This weekend the Victorian town of Horsham will be taken over by all parts of the world as 21 countries land down under for the World Junior Motocross Championship (WJMX) this weekend (August 25-26).
This will be the first time Australia has hosted the WJMX, without doubt, the biggest Junior Motocross event to hit our shores. The classes will include 65cc, 85cc and 125cc.
Motorcycling Australia (MA) takes you through what you need to know about this weekend and where you can keep up to date with all the racing action.
Schedule
The weekend kicks off on Saturday with Practice for all three classes, with the 125cc class out on track first at 9am for their first 25-minute practice. Following on for the 125cc class it will be the 85cc on track at 9:35am for their 25-minute session and then the 65cc will follow at 10:10am.
The field will be back on track again at 12pm with the 125cc having their second practice, 85cc at 12:35pm and finish with the 65cc at 1:10pm.
The afternoon is where the riders time becomes important with qualifying practice kicking off for the 125cc at 2:30pm, 85cc at 3:15pm and 65cc at 4pm. Times recorded throughout the qualifying session will be vital as the quickest time will get first gate pick for the two races on Sunday.
Sunday is race day, with the 65cc class battling it out for 12 minutes plus two laps at 11:30am for race one. The 85cc class will be out on next at 12:15pm as they bang bars for 20 minutes plus two laps. Race one for the 125cc will be at 1:10pm as they go toe to toe for 25 minutes plus two laps.
Race two for the 65cc class will be at 2:30pm, 85cc will be at 3:15pm and then finishing the day will be the 125cc at 4pm. Presentation kicks off at 5pm, with 65cc then onto 85cc, 125cc before finishing with the team presentation.
How to Keep up with the action?
There will be no live stream for the event, but you can stay up to date with the times from racing and qualifying on Speedhive. Click here to head to Speedhive. You can also head to the MXGP website and Facebook page as well as the MA Website and Facebook page. Horsham Motorcycle Club have also set up a Facebook Page dedicated to the event.
Riders to look out for
With an abundance of talent heading to Horsham Motorcycle Club, MA have picked a few riders to keep your eyes peeled for this weekend.
Camden McLellan– South Africa- McLellan comes to Horsham for the WJMX as one of the favourites in the 85cc class. Fresh off taking out the FIM European 85cc Motocross Championship, the KTM Kosak Racing Team rider will be aboard a brand new 2019 KTM 85cc at Horsham as he hunts World success. McLellan will also have former Australian Team Manager Glenn McDonald in his corner, a big asset getting accustomed to the aussie conditions.
Thibault Benistant– France- Benistant will be one to watch as the French rider is currently leading the way in the European Motocross Championship, holding a 33-point lead. The Yamaha Pilot will come down under with great confidence, but it will be interesting to see how he handles the Australian terrain.
Bailey Malkiewicz– Australia- Fresh off taking out the Pirelli MX Development title at the MX Nationals, the young talented aussie will take on the best junior riders in the world over the weekend. Aboard his Yamaha, Malkiewicz is a strong chance in the 125cc class.
Lotte Van Drunan– Netherlands- One to watch in the 65cc class will be Drunan, who is coming off a great European motocross (EMX) season. Her performances in the EMX secured her a spot in the European finals that run-in conjunction with the Loket MXGP. Drunan will be looking to add a 65cc World title to her season over the weekend.
MA wishes all the riders good luck at the WJMX this weekend at Horsham Motorcycle Club and congratulates each rider for representing their country.
Image Courtesy of MX Nationals