MX NATIONALS organisers have lauded the round one event at Dooen Reserve at the weekend the best event in 10 years.
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The commendation comes as motocross riders applauded track conditions at the reserve on Sunday.
Horsham Motorcycle Club president Kenny Watts was full of praise for the venue.
He said Sunday was a great day of racing.
‘‘Horsham is one of the smallest regional cities in country Victoria and we’re bringing the biggest motocross competition in the country here,’’ Mr Watts said.
‘‘Everything about the venue was perfect. Organisers couldn’t believe the infrastructure we’d put in place.
‘‘The riders loved the track. They said it was challenging and demanding.’’
The success of the event on Sunday has added clout to the club’s bid to host the World Junior Motocross Championships in 2018.
‘‘The weekend was a great opportunity to promote Horsham in the lead-up to the world juniors,’’ Mr Watts said.
‘‘It gave us the opportunity to speak to some major players.
‘‘They’re eager to be involved in an event in Horsham, knowing the past couple of events have been a success.’’
The club is looking at revamping its facilities, with scope for an all-weather structure over the starting line, along with an improved grandstand and seating.
Sunday’s action saw pre-race favourites Matt Moss and Adam Monea upstaged by Kirk Gibbs in races one and two.
Gibbs clinched a 10-point lead with 74 in the overall championship standings, ahead of Kade Mosig, 64, and team-mate Luke Styke, 58.
He said a pre-season trip to New Zealand proved the catalyst for an ideal start to his Australian season.
‘‘My preparation this year has been awesome,’’ he said.
‘‘I had a lot of confidence coming into this round so I’m ready to take the win.’’
Gibbs dedicated his victory to his grandfather, who died a few weeks ago.
‘‘I know he told my dad that he wanted me to win, so this win is for him,’’ he said.
Jed Beaton took the first round lead in the MX2 category, while Jordan Hill leads the MXD under-19s. and Lawrence Hunter the Rising Star Rookies.
Round two of the MX Nationals will kick off on April 12 in NSW.
Dooen Reserve will host the MX Amateurs in May.
Mr Watts said it was important the club provided a venue for others to aspire to for the rest of the MX Nationals competition.
‘‘This is the benchmark for the rest of the series to build on,’’ he said.
‘‘When you’re putting that calibre of riders on the track, you’ve got to prepare it to last.’’
