Motorcycling Queensland

News - General
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-2007-

December
Motorcycling Queensland - Christmas office closure
2008 Calendar released
Elite riders chosen for U21s Training Camp
Champions honored at annual Awards Night
WINNERS DRAWN - The Ultimate Coaching Experience

November
Position Vacant - Junior / General Duties

September
MQ launches The Ultimate Coaching Experience competition

August
FREE entry to Australian Motorcycle Expo
Regional Clubs receive Grant funding
What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 18/19 August
News on Matthew Kuhne

July
The Save Lakeside Cruise in Show - 12 August
What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 28/29 July
What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 21/22 July
What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 14/15 July
What's on in motorcyle sport this weekend - 7/8 July
Stolen bikes...

June
What's on in motorcyle sport this weekend - 30 June / 1 July
What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 23/24 June
Motorcycling Queensland Tribunal decisions - Strachan & Prince
What's on in motorcycle sport - 16/17 June
What's on in motorcycle sport - 9/10 June

May
Volunteer Small Equipment Grants announced
Australian Government Water Grants announced
Nominations being called for MQ Committee vacancies
What's on in motorcycle sport - 26/27 May
What's on in motorcycle sport - 19/20 May
What's on in motorcycle sport - 12/13 May
What's on in motorcycle sport - 5/6 May
AGM brings stability to Motorcycling Queensland

April
What's on in motorcycle sport - 28/29 April (26. 04.07)
What's on in motorcycle sport - 21/22 April (19. 04.07)
Queensland women elected to National Commission (13.04.07)
What's on in motorcycle sport - 14/15 April (13.04.07)
Positions Vacant - A1' Accessory Imports (5.04.07)

Dreams come true for 9 year old - Mitchell Warner
Story by: Scott Bishop
Photo courtesy: Daniel McKenzie

Mitchell gains some useful tips from Chris Urquhart
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 tumor on his eye, Mitchell was in remission and granted a wish by the good people of the Starlight Foundations 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 amazing day," he finishes.

And Urquhart was more then impressed with how fast the little tacker had picked up the skills to ride a motorcycle.

"Within two hours he was able to stand up, change gears and ride complete laps of the Reedy Creek circuit. That is pretty amazing seeing he had only ridden a push bike before and the Reedy Creek track can be pretty daunting for first timers."

Mitchell’s story began in late 2006 when he noticed a lump on his eyelid. Within six weeks it had grown to the size of his eyeball and it was surgically removed. It was then doctors diagnosed Mitchell with having Embroyonel Rhabdomysarcoma. Tests immediately begun to see if the tumor had spread through his body and then came six months of weekly chemotherapy and 20 days of radiation. His treatment ended in May 2007.

Mitchell is now in remission but will to have on going MRI’s and chest X-rays for the next five years. He is regaining strength and stamina every day and his hobbies of playing X-Box, karate and In-line hockey have been replaced with a dirt bike habit.

The Starlight Foundation Make-A-Wish Program makes dreams come true for little guys like Mitchell everyday. The Warner Family can’t thank them enough for the day they have given Mitchell and their work continues with thousands of other just like him.

Motorcycling Queensland - Christmas office closure

santa The Motorcycling Queensland office will be closed from midday Friday 21st December 2007 till 8am Wednesday 2nd January 2008 for Xmas holiday break.

Some Motorcycling Queensland staff members will be having a longer break than that quoted above.

The Motorcycling Queensland staff would like to wish all involved with motorcyle sport and recreation in Queensland a safe and Merry Christmas.

Thank-you for all o fyour efforts, and we look forward to working with you all again in 2008 and beyond.

2008 Calendar released

Motorcycling Queensland has today (Wednesday 19 December 2007) released the 2008 Motorcycling Queensland event calendar.

The calendar includes all events that have, up until this point, been negotiated with Motorcycling Queensland for inclusion on next year's calendar. It is however by no means 100% complete, and is therefore still subject to changes and additions.

A html version of the 2008 calendar can be viewed from here.

As important event information such as Supplementary Regulations and Officials & Coaching Course Registration Forms and details are finalised they will also be added and available to be downloaded from the calendar page from the 'More Information' column.

In most instances, where this informaiton is not yet finalised a contact person and contact details has been included.

Elite riders chosen for U21s Training Camp

Seventeen (17) of Queensland's best up and coming riders aged 15 - 20 years have been chosen to attend the 2007 / 08 U21s Elite Training Camp.

The 5 day live-in Camp will be held at the internationally recognised Runaway Bay Sports Super Centre, Gold Coast, from Monday 17th - Friday 21st December 2007.

Riders will undergo extensive physical testing, and be exposed to the latest informaiton on topics such as nutrition, recovery techniques, psychology, pysiotherapy and massage and media training from professionals in each of these fields.

Camp attendees will also have an audience with 2 time World Speedway Champion - Jason Crump, who will speak with the group about what it takes to make it to the top, dealing with extensive travel and competition commitments, and strategies to deal with media, etc.

Multiple Australian Off Road Series champion - AJ Roberts, will do a 'spin class' training session with the group on Friday, and will also speak to the group about similar issues to those covered by Crump.

This is the fifth year that Motorcycling Queensland has conducted the U21s Elite Training Camp program, with riders such as Josh Houwen and Gareth Jones from Road Racing; Brenden Harrison, Todd Waters, Dean Ferris and Ford Dale from Motocross; and Nicholas Beattie and Kristian Sprenger from Enduro, all previous graduates of previous year's Camps.

