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Coaching postponed for tomorrow.
Fri 30 Jul 2010
Due to the wet conditions on the ground and continual rain in the area, tomorrows coaching day will be postponed to a later date, yet to be confirmed. Sorry for those already inconvenienced and I will let evryone know of the new date. Have a great weekend and get outside anyway!!!

Commission Feedback.
Fri 30 Jul 2010
As the Chairman for the Dirt Track commission I would like to say thankyou to those that have taken the time to respond to the commission minutes. The only way to go forward is to have responses, both positive and negative. The sport is going forward and these responses will certainly help, that is what the survey was for as well but we need to consider everyone. A few sliders on the grid wont kill the sport, years ago we had to rise in our own riding when we were combined, dont be defeated before you hit the grid. Thanks anyway and all correspondence will be considered.

Road Trip of the Year to Broadford.
Thu 29 Jul 2010
Last year Albury experienced more riders at the Victorian Dirt Track Championship due to the club hosting the Australian Senior Titles later in the year. This year its Broadfords turn to host the state titles on the 14th August and already we have a few wanting to join in the convoy to head south, back up again for the Dirt Bike Spectacular at Parramatta Raceway on Sunday, 15th August. This event will also receive an hour long telecast on Fox sports, awesome for Dirt Track so we need to support the concept. The plan is to leave the freeway at Beresfield on Friday 13th. It takes 8 hours to drive to Broadford where we can camp at the venue, hot and cold showers and enjoy a barbeque and some live entertainment, Im not sure who will provide the entertainment but Im confident we can encourage someone to sing or dance to fire music. Let me know if you are interested, it will be a good trip and a fantastic weekend, for everybody, The Harley Club of Victoria and Parramatta Raceway. Anyone wanting to double with me for the trip just let me know. I can tow my trailer with 2 bikes inside and Big Red in the van complete with my camp mattresses.

Advanced Coaching this coming weekend.
Mon 26 Jul 2010
We are putting on a special this weekend and will conduct a $40 coaching day on Saturday. No gimmicks the day will cost $40 and you will need to contact me for details by email or by phone on 0418 666 096. Applications are now open.

Advanced Coaching weekend.
Mon 26 Jul 2010
We assembled at the complex on Sunday for another day of riding and coaching. More seniors are beginning to come along and enjoy the complex and my coaching so the hard work is beginning to pay off. Chris and Alex Pickett came along for the day. Chris is the man behind the Cycle Torque magazine and his son Alex is a young Road Racing hopeful. Alex jumped on board my Honda 450 for a test ride while Chris snapped up some photographs for the magazine. Unfortunately something came adrift inside the 450 and Alex finished the day riding Steve Smallers 250 Honda, thanks Steve for the kind gesture. Alex enjoyed the 450 but also thought it possesed far too much grunt for that track. Everybody had a good day except young Kempsey rider Nick Lahey who had a big highside coming onto the main straight and landing heavily on his lower back. Nick took no further part in the day and made an uncomfortable journey home. I hope you get well soon Nick. I see some of the biggest hurdles with riders in regards to moving forward. Two of the biggest would be bike set up and basic skills. Some are scared of the front brake while some dont even use the front brake. In order to get everything out of our motorcycle we must first have the machine set up to fit our body type, that way you can get an even spread of weight distribution between the front and rear of the machine. Combine this with a great foundation of skill development and there you have it, no secret but good ingredients for going fast but also being safe. We had a small shower pass over as well but continued with clutch and throttle control techniques, eventually finshing off with a ride session. Overall the day was good, I got a little frustrated thinking about Big Red, Big Red is my baby but will be fixed and ready for next weekend. Thankyou to all for the support, Steve Spinks and Diggar for chopping up the timber and helping thoughout the day.

Road Tripping to Victoria.
Wed 21 Jul 2010
A few ideas have started to circulate in regards to organising a road trip for the weekend of 14th and 15th August. The Victorian Dirt Track Championship will be conducted at the Broadford State complex and from the photographs it looks like a fantastic facility. From there we will pack up and drive to Parramatta for the Motorcycle Accessories Wharehouse Sydney Dirt Bike Spectacular, conducted at Parramatta Raceway. This circuit would be the closest thing to experiencing an American style half mile with its banked corners and clay surface. In the states, especially during the night finals you can see the rear brakes glowing red hot as the 450s drag the rear upon entry to the fast flowing turns. We will be restricted to MX type wheels and tyres and glowing red brakes wont be possible but the racing will be great. I have never been to Broadford and to those wanting to go or interested in travelling down, give me a call or drop an email.

