The club received a $63,000 grant with assistance from Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison who was on hand earlier this month to see riders in action on the new berms.

Ms Aitchison said the club did a magnificent job and the asphalt berms would deliver significant savings in money and volunteer hours in maintenance.

Club publicity officer Darren Muncaster said the berms brought the club’s track in line with Australian standards and meant they would be able to host state titles.

“From the riders point of view it means they are riding on the same type of tracks as their competitors and will be a big boost,” he said.

“It will reduce our maintenance costs by about 80 per cent and save us hundreds of man hours.

“We’ve already seen the benefits after the recent rain when the track was brought up to scratch in a couple of hours, rather than a day with numerous volunteers before the asphalt was laid.”

Muncaster said the club had further track upgrades planned, including new drainage and a polymer seal on the dirt sections of the track which would ensure there would be an even quicker turn around after rain.

Meawhile , five Maitland riders will be riding in the BMX World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina from July 23. Club president Matt Moore will be joined by his sons Lachlan and Zach, and  Porschea and Virgina Longbottom.