Motorbikes will roar again this weekend as the Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club speeds into another exciting year of action.
The 2022 Limestone Coast Motorcycles and Small Engine Grass Tack Series gets under way this Sunday at Mingbool where more than 100 riders hit the dirt and each of them will be start the campaigns on a high.
Up to 12 classes will be taking to the dirt to provide plenty of high-octane action for the spectators on show.
Bikes have been kept in the shed for three months since last year finished with a bang at the Millicent Show and MGJMC president Richard Humphries said everyone is raring to go again after recharging the batteries.
“The season has been a couple of months in the making, so we are looking forward to getting back under way,” he said.
“It was nice to have a refresher over Christmas after a big year of racing and we love opening the year at Gary Turnbull’s property which has become an annual event.
“Last year we had around 150 riders, so we will be very happy if the same happens again.”
The main attraction is the MX1 category where plenty of big-name riders such as Reily Knightly, Ryan Whitehead and Kent Collins race hard for the chequered flag.
But Brad Thompson is the man they are all aiming to catch after he rode with class to take the last year’s championship.
This season there is a bit of a shakeup to the premier class with the bikes no longer capped to 255cc or over.
Humphries said it was made to ensure all kinds of bikes will be lining up at the starter’s gate to ensure any rider and machine can fight for the ultimate prize.
“Its just open for people who are looking to get some extra fitness and it allows people to ride multiple classes,” he said.
“So they can ride MX1 and MX2 for example, while all the other classes remain the same.”
Brooke Marcus took out last year’s Women’s All Powers title and will be looking for more silverware with the likes of Kate Faint and Paige Coombe by hot on her heels.
In addition to the numerous junior classes, a new initiative by the club could lay the foundations for future generations.
Before the Mingbool track erupts with mountains of two-wheel action on Sunday, some of the youngest to jump on a bike will give the sport a go on Saturday.
For the first time in a long time, the club is hosting a come and try day to encourage kids to experience the adrenaline rush of racing on two wheels.
“We have organised a come and try session on the Saturday before we go racing on Sunday,” Humphries said.
“We used to hold them out at Mac Park, but we have not had a chance since.
“It will be at no cost to the riders and the club will cover the cost of insurance, so the kids can give it a crack and ride for two to three hours.
“If we could get 10 to 20 kids that would be great.
“Hopefully they enjoy it and come back on a Sunday in the near future.”
Unfortunately, the club’s continual battle to find a new home is far from over with Humphries confirming it remained a grind over the summer break.
“We certainly made progress working with our committee, club and members,” he said.
“It is not as easy as just buying a block of land, there is a lot of red tape that goes under the radar.
“So it is still a work in progress and we do not have any other updates.”