Mick Kirkness closes in on that first Pro Win.
Wed 21 Jul 2010
I have been watching Micks progress as he edges closer to his first Pro Win in the AMA Flat Track series. Mick writes; This past weekend we got the pleasure of racing less than 100 miles from the house at LA Raceways Sedalia Shootout. The 100 degree heat and extreme humidity didn’t stop a huge crowd coming out to watch the fast 3/8’s mile track. Yeager Cycles has a bike show, live band and food at there shop before the race so my day started early, having my bikes on display and signing posters until I had to head to the track. My twin felt great right out of the truck but my 450 needed a few changes. 450, 5th... I was in the first heat on the 450 and exited turn two fourth or fifth. I passed my way through to second, about five bike lengths behind leader Jethro Halbert and stayed there till the checked flag. Aaron King got the hole shot in the twins heat race with Carr second and me close behind in third. King spun in the middle of turn one and two on the second lap allowing Chris and I to make the pass, the following lap Chris got into one a little deep and got up off the groove a little and I got by him on the bottom and lead the eight remaining laps beating him to the line by half a bike length. The 450 main saw Mees get the start and was never headed. The Halbert brothers second and third and myself and Carr were batting for fourth, which let the leaders get away and Jeffery Carver to pass both of us. I was able to get clear of Chris and close the gap to Carver but ran out of laps and was unable to make the pass, finishing 5th. 750 3rd... The twins main was a long one with two red flags and an oil clean up. In the opening laps something went wrong with Jethros Harley and the lead pack was covered with oil. There was a crash back in the pack which brought out the reds and called for an oil clean up and gave us all time to run back to the pits for new shields and tear offs. We made a single file restart and Mees lead down the back straight Sammy Halbert second Carr third and I was close behind in fourth, Carr and halbert were in a battle and I was looking for a way around both of them. Chris ran off into three bound and determine to make a pass stick or knock Halbert into next week. Chris fell and Halbert tried out his Harley Davidson motocross skills again. (he is getting better at jumping that thing and didn’t even go down this time!) Chris’s bike was ruined and his night was done. Mees once again got away on the restart and Halbert and I were second and third. I was looking for an inside pass till I ran through the oil spill from the first red flag and about crashed letting Halbert get a few bike lengths on me. I was unable to close the gap back and finished third. It was a fun night and I’m looking forward to our next national out in Calistoga CA. Thanks to everyone involved in our program and thanks for reading. Micko #87

Sydney Dirt Bike Spectacular Hits Parramatta Racew
Wed 21 Jul 2010
Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse backs Sydney Dirt-Bike Spectacular For Immediate Release: 16/07/2010 As the hype surrounding the inaugural Sydney Dirt-Bike Spectacular, Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse has teamed up with Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway, jumping on-board as the major sponsor of the history-making event on August 15. Based in Castle Hill, MAW have been a long-standing, reliable member of the Sydney motorcycle industry for years, and now under new management as a family-run business, MAW is undergoing a facelift - bringing back trust-worthy, reliable service to all motorcyclists. As part of their commitment, MAW has taking things one step further and placed their support behind the sport - not just on paper, something they are extremely excited about. "MAW is wrapped to be a part of the Sydney Dirt-Bike Spectacular - it has been a long time coming. It is great to see Dirt Track racing return to Sydney, as the scene has definitely died off from several years ago. I remember going to Sydney Showground every Saturday night to watch the racing, so it's really exciting to have something local for all these riders," said Allan Fulton, Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse. "The Sydney Dirt-Bike Spectacular is a great initiative and we are thrilled to be a part of the inaugural event. With plans of many more dirt-bike events for TPCR in the next year, we look forward to playing a part in these activities and continuing to support motorcycling in NSW," added Fulton. MAW is located at 2/10 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill and have a large air conditioned showroom and full workshop facilities - complete with 3 fully qualified mechanics in the workshop fulltime, for repairs and servicing to Motorbikes ( road or off road) and Outdoor Power Equipment. MAW also boast a host of friendly, helpful staff - committed to providing quality products at reasonable prices and ensure that discounts are passed onto customers as they receive them. To contact MAW, log onto www.maw.com.au or give them a call on (02) 9634 2014. The Sydney Dirt Bike Spectacular will feature all major senior and junior classes of Dirt Track racing aboard both two and four-stroke bikes and quads and will mark the first of many proposed Sunday race events across the next 12-months at the world-class, speedway-style stadium. Fox Sports will be on-hand to cover all of the action, which will appear nationally on Fox Sports - with a dedicated one-hour highlight program in the following weeks. A full set of Motorcycling NSW Supplementary Regulations are now available online at www.motorcycling.com.au and www.parramattacityraceway.com.au For any other information or Competitor Enquiries, contact the Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway office on 02 9637 0411 or office@parramattacityraceway.com.au Sydney Dirt Bike Spectacular Event Info: Sunday, 15 August, 2010 7am - Pit Gates Open 7.30-9.30am – Scrutineering 9.30am – Riders’ Briefing 10am – Practice 11am – Racing Meeting will be completed by 5pm