The 17 riders (including 2 females) selected to attend this year's Camp are:

Ashlea Bates (Motocross)
Ashley Cathcart (Track / Speedway)
Ashleigh Davey (Track / Motocross)
Mitchell Davey (Speedway)
Josh Grajczonek (Track / Speedway)
Alex Harriman (Supermoto)
Mick Higgins (Motocross)
Blake Leigh-Smith (Road Racing)
Jackson Leigh-Smith (Road Racing)
Cameron Madders (Road Racing)
Justin Muscat (Track)
James Mutton (Road Racing)
Dylan Peterson (Motocross)
Joel Rizzo (Motocross)
Matthew Sprenger (Enduro)
Jarrad Vanderhor (Enduro)
Jack Walter (Motocross)

Congratulations to all.

Champions honored at annual Awards Night

More than 280 guests took off their helmets and attended the annual Motorcycling Queensland Awards Night at The Workshops Railway Museum, Ipswich on Saturday 1st December 2007.

It was a night to reflect on another successful year in the sunshine state, both from the riders and from the volunteers and officials involved.

Channel 10s Rob Hazel in conjunction with former Queensland Supercross and Motocross star - Scott Bishop hosted the night and kept the show moving freely as plenty of awards handed out.

The likes of Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Cassons, McLeods Accessories and Shell all provided gear, resulting in about 50 lucky door prizes also being handed out on the night.

As well as the top lacing form all the major championships held in Queensland and Australia, there were some awards voted by committees on outstanding efforts from clubs and volunteers throughout the year.

Major individual and Club honors went to:

President's Volunteer of the Year - Ricky Madden
Council Volunteer of the Year - Tom Williams
Club of the Year - Townsville Motorcycle Club
Most Improved Club of the Year - Gladstone District Dirt Riders
Junior Achiever of the Year - Shaun Redhead
Coach of the Year - Wayne Kennedy
Services to Coaching - Dave Fuller

Special acknowledgment was also given to the successful Queensland A4DE who won the Senior Teams Trophy at this year's A4DE for the first time in... well none seems to remember how long, but its been a while... Four of the 6 team members namely - AJ Roberts, Kirk Hutton, Matthew Dumigan and Nicholas Beattie were there to recive due recognition.

The full 2007 Honor Roll can be viewed as a pdf document here.

Photo's from the night can be viewed at www.yoursportsshots.com

(l to r) Kirk Hutton, Matthew Dumigan, AJ Roberts and Nicholas Beattie

Four members of Queensland's A4DE Senior Trophy winning team:
(l to r) - Kirk Hutton, Matthew Dumigan, AJ Roberts, Nicholas Beattie

WINNERS DRAWN - The Ultimate Coaching Experience

The 2007 Motorcycling Queensland Awards Night was held at The Workshops Rail Museum on Saturday 1st December 2007.

During the evening winners were drawn / announced in the Motorcycling Queensland Ultimate Coaching Experience, the winners in each category are:

*Nicholas Morris - winner
The Ultimate Speedway Coaching Experience (Jason Crump).

*Nathan Houterman - winner
The Ultimate Road Racing Coaching Experience (Chris Vermeulen).

*Brandon Petrie - winner
The Ultimate Motocross Coaching Experience (Daniel Reardon).

*Jesse Pearson - winner
The Ultimate Enduro / Off Road Coaching Experience (AJ Roberts).

*Alex Harriman - winner
The Ultimate Supermoto Coaching Experience (Adam Cini).

*Liam Payne- winner
The Ultimate Dirt Track Coaching Experience (Jarrod Koppe).

*Cameron Williams - winner
The Ultimate Moto-Trials Coaching Experience (Mitchell & Boyd Willcocks).

Congratulations to all winners, and thank-you to everyone who entered the competition.

Motorcycling Queensland will contact all winners directly.

Position Vacant - Junior / General Duties

Kustom Mx is a manufacturer of custom mx decals, race numbers and full kits.

We are currently looking for a junior to join our team based at Loganholme. The position is entry level and would entail machine operations, packing orders and various general duties.

The right person can be guaranteed long term employment and training in all facets of decal manufacture and design. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in establishing a career in motorcycle decal design and production.

An above average computer skill level would be an advantage as well as a good work ethic and a can do attitude. Please email expressions of interest to andrew@kustommx.com

Further information regarding this position available by contacting Andrew at Kustom Mx on (07) 3806 1800.

MQ launches The Ultimate Coaching Experience competition

Motorcycling Queensland has launched a competition to be known as The Ultimate Coaching Experience which gives Queensland licence holders the opportunity to receive coaching from one of Queensland's high profile riders.

Riders from every discipline have the chance to win one of 7 one on one Ultimate Coaching Experiences, with a personal coaching session from one of the following:

*Jason Crump - The Ultimate Speedway Coaching Experience
*Chris Vermeulen - The Ultimate Road Racing Coaching Experience
*Daniel Reardon - The Ultimate Motocross Coaching Experience
*Anthony 'AJ' Roberts - The Ultimate Enduro / Off Road Coaching Experience
*Adam Cini - The Ultimate Supermoto Coaching Experience
*Mitchell & Boyd Willcocks - The Ultimate Moto-Trials Coaching Experience
*Jarrod Koppe - The Ultimate Track Coaching Experience

Go to www.mqld.org.au/media_competitions for further information, including full entry details.

