of McCoy’s bike and race under the Northstar Yamaha/ Serco Motorsport banner.

The deal will see Marshall compete at the Toowoomba and Mackay rounds of the Nokia Motocross Nationals for the Serco Team before heading back into his busy freestyle calendar.

“I haven’t raced a national motocross event all this year and I’m pretty excited about doing this with both Serco’s and Northstar’s support. My fitness is down a little at the moment but I should be in top shape by race time and I look forward to a big result in the rounds that I contest,” Marshall said.

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AJ Takes 1-1 as Championship Nears End
Story by: Leigh Lalonde
Photo by: Leigh Lalonde

GHR Honda rider and Bribie Island resident Anthony ‘AJ’ Roberts has reverted to his ‘clean sweeping’ ways.

The CRF450 pilot and defending champion won both days of the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships, held May 19 and 20, at Conondale on the Sunshine Coast.

Roberts had won five of five rounds of the championships this year, before being defeated by long-standing KTM rider Brad ‘Wonka’ Williscroft at the sixth round, held in Victoria.

Williscroft was close to Roberts at Conondale on Saturday, however mechanical difficulties plagued his efforts and he ended up in second outright.

Honda rider Ben Grabham came third following Roberts and Williscroft at the seventh round, on Saturday.

Sunday, and the eighth round, saw Roberts again victorious, with Ballard’s Yamaha rider Jarrod Bewley and team mate Shannon Lewry in second and third outright.

Roberts is leading the series in outright standings and winning the E2 class.

The Conondale round was originally planned as a GNCC-style event, with one, mass start two-hour race, however dusty conditions meant this kind of race would have been too dangerous and the format was changed to the Championship norm – a sprint format.

Roberts said surprisingly the weekend’s victory was the first time in three years he has won the Queensland round of the Off Road Championships.

“The CRF450 was strong and the continued suspension testing with Simon is helping to keep us on top,” Roberts said.

 “We have four more rounds of the championship left and we are exactly where we have worked to be. The job is not done yet, so the team and I will continue the effort.” said Roberts.

Ben Grabham was “happy” with his third outright finish and E1 class win on Saturday.

“I just got back from doing some testing at Finke and had a good run on Saturday winning the class again and finishing third outright,” he said.

Sunday for Grabham did not go to plan, with the CRF250 rider taking a “big hit” in a rocky section of the track.

One Queensland rider who had solid finishes on both days, despite being in the tail end of nursing a serious back injury, was Team Moto Yamaha’s ‘King’ Kirk Hutton.

Hutton continued to be the second placing Queensland rider behind Roberts, taking second in the E3 class both days and seventh and ninth outright.

“I was really pleased with how I did, especially considering I was just allowed to ride again after breaking two small bones in my back in a crash,” Hutton said.

The third placing Queenslander in the outright standings on both Saturday and Sunday at Conondale was local-boy, Pro Honda’s Ryan Smart.

Smart has been a member of the enduro fraternity for several years, winning a spot to ride for Australia at the 2002 ISDE in Czechoslovakia and a previous sponsorship deal with Ballard’s Offroad.

Rounds nine and ten of the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships will be held on August 18 and 19 at Wonthaggi, Victoria, after the Australian Four-Day Enduro [A4DE]

The final two rounds, 11 and 12, will be held on September 8 and 9 at Gwandalan in New South Wales.

The A4DE will be held at Coffs Harbour from July 5 to 8. Early-bird entry discounts close early this month. (June)

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The General
Story by: Lindsay Granger (Motorcycling Queensland General Manager)

New MQ Office goes ahead
The MQ Executive decided this month to engage Ray White Constructions as the builder for the new MQ office in Ipswich.

The new building will incorporate a specialist medical centre on the ground floor and a professional office plus the MQ office on the first floor.

The project architect, Mark Leith (see picture below) said that the building will provide a secure rental income for MQ as well as an appropriate location for our role as a state sporting organisation.

Expected to be completed around March 2008, the MQ office will include meeting and training rooms to assist our officials seminar programs as well as our Council, Executive and committee meetings.

Parent and Rider support creates great events
Over recent years I have talked to many riders and parents at a range of Queensland events and I am always humbled by their dedication in driving hundreds of kilometres to go racing, and often many times over for series events.

