Australian Motocross History website

A FIFTH NATIONAL CROWN FOR MOTOCROSS GREAT GEORGE BAILEY IN QUEENSLAND

On this weekend, 69 years ago, George Bailey won both the Australian Unlimited and 250cc Motocross Championships, winning his fifth National title in Amberley, Queensland.

After winning three Australian titles the previous year at Moorebank (NSW), Bailey only competed in two titled events this year at Heit Park on 14 July 1957 – the 250 and All Powers (Unlimited) classes, with the 500cc class not held.

Bailey successfully retained his 250cc crown on the “Bailey Special”, which he built himself using a 1948 350cc A.J.S. engine, then converted to a 250cc and housed it in a Matchless frame.

In the blue ribbon Unlimited race, he won on a 500cc Triumph, which he purchased for 13 pounds (about $26), ahead of Peter Nicol and Clarrie Stewart, who capped off a great weekend.

At this same event, Stewart became the first Queenslander to win a National motocross championship, clinching the 350cc title in his home state. Stewart won the title on a Matchless ahead of another local Kevin Cox (Velocette) and reigning champion Nicol (B.S.A.) from Western Australia.

A record 110 entries were received and over 2,500 spectators turned up to Heit Park for Queensland’s first ever National Championship, which was hosted by the Ipswich Motor Cycle Club.

According to the Australian Motorcycle News, the Unlimited sidecar event was the highlight of the day, with a script which read like a “B” movie. It featured a great dual between local hotshot Ron Johnson, riding a big V-twin 1000cc Vincent, and 500cc winner Clive Smith (Vic, 650cc Triumph).

After some initial jostling and clashing with Smith, Johnson extended his lead until the final lap when his passenger collapsed in a state of exhaustion. Johnson continued to ride with one hand while holding his passenger with the other, until the unfortunate “swinger” finally fell to the track, handing over the lead to Smith.

But Johnson spun his outfit round, picked up his fallen comrade, and took off after Smith who was now slowing with gearbox and clutch troubles. The pair entered the final straight locked together and Johnson passed Smith right on the finish line to win.

Cont…

See full story and series results: https://amxhistory.com.au/australian-motocross-championships-amberley

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history. www.amxhistory.com.au

Rider album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1496769317111139&type=3

Photo: [Clockwise] 1957 George Bailey - Australian Unlimited Motocross Champion on a Matchless Triumph at Heit Park, Queensland; Bailey camping on the way to the event; and winning the 250cc National title on his Bailey Special (By courtesy Robin Bailey)

DEAN BURT: THE TEENAGE SENSATION WHO TOOK ON THE WORLD'S BEST IN SUPERCROSS AND WON

AMX History today celebrates Australian Victorian motocross rider Dean Burt, originally from Bacchus Marsh in Victoria.

Few Australian riders generated as much excitement during the late 1980s as Dean Burt. Widely regarded by his peers as one of the most naturally gifted riders of his generation, as a teenager Burt possessed breathtaking speed and race craft.

While he enjoyed success in both motocross and supercross, he is perhaps best remembered for his outstanding achievements under the lights during Australia's supercross boom.

At just 16 years of age, Burt stunned an international field of professional riders when he won both the Brisbane round of the 1987 Supercross Masters Series and the prestigious Marlboro 125cc Gold Cup – all on the one night!

Having claimed the Australian Junior Motocross Championship (125cc 15–16 Years Class) in 1985, Burt quickly made the transition to the senior ranks.

In only his second season as a senior rider, he campaigned a Kawasaki KX250 and captured the 20-lap Supercross Masters Grand Final against Australia's leading riders, as well as top competitors from the United States and New Zealand – with the US contingent consisting of World Supercross Champion JoJo Keller and Gordan Ward.

The grueling final at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre showcased Burt's remarkable composure under pressure.

Australian motocross legend Glen Bell, riding for Marlboro Yamaha, threw everything at the young Victorian in an attempt to seize the lead before crashing out. Later in the race, local favorite David Armstrong mounted a determined challenge aboard his Kawasaki, but Burt held firm to secure one of the biggest victories of his career ahead of Armstrong and American Ward.

The Brisbane triumph was just one highlight in a remarkable 1987 season. Riding for the Melbourne-based Cosway Kawasaki Team, Burt established himself as one of Australia's rising stars, collecting victories in several major supercross events, including the Heathcote Supercross.

