By Jackson Russell
Once playing host to the World Motocross Championships, the sport returns to Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sport Complex for the first round of the revamped Victorian Motocross Championship on March 28-29.
The event is being made possible, in part, by a $1500 sponsorship from Broadford Bendigo Bank, which was announced by the bank and Motorcycling Victoria at the motocross track on Friday.
Motorcycling Victoria chief executive Robert Mestrom said the sponsorship helped the volunteer committee organise the series.
“This helps do the extra things to make the series special,” he said.
“We have to have decent medical at these events and having that grant just helps to cover costs and make it a really good experience for all the riders and spectators.”
Bendigo Bank Broadford branch customer relationship manager Leanne Paice said it was great to support a series that promotes safe riding.
“They’re concerned about promoting safety and young riders learning more about safety, awareness and being on the bikes to make them better riders,” she said.
“It’s just great for the bank to be involved and help support with prizes on the day and ongoing activities too. We look forward to the start of a wonderful relationship.”
With free entry, Motorcycling Victoria is hoping to draw crowds to watch the action across the weekend.
“It would be great to have a few people come along. It’s another event people can come to so if you’ve got a Saturday and Sunday where you’re not doing anything, come along,” Mr Mestrom said.
“This is where Motorcycling Victoria’s based and it’s good to utilise the complex and give the locals an opportunity to come and have a look.”
Kilmore riders Joel Green and Jack Bray will be among the field racing across two classes in 250cc and 450cc.
Green finished second in the 250cc and third in the 450cc last year and hopes to get off to a good start to 2020 at home.
“Riding in Broadford is grouse for me because I live in Kilmore so it’s home race for me. It’ll be good,” he said.
“With the new committee and a few new people on the board, it seems like they’re pretty motivated to try and build the series up and try a few new things.”