THE weekend’s Amcross action put dirt bike racing back on the map. That’s the view of Motorcycle Club president Richard Toparis. And after 420 competitors ripped up the dirt at Narranbulla, watched on by hundreds of spectators, who could argue?
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The Goulburn property hosted the sixth and final round of the 2011 Shell Advance Dirt Action Amcross Series in ideal conditions on Saturday and Sunday. While the event was a drawcard for visitors, it was the locals who stood tall.
Con Toparis claimed the over 45s series, Brad Baxter finished seventh overall in the over 19s field, Simon Conquest rode to eighth in the over 35s division, Charlie White was sixth in the 16-19 years series and dad Sam raced to sixth in the over 45s standings.
The president himself proved he can mix it with the best, finishing fourth in the parents’ series. Members of the Fermented Reds Rugby side manned the canteen and raised money for an upcoming tour of Japan and the Rural Fire Service fronted up to keep an eye on proceedings.
Action gallery - by DARRYL FEERNANCE
If sheer numbers are any indication, Amcross has a market in Goulburn. Competitor numbers were the second highest of all six meets and guarantees the local club a tilt at the Series in 2012.
“We had heaps of spectators and it’s coming back next year,” Mr Toparis said.
“This sort of event puts Goulburn back on the map.”
The weekend’s spectacle tied in with the Goulburn Motorcycle Club’s 100th anniversary. A centenary of motorbike racing will be formally acknowledged with a function in November.
Mr Toparis said with more notice and ample time to prepare, the 2012 fixture was certain to a be a success.
“It’ll be bigger and better next year. More people will know about it and hopefully it won’t clash with other sports.”
The Motorcycle Club is extremely grateful to the Divall family, who volunteered their property for the meet. The round wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, in particular Councillor Margaret O’Neill and Richard Davies, the backing of Goulburn Police and the hard work of club secretary Colin Jewell.