MANJIMUP 15000
by Graeme Olsen
It's almost winter, it's dirty,
it's muddy... it's time for WA's biggest motorcross
event - the Manjimup 15000!
| The enormity of "the 15000"
should never ever be underestimated. Even
for those of you who aren't normally used
to the dirt sprays, the engine sounds, and
aerial dynamics of a motorcross event, you'll
be blown away by the sights, sounds, and smells
of one of Australia's most recognised sporting
events - one which is a major attraction to
National and International riders.
So why is it called the Manjimup 15000?
It was given the name at it's inaugural
event in 1980, when it was named after the
amount of prize money that was on offer.
At the time it was the richest motorcross
event ever held in Australia, and the first
winner to take it home was Roger Harvey,
a rider from the United Kingdom. Just over
ten years later, in 1991, the prize money
had risen to $40,000.
The event is run by the Manjimup Motorcycle
Club (details below), and they have endeavored
to have it on every year. They've done a
pretty good job of it too, with the event
running most years, and needing a good amount
of sponsorship and community input.
Throughout the years they've
seen some amazing racing and other incidents.
In 1986, American Jimmy Ellis ensured that
his name will remain in the record books
for a long time. Not
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Photo supplied by www.aussiesinaction.com.au |
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only did he win the event,
but in doing so he was the first rider to
clear the double jumps behind the main straight.
Since that time, the tabletop jump has been
called "Jim's Jump" in his honour.
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Another very popular jump is "Clifford's
Leap", which was named after the Clifford Family
of Casuarina Valley Orchard in Manjimup, in recognition
of their willingness to always volunteer workers
and supplies of earthmoving equipment at the club.
So, what can you expect to see at
this year's event? The main event is to be held
on Sunday June 5th with the action starting at 9:30am,
and apart from the usual hard racing and flying
bikes (literally!), the day consists of 30 races,
giving spectators more than 100 laps of motocross
action. Last year saw more than 5,000 specators
enthralled in the action and 2005 is sure to be
even bigger.
Tickets available at the gate. Make
sure and book accommodation early.
Two supporting events will be running
on Saturday 4th June, both of which are free to
spectators. The Junior Manjimup 15000, held at Cosy
Creek, will provide the chance to see WA’s
up-and-coming motocross stars whilst in town Motomadness
is sure to impress with stunt riders, free style
motocross and demonstrations. Action starts 9:30am
at Cosy Creek and 10:00am in town.
For further details about the event,
contact the Manjimup Motorcycle Club on (08) 9777
1094, or email them on mmcc15000@bigpond.com.
The Manjimup Motorcycle Club has been around since
1949, and is involved in a lot of club runs and
motorcross events throughout the year. The Manjimup
15000 is their premier event, and it needs ongoing
support from the community and sponsors. Motorcross
riders (including National and International ones)
have often commented that it's the best track in
the southern hemisphere, so all the support you
can give it is well deserved.
Why not take the kids for a day out?
Or head on down yourself for day of exciting action.
Either way, you won't be disappointed.
If you're after information about
other attractions in the area, or for places to
stay while at the Manjimup 15000, you can try the
Manjimup Tourist Bureau on (08) 9771 1831 or toll
free 1800 023 388.
The photos in this story were provided
by "Aussies In Action". For further information
about their photography, you can visit their web
site at www.aussiesinaction.com.au or email them at
admin@aussiesinaction.com.au.
May 2005
