Motorcycling SA

Ride, Race, Enjoy

Featured

The Track Awaits: Previewing the 2024 Web Plastics SA Road Race Championships Round 1 Opener

Filed Under: News, Road Racing

The first chapter of the 2024 Webb Plastics SA Road Racing Championship story is all set to start from the 15th to 17 of March at theShell V Power Motorsport Park. Proudly presented by CAFNIX, this will run right alongside the opening rounds of the Pirelli Motul Victorian Road Racing Championship & the Australian Sidecar Championships – all thanks to the fantastic work of both CAFNIX and Victoria’s Preston MCC.

Practice is set to kick off on Friday, followed by two scorching days of racing, as fans, young and old, converge on South Australia’s premier motorsport venue. If you’re thinking that anything else could rival SA & Vic’s fastest road racers taking to the fan-favourite circuit, along with 20 of the best sidecar competitors in Australia, you would be one hundred per cent wrong. 

Entry List

With the return of many familiar faces and several class changes for the new year, the Championship could see numerous new frontrunners emerge, with Round 1 offering an ideal start to their charge. Let’s take a closer look at some of the riders to watch out for…

Returning to the forefront of the SA Superbike Championship class, the reigning 2023 Champion, Michael Kemp, and runner-up, Charles Holding, are gearing up to defend their titles against the incoming challengers of Ty Lynch & Olly Simpson. Making their debut in the premier class for 2024, Lynch & Simpson are poised to leave their mark on the competition standings, adding to an already stacked field of competitors.

Michael Kemp #64 looking for that overall top spot again in 2024. Image by Pit Lane Studio.

Embracing a fresh challenge on a new bike, Samuel Pezzetta has made his debut in the SS600 class for the new year, quickly adapting to the demands of his new environment. However, he faces formidable opponents in the likes of 2023 SS600 Champion Charles Holding and the returning talent Olly Simpson. Their presence ensures that Pezzetta’s journey won’t be an easy one. Adding to the excitement of the fresh faces in the SS600 class, Ryder Gilbert will be taking on double duties this weekend, seizing the opportunity to compete in both the SS600 and SS300 classes.

Reigning SA SS600 Champion Charles Holding. Image by Pit Lane Studio.

Still riding high from her first ASBK podium, Tara Morrison, the SS300 runner-up of 2023, returns determined to showcase her skills against a lineup of returning talent, including Ryder Gilbert, Phoenix Agar, and Jordan Simpson. Mixing it with a field of 23 fearless riders, it could be anyone’s SS300 podium dream weekend.

Tara Morrison on the big first ASBK Podium.
#72 Ryder Gilbert is looking fast as ever coming into Rd 1. Image by Pit Lane Studio.

Of course, where would the sport be without the next generation of fearless road racers making their way through the ranks? This weekend will feature both Seth and Ethan Dellow, who secured second and third place respectively in the 2023 Championship, both eager to secure crucial early Championship points. However, they’ll face stiff competition from the talents of Xayvion Amoy, Judd Plaisted, and Ghage Plowman, all ready to throw their hats into the ring.

Seth Dellow #340 looking for those early Championship points. Image by Pit Lane Studio.
Ethan Dellow #144 is ready to bring the heat for the SA Championship. Image by Pit Lane Studio.

Adding to the excitement, fans will be treated to world-class sidecar racing with Round 2 of the Australian Sidecar Championships taking place over the two days. In the formidable 19-competitor field,  the 2023 Australian Sidecar Championship team of Jamie Crass & Lee Menzies will be looking at making the moves early on in the competition. However, don’t overlook the homegrown talent and previous Isle of Man racing expertise of Royce Rowe he joins the field with Leonard Rowe, fresh from testing the new bike at Mallala. 

Team Rowe during some February Mallala testing. Image by Pierre Sport Photography.

Further enriching the packed schedule, spectators can anticipate plenty of bar-to-bar racing as SA/VRRC Limited sport bikes, Naked Bike & Pre-Modern 00/08/13 all take their turn in the spotlight on the track this weekend.

See the full competitor list – HERE.

Where: 

What better venue to test racers and provide spectators with an unforgettable experience than the Shell V Power Motorsport Park?? Following the exhilarating conclusion of last year’s ASBK Championship, this 18-turn international layout circuit offers racers a plethora of challenges, from fast sweeping corners to blind turns, max acceleration straights, and demanding braking zones – ensuring spectators witness the full extent of Championship talent in action.

