Stars Align for Conondale Cup

With the 2017 MX Nationals kicking off in a little over a month, it’s no wonder so much attention is being heaped on next weekend’s 2017 KTM Conondale Cup. In fact, the March 4-5 event has fast become a major focal point for both riders and spectators, but not just because “The Cup” is the first pre-season shakedown where everyone can get a fix on riders’ speed and fitness in the lead-up to the early-April MX Nats kick-off. No, the KTM Conondale Cup is much more than a pre-season form guide for Australia’s elite Pro motocross racers, and the 2017 installment promises to be even more special for a few reasons – aside from the fact Conondale’s Green Park Circuit is one of the country’s most picturesque and spectator-friendly moto venues, and that this year marks the 40^th anniversary of the iconic natural terrain track in the Sunshine Coast’s lush hinterland.

For 2017, KTM Conondale Cup organisers have mustered a whopping 10 grand in prize money, which pays down to 10^th place; there are Juniors, Clubman and Vets classes to ensure the experience of racing this epic, European-style track isn’t quarantined to the Pros; there’s a heap of trophies and sponsor prizes on offer for amateurs; spectator entry is just $10 and kids (under 15) get in for free; and camping is free for competitors on the Friday and Saturday nights. As much as that all that sounds very alluring, it’s the impending battle at the top end of town that’s really got our attention. The KTM Conondale Cup regularly attracts a bunch of elite riders, but this year’s entry list includes more Pro superstars than ever before. Spearheading the 2017 line-up is the MX Nats MX1-class champs from both 2015 and 2016, KTM’s Kirk Gibbs and Yamaha’s Dean Ferris, and the guy who almost beat both of them last year, the now Honda-mounted Todd Waters. And from what we hear, several other factory riders also plan to be starters but are yet to officially show their hand.

So, if you haven’t yet signed up to race, get your entry sorted ASAP via the Sunshine Coast Motorcycle Club’s (SCMCC) website. Entries close at midnight on Sunday, February 26.

2016 HIGHLIGHTS VIDEOS…

To get yourself primed for this year’s March 4-5 KTM Conondale Cup, check out this cool highlights video of last year’s event, produced by MX Store’s Josh Walsh.

Conondale’s Green Park is such an epic venue, it’s now a regular on the Transmoto Enduro Event calendar. Check the highlights video from the 2016 Transmoto 6-Hour, which was based out of the Green Park circuit.