The success of our major motocross events, including the Queensland Championships, the Sunshine State, Go Girls, CQ and NQ and the Thunder X series are a great barometer of the support for motorcycle sport in Queensland.

At the same time we are aware of the financial cost involved in this travel, and we try to ensure that every  event offers the best value racing that we can provide.

The extraordinary growth of the Central Queensland Motocross Series over the past few years is a prime example of the dedication of both the participants and the organisers.

The CQ Committee and the host clubs have developed a series which has grown so spectacularly that the current format is being stretched to its limits.

The review meeting at the end of this year’s series will give all clubs the chance to suggest even better ways to get next years series to be even better.

Want to be a rules expert?
To assist riders and officials to get a clearer understanding of the rules, MA has created the ability to download the rules to your own computer.

Using this electronic rule allows you to search for a rule by keywords in the index. You can use this facility if you want to track down all the rules which apply to a particular issue.

Licence Suspensions
We recently had some correspondence about a rider whose licence had been suspended, and who had apparently decided not to appeal but to keep on competing at club events using One Meeting Licences.

The meaning of the word ‘suspended’ is detailed on page 34 of the GCR and it clearly forbids a suspended rider from competing in any event, so the issuing of a One Meeting Licence to a suspended rider is not permitted.

There is a clear process for protests and appeals to protect the rights of riders, but when a suspension penalty is applied it must be enforced at every level of the sport.

The moral of the story is that all riders should be familiar with the rules, should treat volunteer officials with respect and should use the proper processes and observe the Code of Conduct when they believe an incorrect decision has been made.

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Debut for Morgan Park
Story by: Tom Williams
Photo by: Tom Williams / Google Earth

On 23 and 24 of June bikes will be allowed to venture onto the other side of the hill for the first time…

That’s right, it looks as though road racers finally have a Queensland home again!

Although the extended circuit has been in place for a few years now, road racing has been restricted to the shorter track and for smaller capacity machinery only.

The Warwick District Sporting Car Club are owed thanks from our side of the motorsport fraternity for coming to the fore in our recent time of crisis and have just completed works in the bridge cutting on our request.

In order to meet licensing requirements the right side bank after the bridge has been cut back almost to the fence, offering up twice the runoff that there was previously.

The bank has been lined with concrete barriers for 70 metres, giving a smooth surface instead of the jagged rocky face hidden behind.

A gravel trap has been cut out and by time you are reading this should be filled. It is located before the bridge where the runoff is still tight, and crash bags, generously donated by John Tisdale are on their way to line the wall in this area.

The recently resurfaced track has fresh line marking which gives almost a metre clearance on the left of turn 3 and this corner is also fitted with lights to enhance marshals signaling where line of sight is limited.

New Armco the length of the straight replaces the linked concrete barriers that were there and a signaling area is being constructed near the finish line.

The first meeting is an interclub event being jointly run by Superbike Lites, QEMSC and the Motorcycle Sportsmen, similar to the last short track meeting at Morgan Park. Classes however will also cater for the large capacity bikes whose riders have been missing out all year as well. Contact one of the clubs for more details and entry forms. It’s great to see the spirit of co-operation that the recent difficult time in our sport has brought out. After all we all have the same goal in the long run, which is to go racing!

MQ have given the go ahead for the Queensland Road Race Championships to be held at Morgan Park a month later, on the 21st and 22nd July. It will cater for the bona fide State Championship classes as well as historic bikes. Check out the Motorcycle Sportsmen www.motorcyclesportsmen.com.au website calendar for other dates confirmed for later in the year.

Let’s all do our best to support these events and show the Warwick community we appreciate the welcome they have offered us by making these meetings a huge success and giving the local motor racing enthusiasts an insight to what draws us to the excitement of motorcycle racing.

Superbikes in Tassie

Symmons Plains produced the weather conditions associated with Tasmania for round 5 of the Australian Superbike Championship on 18th to 20th May, with constant rain all day for the Friday practice, and the track still wet until lunch time on Saturday.

Many riders chose not to even venture out onto the track on Friday and hence despite the appalling conditions there were no stoppages or injuries.