Access to the circuit is via the Dukes Highway, a convenient 25-minute drive along the freeway from Murray Bridge.

Spectator Info:

With the stacked lineup of racers ahead of the weekend, there is even more to get excited about… Spectator entry is absolutely FREE!!

The Bend offers numerous spectator vantage points trackside, including the premium Level 3 sky deck, providing fans with an eagle-eye view of the racing action as it unfolds. There’s no better place to witness all the thrills and spills of the Championship story as it kicks off.

Forget about packing lunch; all your food and drink needs are taken care of with the well-stocked facilities at The Bend, including the Apex Bar & Dining located on Level 1 in the heart of the main pit building and whilst you’re in the Welcome Centre, make sure you grab a program.

Now all that’s left is to start planning your vantage points, so be sure to check out the spectator map below for all the access details.

Timetable:

Live Timing:

Head over to Computime to keep up to date with all the results and of course, live-timing action.

Socials:

Keep up to date on the CAFNIX Facebook and Instagram pages for all the information as it happens. 

 

RUMBLINGS FROM THE GRAVE AT PORT PIRIE, OR RE-BUILDING THE LEGACY OF A BYGONE ERA!

Filed Under: News, Speedway

Motorcycling SA just spent the weekend of February 24 & 25 in the mid north of the state, running a level 1 Coaching Course at Crystal Brook, but on the Saturday evening, and with the blessing of Neil Burston, MSA took the chance to have a sneaky look at the works being done to an iconic piece of Motorcycling SA history, the Port Pirie Longtrack!

Entering the property (on foot) and walking past the Go-Kart circuit towards the track still circled by light towers long since having shone bright, relics of meetings past appear out of the saltbush, like the old ticket box, now without a roof, open to the elements and with saltbush growing inside and out, the old toilet block in the same state, as well as random machinery, having gone years untouched and now hard to see!

Getting closer, the track can now be seen, almost, now circled by the new rubber fence that has been mounted on the old posts, but before getting to see the track, you are confronted with the old ‘booth’ (bar) and canteen – and like the ticket box, they are both in a state of disrepair.

But – it’s certainly not hard to see the ghosts from the past, leaning on a fence, enjoying a brew while talking racing, during and at the end of the day, or seeing some excited kids race over to grab a pie with sauce or a snag in bread and then race back to the edge of the track to see the next race and not miss a second of the action.

The walk continued, past the original race control tower, already showing signs of re-birth and ready to oversee the action on the track when it returns, to the old pits, with its rusted fences barely keeping out the many rabbits that now call the place home.

Walking through the pits to the track gate, it’s not hard to hear the engines being warmed up and riders donning helmets for their next race around this iconic track, and when you walk through the gate and onto the track proper, you can see the amount of work that has been done and you can only applaud the drive that Neil and his team of volunteers have shown to revive this once great race track.

New surface and new fence, it makes you just feel the speed and the close racing that this track is going to produce once opened – and it’s only then how much you realise that the sport here in SA has, unknowingly, missed this venue, for nearly 30 odd years – and that once it opens, motorcycle racing fans are going the realise the same!

There is still a lot of work to go – but the pivotable part is now done from the walk around – the track and the safety wall – and it’s now just waiting to be raced on – and the signs are there that the back straight will be a place to watch, with dirt being bought in to raise the spectator areas above the new fence, making for prime viewing, plus, a brand new toilet block is now in the pit area.

So, whether its late in 2024, or perhaps early in 2025, when this icon of motorcycle sport in SA does once again ask for entries, and when the locals head deep into their burrows and the ghosts rise up to once again watch the action while sharing a brew, to use an old quote – “get your backside trackside”, rider, passenger or spectator, the trip to Port Pirie will be more than worth it!

For all of the need to know on how the rebirth of the Port Pirie Longtrack is coming along, head to their Facebook page to keep up to date: https://www.facebook.com/groups/248312968887547

The main gate at Port Pirie (left) and the view after passing to go-kart track (right) with the original ticket box looking forlorn to the left of the pic and the new fence hiding the track to the right.

With the new fence still hiding the track, the light towers stand waiting for the restarting of on track action!

The Booth (left) and Canteen, also stand waiting to serve patrons and competitors alike once again.

The original control tower and pit entrance (half rebuilt).

The pit entry on to the track – and the new surface – just waiting ………

The new surface – turn 3-4 for solos above and across the start/finish and into turn 1 for sidecars below.

The scrutineering area in the pits on left and looking through the canteen to the control tower on right.