After supercross victories on both 125cc and 250cc machines, at the Australian Motocross Championships at Smithton in Tasmania on 24-25 October 1987, he finished runner-up in the premiere 500cc class behind legend Craig Dack. At that event, Burt rode in all three classes, finishing 4th and 6th in the 125 and 250cc classes, respectively.

In 1988, Burt joined Dack in the powerful Brian Collings Yamaha Team, riding both 125cc and 250cc Yamaha machines. On a 250, he recorded fourth and fifth overall place finishes in rounds of the Mister Motocross series, while a season-long battle with Yamaha teammate Phil Sargent saw Burt finish runner-up in the 125cc Gold Cup, which was also part of the Mr. MX series.

Cont….

See Dean’s full story and achievements – https://amxhistory.com.au/motocross-champion-dean-burt

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history. www.amxhistory.com.au

Photos: [Clockwise] Dean Burt celebrates his two big victories in the 125 and 250cc classes at the 1987 Supercross Masters at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Burt in action chasing WA rider Dean Nikkison in the 1988 Manjimup 15000; in 1988 Burt joined Craig Dack in the Brian Collins Racing Team; Burt at Cosy Creek, Manjimup in 1988; and aboard the Cosway Kawasaki in 1987. (Manjimup photos by Peter Kitchingman)

ROGER HARVEY’S 1980 MANJIMUP15000 WINNING MAICO TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE AT CAMELOT

The 1980 Maico 440 MC motocross bike that carried British champion Roger Harvey to victory in the inaugural Manjimup 15000 at Cosy Creek on 1 June 1980 will be among a collection of historic machines on display at the Camelot Arts Club on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

The bikes will form part of the Perth premiere of Magic Manjimup 15000 MX – 40 Years of History in One Hour, a documentary celebrating one of Australia's most iconic motocross events. The evening will also feature host Con Migro interviewing former motocross stars and key figures associated with the rich history of the Manjimup 15000.

Like the riders who raced them, every motorcycle has a story to tell, and the story of Harvey's winning Maico is one of the most fascinating.

The bike was originally purchased in March 1980 by Western Australian rider Wayne Udell from WA Maico importer and dealer George Cowie of Cowie Motorcycles. Finding the powerful 440cc machine difficult to tame, Udell was happy to make it available to the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club after the club secured Harvey to compete in the inaugural Manjimup 15000 and needed a suitable motorcycle for the British star.

Harvey went on to reward the club's faith, winning the historic event before a crowd of more than 5,000 spectators and etching both his name and the Maico's into Manjimup folklore.

With excitement still lingering around the venue after the final chequered flag had fallen, STIHL chainsaw importer Ken Duperouzel purchased the bike trackside, subject to Manjimup champion Bevan Blakers agreeing to race it in the remaining rounds of the Western Australian State Motocross Championship.

Blakers accepted the challenge and campaigned the Maico in the Unlimited class, finishing fifth overall in the championship before the bike was returned to Duperouzel, who’s son Ian enjoyed riding it recreationally for several years.

The motorcycle returned to the spotlight in 1992 when Western Australian motocross legend Kevin Russell rode it in an exhibition race during the Motocross of Nations at Cosy Creek, Manjimup, in front of an estimated crowd of 20,000 spectators.

Following that appearance, the Maico was carefully stored in largely original condition before eventually being acquired by Bevan Blakers in 1997, ensuring the preservation of one of the most significant motorcycles in Manjimup 15000 history.

In the lead-up to the Camelot Arts Club premiere, AMX History will reveal details of additional motorcycles set to be displayed, along with the motocross legends who will join Con Migro for live interviews celebrating four decades of Manjimup 15000 memories.

🎬 The Perth premiere of Magic Manjimup 15000 MX – 40 Years of History in One Hour documentary has been rescheduled to Saturday, 8 August 2026 at the Camelot Arts Club in Mosman Park.

Tickets go on sale at 4:00pm on Wednesday, 8 July though the Camelot Arts Club website.

View 2M video trailer – https://vimeo.com/1181737481/cbaca443e1?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

See Manjimup 15000 Chapter 1 - https://amxhistory.com.au/history-of-the-manjimup-15000-unleashing-the-event-in-the-1980s-chapter-1

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history. www.amxhistory.com.au

Photos: [Clockwise] The 1980 MC440 model; British champion Roger Harvey on the start line at the inaugural Manjimup 15000, which he won; Harvey (right) with local Manjimup hero Neville Cutts; Harvey won the opening moto on the Maico: new bike owner Bevan Blakers with Neville and Ray Cutts at Cosy Creek with Blaker’s earlier model Maico in the 1970s (Courtesy Peter Kitchingman and Bevan Blakers)

BRITISH CHAMPION HARVEY WINS INAUGURAL MANJIMUP 15000 AND RECORD PRIZE PURSE

Extract from Magic Manjimup 15000 documentary: 40 years history in one hour

On Sunday, 1 June 1980 at Cosy Creek, the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club rewrote Australian motocross history with the inaugural Manjimup 15000 International motocross event. With a staggering $15,000 prize purse on offer — the richest ever in Australia — the Manjimup 15000 was born. And the world took notice.

