ON Sunday, May 21, the Harley Club of Victoria ran its annual MotoGC Pony Express at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Broadford.
It was a fantastic event once again with excellent participation numbers and zero significant problems throughout the day.
Harley Club of Victoria President, Richard Loft, was pleased with the turnout: “This day was for the senior riders only and we had 150 riders take part in the day.”
Pony Express racing is similar to Enduro racing, except you can race with a mate in a team on the same bike or separate bikes (unless there is an Ironman class, single rider).
Each rider takes their turn around the circuit and when they return to the marshaling area they “tag” their partner who then sets off for their own lap.
For the MotoGC Pony Express classes are broken down into: Up to 49yrs Combined Age, 50-64yrs Combined Age, 65-79yrs Combined Age, 80+ yrs Combined Age and Ironman.
“The level of riding was excellent throughout the whole day, by everyone involved, however, Nathan Ondrus lead it outright for over two hours as an Ironman against the teams,” Richard said.
In the Up to 49yrs class it was the team of Aaron Cousins and Burt Bayley who took out the honours, followed by Sean Macpherson/Tegan Hall and Brad Hermans/Mitch Wilson to round out the top three.
The 50-64yrs class saw Alister Beveridge and Cade Vagg in top spot, with Nick Romano/Matt Romano and Ben Scott/Stellio Liakopoulous in second and third respectively.
In the 65-79yrs class it was Richard Chibnall and Simon Ross finishing in first place, Cameron Hedge/Brett Pitcher in second and David Murray/Steve Kidd completing the podium.
The 80+ yrs class saw Joe Ondrus and Dean Shaw take the honours, Wayne Vandenberg/Glenn Edwards follow them home in second and James Bowden/Matt Fraser rounding out the top three.
Full Results for the day can be found here: https://speedhive.mylaps.com/Sessions/4396019
Richard was also happy with the way that the State Motorcycle Sport Complex performed for their weekend: “The amount of compliments over and from the weekend about the MX track was amazing, I loved it!
“As with all motorcycle sport days, they cannot happen without the great work of our volunteers. I’d like to thank Lynne Hiddle (Steward), Rob Miller (Clerk of Course) and all of the volunteers who put up their hand to help out,” Richard said. “Special mention also needs to go to Cindy Hind, the event’s Race Secretary, who without her, the event would not happen!
“A big thank you to MotoGC in Thomastown also, for sponsoring both the club and the event!”
The next chance to ride competitively in a Harley Club of Victoria event doesn’t come around until September when their four round Dirt Track Club Championships gets underway.
You can keep up to date with all news coming out of the Harley Club of Victoria by following their Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/The-Harley-Club-of-Victoria-173307266063684/
Mark Vallance
Sport & Rider Development Manager