The Classic MXWA club is a progressive and family orientated club which was formed in November 2009 (as Pre85MXWA) to cater for all eras of vintage motocross racing in Western Australia.
The club is based on farmland in Darkan, a small town about 2.5 hours south west of Perth that boasts a proud tradition of motorsport stretching back to the 1950s. This year’s Darkan Scramble was not a typical Classic MXWA event with the inclusion of grids for dirt trackers using the original kidney-shaped track surrounding the MX course. The picturesque farm played backdrop to around 40 bikes of various vintages including Czech CZs, Huskys, BSAs and the usual Japanese staples.
Most of the competitors had come from across the state and camped overnight to be ready bright and early for the riders’ brief, which reminds everyone that even though it is a sheep station, no one will win it at the end of the day. There will be no trophies or recordings – it’s an event that revolves around fun, and of course bragging rights. It runs thanks to the tireless work of volunteer marshals and organisers, many of whom also competed at the event.
Standouts for the day in the motocross were English Import Jack Taylor, who raced a CR250 loaned from Scott Lawson. Lawson can add generosity to his list of attributes, which also includes being bloody quick on his very well prepared CCM. Troy Halden was buttery smooth on his CR250, and the whole field generally put on some epic battles for spectators with close racing spread across all classes.
On the flat track, six riders lined up on each grid to battle it out with converted supermoto bikes and classic flat-trackers such as CZ250s, Elsinore 250s, BSAs and a very fast Yamaha XS650 in the hands of a stylish Steve Stuart Smith. The match race between Jess Boujos and Katherine Scoble was a sight to see with Kath narrowly taking the honours.
The day was a chance for riders of all ages and skill levels, from ex-champion to beginner, to get amongst it. And despite a few dirt excursions, and a couple of spectacular entries into the creek at the end of the back straight for the dirt trackers, there were no major offs and everyone went home safely with plenty of stories to stretch until next year’s event.
The goal of the club is to offer Come Try Scrambles, Natural Terrain MX, Pony Express and, with the success of this event, flat-track events to continue building the Vintage Motocross scene on Australia’s West Coast and to ensure the club’s continued growth. The season is typically from April to September and there are already some exciting events planned for next year, including a ‘How To Set Up Suspension’ and a ride tutoring day with ex-AMA Supercross champion and Club Patron Jimmy Ellis.
For more information, or to get involved, check the website (www.classicmxwa.org.au), or email the club on info@classicmxwa.org.au
Aaron Knobloc