From England came Roger Harvey. From the United States — Russ Darnell, Dave Haugh and Joe Seubert.

They lined up against Western Australia’s best riders including local hero and reigning Australian Unlimited motocross Champion Neville Cutts, two-time and reigning Australian 125 Champion Shane Kirkpatrick and dual Australian champion Graeme Smythe. World Junior Champion Jeff Leisk had just moved up into senior ranks and was racing in the Restricted Licence Holders class.

Unfortunately, due to a clash with the opening round of the National Mister Motocross series in Victoria, the top eastern states riders were unavailable.

The inaugural 1980 Manjimup 15000 followed the World Motocross Championship blueprint – long, punishing 30-minute motos that tested endurance as much as speed.

Riding a burrowed Maico 440, international rider Roger Harvey created history that day in front of more than 5,000 spectators — pocketing $5,000 and etching his name into history. Kirkpatrick was second, Smythe third and Robert Woodward fourth.

Manjimup’s own Neville Cutts in fifth was the only rider to challenge Harvey. Cutts won the second moto and was comfortably in the lead over Harvey in moto 1 until he got a puncture and slowly dropped back in the field until his rear wheel collapsed and forced him to retire.

The formula was undeniable. Manjimup had created something special.

Since 1980, the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club has awarded more than $600,000 in prize money — starting with $15,000 at the inaugural Manjimup 15000 and rising to a record $33,000 in 1988.

🎬 The Perth premiere of Magic Manjimup 15000 MX – 40 Years of History in One Hour documentary has been rescheduled to Saturday, 8 August 2026 at the Camelot Arts Club in Mosman Park.

Tickets go on sale at 4:00pm on Wednesday, 8 July though the Camelot Arts Club website.

View 2M video trailer – https://vimeo.com/1181737481/cbaca443e1?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

See Manjimup 15000 Chapter 1 - https://amxhistory.com.au/history-of-the-manjimup-15000-unleashing-the-event-in-the-1980s-chapter-1

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history. www.amxhistory.com.au

Photos: [Clockwise] 1980 Manjimup 15000 winner Roger Harvey, (UK, Maico); local hero Neville Cutts was the fastest rider on his Suzuki winning moto 2, after pulling out of moto 1 with a puncture after leading early; Third place getter Graeme Smythe (Yamaha) winning the holeshot in moto 2; Bunbury rider Shane Kirkpatrick finished second overall on a Husqvarna; and the late Robert Woodward (Suzuki) dicing with US professional rider Joe Suebert (By Peter Kitchingman)

COUNTING DOWN TO MANJIMUP 15000 HISTORY FILM LAUNCH IN PERTH ON SATURDAY, 8 AUGUST

AMX History is pleased to announce that the Perth premiere of Magic Manjimup 15000 MX – 40 Years of History in One Hour documentary has been rescheduled to Saturday, 8 August 2026 at the Camelot Arts Club in Mosman Park.

Tickets will go on sale at 4:00pm on Wednesday, 8 July though the Camelot Arts Club website - https://www.camelotartsclub.com/whats-on

The new date provides additional time to further enhance the event and ensure a memorable evening for documentary supporters, motocross enthusiasts and the wider community.

It will also enable more people to attend this special celebration of the remarkable achievements of the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club, which since 1980 has successfully hosted Australia's biggest and richest motocross event – the legendary Manjimup 15000 International.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you to the Camelot Arts Club on 8 August in Mosman Park.

The event follows the format of last year’s successful Harley Scramble celebration at the same venue.

The evening will kick off with drinks, gourmet pizza’s, a display of vintage motocross bikes, with the host Con Migro interviewing past Manjimup 15000 legends prior to the documentary screening.

The documentary takes viewers on a journey through four distinct eras of Australia’s most iconic outdoor motocross event — from its groundbreaking beginnings in the 1980s through to its revival and modern resurgence under Dirt High Promotions from 2009 onwards.

