Australian Classic Motocross Championships 2006

Story and Photos
by
Jackie McDonald

What a fantastic place Narrogin is, a small but beautiful little town with very friendly people, and one hell of a VMX track. It almost made you forget how cold it was. The weather was a bit of a shock to us Queenslanders, the high one day reaching only 14 degree's.

Friday was practice day and all went smoothly. Looking around it was clear the WA boys take their motocross seriously, apart from VMX number plates galore, in the pits bikes were nicely set out, some even on carpet and looking pretty. Saturday morning the pits were abuzz - officials looking official, bikes revving, and a good old bacon and egg sandwhich to eat. What more could you ask for?

Next to us brother and sister Robert and Sarah Dillion, two very young riders, prepare themselves for the weekend events. Aged at only 16 Sarah Dillon surprised a few riders and spectators, and as the only female rider Sarah had no trouble mixing it with the big boys on her XL Honda 350, coming third in one of the support class races. Sarah certainly has a lot of spunk, she began riding seven years ago after being inspired by her grandfather Mick Brady who rode scrambles in England. Her brother Robert, aged only 19, who has been riding for eight years and qualified in the Pre 75 250cc, took 18th place in the titles, was also swinging on a sidecar, and hopes to have his own chair one day soon.

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Pre 70 263cc
1st #4 Phil Hopwood (WA) - 2nd #74 Wayne Clarke (WA) - 3rd #17 Gosta Lindgren (WA)

Pre 75 125cc
1st #30 Syd Swepstone (WA) - 2nd #606 Allan Spencer (Vic) - 3rd # 41 Rodney Gilchrist (WA)

Over 50
1st #A Jimmy Aird (UK) - 2nd #97 Ray Easson (WA) - 3rd #27 Brian Squires (WA)

Pre 75 263cc and over
1st #92 Russell Speak (WA) - 2nd #14 Rick Speak (WA) - 3rd #A Jimmy Aird (UK)

Pre 65 Unlimited
1st #7 Brook Lawson (WA) - 2nd #152 Dean taylor (WA) - 3rd #74 Wayne Clarke (WA)

Pre 75 250cc
1st #30 Syd Swepstone (WA) - 2nd #7 Brook Lawson (WA) - 3rd #606 Allan Spencer (WA)

Over 60
1st #S Jeff Smith (USA) - 2nd #24 Geoff Davison (WA) - 3rd #21 Bill Copley (WA)

Unfortunately, due to the lack of interstate riders, the Australian Titles seemed more the Western Australian titles - all up I think there was only about ten interstate and international riders competing. The track was 1.6km long, fast and a challenge to both the unsuspecting rider and bike, and even though the WA boys came home with the majority of the wins, the Queenslanders didn't do to bad either.

Brian Marshall #31 came 5th in the over 50's class and Colin Metcher #50 placed 18th and 6th in the over 60's, in the Pre 75 open Phillip Bell #71 lost his chain in the last race but still placed 10th, Gary McDonald #109 found the cold a bit hard to handle in the pits but soon warmed up on the track. Anyone who knows Gaz will be happy to know he placed 15th in the Pre 75 125 class.

The international riders certainly had no trouble whatsoever on this track, Jimmy Aird from the UK rode a CCM while Jeff Smith from the USA looked right at home on a BSA. Although not all riders were happy with the way title races were held too close together, this was definitely a well organised event. What a team they are in Western Australia, they are the friendliest bunch of people who always have a smile to offer. Thanks to everyone in WA - you made us feel very welcome.

Next year the Titles are at Connondale here in Queensland - look forward to seeing you all again.