MOUNT Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club’s motocross facility at McNamara Park draws closer to an end, but that has not stopped large numbers from hitting the track in recent competitive rounds.
The club held Round 5 – of its six scheduled this season – on Sunday and it was once again well supported.
Around 50 riders, both local and interstate, made the trip to McNamara Park to enjoy the motocross circuit before the years of motorcycle history come to an abrupt end.
Jake Brown continues to improve on board his CRF450, claiming a win and two seconds to take out the overall in the MX1 Senior Open class.
He claimed the win by a solitary point over Jarod Reed, while Corey Gibbs finished third ahead of young Riely Knightly.
The MX2 Senior Lites was the battle of the brothers.
Morgan McNicol headed his sibling Alexander with three race victories.
Alexander finished with two seconds and a fourth to finish runner-up on 92 points, while Knightly was next best on 90.
Brooke Marcus was again the clear front-runner in the Women’s Class, taking out all three motos.
It was a similar story for Patrick White in the 13 to Under 16 100-150cc two stroke/200-250cc four stroke class.
White was unbeaten in all three outings and took the overall honours, ahead of Travis and Scott Golding.
The 12 to Under 16 Years 85cc two stroke/150 four stroke standard/big wheel class was well contested, but no rider could match the pace of Kobi Buckingham.
Buckingham took home three first place ribbons, while Bailey and Brooke Marcus were left to battle for the remaining podium positions.
Bailey just headed Brooke by four points in the overall at the end of the day.
Thomas Lambert was not challenged in the 9 to Under 12 Years 85cc two stroke/150 four stroke standard class on Sunday.
The youngster powered his way around the track to take out all three race wins, while Zac and Tom Bowering were forced to settle for second and third respectively.
Lambert again dominated the 10 to Under 12 Years 65cc class with an undefeated record, while Bray Knightly took home second, Hayley Pudney third and Austin Holman wrapped up the positions in fourth.
The 7 to Under 9 Years 65cc class was well contested.
The overall went to the consistent Tom Bowering, despite the youngster failing to claim a race win.
Bowering finished with three second-place finishes to win the day on 96 points, while Emily Lambert trailed by one point to finish second overall.
Logan Scott was next best in third.
Just two young 7 to Under 9 Years 50cc Division 2 riders lined up on the gate, but that did not stop the budding competitors from putting on a show.
Riley Bermingham took out the overall with three race wins, but it was not without a fight from Deegan Jackway.
The Four to Under 9 Years 50cc non-competition class also had the spectators attention.
However, in the end it was Xavier Hunter who took the overall honours from Ayden Nolte, Kade McCourt and Blake Pudney.
Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club president Damien Holman said he was pleased to host another exciting day of racing on the well prepared track.
“With the start of the week being wet the track came up well,” he said.
“There were a couple of wet spots in the morning, but by lunch time the track was spot on.”
Entry numbers were again high and Holman said he was impressed with the smooth-running of the event.
“A large number of riders made up the classes for the day,” he said.
“Racing went without fault, which gave us time to have the three competitive rounds before a fun all-in race at the end of the day.
“I have to thank all of the people behind the scenes, without these people these events just would not happen.”
Club members and officials will now turn their focus to the motocross facilities final hurrah.
Round 6 will mark the last motocross event to be held at McNamara Park.
The club will host an Open Ride Day for the general public on Saturday, June 23 before the final motocross round on Sunday, June 24.
After the closure, the motocross club will switch to their grass track season.
Holman encourages both the public and club members to get on board the final event at McNamara Park.
“Bring your family or friends and join us on June 23 and 24 for the end of an era weekend,” he said.