EVENT PREVIEW – 2 PACKED SPEEDWAY NIGHTS AHEAD FOR THE U16 125CC STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS & THE AUSTRALIAN SENIOR SOLO SPEEDEWAY CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALE

Filed Under: News, Speedway

TWO BIKE TITLES SET FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Australia, Gillman, Latest News, South Australia, Speedway Solos
Words by Mark Neale
Speedway fans in Adelaide are in for two nights of exciting motorcycle Speedway action on January 12th and 13th with the running of the South Australian Under 16 125cc Solo Championship at Wingfield and the fifth round of the Australian 500cc Solo Championship at Gillman Speedway.
The Speak’n of Spokes, Shark Motorcycle Leathers sponsored Under 16 Title will be held at the Sidewinders track at Wingfield on Friday night, while the CBS Bins sponsored Senior Solo Championship is set down for Gillman on Saturday night.
Thirteen youngsters from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales will do battle at the purpose-built Wingfield circuit for the SA Under 16 Championship over twenty heats, a semi-final and a final to decide the winner.
The top three point scorers after the heats qualify directly through to the final, while the fourth to seventh highest point scorers qualify for the semi with only the winner progressing through to the final.
The championship is one of the most open events for many years with no outright favourite, but Mildura’s Blake Schlein, who was third in the Victorian Title, has been in hot form at Wingfield this season winning four finals to date which include the Mick Hargreaves Memorial.
Hayden Pascoe from Windsor is the only rider to lower Schlein’s colours in the last meeting as well as winning the final at Gillman the previous week.
Hayden Pascoe. Image – Terrysproshots Photography.
Cooper Antone, from Albury on the New South Wales/Victorian border finished second in the SGP4 World Championship and was runner up in the recent Australian Title at Tamworth and won the Victorian state crown at Undera.
South Australia’s Kobi Canning from Elizabeth is currently the fourth ranked rider in the world and was third in the Australian Title.
Ryleigh McGregor from Renmark, who was fourth in the Victorian Title, is another who could surprise.
Kobi Canning. Image – Derick Thomas Photography.
Twelve year old Thomas More College high school student Ruby Chapman is the only female competitor in the field.
Ruby, like many of the other competitors, began riding a pee wee at the age of three will be joined in the lineup by her younger brother Owen who is 9 years old. Riley Stout, William Nicol, Hayden Kuchel, Connor Machin, Blake Hocking and Hayden Matthews are the remaining riders in the field.
Ruby Chapman. Image – Terrysproshots Photography.
Pee Wee’s, 50cc and Novices will be support events for the Title.
The following night sees the running of the fifth and final round of the 2024 Australian 500cc Solo Championship which is being held over four states in ten days. The five round series kicked off in North Brisbane then moved on to Kurri Kurri, Albury, Mildura and winds up at South Australia’s Gillman venue.
Each meeting is held between 16 riders over 20 heats with the top 8 point scorers competing in two semi-finals with the first two progressing through to the final.
Six previous Australian champions are amongst the sixteen rider lineup.
They include five times National Champion and former World Champ Chris Holder, triple Australian titleholder Max Fricke and former winners Rohan Tungate, Brady Kurtz, Sam Masters and defending titleholder Jack Holder. Ben Cook, Zach Cook, Ryan Douglas, James Pearson, Michael West, Keynan Rew, Josh Pickering former World Under 21 Champion Jaimon Lidsey, local star and crowd favourite Fraser Bowes and wild card Jake Turner make up the sixteen rider line up.
SA’s Fraser Bowes is looking to make his presence known throughout the night.
Fellow South Aussie Jake Turner is looking forward to mix it in the stacked field of talent. Image – Judy Mackay.
Most of the riders in the field started their careers off in the junior ranks and have progressed through to senior level. They are now professional riders who ride in three or more leagues in Europe.
South Australia’s Steven Baker started riding in juniors at Wingfield and went on to be the first Australian win the World European Under 21 Championship. His late father Graham was one of the people behind setting up the Wingfield circuit and his family are the major sponsors of the Australian Solo Championship, namely CBS BINS.
Support events for the title are Senior Solo, under 16 250cc Solos and 125cc Solos.
Timetable and Spectator Info Ahead Of All The Action:

 
Friday 12th January 2024 Saturday 13th January 2024
4:00 pm – Gates Open 2:00 pm – Gates open
5:00 to 5:30 pm – Solo Riders Practice (Pits open until 5 pm)
7:15 pm – Riders Parade  5:00 pm – Practice starts
7:30 pm – Racing Kicks off  7:00 pm – Racing kicks off
$5.00 Programs and FREE off-street parking $5.00 program and FREE off-street parking
Canteen serving hot food and cold drinks into the evening.

