PREPARATIONS have been all but completed for the FIM World Junior Motocross Championships, to be held at the Dooen Recreation Centre at the weekend.
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Horsham Motorcycle Club president Kenny Watts said there 25 teams from around the world made their way to Horsham during the week.
“They’ve been turning up and coming to see us all week,” he said.
Mr Watts said there were a few uncontrollable hiccups during the final week of preparation, but there was no need to worry.
“We were recommended things, bought it and things didn’t turn up when they were meant to, but nothing at the track,” he said.
“The Ararat practice track didn’t eventuate due to the weather that hit at the weekend.
“But one of our club members has his own personal track at Wail, so we’ve been able to secure a place for them to practice.”
Mr Watts said final competitors arrived on Wednesday.
“Everything seems to have gone to plan that we, as a club, have been involved with,” he said.
Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the event was expected to bring more than $1 million into the Wimmera’s economy.
The three day tournament will begin on Friday and end on Sunday.
It is the first time an international motocross tournament has been hosted in Australia.
“When you add the support crews involved with each team, it adds up to about 500 international visitors and more than 1000 domestic fans are also expected to descend on the Wimmera,” Mr Bhalla said.
Mr Bhalla said there would be roughly 3500 day-trip visitors, 700 domestic overnight visitors and 300 international visitors.
“(This) indicates a direct economic output of $1 million and equates to an average daily visitor spend of $224,” he said.
Mr Bhalla said the total impact of the event was estimated at $1.7 million.
The international championships will be live streamed around the world. Mr Bhalla said it would be a chance to showcase the Wimmera.
It will also mark the first time 10-year-old Netherlands rider Lottie Van Durren competes on the international stage. Lottie said she was looking forward to the challenge having already competed at the European championships.
“This is my first time in Australia and everything is bigger here, there’s more space,” she said.
“Horsham’s track is a very fast track and it has nice jumps and corners.” Lottie will compete in the 65cc.
