Motor Racing
3 April, 2024
Horsham gears up for motocross return
After a seven-year absence, Horsham's world-class motocross track will be hosting the nation's best riders on Sunday April 7 when round two of the 2024 Penrite ProMX Championships presented by AMX Superstores (ProMX) gets underway.
In round one which was held in Wonthaggi, Kyle Webster won the Thor MX1, Brodie Connolly the Pirelli MX2 and Koby Hantis the Maxxis MX3. Charli Cannon was victorious in the Ezilift MXW. All four riders will be in Horsham looking to stay unbeaten.
The last time the track hosted a massive event was the FIM Junior World Motocross Championships in 2018.
The event is run by the Horsham Motorcycle Club and the track is 1.7km long and features a lot of challenges for the riders. Volunteers have been working tirelessly to get the track in good condition.
Horsham Motorcycle Club secretary Kenny Watts said it's a massive weekend for the club.
"This is huge for our club. The last opportunity we had to run a race of this magnitude was the week after Covid shut us down," Watts said.
"We were meant to race and we spent $20,000 to get the track up and running and the event didn't go ahead due to Covid."
Watts said a lot of work has been done to rebuild the club.
"The club is on the way back and a lot of work has been done over time in keeping the club viable and at the same time rebuilding the club," he said.
"In some ways, Covid helped us as it stopped other sports which enabled parents to buy a motorbike so kids can do something and we have picked up a few members because of that.
In regards to getting the track ready for competition, Watts said earthworks specialists from Geelong and Ararat have volunteered their time and resources.
"Bronn from Ferguson Excavations Ararat is an ex motocross rider and he has dedicated his time to help the club," Watts said.
"We also have a family from Geelong, Pearson Plant, who used to live in Horsham and moved away. They have come back to help the club.
"We have also had local companies helping us out such as Miller's donating a water truck for the weekend. Our club volunteers have also been instrumental. We can't thank these people enough and this event wouldn't happen without their support."
The club has recently appointed Jason Thomas as President and Mark Hancock as Treasurer. They, along with club members have also been instrumental in getting the track and club ready.
On Sunday there are 177 entries with riders coming from all around Australia as well as international competitors from New Zealand and Japan. The track is also hosting the first round for the MX85 for juniors.
Watts said the event has grown and is hoping a massive crowd turns out on Sunday.
"This has grown in stature since the early 2000s. It's now live on television, on SBS, and will be on SBS on demand after the race so people can watch it later on," he said.
"Despite being on TV, we hope people come out and watch it live. The weather is going to be perfect, massive numbers have entered to compete and we urge everyone to come along and enjoy their Sunday watching motocross."
Tickets are still on sale and you can purchase them by going to the following website. https://www.ticketebo.com.au/motorcyclingaustralia