(EFTPOS available)

 Canteen, Bar and Souvenirs available to purchase

(EFTPOS available)
Follow Sidewinders U16 Speedway Club on Socials – HERE. Follow Speedway Riders Association of SA on Socials – HERE.
  Event Livestreaming available – HERE. 
  More info and rider list www.gillmanspeedway.com

NOMINATIONS FOR THE MOTORCYCLING SA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE NOW OPEN

Filed Under: All disciplines, News

 

NOMINATIONS FOR THE

MOTORCYCLING SA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE NOW OPEN

 

Nominations for the Motorcycling SA Board of Directors is now open, with 2 Directors positions up for re-nomination.

This will be for a two (2) year term – 2024/25 – so, if you have thought that you would like to become more involved and help run the sport that you are involved in, here is your chance.

Nominations will close at 5.00pm, Thursday January 25th 2024.

 

It should be noted however, that, as a Director on the MSA Board, and as per the MSA Constitution;

38.1 Board Composition

(d) there shall be no more than 1 (one) Director from any 1 (one) affiliated organisation; and;

(e) no Board member shall hold more than 1 (one) office within the Association, this includes being a:

(i) Delegate/Councillor of a Club;

(ii) Office Bearer or member of the Executive of a Club; or

(iii) Sports Manager of any discipline.

 

Attached is the application form; 

For anymore information, please contact the MSA office – 8332 9000

Event Preview – 2023 Webb Plastics SA Road Racing Championships RD 5 – Champions Set To Be Crowned For 2023

Filed Under: News, Road Racing, State Championship

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping close to the 2023 Webb Plastics SA Road Racing Championships RD 5, happening this weekend over the 18th and 19th of November, at the Mallala Motorsport Park, presented by Cafnix. South Australia’s most skilled road racers are revving up to return to the track and conclude the thrilling 2023 Championship saga. Over two action-packed days, witness more than 103 bikes in an electrifying lineup of classes—a spectacle you don’t want to miss.

 

Entry List:

As the final round approaches, the tension mounts with Michael Kemp holding a mere 5-and-a-half point lead, while Dwayne Tosen eyes any chance to snatch the Championship win. Charles Holding, in third place, isn’t far behind and could shake up the top spots. With 34 superbikes racing across the State Championship class, Steve Martin/Peter Kerr Cup, and the Reece Bancell Trophy (C & D Grade), expect high-octane action on the track.

Michael Kemp. Image: Pit Lane Studio 

Charles Holding is close to securing the 2023 Supersport Championship with 308 points, followed by Dwayne Tosen at 240 points. The battle intensifies for the final spot on the Championship Supersport podium, as Mitchell Radford and Jayden Plowman tie at 133 points, ready for a weekend showdown.

Charles Holding. Image: Pit Lane Studio
You’re not going to want to miss a second of the Supersport 300 class -Victoria’s Brodie Gawith leads comfortably with 326 points, while the fight for the last two podium spots heats up. Ryder Gilbert (226 points), Tara Morrison (218 points), and Sam Pezzetta (203 points) promise a thrilling showdown for 2023.

Ryder Gilbert. Image: Pit Lane Studio
Tara Morrison. Image: Pit Lane Studio
Sam Pezzetta. Image: Pit Lane Studio

 

Fresh from the 2024 Asia Talent Cup selection in Malaysia, Archie Schmidt, holding a significant points lead, secures titles as the 2023 bLU cRU SA Junior Cup Winner and the 2023 SA Junior Road Racing Champion. The competition tightens for the SA Junior Cup’s second and third places, with Xayvion Amoy and Cooper Pitt separated by a single point. Don’t miss the talent of these young athletes as they hit the track one last time in 2023, setting the stage for next year’s budding junior riders. Only time will tell to see who’s repping the bLU cRU SA Junior Cup Leathers in 2024. 

Archie Schmidt. Image: Pit Lane Studio
Xayvion Amoy. Image: Pit Lane Studio
Cooper Pitt. Image: Pit Lane Studio

All this plus a PACKED roster of classes, see the Full Competitor List – HERE.