Packed with rare archival footage and hundreds of historic photographs — many courtesy of renowned Australian motocross photographer Peter Kitchingman — the film captures the atmosphere, personalities and defining moments that helped make the Cosy Creek MX Circuit famous across Australia and around the world.

Watch the official trailer here:
https://vimeo.com/1181737481/cbaca443e1?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history - www.amxhistory.com.au

Photos: Manjimup 15000 legends - Three-time winners Craig Dack (NSW), Todd Waters (QLD) and Kirk Gibbs (SA) – By Peter Kitchingman

MAGIC MANJIMUP 15000 HEADS TO PERTH: HISTORIC MX FILM PREMIERES AT Camelot Arts Club

On Saturday, 11 July 2026, the Camelot Arts Centre in Mosman Park will host the Perth premiere of a brand-new documentary produced by Australian Motocross History, celebrating the remarkable story of the Manjimup 15000 and the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club.

Originally scheduled to premiere during the 2026 Manjimup 15000 event, the documentary instead debuted at the Power Up Electricity Museum in Manjimup on 31 May following the unfortunate cancellation of Australia's premier annual outdoor motocross event.

Earlier this year, Dirt High Promotions made the difficult decision to cancel the race amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding rider and team travel logistics linked to fuel supply issues.

The documentary has received outstanding feedback following two successful screenings in Manjimup. On 21 May, the Shire of Manjimup hosted a special screening and celebration recognising the achievements and enduring legacy of the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club.

Spanning four decades of motocross history, the documentary takes viewers on a journey through four distinct eras of Australia's most successful outdoor motocross event — from its groundbreaking beginnings in the early 1980s through to its revival and modern-day success under Dirt High Promotions from 2009 onwards.

Featuring rare archival film footage and hundreds of historic photographs — many supplied by renowned Australian motocross photographer Peter Kitchingman — the documentary captures the atmosphere, personalities and moments that helped make the Cosy Creek Motocross Circuit famous throughout Australia and internationally.

At the heart of the story are two of the event's most influential figures: Trevor Holm and Willie Thomson. Holm was the visionary behind the inaugural Manjimup 15000 in 1980, named after its then record-breaking $15,000 prize purse, and played a pivotal role in establishing the event's reputation on the national and international stage. Thomson later ushered in a new era, helping revive and elevate the event from 2009 onwards for a new generation of riders and fans.

The film is a must-see for motocross enthusiasts, sporting historians and anyone with an interest in Western Australia's rich sporting heritage.

The Perth premiere will follow a format similar to last year's highly successful Harley Scramble celebration at the Camelot. Guests will have the opportunity to view a display of historic motorcycles before veteran broadcaster Con Migro and motocross historian John Steyntjes interview legends of the sport. The evening will culminate with the screening of the documentary, offering a unique opportunity to relive one of Australian motocross's greatest success stories.

Watch the official trailer here:
https://vimeo.com/1181737481/cbaca443e1?share=copy&fl=sv...

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history - www.amxhistory.com.au

Photos: Highlights from the Shire of Manjimup documentary screening on 21 May 2026 acknowledging the efforts of the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club members – life members, past presidents and vice presidents [L-R] Ryan Bachos, Shane Blakers, Greg Banfield, Bevan Blakers, Wayne Connelly, Sue Edwards, David Blakers, Alan Duns, and Greg Smeathers. (By Shire of Manjimup)

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST MOTOCROSS GRAND PRIX HERO: LEISK’S HISTORIC HOLLISTER TRIUMPH

On this weekend, 38 years ago, Jeff Leisk won the second moto of the World 500cc Motocross Championships at Hollister in the United States to secure a podium finish in his first Grand Prix.

Leisk, from Perth in Western Australia, created history on Sunday, 26 June 1988, becoming the first Aussie to podium in a motocross Grand Prix, as well as the first to win a moto.

While competing in the US, Leisk was given the opportunity to compete against the world’s elite riders in a round of the World Motocross Championships - the premier 500cc class aboard a factory Honda.

Leisk grabbed the opportunity with both hands, placing 6-1 in Round 7 of the US Grand Prix to finish third overall behind reigning world champion Eric Geboers (Belgium, Honda) and Dave Thorpe (UK, Honda).

Leisk’s performance enabled him to secure a lucrative contract with the Honda Factory Team for the 1989 500cc World Championship season, in which he placed second in his first attempt.

