More than 1500 motorbike fans defied the heat to watch Australia’s best long track riders going hell for leather at the Showground.
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Reputed to be the best track in Australia it certainly didn’t let the crowd down as over 170 riders bumped and battled it out over 115 short and fast races.
Sydney’s Joey Ringwood was flying around the track all day in a range of different categories but saved his best for the long track solo final.
Redwood had his long track solo bike flying as he hit the lead early and didn’t relinquish, flying home to take the title.
Jason Stuart came second with local Michael Slade coming third to cap off a successful return to racing.
Slade was the only local to get on the podium in a big field of the countries best riders.
Tamworth club president Paul Slade said the club had a good turn out.
“We are only a small club but we get plenty of support,” Slade said.
Locals Keegan and Kieran Gaskin rode well in a few heats and made a few finals but missed the cheques.
Gunnedah’s Tydd brothers Fletcher and Kurtis also had a few good races, but unfortunately missed the podium as well.
There were a few good spills, but the worst was only one broken collarbone for Jay Hern.
Ben Cook had his bike doing cartwheels in front of the pits and was taken to hospital. He was discharged shortly afterwards and is fine.
Coffs Harbour’s Hugh Skidmore just scraped into the 450cc Pro open final, and then just scraped across the line to take the title.
The sidecars had the dirt and dust flying as they first took to the track on Saturday afternoon.
Stuart Firth had his black bike hammering around the track with Yolanda Wilkins climbing all over it.
“It is great to get the sidecars out for the crowd,” Slade said.
“It has been a great competition with Australia’s best
riders.
After hosting the NSW Championships at Oakburn Park and a few other major events this year the Tamworth president is already focusing on the next season.
“It’s been a pretty successful night and a good year,” Slade said.
Next for the club is the NSW Speedway Sidecar Championships in February at Oakburn Park.