THE Portland Motocross Club closed out a successful 2023 this week with two days of racing across Saturday and Sunday and a changing of the guard at their Annual General Meeting on Wednesday night.

On Saturday the club held a racing day in tough conditions before a ride park day on Sunday with an impressive turnout despite a muddy track.

Former president Leigh Watt said it was still a great turnout and solid day of riding.

“Although the weather was unpredictable at the best of times in Portland and Heywood, we certainly didn’t expect 4mm of rain early Saturday morning which made conditions a little challenging considering we spent most of the week watering a very dry track,” he said.

“It’s a gamble either way, but we were happy to be able to run the event so late in the year regardless.

“We had around 100 riders attend over the two days travelling from as far as Melbourne and Adelaide.

“The track unfortunately was a little too wet for a lot of riders, but that didn’t stop them from getting out there and putting in some good lap times. As the rain eased, the track started to form up well making for some good racing lines.

“While our calendar hasn’t been finalised for 2024 yet, we are hosting a round of the Western Regions Motocross Series, Senior Victorian Titles, and a host of other motocross club events, as well as our highly anticipated grass track series. Keep an eye on our social media pages for updates.”

The momentum of a successful 2023 is pushing into 2024 with Leigh Watt handing over the president role to joint presidents Jason Trickey and Thomas Nunn.

Watt said there is plenty for the club to look forward to and they are keen to keep building to provide motocross opportunities for riders.

“This year, we have Jason Trickey and Thomas Nunn in the joint president role, with Charlie Stonnil filling the Vice Presidents position,” Watt said.

“These guys are no strangers to the club, and will do a fantastic job in helping to push the club forward. The majority of other positions remain unchanged.

“We’re hoping to improve our overall track condition, with track work happening in mid January 2024 as well as build on our infrastructure at the club. We are still in the rebuilding stage since COVID put a stop to things, but we feel we’re headed in the right direction as we’re seeing a lot of interest from new riders, and returning riders.

“While we are primarily a motocross club, we find that our grass tracks attract a lot of younger, beginner riders so we will be putting a lot more focus on those events moving forward.

“You don’t have to be fast, nor do you have to have the latest and greatest bike or gear. If riders are having fun, and enjoying what the club has have to offer, be it on a grass paddock or on the motocross track, we’re all happy. The smiles tell the story.”