Classic Dirt 8

VMX Magazine

The June long weekend saw the eighth running of Classic Dirt, Australia’s largest vintage and classic dirt bike event, put on by VMX Magazine. Despite some drenching rain on the Saturday afternoon and evening the event still attracted 520 riders and thousands of classic dirt bike fans. Suzuki Australia once again pitched in as the primary sponsor and also provided eight brand new motocross and enduro models for test rides over the weekend.

It is a weekend of social riding (no racing) and caters for motocross, enduro, sidecars and trials bikes up to 1985. Held for the third year running at the Green Park, Conondale facility and with the brilliant assistance of the Sunshine Coast Motorcycle Club, Classic Dirt showed yet again why it is the premier event of its type, attracting not only more vintage riders but a host of legends as well.

This year there were many of the regulars such as Stephen Gall, Anthony Gunter, Geoff Ballard, Hans Appelgren and Geoff Udy but a few new faces attended this year as well, to see what all the fuss was about. Fellow legends like Darryl Willoughby, Stuart Bennett, Ivan Mauger and Tim Gibbes were on hand for the first time and the crowd really enjoyed having them aboard.

Each year a particular brand is featured and this year it was Husqvarna. A brilliant display was set up by Rob Shoemark and ‘Husky Pete’ Andrews with Huskies from all years in a special marquee. Not only that but Rob and Pete paid for the attendance of Husky legend Gunnar Lindstrom, who mingled with one and all over the weekend.

Saturday evening saw all the usual fun with the Trivia contest with a raft of fantastic prizes from Suzuki, Ballards and Bel-Ray, followed by the live band.

Where will the event be held in 2012? That decision hasn’t been taken yet but you can be sure it will again be Australia’s biggest track event for rider numbers – modern or vintage.