KIWI RIDER DECEMBER 2021 VOL2 | Page 15

NZ ’ S WOODVILLE MOTOCROSS GP FOR 2022 CANCELLED outstanding blockbuster event and to push on under the current constraints would take some of the shine away from what has historically been such an iconic event . “ Hopefully next year it will be all up and running again . We can ’ t thank the sponsors enough for the fact they continue to stand beside us .” From a fairy-tale beginning in the 1960s , the event has flourished and matured and , remarkably , it can list current , former and future world champions among its glittering lists of alumni . Woodville , the small farming service town that guards the gateway between Manawatu and

Hawke ’ s Bay , has hosted some of the world ’ s biggest names in the sport over the years . Founded by former Aussie / Kiwi international motocross and enduro racer Tim Gibbes , the event has been held at the same grassy farmland venue every year since 1961 , next year would have marked the 61st anniversary of what has grown from humble beginnings to now rank as New Zealand ’ s largest and most popular offroad motorcycle event . The iconic event , usually run on the last weekend of January , was also recognised as the opening round of four for the New Zealand Motocross Championships last year , although that wasn ’ t on the cards anyway for 2022 .
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