FREE entry to Australian Motorcycle Expo

The Australian Motorcycle Expo will be held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from Friday 21st – Sunday 23rd September 2007.

The 2007 Australian Motorcycle Expo will be the biggest showroom for all bikes, scooters, dirt bikes, ATV’s, protective and lifestyle clothing, parts, accessories, training, travel and adventure.

Motorcycling Queensland will once again have a presence at this Expo via an official Motorcycling Queensland stand. To this end we are seeking individuals who are interested in manning the MQ stand at various times throughout the duration of the Expo.

As a Motorcycling Queensland volunteer you will receive:

*FREE entry to the Expo on the day/s that you volunteer;
*Motorcycling Queensland embroidered Polo shirt;
*Your parking costs at the Convention & Exhibition Centre underground parking covered on the day/s thatyou volunteer.

To register you interest as a Motorcycling Queensland volunteer for the 2007 Australian Motorcycle Expo please complete the Expression of Interest Form and return to Motorcycling Queensland via Fax: (07) 3812-2742 or C/- PO Box 2072 Nth. Ipswich Qld 4305 or e: info@mqld.org.au by Friday 14th September 2007.

Motorcycling Queensland will contact you after this date to confirm the availability of your chosen shift/s.

If you have any further queries with any of the above, please contact the Motorcycling Queensland office on (07) 3281-2255.

More information on the Australian Motorcycle Expo, opening hours, ticket prices, etc. available from www.australianmotorcycleexpo.com.au

Regional Clubs receive Grant funding

Three Queensland regional Clubs have been successful in gaining grant funding as part of the Department of Sport, Recreation & Racing's 2007 Club Development Program.

The Club Development Program (CDP) provides funding to not for profit Clubs and associations to undertake education and training initiatives, participation initiatives, organisational planning and to recognise volunteer support.

The three successful Motorcycling Queensland Clubs and their projects are:

Keppel Coast Dirt Bike Club - Participation Come n Try Day. To conduct an 'experienced motocross coaching program for juniors in the Yeppoon area.

Blackwater Junior Motorcycle Club - Education and Training coaching accreditation. To provide coach education to support motorcycling at Blackwater, and to recognise Club volunteers.

Hughenden Motorcycle Club - Education and Training for officials training and accreditation. To accredit coaches and officials for motorcycling in Hughenden and recognise Club volunteers.

Congratulations to each of the above 3 Clubs on their efforts in gaining this funding.

More information about the Department of Sport, Recreation & Racing's Club Development Program is available from the Department's website.

*CDP - 2008
It is estimated that CDP 2008 will be released between January and March 2008 (1st Quarter). This date is indicative only and subject to change. Confirmed dates will be placed on the Department's website as soon as they are available.

What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 18 & 19 August

The annual North Brisbane Cup will be held this Saturday 18th August at Mick Doohan Raceway, Raubers Road, Northgate. The North Brisbane Cup is an open Dirt Track meeting featuring junior and senior solo, and senior sidecar challenge races under lights from about 6pm. Further information on this event available by contacting Mandy Castles on 0433 169 864.

The third round of the Honda ThunderX Series for the Queensland Natural Terrain Motocross Championships, will be held at Henschens Property, Iron Pot this Sunday 19 August. To get to Henschens Property - from Kingaroy head towards Kumbia, then turn right down Iron Pot Road. Series results after 2 rounds are available from here. More information on this event is available by contacting Kevin Mortimer on 0438 394 500. All ThunderX Series competitors should read article - ThunderX Series Round 4, New Venue - TBA.

The Whitsunday Dirt Riders will conduct the Whitsunday Classic Motocross this Saturday & Sunday at Camp Kanga, Lake Proserpine. Further information on this event is available by contacting Rond Draper on 0417 745 781, or Russ Ironside on (07) 4945-2198 (AH).

The Dalby Moto 'Jandowae' Trail Ride will be held at Cooranga North Recreation Reserve which is located midway between Cooranga North and Bell on the Cooranga North Jandowae Rd this Saturday & Sunday. Camping is available at the reserve and there will be showers, toilets and a couple of acres of quiet camping grounds in the bush. Go to rides at www.dalbymoto.com.au if you want to download the flyer which has a map on it.

Further north, the Lowmead Reloaded Trail Ride will take place at Lowmead, Central Queensland this weekend. The Registration Form for this Trail Ride is available from here.

Interstate now, and the 8th and final round of the 2007 YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championships will take place at Eastern Creek Raceway, New South Wales, this weekend. Keep up-to-date with all of the latest and breaking news, results, etc on this Series at www.aus-superbikes.com.au

Rounds 9 and 10 of the Australian Off Road Championships will be held at the Wonthaggi Motocross Complex, West Area Road, Wonthaggi, this weekend. Check out www.dirtbikepromotions.com.au/off_road.html to keep up-to-date with this Series.

Internationally Queenslanders Chris Vermeulen and Anthony West and the rest of the World MotoGP crew return from a 3 week summer break, to renew acquaintances at the Round 12 - Czech Republic Cardoin AB Grand Prix, this weekend. Australian Casey Stoner leads the Championship, with Vermeulen in 4th. After this weekend there are only six rounds of the Championship left for riders to make an impression, including the GMC Australian Grand Prix to be held at Phillip Island on weekend of 13th & 14th October.

