49th Woodville MX GP
January 30th-31st 2010
Good luck to all the riders around the country, including the strong contingent from the Bay of Plenty, who are gearing up for the annual Woodville Motocross Grand Prix event which is taking place this weekend on January 30th and 31st.
(Keep up to speed with the results on www.mylaps.com.)
Woodville was born when Tim Gibbes and fellow rider Ken Cleghorn returned to NZ after racing in Europe. “Events were run differently over there,” says Tim. “Here, there were lots of scramble events but the word “motocross” was unknown. We wanted to run an event the “European way”.”
The first requirement was a venue. Fortunately, Tim’s wife’s uncle had the perfect spot on a farm near Woodville. It was a paddock that had been previously prone to flooding but which was surrounded by land that formed a natural arena. Spectators would have great viewing no matter where they sat. And, there was a river that could be incorporated into the track. The fact that the river level went up or down a metre or so during the day would provide a bonus for spectators.
The first event was held on December 10th 1961 and was successful to the point where it was decided to move up a notch and have a second event a month later. “MX HERE JAN 26TH” said the sign and the spectators came in droves. Ken Cleghorn won the inaugural event and some say that the almost indecent rapidity of the second was to allow Tim Gibbes to take his revenge. Tim did and claimed back the trophy.
The first events hosted 50 to 60 riders and featured some “pseudo” internationals. “We had an Englishman who was actually a recent immigrant, an Auzzie – not sure if he counts- and a Frenchman who was just a guy who was a bit of an actor and good at doing accents”, laughs Tim. However in 1964, some “real internationals”, a rider each from Germany, England and Switzerland, made the long journey by ship to compete. The Manawatu Orion Motorcycle Club put in one thousand pounds and contributions were received to cover the 500 pounds per rider. “But,” added Tim, “we had to hold an extra event at the end of the season. We needed money to send them back home.”
Woodville flourished and became the focus of a motocross series that included events in the North and South Island attracting close to 100 senior riders. The series was also extended to include events in Australia which made it a rather long tour. 1970 was a particularly good year according to Tim. Two world champs came, Jeff Smith (500cc) and David Vickers (250cc).
Nowadays, some things have changed but much has remained the same. The Woodville Motocross Grand Prix is now a one off stand alone event - only one grand prix title event is allowed per country per year – that is loved by spectators and riders alike. Being annual and a one off makes it special. Between 600 and 700 riders, juniors included, compete at the same original venue. Ownership of the property has changed a couple of times but the Woodville Motocross GP has remained a constant. The crowd-pleasing river still drowns bikes, not usually people, but in a separate river race. We have international riders but also NZ’s own world champions plus a high calibre stable of future champions ready to launch their careers.
This year will be no exception. All NZ’s leading motocross talent will be there for an action packed weekend. Check out the list of confirmed entries by going to www.momcc.co.nz and then the NZ Motocross Grand Prix dropdown box.
Check out more info (and predictions) from Andy McGechan on www.BikesportNZ.com