Valvoline King of Nepean, July 17th and 18th.

Tue 20 Jul 2010
Nepean Motor Sports Club. The Valvoline King of Nepean returned after a seventeen year absence to the Nepean Raceway during last weekend July 17th and 18th. Again riders from across the state supported the event to make it one of the most successful open calendar events to date. The circuit has changed dramatically from its former oil based days and now would be one of the best surfaces when prepared. Unfortunately time began to get away due to some nasty accidents and the surface became slick, still it was the same for all competitors and the racing was first class in all finals. Tony Gerard, a former International Speedway competitor from the seventies has been instrumental with track alterations and maintenance and has done a fantastic job. The event was heavily supported by Valvoline and the Evolution Sports Group who are responsible for the Valvoline Superbike Team and the KTM Superbike Team. The Evolution Sports Group have recognised how important Dirt Track is for rider development and in particular riders choosing to pursue a career in Motorcycle Road racing. From this event Greg Epis and Brett Lloyd from ESG would be on hand to select six riders to move into an interview and evaluation process. The process will eliminate riders until there is one suitable, committed and dedicated rider to experience one of their Superbikes. I have been involved with Dirt Track for 36 years and I am pleased to have been able to witness this opportunity of a life time. The ESG presented not only this opportunity to six of the most fortunate Dirt Track riders but assisted the Nepean Motor Sports Club to present the best promoted Dirt Track event I have seen. Every competitor received a Valvoline products bag that include a sports cap, chain lube, dewatering fluid and 2 stroke or 4 stroke oil. A good crowd witnessed some extremely close racing throughout the program from the juniors to the fastest seniors in the country. A highlight for the riders was the Valvoline umbrella girls that remained at the grid during the entire weekend. Fresh from his Australian Junior Championship victory only two weeks ago, Sean McLellan made short work of learning the Nepean circuit as he carved his way to the front to claim the Prince of Nepean. The young CaslickClinics rider remained composed after falling heavily in the first attempt coming onto the main straight. With the circuit becoming challenging and the juniors remaining race hardened it took three attempts until Sean greeted the chequered flag but not withstanding some early pressure from young local Daniel Whitehouse who showed the way for half of the final. Pat McLaughlin chased hard in third position after also surviving the top corner crash. Young Pat was on fire all weekend gating like a rocket, once his gets hold of his confidence with his front brake he is destined for great results. In the senior King of Nepean, Jackson Jeffrey looked like he was ready to take on Australian Champion Paul Caslick. Both riders going at it like gladiators in an earlier heat race with Caslick conducting some on track coaching through the top left and Jackson charging through for the victory. Ian Hamilton, Grant Charnock, Aiden Feeney, Eric Smaller, Keegan Gaskin, Daniel and Josh Bennett were all flying around the tricky circuit and any rider was capable of pulling through for the win. As always it would come down to a good gate and Ian Hamilton got away well but Caslick charged from the outside to launch into a braking dual going into turn one. With Caslick going wide on the exit and charging into the right hander, only problem that it brought four riders together and Jackson Jeffrey clipped Caslicks rear Michelin and he unfortunately fell. With all the finals over 6.5 laps it would come down to a nice controlled application and the experience of Paul Caslick excelled in the conditions to record his first King of Nepean over Ian Hamilton charging in third and young Aiden Feeney following for a fine third. Caslick was also victorious in the Unlimited and the 450 4 stroke finals. Aiden Feeney claim

