2015 Australian Classic Motocross Championship
Vintage Motocross invades Busselton
By Jeremy Hammer
Despite a heavy downpour of rain greeting the event, the 2015 Australian Classic Motocross Championship was a huge success for the Southern Capes Motorcycle Club, located in the Busselton region just over 200km south of Perth, WA.
With the rain clearing before practice commenced on Saturday and clear skies soon rolling through, the track crew did an amazing job to provide a circuit for a massive two days of racing.
The championship consisted of over 20 different categories, ranging from Pre-65 all the way through to Pre-78 motorcycles – each racing three Moto’s over the course of the weekend.
Although the track received a little touch up over night, it became brutally rough for the motorcycles built over 3 decades ago – on what is a modern day, full-scale Motocross circuit.
The event enticed the likes of Australian Motocross legend, Jeff Leisk – however the weekend was not be for the MWA (Motorcycling WA) hall of fame inductee, as he was struck with mechanical failures all weekend long and only managed to complete a single Moto.
Another big name on the entry list was Factory KTM off-road rider, Ivan Long. He too would suffer mechanical failures – A common occurrence throughout the weekend – however he was still able to clinch the pre-75 125cc U30 year’s title.
In its second visit to WA, the national championship brought in a host of riders from around the country, and of all ages too – young and old.
19-year-old local pro rider Mitch Taylor tried his hand at claiming a couple of national championships – and ended up walking away with the Pre-75 250cc u30’s, and Pre-75 Solo 250cc titles. Despite limited experience aboard a bike more than twice his age, he put on a commanding performance to win all six Moto’s he contested.
At the other end of the scale, there was 76-year-old rider, Kevin Russell. The veteran has retired numerous times in the past, however opted to have one more crack at clinching an elusive Australian title – in which he did, capturing the Pre-78 Super Senior championship.
Majority of competitors would camp the night, with several campsites to wander over to and have a chat; it made for an atmosphere that you just don’t see at your regular motorcycle event.
This also tied in with the racing too, as it was much less competitive and based a lot more around having fun with your mates – this didn’t mean a lack of interest in the racing though, as majority of the ‘young punks’ put it all on the line vying for national title glory.
When the final chequered flag was thrown and the dust had settled – multiple champions were crowned, and many were left with expensive repair bills. Â Results can be found here.
