ALL eyes will be on McNamara Park next weekend for the 40th running of the Master of Mac Park.
The series was originally run over three meetings during the year, but more recently is decided at the one race meeting, with points gathered over two races and the highest scorer the overall solo “Master”.
Since 1976 just three years have not been run due to track closures.
In that time several big names have emerged.
That includes none other than Jeremy Burgess, who claimed the crown back in 1978.
Burgess certainly went on to bigger and better things as a chief mechanic, working with the likes of Wayne Gardner, Mick Doohan and Valentino Rossi.
He also worked with “Fast” Freddie Spencer in his 500cc grand prix winning year in 1985.
The names go on, which include World Superbike competitor Steve Martin, who won in 1988 and 1989.
More recently a true home-grown talent in Levi Day claimed the honours in 2012.
The Mount Gambier rider headed to the UK to race in the British Superstock 600 series, before gaining a ride in the Ducati TriOptions Cup.
One of the latest rising stars to sign up for the event is Dallas Skeer.
Skeer is currently competing in the Australian Supersport championship on a 600cc Suzuki and has a liking for his home circuit.
His first road race was at MacNamara Park in 2014, which he won.
In 2016 he stepped up to the 125/Moto3 (250cc) class and finished second in the Australian Championship in 2017.
He currently holds down a top 10 position in the Supersport class in his first year at that level.
Skeer holds the 125cc lap record around McNamara Park.
The Master of Mac Park will also double as Round 4 of the South Australian Road Race titles, where Skeer currently sits in second place.
“Mac Park is my local track where I learnt all my skills and have had the best racing,” Skeer said.
Another rider of note is Arthur Sissis.
Sissis has a long history in motorsport, including speedway, motocross and road racing, which also saw a stint in the UK in the British Supersport ranks.
His first road race was in the Red Bull Rookies Cup back in 2009, where he spent three years and managed a second place in the championship.
He moved up to Moto3 for Red Bull on a KTM and spent three years in the world championship.
He returned to Australia this year to compete in the Australian Superbike series and has a passion for the MacNamara Park circuit.
“Mac Park is one of my favourite tracks because it is tight, technical and fun to ride,” he said.
“I also have the outright track record around there.”
Also on the card are sidecar events, which always provide plenty of action for spectators.
Next week will see a free ticket giveaway in The Border Watch to the event, plus more rider information as the weekend revs up.
