Preview: VMX Classic Dirt 13

If you’re even vaguely interested in motocross and its colourful heritage, you won’t need any excuse to head to Conondale’s Green Park circuit, which is nestled among the rolling grass hills of the picturesque Sunshine Coast’s hinterland. But at this time of year, Conondale’s gravitational pull for moto-tragics is even greater because Green Park plays home to the nostalgia-filled festival of dirt called Classic Dirt – the biggest and best vintage and classic dirt-bike event in the southern hemisphere. And while the appearance of two all-time international greats of the sport this year, Finland’s Heikki Mikkola and America’s Broc Glover, made last year’s CD12 very special, the organisers’ collaboration with new title sponsor, Husqvarna Australia, has ensured there’s a whole lot to look forward to this year, too.

Hosted and run by the proactive crew from the Sunshine Coast Motorcycle Club (SCMCC), Classic Dirt 13 is about much more than dirt-bike legends and fanatics from around the world converging on Conondale to pay tribute to the golden era of the sport. Aside from the opportunity to camp at the venue and ride a selection of natural terrain tracks (pre ’90, pre ’78, enduro loops, flat grasstrack and a trials area) for two full days, there’s a bunch of other things to see and do. You could check out Husqvarna Australia’s special display of the 114-year-old brand’s landmark models, or test ride one of their current motocross and enduro models. Then there’s the Legends Laps, Q&A with Legends, Trivia sessions with plenty of prizes, live band performance, Show and Shine display, and a trade display village with a host of retailers.

^Chuck Sun and a replica of his 1979 390CR World Championship bike.

And it’s just been announced that CD13 will be attended by AMA Hall of Famer, Chuck Sun – 1980 100cc AMA MX Champ and MXdN winner – who rode Huskys for much of his 1976-1983 racing career.
Sun, who returns to Australia for the first time since he raced here at age 23, will be joined a line-up of local legends that includes Stephen Gall, Anthony Gunter, Geoff Ballard, Mike Shearer, James Deakin, David Armstrong, Hans Appelgren, Vince Strang, Andrew Bailey, Darryll King and many more.

For more information or to check out the complete CD13 schedule, go to www.vmxmag.com.au, or to register to ride or to pre-purchase spectator tickets, go to www.nominate.com.au.