The full Motorcycling Queensland 2007 event calendar is available from here.

News on Matthew Kuhne

As many of you would be aware Helensvale's Matthew Kuhne, aged 19, was injured whilst practising at the Ipswich Kart Track last Monday (6th August), resulting in three broken vertebrae in his neck.

Due to a shortage of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses, Matt has endured a very public nine days in the spinal unit at Brisbane's Princess Alexandra Hospital waiting to be operated on.

Matt finally went in for surgery on Tuesday morning (14th August) with the operation being deemed a success. You can keep up-to-date with Matt's progress at his website which will be carrying regular medical updates and status reports.

You can also send Matt messages of support at this link, or forward your cards and best wishes etc. to:

PA Hospital
Spinal Injuries, Ward 17
Attention: Matthew Kuhne
Ipswich Road
Wollongabba Qld 4102

A proud Queenslander, Matt has multiple state and national titles to his credit, particularly from his junior days, and in 2003 was awarded Motorcycling Queensland's Junior Achiever of the Year award.

Motorcycling Queensland wishes Matt a speedy recovery.

The Save Lakeside Cruise in Show - 12 August

If you want somewhere that you can enjoy the performance of your Road bike, or a venue where you can test your Road Racing skills, in a safe environment, without breaking the law, then you should consider throwing your support behind the Save Lakeside Cruise in Show on Sunday 12th August.

The Save Lakeside Cruise in Show is part of a wider push to re-open Lakeside Raceway.

Lakeside Raceway was the home of motorsport in Queensland for over 40 years, up until 5 years ago, when it was closed down by the local council due to noise and other pollution issues.

Last year the Pine Rivers Shire Council sought expressions of interest from parties interested in the future management of the site. Recently they completed this tender process for the management rights of the circuit and a preferred submitter was chosen. Unfortunately however very little has happened since this time.

"Make no mistake, this argument over Lakeside is not about noise or water quality or any other public issue, it's about a handful of well positioned people attempting to sabotage the public process for personal financial gain", said Ian Milton, president of Lakeside Motor Racing Enthusiasts.

The Save Lakeside Cruise in Show will involve a ride in cruise starting from the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens, ending at a property directly across the road from Lakeside Raceway.

On arrival, there will be an opportunity to enter a show'n'shine or just hang out with other motorsport enthusiasts and check out all the bikes and cars. There will be food and drink, entertainment and some short speeches from people supporting the re-opening of this historic race track. We need to show the local council that we will support them.

Join the cruise or enter the show’n’shine or just come down for a look at two and four wheel works of art and engineering. All for just $2!

If motorsport is your passion, this is your chance to stand up and be counted.

You don’t need a showpiece, just a daily driver, or even if you’ve only got a half built, partially restored frame, bring it on the trailer. Wear your motorsport apparel and show that you’re not going sit back and let them take your track away!

Cruise meet location: Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens (parking in lot opposite main entrance), Toowong @ 9am -- Depart time: 10am -- Cruisers must sign event registration at Lakeside Cafe'.

Show 'n' Shine: Lot 4, Lakeside Rd, Kurwongbah (opposite the track) @ 11am.

Motorcycling Queensland Non-Competition / Recreational Permit #38442.

For more details and pre-registration visit www.lakesideraceway.com

What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 28 & 29 July

Team Willcocks coming home...
The 10th and final round of the 2007 Central Queensland Motocross Series is set to be run in Dysart this Saturday 28th July. The Series showcases the current and emergining motocross talent throughout the Central Queensland region. Results up to and including round 9 can be viewed from here.

Meanwhile the second round of the Honda Thunder-X Series is set to be run at the Mt. Perry racecourse this Sunday 29th July. This Series is the Queensland Natural Terrain Motocross Championships for Junior Lites, Lites, Open, Women's, Quad, Veterans and Evolution classes. Round 1 results are available from here.

In the flat track scene, Mike Hathcer Race Park, Captain Cook Drive, Labrador, will host the 2007 Queensland Senior Long Track State Championships this Saturday and Sunday. Championship classes are being run in the 125cc, 250cc, 500cc, 450cc and 1100cc classes, and will include Quad and Sidecar racing. Further information on this event available by contacting the Race Secretary - Lisa Allen on 0404 101 004.

Those looking to 'keep their feet up' would be interested to know that the Western Districts Trials Club will be conduting a Closed to Club Moto-Trial at Grant Property, Bellthorpe this Sunday. Competition is expected to commence from 10am. Further information avaialble by contacting Chris Williams on 0408 333 029.

Internationally, Queenslander Andrew McFarlane will be looking to continue his good form from last weekend's AMA Pro Lites Motocross Championship when round 8 of the Championship moves to Washougal Motocross Park, Roseberg, outside of Portland this weekend. Fellow Queenslander Michael Byrne will be looking for an improved showing in the Pro Open class after a less than successful round 7 saw him drop back to 13th in the Championship.

Meanwhile another Queensland rider competing on the World stage this weekend will be Anthony 'AJ' Roberts. He will line up at round 6 of the World Enduro Championships in Parry Sound, Canada looking to force his way back into the world's top 10.

