MOUNT Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club will celebrate the end of an era when it hosts its final events at the McNamara Park motocross circuit this weekend.
In an ideal world, the club – which is currently thriving with 60 members – would like to remain at McNamara Park, but its lease ends at the end of June and as a result it is forced seek a new location.
The entire motocross fraternity will mourn the loss of the track, which holds decades of rich history and has been the host of endless amounts of bar-to-bar racing.
However, the club plans to put a positive spin on the unfortunate circumstances with a final hurrah.
The “ride day” on Saturday is open to the public and will give those who want to, a chance to hit the track for a final time.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, the club will host its last motocross round held at the McNamara Park location.
Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club president Damien Holman said he expects an influx of riders from all over Australia.
“Looking at the comments on social media, we are expecting over 100 riders,” he said.
“Sunday’s racing will be our normal riders, plus a few extras.”
Holman hopes for a smooth-sailing event, in what will be an emotional time for both past and present club members.
“This has been home for such a long time and to know that we will never be racing at this track again brings a tear to one’s eye,” he said.
“It would have been nice to stay, as this is why the founders started Mac Park, for all disciplines of motorsport.
“It is going to be extremely sad, especially with the passing of Laurie Fox as this was his whole life out here.
“I do not think there will be a dry eye over the two days reminiscing the history over the past 46 years.”
A number of former national competitors will attend the event and Holman encourages those interested to be a part of what will be a special weekend.
“We would love to see the community come out on both days of the weekend and enjoy the time with us,” he said.
“I am hoping for a smooth-running event, watching old and present day riders having a ride together and enjoying their time as a motocross family.
“It will be good to see some of the retired riders dust of the boots and maybe see some older bikes come out, even if they do not ride them, but as a display of what we used to ride.”
The club is currently working towards a new motocross track location and will continue to thrive through grass track events, until doing so.
“The club will still have a strong presence in the community,” Holman said.
“We are looking forward to a bigger and better location now.
“We have investigated a few possible locations, which were unsuitable in the end and as a result are still looking.
“We are open to any offers or suggestions.”
With a strong backing and a good foundation of both riders and officials, the Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club will not give up.
“We are going to find a new location, rebuild and make more history,” Holman said.
“The club is not closing down, we are just relocating to a new site, when we find the suitable location.
“In the mean time we will host grass track events, still race down at the Millicent Show Grounds and perhaps host a few other special events throughout the year, so keep an eye on our social media.”
Sign in for the “ride day” on Saturday will start at 9am and finish at 3pm, with riding expected to take place from 10am until 4pm.
Meanwhile, sign in for the final motocross round on Sunday – which will see competitors line up at the start gate for the last time – will start at 8am, with racing to kick off at 9am.
For more information contact club secretary Jodie Dixon on 0438 388 042.