Coaching returns to the Complex.
Tue 20 Jul 2010
The doors will open on the coaching complex this weekend. I will apologise for the silence during the last couple of weeks and I will be honest, from the actions of a few at the Australian Junior Championship and the malicious damage inflicted on my van during the presentation, I was calling it a day and shutting the complex, selling the bikes and moving on. I work far too hard for the sport and with my own commitment to my health and fitness, at the same time sacrificing my time with my own family for the benefit of everybody else’s children. Sometimes it makes me wonder why. I will ask you as parents to watch over your kids and what they print on face book. Some teenagers thought it would be funny to watch me getting punched in the face by Barry Allen, one rider called me a Sluz, can anybody tell me what that is? This rider also regretted not running me over in the pit chute. I have printed all the comments and they can be used for any case in a pre meditated attack on another rider at any event. Face book for what it was initially intended is a great tool and I had the opportunity to catch up with some old school friends that I have not seen for many years. I have since shut mine down. I also became re acquainted with some old racing friends and shared some of my old photographs with the world. I received some really nice messages back from across the continent. Anyway, back to what I do best and that is help your children become great little competitors. This weekend the complex will open on Saturday for a permitted working bee and then a controlled, permitted coaching ride for the workers and their kids. Sunday will be another full Coaching day, beginning at 8.30am and finishing when we have had enough. Please let me know, again the first fifteen will be accepted. Image courtesy of Andrew Whithouse at Nepean photography.

Coaching to continue at the Complex.
Tue 13 Jul 2010
Advanced coaching will continue at The Complex on the 24th and the 25th July. Saturday will be a working bee/ride for the helpers day with Sunday advanced coaching. Goldsprings have pledged their support for the facility and will begin work on drainage and turn 1 and 2 of the Speedway track (we already have 3 and 4), hoping to have that completed within a month. Be early the first 15 riders again and books will close.

Damage done to my van at Kurri.
Tue 13 Jul 2010
As if the scene in the pits was not ugly enough, during the presentation my van was keyed from the drivers door to the back door, down to the metal. This would be one of the most cowardly acts I have witnessed and have had done to me personally at any event. This person showed not only how ugly they are on the outside but to be that ugly on the inside is something that is not easily removed or reversed. After all, it is only my van and when you walk past and smile from your work, there will be a message on there reminding you of how much of a coward you really are. Thanks to all the calls and emails of support but reflecting on the weekend, there are more people with bigger issues than myself.

The Victorian Dirt Track Championship.
Tue 13 Jul 2010
The Harley Club of Victoria will conduct the Victorian Dirt track Championship on August 14th at the Broadford state Motorcycle complex. Camping with Hot showers available and food catering on the day. I have never been to Broadford but will be making the trip this year, the facility and the circuit does look fantastic. If you want to view some photographs have a look at the MA web site, go to photo galleries and view the shots from the Honda Bike Bonanza. For more information call Peter on 0405228439. We will be convoying down and already many have expressed there decision to travel somewhere different so why not go south.