If current FIM World Speedway Champion, Queenslander - Jason Crump, is to be any chance of defending his World Speedway crown, he will need maximum points at this weekends Round 6 of the Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. A task made all the more difficult by the fact that he has confirmed that he is currently riding with a broken kneecap, an injury sustained in Poland during the FIM Speedway World Cup, which will require survey. Crump currently sits in 6th place in the Championship race, 33pts behind current leader Nicki Pedersen, with 5 rounds still to go after this weekend.

Brisbane brothers Mitchell & Boyd Willcocks will compete in the Junior class at the final round of the SPEA Trials World Championship at the famous Hawekstone Park, Great Britan this weekend, before returning home to Australia.

The full Motorcycling Queensland 2007 event calendar is available from here.

What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 21 & 22 July

AJ Roberts to compete at World Enduro Championships
Morgan Park Raceway, Warwick will be the venue this weekend for the 2007 Queensland Road Racing Championships incoporating the Historic Road Racing Championships.

The Motorcycle Sportsmen of Qld, the promoting club are predicting that motorcycle road racers will become a more familiar sight around the Warwick area, with Morgan Park Raceway now the home of club and state level Road Racing in South East Queensland. Full story here.

On the national scene the coast town of Wonthaggi, Victoria will be the venue for Round 8 of the Nokia Australian Motocross Championships. Queensland's Daniel Reardon (Kawasaki Racing Team), who has been dogged by flu all week, holds a 37pts lead in the Pro Open class from his nearest challenger (Daryl Hurley). Fellow Queenslanders Troy Carroll (Cool Air Racing) and Nathan Crawford (Toowoomba Honda) also sit well within the top 10. Usual 19 class competitor and Queensland young gun Todd Waters (Motorex KTM) will be looking to further his reputation having been granted another wildcard entry into the Pro Lites class - read full story here.

Locally the Bingera Weir Motocross Track, Bundaberg, will play host to Round 2 of the Y-AIM / YMF Loan South East Queensland Junior Motocross Series. This Series is the perfect breeding ground for Queensland's future motocross talent. You can check Round 1 results from this Series here.

Further north, the Pioneer Valley Enduro Club will conduct a Natural Terrain Motocross event at Retreat Station, Peak Downs Highway, Mackay on Sunday 22nd July. The event will cater for racing for 50cc machines through to Senior Lites and Open classes, and Veterans and Womens classes. Racing is expected to commence from 9:30am. Further information on this event avaialble by contacting Peter Meier on 0448 553 606.

On Saturday 21st July the Mareeba Motorcycle Club will host round 4 of the Tropical North Queensland Motocross Series at their Spring Road facility, with the Cairns Motorcycle Club hosting round 5 the following day at Thompson Road, Edmonton. Results from this Series up to and including round 3 are available from here. Further information on this Series is available by cotacting the Race Secretary - Sonia Nash on 0417 786 270.

Fully On Promotions will promote Round 2 of the Queensland Enduro Championships near Tamborine Village this weekend. Many of Queensland's succesful Australian 4 Day Enduro competitors will be back to show their wares on the local scene. Results from Round 1 of the Series, held at Koumala, Mackay can be viewed here. For further informaton contact Fully On Promotions on 0431 156 867.

The Ayr Motorcycle Club will host the annual NSW vs Ayr MCC Invitational Speedway match this Saturday night at Brandon Sports Reserve. Gates open at 4.00pm, Scrutineering from 5.00pm, Senior Solo Practice 6.00pm, Junior Solos 6.30pm and main program to commence at 7.00pm. The teams are as follows: Queensland - Scott McKenna, Steven Reid, Mitchell Davey, Gary Davey (c), Mick O'Connor, Roy Stout, Res - TBC, New South Wales - Michael Slade (c), Daine Stevens, Kozza Smith, Hugh Skidmore, Richard Sweetman, 6th rider and Res - TBC. For more information on this event go to the Ayr Motorcycle Club website.

The North Brisbane Junior Motorcycle Club will conduct a Closed to Club Dirt Track meeting at Mick Doohan Raceway - Raubers Road, Northgate this Sunday 22nd July. Further information on this meeting avaialble by contacting the Race Secretary - Amanda Castles on 0412 265 023.

Internationally, Queenslander Andrew McFarlane will be looking to build on last weekend's top 5 result, which moved him into the top 10 in the championship, when round 7 of the in the AMA Motocross Lites Championships continues at Thunder Valley Motocross Park which is located in Lakewood, at the foothill of the Rocky Mountains in Jefferson County, Colorado. Fellow Queenslander Michael Byrne sits just outside the top 10 in the Open class of the Series.

Queenslanders Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki) and Anthony West (Kawasaki Racing Team) will fly the Australain flag along with championship leader Casey Stoner this weekend at the Red Bull US Grand Prix (11th round) of the World MotoGP in Laguna Seca. The track holds mixed memories for Vermeulen who despite sitting on pole for last year's race and leading at the halyway point, suffered mid race fuel supply system issues that saw him eventually drop back through the field to finishin fifth.

AJ Roberts returns to the World Enduro Championships this weekend for the fifth round to be held in Hancock, New York this weekend, then onto Perry Sound, Canada next weekend for Round 6.

Meanwhile another Queenslander - Jason Crump will look to lead the Australian Team to victory at the 2007 Speedway World Cup Final in Leszno, Poland this Saturday - read full story here.

What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 14 & 15 July

The Kilcoy Motorcycling Club will host the annual 'Honda' David Helman Memorial Ironman event at their Glenfern Road, Kilcoy facility this weekend. The Kilcoy Ironman has been an annual event for over 20 years, and in 1998 was renamed in memory of David Helman who tragically passed away whilst practicing the weekend before for the Ironman - this event was then dedicated to his memory.