Geboers’ overall victory at Hollister was the first time in five years that the Americans were beaten on home soil. The Belgium was the most consistent rider on the day with a 3-2 finish. Great Britain’s Dave Thorpe won the first moto and placed 1-5 to finish second overall, just ahead of Leisk in third (6-1).

The highest placed Americans on the day were US legends and Yamaha riders Broc Glover and Jeff Stanton. Glover won the holeshot in Moto 2 and, after dropping his bike about 20 minutes into the race, Leisk was able to bridge the gap and overtake him to win, with Geboers also passing Glover at the finish. That year Geboers went onto secure-back-to-back world
championships.

Cont…

Jeff Leisk will be one of the panelists interviewed by Con Migro at the Magic Manjimup 15000 MX celebration and documentary screening at the Camelot Arts Centre on Saturday, 11 July 2026.

See full story, results and race video highlights – https://amxhistory.com.au/leisk-podiums-at-hollister-in-his-first-motocross-grand-prix

Rider Album - Rider album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.1172071502914257&type=3

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history. www.amxhistory.com.au

Photo: WA rider Jeff Leisk (Honda) finished on the podium at the Hollister 500cc Grand Prix in the United States on 26 June 1988, winning Moto 2.

BENSLEY WINS THE HARLEY SCRAMBLE FROM START TO FINISH IN WET CONDITIONS

On this day, 70 years ago, Athol Bensley won the Harley Scramble in adverse weather conditions at the Rope Works circuit in Mosman Park, winning both legs from start to finish and claiming overall victory on his BSA Gold Star machine.

Bensley, originally from New South Wales, also lived in South Australia before moving to WA in 1951, riding across the Nullabor Plain on a sidecar. He settled in Geraldton, later moving to Perth in 1955 – when the Australian titles were combined with the Harley Scramble at the same venue.

On 24 June 1956, he convincingly won the Harley Scramble by 8 and a half minutes ahead of Don Russell (Royal Enfield) and Les Clinton (Matchless) in front of around 15,000 spectators.

Australian champions and former Harley Scramble winners Peter Nicol and Charlie West both withdrew in the second leg with machine problems in wet conditions. West got a flat tyre on his BSA with just three laps remaining.

See Harley Scramble history - https://amxhistory.com.au/history-of-the-harley-scramble-how-the-event-began-chapter-1

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history - www.amxhistory.com.au

Photos: 1956 Harley Scramble winner Athol Bensley with his winning BSA machine.

BAILEY GRABS QUEENSLAND NO.1 MOTOCROSS AT CONONDALE

On this weekend, 46 years ago, Andrew Bailey, won the Queensland over 300cc championship to secure the Queensland No.1 motocross plate for the following year.

Bailey, the son of legendary Australian motocross rider George and Glad Bailey, was one of Australia's first full-time professional motocross riders in the early 1980s and won the Queensland title on a Yamaha over Warren Suley (Suzuki) and Gary Armstrong (Yamaha).

He capitalised on reigning Queensland champion, the late Stewart McLauchlan’s bad luck. He led the first two heats, but finished with two DNF’s after he blew two head gaskets on his Phil Thew Suzuki.

Bailey’s racing career spanned about a decade, starting with juniors and progressing to professional competition, including a stint in the United States.

Andrew won multiple State Victorian, New South Wales and Queensland motocross championships, as well as short-circuit titles. Three-times he was the runner-up Australian Motocross Champion – in 1976 (125cc) and 1980 (500cc and Unlimited).

In 1980 he came very close to winning the Australian 500cc Championship in Dargle, New South Wales and was leading a moto before mechanical issues relegated him to second place.

Originally from Frankston in Victoria, Andrew was born on 10 January 1959. Like his father in the 1950s, Andrew became one of Australia’s top motocross riders in the 1970s-‘80s and he was one of the first few full-time professionals.

After the family moved from Victoria to Queensland, Andrew rode for Honda Australia (Queensland) between 1975 and 1976. He was the 1976 runner-up Australian 125cc Motocross Champion at Tivoli, Ipswich in Queensland.

Cont…

Launch video – Andrew Bailey – Son of a gun - https://vimeo.com/661689161

View Andrew’s motocross story - https://amxhistory.com.au/motocross-champion-andrew-bailey

AMX HISTORY in assoc. with HOLDEN ON TIGHT, preserving Australian motocross history - www.amxhistory.com.au

Rider album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/...

Photo: 1980 Queensland Over 300cc title podium at Conondale - Warren Suley (2nd), George Bailey, Andrew Bailey (winner) and Gary Armstrong (3rd)- Courtesy Robin Bailey.