Location and Spectator Info:

Find excellent spectator spots across the hill as Mallala hosts the thrilling finale of South Australia’s Road Racing Championship for 2023. Just a short drive from Adelaide down the Port Wakefield Rd, Mallala Motorsport Park offers ample on-site parking. Gather your family for a fantastic racing weekend—entry for spectators is free.

Don’t worry about packing the fridge, the stocked Mallala Canteen will keep everyone well-fed with hot food and refreshing drinks throughout the weekend.

Live Updates:

For real-time updates and results, visit Computime to catch all the thrilling live-timing action.

Socials*

Stay updated on all the action as it unfolds by following CAFNIX on Facebook and Instagram.

 

From bLU cRU SA Junior Cup to 2024 Asia Talent Cup Selection Success

Filed Under: News, Road Racing, SA Junior Cup

Two of our very own bLU cRU SA Junior Cup riders have been selected for the 2024 Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup (IATC). The 2022 bLU cRU SA Junior Cup winner, Rikki Henry, and the current 2023 bLU cRU SA Junior Cup winner (with 1 round to go), Archie Schmidt, both made their way to Malaysia for a chance to secure a spot in the 2024 IATC roster and take on a life-changing opportunity.

Joining a total of 89 riders, including 14 Australians, the pair travelled to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, to be assessed by experts, including the 2009 250GP world champion Hiroshi Aoyama, all under the leadership of Dorna talent promotion director Alberto Puig.

Throughout each session, with a focus on crucial areas of both on and off the bike skills, riders were selected to progress to the next test, culminating in the final decisions of the 10 riders to line up on the starting grid for the 2024 IATC and 10 reserve riders to supplement the roster. 

Archie and Rikki showcased their well-known ability and talent to each progress through the selection rounds, to end up both earning a place on the 2024 Asia Talent Cup grid and taking that next step in their road racing journey.

Rikki Henry congratulates Archie Schmidt as he receives the news he has been waiting for – Image: Asia Talent Cup.

Since their early days in the bLU cRU SA Junior Cup series, Rikki and Archie have showcased remarkable growth, evolving their skills and success, in our SA State racing development program into national success within the Oceania Junior Cup and beyond. Both riders embody the core values of the SA Junior Cup, demonstrating unwavering commitment, notable growth, and a shared vision for success. Their remarkable journey to the Oceania Junior Cup and onto other opportunities reflects our state program’s ethos and the promising future it offers SA riders. Their dedication and evolution epitomize the very essence of the SA Junior Cup’s goals, setting the stage for exceptional racing careers for South Australian juniors. 

 

Kym Bolto – Team Manager and developer of the bLU cRu SA Junior Cup:

“I am delighted and beyond proud of both Rikki and Archie who have both come through the bLU cRU SA Junior Cup series and then to compete in the Oceania Junior Cup. 

To have 2 of our shining stars of the SA racing scene accepted into the 2024 Asia Talent Cup is a dream come true for me, this is exactly the reason I wanted to create a program such as this in our State, with the series only in it’s 2nd year, it is showing results already. I can’t wait to follow the boys in their journey in the 2024 Asia Talent Cup and I wish them all the best”. 

 

Brenton Matters – President of Motorcycling South Australia Board:

“From witnessing their growth and skill development along the pathway of the bLU cRU SA Junior Cup into National racing within the Oceania Junior Cup and subsequently progress toward further successes in their road racing careers, it highlights the exceptional benefits that the SA Junior Cup provides for our South Australian riders. This opportunity fosters aspirations, offering a choice between pursuing a professional career in the sport or advancing personal development journeys, both on and off the bikes”.

 

With limited time for celebrations, Archie Schmidt, leading by just 1 point, will head into the final round of the 2023 Oceania Junior Cup here at The Bend over the 1st to 3rd of December, while Rikki Henry gears up for the opportunity to race at the MiniGP World Series in Circuit Ricardo Tormo Valencia, competing against the world’s best later in November after becoming the Australian Ohvale 160cc MiniGP Champion. We couldn’t be prouder of both exceptional riders and eagerly await their performances in next year’s Asia Talent Cup.

(Above left) – Archie Schmidt leading the OJC pack at the recent Phillip Island ASBK Round – Picture: Pit Lane Studio. 

(Above Right) – Rikki Henry the 2023 Australian Ohvale 160cc MiniGP Series winner. – Picture: Pit Lane Studio. 

 

Applications are currently open for the 2024 bLU cRU SA Junior Cup Season, for more information on the program and how to register check out the press release – HERE.

Make sure you stay tuned to the Motorcycling SA and South Australian Junior Cup social media pages for regular updates –