2006 saw a record number of riders enter the event, all keen for a piece of the large amount of prize money on offer across all grades of rider. The event is run over 2 days, with the Saturday including 3 rounds of Dirt Track and then practice for Motocross. The Sunday involves 3 rounds of Motocross. Further information on the event is available by contacting the Race Secretary - Joanne Astrop on 0403 369 113.

This Saturday will see the Ayr Motorcycle Club host the first round of the North Queensland Dirt Track Series at their Brandon Sports Reserve facility. Round 2 of the Series will be held the following day at Lang Park, Woodstock. For more information about Round 1 contact Anne Morato on 0419 714 958, for information on round 2 contact Belinda Weismantel on 0419 628 182.

The fourth and final round of the 2007 Queensland Moto-Trials State Championships, to be promoted by the Northern Districts Motorcycle Club, will be held at Bruce Baker's Property, Lacey's Creek, Dayboro this Sunday. Competition is expected to commence at 10am. Further information on this event available by contacting Paul McAllister on 0437 720 138.

The Gold Coast Motorcycle & Sporting Club will hold the third round of their Club Championships for Dirt Track & Speedway riders this Sunday at the Gold Coast Speedway, Captain Cook Drive, Labrador. More information on this event is available by contacting Mandy Wintle on 0417 476 879.

This Saturday, the Richmond Dirt Bike Club will conduct a Trail Ride at Lake Fred Tritton, whilst on the Sunday they will conduct a Pony Xpress at the same venue. More information either of these events is avaialble by contacting Julie Rogerson on 0429 413 412.

Elsewhere the best junior and female motocrossers in the country will convereg on Horsham, Victoria this Sunday for the final round of the Yamaha Motocross National Development Series. Queenslander Jake Wright from Mareeba sits in 2nd place in the Yamaha Academy 12-14yrs 85cc class only 1pt adrfit of the Series leader, Jake is also competing in the Motul 13-14yrs 125cc class where a top 5 finish is not out of the question.

Queenslanders are set to once again shine on the international scene with Chris Vermeulen (Rizla Suzuki) and Ant West (Kawasaki Racing Team) set to take on the field at the Alice Motorra MotoGP at Sachsenring, Germany this weekend.

Michael Byrne and Andrew McFarlane will look to finish at the pointy end in their respective classes at the Round 6 of the AMA Toyota Motoctross Championships scheduled to take place at Unadilla Valley Sports Centre, New Berlin, NY.

The Australian Speedway Team, spearheaded by Queenslander Jason Crump will be looking to be quick out of the blocks when the FIM Speedway World Cup gets underway in Vojens, Denmark on Saturday. If they can finish at the top of their group (which also includes Denmark, Poland and Finland) the Australian Team will proceed straight through to the final to be held in Leszno, Poland on 21 July. Finishing second or third will put them into the race-off to also be held in Leszno, Poland on Thursday 19 July, finish fourth and we can start planning for the 2008 World Cup.

The full Motorcycling Queensland 2007 event calendar is available from here.

What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 7 & 8 July

Tivoli Raceway ready for round 1
Tivoli Raceway, corner Coal & Brodzig Roads, Chuwar (near Ipswich) will play host to the first round of the Y-Aim / YMF Loan South East Queensland Junior Motocross Series this weekend. Blustery weather conditions sprang up on Wednesday evening, however that hasn't deterred the small band of volunteers who have been undertaking track preparation all week (see picture).

Yamaha have taken up naming rights of the Series and used their coaching arm (Yamaha Australia Institute of Motocross) and their financial company (Yamaha Motor Finance) as the host title sponsors to kick start the 2007 Series, where we will see the best junior riders from the South-East corner and beyond taking centre stage.

Racing, which is expected to commence from about 9am both days, will be held accross the Saturday and Sunday with the 50cc Auto Div 1 & 2 (7-u9yrs), 65cc (7-u13yrs), Mini Lites (85cc 2 stroke /150cc 4 stroke - 9-u12yrs) and Senior Clubman Open & Lites all scheduled to take to the track on Saturday.

Sunday will see the Mini Lites (85cc 2 stroke / 150cc 4 stroke - 12-u16yrs), Junior 125cc 2 stroke (13-u16yrs), Junior 250cc 4 stroke (13-u16yrs), pro Open & Lites (Pro,. Expert and Intermediate) and Senior Lites (Clubman 16 - 17yrs) make their presence felt.

The current junior motocross gradings list is available here, and for those interested, the 2006 overall results are available for viewing from here.

Having hosted the YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championships double header last weekend, Queensland Raceway will this weekend play host to Round 3 of the MRRDA Junior Road Racing Series. Queenslander Jake Horne currently leads this series (read his preview of this wekeend's round here), and has a number of fellow 'banana benders' eager to take the front position. More information on the MRRDA Junior Road Racing Series is available from the MRRDA website.

Rounds 7 & 8 of the Central Queensland Motocross Series wil be played out at Middlemount (Saturday 7th) and Emerald (8th July) respectively. You can check out the overall Series results after the first 6 rounds from here. For more information on the Middlemount round contact Mick Stothard on 4985-7687, or for more informationon the Emerald round contact Laura Clarke on 4982-1210.

