DIRT NEWS
Woodville Motocross co-founder Tim Gibbes ( centre ), flanked by fellow ‘ Woodville legends ’ Ken Cleghorn ( left ), Gibbes ’ brother-in-law and the winner of the first Woodville event in 1961 , and Kevin Eagle at the 60th anniversary of the iconic event three years ago
with great spectator vantage points , and it is truly a premier motocross venue . “ It is a very special occasion for everyone . It always starts the year off on a high and we are expecting big numbers to attend , as racers and / or spectators . “ It was an absolute heartbreak not being able to run this event the past two seasons , but the club ’ s committee is determined to do it bigger and better than before and we have had wonderful support from the land owner and they ’ re really exciting to work with . “ All our main sponsors are back and we can ’ t thank them enough either . This event sets the year up nicely because it all flows into the senior national motocross championships series in February and March .” Any overseas riders who do happen to show up for Woodville 2024 will be up against an impressive array of Kiwi internationals , experienced campaigners such as multi-time former New Zealand motocross champion and many time Woodville winner Cody Cooper , former national MX1 champion Hamish Harwood , Tyler Steiner , International Six Days ’ Enduro ( ISDE ) gold medallist Josh Jack and former national champion and former Woodville winner Kayne Lamont , among others , in the glamour MX1 class . Since the stand-alone event was first staged over half a century ago , in 1961 , the Woodville Motocross has grown to become the jewel in New Zealand ’ s motocross crown and hundreds of riders will battle over the weekend , including minis , juniors , seniors , women and veterans . All ages and levels of ability are catered for by the Woodville GP event , with the novelty river race on Sunday also a major crowd-pleaser and perhaps appealing more to the enduro and cross-country racing brigade . Racing over the two days attracts thousands of spectators to the Tararua region , filling motel rooms and camping grounds to the point of overflowing , the New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville is a must-see spectacle for any motorsport enthusiast . ANDY MCGECHAN
16 KIWI RIDER