Coming in hot this weekend is the 2018 Shannons Australian Historic Road Racing Championship, held at Broadford State Motorcycle Sports Complex from 9-11 November. Showcasing bikes from a bygone era, the event is promoted by the Preston Motorcycle Club and is sure to set your heart alight with bikes ranging from the 1920’s to the 1990’s.

Tickets are $10.00 for adults on Saturday and Sunday, with entry on Friday being free for all spectators. Children 15 years and under are free. All tickets can be purchased on the day upon arrival.

Preston Motorcycle Club President, Bruce Hill, is thrilled with the upcoming Championship, stating:

“This is the first time in a long time that Preston Motorcycle Club has run a national event! Although at first it was a challenge because our club normally runs events for modern bikes, but the response we’ve received from competitors and fans has been great and we’re so excited for the weekend to arrive!

“To make things even better, the weather is forecast to be perfect for racing, and the Broadford track will showcase the engineering feats of our historic bikes. This weekend is a great opportunity for spectators of all ages to come along and enjoy learning how motorcycles have advanced since the 1920’s,” explained Hill.

In making this event a reality, Hill noted that it is all thanks to the club’s volunteers who rallied together to make this event perfect. “Our club is run by volunteers, who have worked around the clock to make sure this weekend’s event is the best it can be. I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone’s time and support in running this event. Especially considering that historic racing isn’t our club’s specialty, this Championship really showcases our club’s dedication and passion for the sport,” highlighted Hill.

Broadford State Motorcycle Sport Complex is the perfect track for historic bikes, with a shorter track length. Hill also noted that “Broadford is also really accessible for both competitors and spectators, so no matter where you are around the track, you’ll have a perfect view”.

Spectators will have the opportunity to view a huge variety of different bikes scream around the Broadford State Motorcycle Sport Complex, with classes including:

  • Ultra-lightweight solo up to 125cc
  • Lightweight solo 132cc to 250cc
  • Junior solo 263cc to 350cc (excludes Period 6)
  • Senior solo 368cc to 500cc
  • Unlimited solo 526cc to 1300cc (excludes Period 6)
  • Sidecars P3-P5 up to 1300cc (excludes Period 6)
  • Period 2 Junior solo up to 350cc
  • Period 2 Unlimited solo 368 to 1300cc
  • Period 3 Formula 700 solo 526cc to 700cc – (NB: This class is for pushrod engines only and there is no capacity
  • tolerance)
  • Period 4 Formula 750 solo 526cc to 750cc
  • Period 5 Formula 750 solo 526cc to 750cc
  • Period 6 250 Production solo 250cc – (NB: Machines must have either a compliance plate fitted or supporting
  • documentation of year of manufacture)
  • Period 6 500
  • Period 6 Formula 750 solo 526cc to 750cc (750cc – 1000cc 2 cylinder engines)
  • Period 6 Formula 1300 solo 788cc to 1300cc

For further information on the 2018 Shannons Australian Historic Road Racing Championship, please visit their Facebook page and keep an eye out on the MA website and socials.

Images of Jed Metcher, courtesy of Russel Colvin 783