ORGANISERS were so impressed with the effort of Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club this weekend that they have guaranteed the national motocross titles will return in 2018.
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Holding titles for the first time in almost 10 years, the eighth round of the Motul MX Nationals was a success in the Hastings.
It was the first-ever time the national titles had been held in Port Macquarie.
Hastings Valley Motorcycle Club president Daniel Hargy said they were pleased they would not have to wait another 10 years to hold the titles locally.
“It’s a really proud moment for us,” he said.
“As long as everything goes well when you host them they usually bring them back the following year,
“It’s every club’s dream to host these events, but you have to meet standards and it’s usually a three-year deal.
“As far as the club is concerned we met all our expectations and we’re really rapt with what we did.”
Hargy said the club would know in December or January which round they would host next year.
“It could be round two or it could be round eight again,” he said.
“There’s no doubt it was a bit hectic at times, but it’s a pat on the back for the efforts of everyone at our club.”
Hargy said promoters labelled it as a “wonderful” event.
“We put in a huge amount of effort, so it was great to see that rewarded.”
Local riders Hayden Matterson, Shannon Moore and Ethan Burgess gained valuable experience.
Matterson finished in the top 15 in his races, while Moore and Burgess enjoyed varying levels of success.
Dean Ferris won both his races to extend his points lead, while Cody Dyce won the MXGP (under-19) championship.
Egan Mastin put in a strong performance and closed the gap on leader Todd Wilson.
“For me this year I didn’t want to peak too early, I train to peak at the right time during the season and I think at the moment that’s what we are doing,” Mastin said.
“To come away with the win in both motos, we’re stoked.
“Port Macquarie is only three hours away from home for me, so I have all my friends and family here and it’s nice to get a win in front of an audience like that.
“This is a round I definitely wanted to win.”
In other races, Cody Mackie was crowned champion in the Yamaha 125cc Gold Cup class with two exceptional rides.
“I’m really happy,” he said.
“I did 26 hours on the bike, and the Husqvarna was dead standard which just goes to show what kind of bike they are.
“You can pull them off the shelf and go and be competitive at the races.”
The 2017 Motul MX Nationals will continue in Toowoomba on August 13.