The Cairns Speedway Riders Association will hold the Cairns ProLine Classic Speedway meeting for Solo, Sidecars, stock bikes and Quads at the Cairns International Motor Speedway this Saturday night. Further information is available by contacting the Race Secretary Sandy Golding on 0405 805 072.

Mick Doohan Raceway, Raubers Road, Northgate will play host to the Brisbane Motorcycle Club's 2 day Vintage Motocross and Dirt Track met this weekend. Saturday 7th July will be a Closed to Club Classic Dirt Track met, with the Sunday being a Closed to Club Vintage Motocross met. More information on this event is available by contacting Russell Muirhead on mb: 0421 911 316.

The Mike Hatcher Junior Motorcycle Clubwill conduct a Closed to Club Dirt Track Day at Mike Hatcher Race Park, Captain Cook Drive, Labrador this Sunday. For more information on this meeting contact Lisa Allen on 0404 101 004.

The 2007 Australian Four Day Enduro (A4DE) is being run in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales from Thursday 5th - Sunday 8th July. Keep up-to-date with all of the latest news on this event at Motorcycling Australia's A4DE microsite.

Internationally Queensland's Adam Cini will be looking for a good result at this weekends Round 4 of the AMA Supermoto Championships to take place at Waterford Hills Road Course, Detroit.

A quite weekend elsehwere for Queensland's other international World Championship Series competitors with MotoGP (Chris Vermeulen & Anthony West), World Enduro Championships (AJ Roberts), World Speedway Grand Prix (Jason Crump) and the AMA Motocross Championships (Michael Byrne and Andrew McFalrane) all having weekends off.

Finally, bad news for all of the school kids out there with this weekend being your last couple of days of school holidays until September... Back to the books next week.

The full Motorcycling Queensland 2007 event calendar is available from here.

Stolen bikes...

Unfortunately we all know that there are undesirables out there who think what's your's is their's...

The Sprenger family, of Haiglsea (about 20kms west of Ipswich), found this out the hard way recently when 3 of their bikes were stolen from their Haigslea property on Wednesday 13th June between 8am - 3:30pm.

This on the same day that Kristian was slected for the Queensland Junior A4DE Team. Anyway, we know its a long shot, but if anyone has seen, or knows anything about the whereabouts of these bikes please contact Motorcycling Queensland and we'll put you in touch with the appropriate authorities.

2007 WR 450 F
VIN No: - JYACJ12W77A000739
Engine no: - J326E001088

Side plates & front number plate with #899 with Ashley Sprenger above Number (green back grounds /white #’s), Sportz steering dampener, Akrapovic exhaust system, Moose tubes front & rear, Red ziptye chain ajusters, ASV F3 Series clutch lever, blue in colour, No front forks on this bike but front wheel was taken

2007 WR 250 F
VIN No: - JYACG26W57A000284
Engine No: - G356E000546

Side plates & front number plate with # 100 with Kristian Sprenger above Number (Yellow back grounds / black #’s), Sportz steering dampener, Akrapovic exhaust system, Moose tubes front & rear, Red ziptye chain ajusters, gold chain and spockets, MPE suspension stickers on front forks

2006 YZ 125
VIN No: - JYACE16C56A006462
Engine No: - E120E006469

Side plates & front number plate with # K55 with K Sprenger above Number (Black back grounds /white #’s), , Moose tubes front & rear, Red ziptye chain ajusters, ASV F3 Series clutch lever, blue in colour, Chrome Pro Circuit header pipe, gold chain and spockets, MPE suspension stickers on front forks

What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 30 June / 1 July

Queensland Raceway plays host to Round 6 and 7 of the YMF Loan Australian Superbike Championships this weekend. Gates open at 6:30am with on track activity expected to commence as of 9am.

There will be a host of Queenslanders on display looking for good performances in their respective classes, including Robbie Bugden who currently sits in 10th position in the premier Superbike class.

Gareth Jones currently holds down 6th position in the Supersport class, with fellow Queenslander Chris Seaton in 9th. Jon Cartwright sits in 2nd position in the Pro-Twins & Naked Bike class with Josh Houwen in 4th, Beau Mckenzine in 7th, and Cole Odendaal in 8th place.

In the GyTR Yamaha FZ6 Cup Houwen holds a handy 71 point lead over his nearest challenger, and in the 125GP class brothers Jackson and Blake Leigh Smith hold down 4th and 5th place respectively, with Brad Gross also inside the top 10.

Meanwhile, Gum Valley, Mackay will play host to round 7 of the Nokia Australian Motocross Championships. Queenslander and Pro Open Series leader - Daniel Reardon will no doubt be looking for an improvement on last weekend's Round 6 performance in Toowoomba.

Keep a close eye on another Queenslander Troy Carroll who will be bouyed by his win in the first Moto last weekend. Fellow Queenslanders Nathan Crawford and Ford Dale will also be out to collect as many points as they can to establish themselves in the top 10.

U19 competitors Todd Waters, Dean Ferris and Brenden Harrison have once again recieved wildcard entries in to the Lites class, where they will no doubt be out to make a splash...

Elsewhere, the best junior Long Track competitors in the country will converge on Mick Doohan Motorcycle Raceway, Raubers Rd, Northgate this weekend for the 2007 Australian Junior Long Track Championships. Championship classes include 65cc solo, 85cc 2 stroke & 150cc 4 stroke, 80cc 4stroke, 100cc Big Wheel, 125cc solo, Up to 250cc 4 stroke and 80/100cc sidecar. Gates open at 6:30am with racing expected to commence at 9am.

