Naracoorte Motorcycle Club

HISTORY OF THE CLUB

The Naracoorte Motorcycle Club was formed, following on from the Naracoorte Micro Midget Club, in 1957.  It was a strong Club with riders riding bikes like the famous B.S.A. Bantams, A.J.S.’s and Greeves.  Riders would often travel to meetings in Mount Gambier, Portland, Stawell and Geelong.

In the mid to late 60’s the Club went into a period of temporary recession, but come the 70’s and the Club grew into one of its strongest periods ever, with big scrambles and motocross meetings being held regularly at its own track on the late Mr Ken Tucker’s property.

The Club became a member of the Auto Cycle Council of Australia and held its Annual Motocross to become known as the Heard Bros Motocross attracting riders from as faraway as Adelaide and Geelong.

With bike development changing dramatically in the late 70’s, the cost to be competitive increased and the Club had to rethink its position.  It was at this time that the decision to move from being a competitive Club to a social one was made.

During this time the Club enjoyed family days, gymkanas, road trails, hill climbs and trips away.  The whole family became involved, with the father trying to keep up with sons at gymkanas and mothers cheering them on or helping with the Event.

In the mid 90’s the Club was actively involved in trying to obtain a block of land to develop into a permanent home for the Club.  In approximately 2002, the Club leased land from the Naracoorte Lucindale Council and was able to start building its own track and facilities.

In recent years the Club has successfully attracted and held a State and National Sidecar Cross Event and in 2010 there will be a further State and Australian Titles Sidecar Cross Round (two) held at the Gum Point Track.

The Club is still primarily a non-competitive family orientated Club with approximately 90 memberships, however, 2010 has seen an increase in youth memberships.   Members come from all over the Limestone Coast and Western Victoria and the Club boasts members who have won both State and National competitions.

In late 2009 the number of tracks increased to three with the addition of a new motocross track which was built by Members and the generous sponsorship of Limestone Coast Earthmoving.  The track was opened at the Club’s Come and Try Day in late 2009.

The Club currently comprises a motocross track, juniors track and sidecar cross track (which is an open track regularly used by all riders).  Facilities include a clubroom, with protected verandah area for spectators and a portable toilet.

Recent family days have been well supported by current and new members and have seen both beginners and more experienced riders enjoying themselves on a range of motorbikes, including motocross, sidecars and quads.

Goals of the current Committee are:

·        Continual improvements to all tracks;

·        Improvement of facilities (eg. improved clubrooms and a permanent toilet/shower block);

·        Regular scheduled family days;     

·        Involvement of more members in working bees;

·        Maintain existing, and continue to attract new, membership.

     2010 sees the Club moving forward.