Tumbulgum Motocross & Speedway set to go off this weekend

Willie Thomson of ‘Dirt High Promotions’ is not a man who gives up easily, when his efforts to bring a top flight MX rider to “The Equiprent/KTM Tumbulgum Natural Terrain MX Meeting” failed, he turned his attention to the speedway which will make its debut at the event on Saturday, April 2.

He persuaded Steve Johnston to cast his eye over the construction of the track which is cut into the side of a hill and required almost 100,000 tonnes of dirt to be moved. Johnston was so impressed with what he saw that he agreed to ride in the event having originally only entered the senior MX on Sunday April 3. “The track is great it is wide and very safe and is ideal for both experienced and a novice rider, Willie has done a fantastic job and it will be great to ride in Perth.” Johnston told me last weekend at the practice day.

Whilst in England in 2010 Thomson spoke to Australian International speedway star Leigh Adams and asked him if he would consider riding at the 2011 event, as Thomson said, “He was very receptive and I spoke to him at his home in Mildura last week and he has agreed to ride at the meeting which is a huge coup for WA fans. To see a rider of his calibre will be something special.”

Adams is a brilliant rider who has won major honours overseas. He retired from International speedway at the end of 2010. Over the years Adams, who was born in Mildura on the 28th April 1971, has ridden in the British, Polish and Swedish Leagues for a total of 13 clubs and along the way he has amassed many titles which include 10 Australian Championships, 4 times Australian U21 Championships, Team World Cup winner on three occasions and he was the World U21 Champion in 1992. He also had 105 starts in speedway GP’s for 15 podiums with 8wins.

Also riding on the Saturday will be youngster Cameron Heeps who is just 15 years of age and starting out on his speedway career. Heeps has just signed to ride for Mildenhall in the UK for 2011 so he will be keen to show what he can do against some very good competition. Victorian speedway riders Tom Armstrong and Jake Anderson will also be riding at the meeting.

There will also be a strong line-up of local riders including Corey Blackman who will be keen to take it up to the established stars, come to Tumbulgum and support one of the most innovative promoters of motorcycle events in the State, in Willie Thomson. The speedway action starts at 4.00pm and will run until 9.00pm.

Sunday’s senior MX is now fully subscribed with KTM mounted Shane Murray hopeful of making it back to back titles, although he will have plenty of tough opposition.

There will also be the Downhill Mountain Bike Race featuring WA’s own World Champion Sam Hill on Sunday, they practice on Saturday and these guys will amaze you.

A weekend ticket will cost $25 for an adult and a family of four will cost $60 which entitles you to entry for the junior MX and Speedway on Saturday and senior MX on Sunday as well as camping if you wish to do that.

SNIPPET: The first major hit-out for the State’s top road racers takes place this Sunday 3rd April at Barbagallo Raceway. There have been several practice days, but this will be the first serious meeting for 2011.
Several riders have changed machinery with several riders opting for the new ZX-10 Kawasaki, including 2010 Supersport Champion Ralph Mammoliti, Jamie Boland, Shane Martin, Club Captain Marty Mott, Frank Gibbins and Andrew Schrape to name just a few. Multi State Champion Stuart Adams returns for another year having purchased the Ex-Cameron Keevers Honda CBR 1000.

After many years of riding a Ducati Ben Stronach changes to a BMW S1000RR after the withdrawal of Drilling & Grouting, he along with younger brother Cameron also on a BMW S1000RR will ride for the revamped Wattsy’s Motorsport/Allight/Auto Classic sponsored team. Young up and coming rider Mason Coote who won the 2010 Superstock Series will contest the Supersport State Title this season, in the team sponsored by Wattsy’s Motorsport.

Bunbury Rider and past State Supersport Champion Josh Trigwell will compete in two classes. Trigwell will be contesting both the WA Supersport Championship aboard a Yamaha R6 and the WA Steelblue Superbike Championships on a Honda 1000 sponsored by Exit Nightclub. They were joined by a number of competitors including Mark Schnierer, Honda 1000 (returning after a year’s break), Lubi Safrenak (Honda 1000).

Qualifying commences 9.00am and Racing from 12.40pm. Free General admission for the day offers viewing from the banked grass areas at Turn 1, Turn 7 and also the Esses. There will be a $5 admission fee for Pit Paddock entry (walk in only). Catering will be available on site in the Pit Paddock.