Krusty Fergusson had busted himself up badly the week before on the same track, high siding his bike coming onto the straight. That didn’t stop him from coming though and he was seen throughout the weekend visiting his mates throughout pit paddock in his wheelchair.

It was no surprise to see Jamie Stauffer win the first Superbike race but this time he was pressured all the way by Craig Coxhell and Daniel Stauffer.

Race two was a different story though when Glenn Allerton, who has shown promise all season since joining the Honda team, reached that potential with the win from Craig Coxhell who took advantage of lapped traffic, and Daniel Stauffer, with brother Jamie close behind. Best placed Queenslander was Robert Bugden with a 9th and 7th placing.

The first Supersport race on Sunday bore no surprises with Jamie Stauffer winning followed closely by Jason O’Halloran (both on Yamahas) and Russell Holland’s Honda then Josh Waters’ Suzuki eight seconds adrift. Gareth Jones of Queensland brought his Yamaha home seventh. Race two was the first time for ages that the Yamahas weren’t at the front with Josh Waters chalking up his first win from Stauffer, O’Halloran and Holland. Jones elevated his position to sixth after a close battle with Nick Henderson, Mick Kelly and Jeremy Crowe.

In the FZ6 Cup Series, Queenslander Josh Houwen continued his unblemished season with maximum possible points, taking pole and all wins – again! Beau McKenzie of Queensland continues to improve on his North Star sponsored machine with two fourths and a sixth.

In a depleted 125 field Glen Scott won every race. Jackson Leigh-Smith is cementing his reputation as a front runner with two second places and a third.

The Superstock races were as close as ever with wins going to Chas Hern (one) and Ben Henry (two). Braden Carr was always close behind. Our representatives Alistair  Reid and Des Darby finished fourth, fifth, fifth and fifth, sixth, sixth respectively.

The Formula Xtreme class was dominated by Michael Dibb with local (Tassie) rider Scott Honeychurch taking one win.

In the first of  the combined Pro twins/Naked bike races Scott Charlton’s Yamaha narrowly beat home Jon Cartwright’s similar machine with Brisbane’s Paul Roe on an Aprilia third. Best of the 600’s was Josh Houwen on his FZ6 in fifth place. In races two and three however Craig McMartin had his new 1098 Ducati sorted and won from Charlton, then Cartwright in one of the closest finishes all weekend.

The results of some of the weekend’s races are still subject to the outcome of protests and therefore not final as yet.

Next round is a double header (four day meeting) at Queensland Raceway from 28th June to 1st July, where the local riders will be hoping that the home track advantage will elevate their fortunes.

It’s a full program with sidecars back again, so if you’re not racing get out there and support the large contingent of Queenslanders hoping for success in rounds six and seven of the series.

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Junior Motocross Girls are Fast
Story by: Tamara Gray
Photo by: Tamara Gray

In the land of the long white cloud amongst 4 degree snowy conditions, two rising junior female motocross stars from the sunshine state put on a display, showing our trans-tasman counterparts that the Australian junior female motocross ranks are a force to be reckoned with.

The New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships were run over three consecutive days at Mosgiel. The track conditions were unfamiliar for the girls on day one with a very wet and icy track, however as the weekend progressed the track tacked up to something more similar to what we would have back here in Queensland – water permitting of course…

Current Queensland Junior Female Number 1 plate holder Sarah Guthrie and accomplished racer Mikayla Aitken strutted their stuff in the 85cc 11-12 years class.  They were 2 out of the 6 Aussie girls entered in the class that boasted nearly 70 riders.

The girls endured two rounds of qualifying on the Friday in the wet conditions.  Sarah aboard an unfamiliar KTM, managed to be one of two girls that qualified amongst the top 40 to make the championship class. Mikayla also on an unfamiliar Honda, narrowly missed out one of the qualification spots.

Over the whopping seven rounds of racing Sarah finished 35th overall after a DNF in her opening moto due to a minor mechanical failure. Sarah’s best finish for the weekend was an incredible 28th position, and she was the second highest finishing female in the class.

Another highlight for Sarah over the weekend was that she was included in the junior KTM program and was pitted up with their big rig, which funnily enough included heaters.

Mikayla went in to the non-qualifying races and put the some 30 remaining riders through their paces. She placed a terrific 2nd overall and 3rd highest girl in the whole class, after running consistent thirds and fourths and even a win in her last moto!