The Logan River Moto-Trials Club will hold a Closed to Club Day this Sunday 1st July at Volger's Property, 530 Sawatzski Road, Croftby. More details avaialbe by contacting the Race Secretary Robyn Curtis on mb: 0411 091 924.

Sunday 1st July is the sixth scheduled South-East Queensland Motocross Club Day for the year. Contact your local South-East Queensland Motocross club for more details.

The Toowoomba Motocross Club will host round 2 of the the Triple Club Motocross Series this Sunday 1st July for members of the Warwick & District Dirt Bike Club, Toowoomba Motocross Club and Moreton & Districts Motocross Club. More detaisl avaailble by contacting Tye Thies on mb: 0408 249 666.

The full Motorcycling Queensland 2007 event calendar is available from here.

What's on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 23/24 June

Round 6 of the Nokia Australian Motocross Championships heads to Echo Valley, Toowoomba this weekend. The Echo Valley Track has been nominated by many riders as their favourite, and hometown boy Troy Carroll will no doubt be looking to use this to his advantage this weekend. He will be up against many of the 'usual suspects' including Championship leader Daniel Reardon, Daryl Hurley, Cody Cooper, and fellow Queenslanders Nathan Crawford and Ford Dale.

In the Under 19's Championship, Queenslanders will once again be looking to continue their dominance, where they currently fill 3 of the top 4 positions, with Brenden Harrison in first, Todd Waters second, and Dean Ferris in fourth.

This weekend in Toowoomba will also see the running of the third round of the Australian Womens Motocross Series, where Queenslander Ashlea Bates currently sits in third place.

The Echo Valley Motocross Track is located on the corner of Nelson & Ramsey Streets, Toowoomba. Gates open: 7.00am. Practice starts: 9.00am Races start: 11.00am. Admission: Adults: $30.00 Family Ticket: $60.00 (2 x Adults, 2 x Children 5-15yrs) Children: $10.00 Children under 5yrs: Free.

Elsewhere Rounds 2 (Ravesnhoe) and 3 (Tully) of the Far North Queensland Motocross Series will be run this Saturday and Sunday. Check out round 1 results here. Further information on ths Series is available by contacting the Series Race Secretary - Sonia Nash on 0417 786 270.

Morgan Park, Warwick will be the venue this Saturday and Sunday for round 3 of the Southern Downs Road Racing Series for Formula 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 machines as well as Juniors. You can check out the Series results here, and contact the Series Race Secretary - Rachael Hern on 3262-6677 for more information.

Rounds 2 and 3 of the Honda Pony Xpress Series will be held at 'Green Valley' Northbranch Road, Goomburra this Saturday and Sunday. Competition is expected to start from 10am. Further information available by contacting Chanel Rayner on 0408 304 483.

Brandon Sports Reserve, Ayr will be the venue for the Ayr MCC to conduct Dirt Track racing this Saturday. Competition is expected to start from 3pm. Contact Anne Morato on 0419 714 958 for further information.

Meanwhile Mike Hatcher Race Park, Captain Cook Drive, Labrador will be the venue for the Mike Hatcher Junior MCC to conduct a closed to Club Dirt Track Day this Sunday. Competiton is expected to commence from 9:30am. Further information is available by contacting Lisa Allen on 0404 101 004.

Finally, the Queensland Vintage Motocross Club will conduct a Closed to Club Classic Motocross Day this Sunday at Mundoolin Connection Road, Tamborine. Further information on this event is available by contacting Marion Gluestein on 0407 315 031.

The full Motorcycling Queensland 2007 event calendar is available from here.

Motorcycling Queesland Tribunal Decisions - Strachan & Prince

Motorcycling Queensland recently made the decision to publicise Tribunal decisions emanating from appeals from Motorcycling Queensland events on the MQ website.

Please find to follow the two recent Tribunal decisions:

Mark Strachan Appeal - Bushrangers Sidecar Shootout held at North Brisbane Speedway on 29 April 2007. View Tribunal decision here.

Jared Prince Appeal - North Coast Motocross Series held at Reedy Creek Motocross Track on 24 March 2007. View Tribunal decision here.

Whats on in motorcycle sport this weekend - 16/17 June

Round 1 of the 2007 Honda ThunderX Series, the Queensland Natural Terrain Motocross Championships commences this Sunday 17th June at Hornes Property, Hervey Bay. In the Open Championship class injury to defending Champion Matt Haworth will see him miss the first round which opens the gate for experienced heads Travis Regeling, Jason Watson, Beau Laing and Lee Voss to establish a lead in the 5 round Championship Series.

No such luck in the Lites class however, with 2006 defending Champion David Baxter back to defend his title from the likes of Josh Marks, Shannon King, Beau Laing, and Sam Leikefett (recently turned senior, from the junior ranks).

The Junior Lites class will no doubt breath a sigh of relief that 2005 and 2006 Champion Sam Leikefett has moved into the senior ranks, with Trent Maher now looking like the early favourite in this class.

The Women's Unlimited class has pulled together a strong field with the likes of defending Champion - Rebecca Bateman and chasers Ashlea Bates, Brooke Thiemann Chelsea Gray and Jemma Wilson all expected to be amongst the top finishers.

The Quads class has pulled