Maitland District Motorcycle Club is the oldest motorcycle racing club in Australia and has been operating since the 1920s.
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Over that long and proud history, many champions have come through the ranks.
In years gone by, the likes of John Duncan, Darryl Hellier and Robert Archer have forged national success while in more recent times the club has nurtured the likes of Jake Stapleton (second in World Endurance Championship) and Egan Mastin (Australian MX Nationals champion three years ago).
Hosting round seven of this year's Australian MX Nationals is a coup for the club.
"It's a bit like the supercars coming to Newcastle and puts us on the map as one of the premier tracks in Australia," club life member Geoff Foster said. "This is the pinnacle of our sport with the fastest guys in Australia on show."
Spectators at Bob Robinson Park on Sunday, July 14 will be treated to a day of elite racing featuring competition across three divisons: MX 1 (elite), MX 2 (next stage) and MX D (entry).
Maitland District Motorcylce Club member Jye Dickson and local compatriot Jy Roberts both ride for Team KTM Raceline but are out injured for round 7. Other local riders competing include:
- Joel Whiteman, - Honda Australia supported privateer
- Dylan Wills, Bryson Cherrett, Cooper Pozniak - Sponsored by Hunter Valley Motorsports
- Dylan Woods - Sponsored by KTM Newcastle
For young Maitland club riders like Levi Lane, Cody Kilpatrick, Fletcher Kilpatrick, Riley Kilpatrick, Lachlan Foster, Harrison Foster, Jye Barton, Jackson Williams, Kane Smith, Zac Smith, Brody Collins, Cody Peterson, Jack Peterson, Thomas Hay, Blake Collins and Ethan McCort seeing the stars in action will be inspirational.
Club president Kevin Kilpatrick was instrumental in securing the event.
"Kevin contacted MX Nationals letting them know Maitland would be interested in hosting and MX Nationals promoter Kevin Williams came to Rutherford, checked the facility out and gave it the green light," club vice-president Manny Wade said.
"We received a grant from council to assist with the cost in turning the start gates from a 32-gate start line to a 40-gate start line which is a requirement to hold a national event.
"The entire Maitland committee has worked tirelessly since then getting the facility ready for the event. Some recent major track changes have been implemented and a significant focus put into improving carparking and viewing points around the track for the spectators including the introduction of exclusive barricaded on-track access where people will have the opportunity to get right amongst the action."
Hosting the MX Nationals enables Maitland District Motorcycle Club to promote the club, community and sport at a national level.
"It's also a good revenue opportunity for the Maitland business economy as the event brings large volumes of people to town which a lot of local businesses should benefit from," Mr Wade said.
An official welcome and opening ceremony will be held at the Levee in Maitland on Friday night, July 12, from 5pm to 9pm.
"The street eat food trucks will be there along with all the local pubs and restaurants in the Levee precinct where people can grab something to eat on the night " Mr Wade said. "NRG TV will be recording the Levee event live. Elite Pro riders from the CDR Yamaha, Honda Racing and KTM Raceline teams, their crews and support trucks will set up in the Levee for all to see for the night.
"There will be rider signings/meet and greets, amusement rides, food and drink and a live band to keep everyone entertained. Basically it will be an opportunity for the public to meet the big guns of the sport, grab a signature and have a chat with the team riders."
Maitland District Motorcycle Club has over 400 members, catering to male and female riders from as young as four to over 45s competing in categories starting at 50cc right through to the 450cc class.
"The club is a very family friendly and the sport brings people together across all ages and abilities," Mr Foster said. "It's the passion for riding that unites everyone."
Mr Foster is hoping later this year to start an 'Old Boys' initiative to bring former members who used to be involved with the club back to the track for a charity day to keep the connection going.
The public is also being urged to register for an elite coaching day hosted by MX National riders on July 15.
"It's open to all ages and skill levels and will be hosted by MX National riders. It will be a great opportunity for all wishing to participate in the training to listen and talk to the pro riders with the aim of improving their skill and confidence levels." Mr Wade said. "All Money raised will go toward the MX of Nations Australian Team."
To register visit www.mxonaustralia.com.au.