It’s apparent that New Zealand is potentially creating a host of future world women’s champion contenders with their awesome junior talent coming through. The top finishing Aussie girl in the class Courtney Duncan, who finished an impressive 16th place overall. She was finishing as high up as 6th place in some motos!  She was described as a girl that could turn her bike on a dime. 

Bevan Judd from Go Girl Racing, who supported the Queensland girls with their New Zealand efforts has hinted that Courtney will be visiting our shores in January 2008 for the annual Go Girls Cup. 

Full results from the New Zealand Junior Motocross Championships go to www.mnz.co.nz

For more information on off road competition for females in Queensland go to Go Girl Racing www.gogirlracing.com.au

Dobson wins New Zealand National Title – check out the full story here.

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Something for Everyone in current Road Racing Classes
Story by: Drmsby Middleton

Drmsby Middleton, regular Ride! eNews contributor and member of the MQ Road Racing Subcommittee takes a look at the different types of road race motorcycles used in competition in Queensland, and makes the point that the differences are not always obvious. Most of the current racing categories are explained below.

Superbikes are 1000cc production based motorcycles with many modifications and aftermarket 'race' parts.  With a minimum weight of 165kg, and engines producing up to 200 horsepower, the top level Superbikes routinely break the 1hp-per-kilo barrier.  Certain parts of the machine must remain unmodified, including the frame, swingarm, and engine block, however anything that can be modified usually is.  The engine and suspension in particular receive a lot of attention, and like all racebikes the road gear is removed and fibreglass fairings fitted.  Electronics are rapidly becoming more prevalent in the quest for more traction and acceleration.  Racing slick tyres from various manufacturers in a range of compounds are used.  A modern Superbike is capable of doing the standing start 400m (1/4 mile) in under ten seconds, and depending on gearing can reach speeds over 300km/h.  Superbikes are the premier road racing category in Queensland and Australia. 

Supersport bikes are limited to under 600cc for four cylinder machines, 675cc for three cylinders and 750cc for twin cylinder motorcycles.  In many ways these bikes resemble Superbikes, and are of a similar physical size and shape.  They can produce around 130 horsepower, and attract a minimum weight limit of 162 kilograms.  Modification rules are a little stricter than those for Superbikes, with tyres being the main difference.  Supersport bikes must run treaded street legal tyres, except for wet races, where racing 'wets' can be used. 

SuperStock is a class designed to produce very close racing by restricting the allowable modifications to a bare minimum.  In essence, a Superstock bike is a road bike with race fairings and a few minor suspension and exhaust modifications.  Superstock 600 is currently more popular than Superstock 1000 in Queensland, as the 600 class is the only one to run at a national level.  In the national competition Superstock 600 is limited to C and D grade riders only, and bikes must run the nominated class 'control' tyres.  These 600cc machines still produce well over 100 horsepower in standard form.

Formula 400 is a very popular class in Queensland always attracting a large number of participants from beginners through to seasoned A graders.  These bikes are based on Japanese domestic market 400cc four cylinder production motorcycles.  Most of the machines in the class were manufactured in the early 1990's, and despite their age offer great performance, with some bikes producing up to 70 horsepower.  Rules are somewhat similar to Superbike regulations, with engine modifications, aftermarket suspension and slick tyres allowed.

125 Grand Prix bikes are purpose built racing motorcycles, just like the World 125GP Championship machines at MotoGP events.  Because they are not production based, 125GP bikes are allowed many modifications, as long as they comply with the standard safety scrutineering checks.  They weigh around 80 kilograms, and can make as much as 70 horsepower from their single cylinder two stroke water cooled engines.  125GP is another class that uses racing slick tyres.

The Historic racing categories are essentially class divisions based on the age of the motorcycles competing. New Era 2 is for bikes manufactured between 1990 and 1995, New Era 1 is 1981 to 1989, Forgotten Era is 1973 to 1980 and Post Classic is for bikes built between 1963 and 1972. 

Various levels of modification are allowed, but the prevailing theme is that any changes to the bike are period specific.  The historic classes, particularly the New Era 2 machines, are popular as an entry level introduction to motorcycle racing.  This is due to the (relatively) relaxed nature