The Australian Junior Dirt track Championship.
Tue 13 Jul 2010
The Kurri Junior Club hosted the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship from 2nd-4th July. The track had been resurfaced and during the 3 days held up well. Expectations were high and as always those shooting too high would go home dissapointed yet again, unfortunately that is part of racing and with the right help you can either improve or learn to deal with it. The winners in each division rode exceptionally well and I enjoyed watching most races from the spectator mound in the pit area. Congratulations to the winners and in no particular order they were, Ben Cook 11-U13 85cc/150cc Big Wheel, Josh Pickering 13-U16 85cc/150cc Big Wheel, Caleb Porter 65cc 7-U9, Olly Simpson 65cc 9-U13, Sally Smith 85cc/150cc 11-U16 Girls, Zaine Kennedy 80cc 4 stroke 10-U14, Josh Pickering 13-U16 100cc/150cc 2 stroke, Broc Pearson 80cc 4 stroke 7-U10, Zaine Kennedy 85cc/150cc 11-U13 small wheel, Hunter Anderson 85cc/150cc 13-U16 small wheel, Aubrey Faull 85c/150cc 9-U11, Sean McLellan 200cc/250cc 4 stroke 13-U16. The finals are always intense at any Australian Championship and learning to cope with the pressure can make or break most riders. Josh Pickering finally got that monkey off his back this time around when he doubled in the 13-U16 150 2 stroke and the 85cc/150cc Big Wheel classes. Young Picko stayed calm thoughout the weekend and gated solidly in the finals to record his first double. Nobody rides the tight line like Picko, beautiful and smooth, leaving no room for passing. With Sean McLellan breathing down his neck looking for any opening or the tinniest mistake and becoming frustrated at the same time allowed the Pocket Rocket to record a superb win. Zaine Kennedy again recorded another double and he has a bright future in the sport, Hunter Anderson was flawless for a rider that hates motocross bikes as he took home his first Australian Title. Young Caleb Porter has been a regular at the coaching complex since opening the doors and he wasted no time in the 7-U9 65cc recording a perfect score for the entire weekend. One of the rides of the weekend belongs to Aubrey Faull. He missed pratice on Friday to compete in his school athletics carnival where he won everything but the shot putt. Going into the last final he had to win, my only advice was to just gate and win the race, if it is meant to happen the door will open and you will be the Australian Champion. He shot out of the gate and opened up a 10 meter lead exiting turn one. The pressure was on and young Noah Stewart was trapped in third, making every effort to get through to second and close the gap Aubrey had opened up on the rest of the field. Going through turn one on lap 2, Noah fell in turn one and with Faully crossing the line for the round win and the Australian Title. Congratulations to all the winners, the place getters and to all the competitors that make these events.

Harvesters System has crashed.
Tue 13 Jul 2010
Trevor Harvey, aka Fotohound informed me early this morning that the Apple Mac has crashed. He forwarrds on his apologies to the Mob and said he wont be able to produce his photgaph CDs or forward any emails for couple of days at the least. Good man Harvester and Pep.

Elite Rider Camps at the AIS closes Friday.
Tue 13 Jul 2010
The Elite rider camp at the AIS in Canberra will be conducted between September 20 and Thursday 23rd but the applications close this Friday. I have said before that having the opportunity to attend this place and learn what it takes at an Elite level is priceless. Speaking with Asher today, he has confirmed that I will be attending in a coaching role along with Michael Brummell who is completing his masters in physiology this year. Michael works with Stephen Gall and really knows his business so this camp will be a good one. I am really looking forward to this camp, it will be a little different from the other camps. One thing that never changes at the AIS is the food and this year you will needs loads of it for recovery. If you think you have what it takes, hurry up and get your application in to Asher@ma.org.au by Friday close of business.

Whats coming up.
Tue 13 Jul 2010
There hasnt been too many senior events on of late but this weekend will see the King of Nepean conducted at the Nepean Motorsports complex. This will be a great event as the Evolution Sports Group have come on board and have secured Valvoline as the naming rights sponsor for the event. The Evolution Sports Group are responsible for the KTM Superbike Team and the Valvoline Honda Road Race Teams. I have been speaking with Brett Lloyd for a couple of weeks in regards to riders that may be suitable for a guest ride on one of their superbikes. Sounds to good to be true but I can assure you that Brett and Greg Epis are looking for real talent and with my input I am sure one lucky rider will have the experience of a life time. The Nepean circuit has undergone a transformation since last years state titles and the rider list supports how good the meeting will be. The circuit is fast, real fast and I cant wait to get on the grid. Grant Sharnock was on hand for a photo shoot last weekend and looked great as he circulated for a few laps while I conducted a 5 hour coaching day for the clubs riders, enjoyed a couple of demo laps then called it a day and drove home. Photograph courtesy of Andrew Whitehouse, Nepean Photography.

Mitchell Clough at home as Vicky Jones recovers.
Fri 9 Jul 2010
Mitchell Clough was not a well little boy after injuries sustained in a first corner crash on Sunday. I spoke with Dad Tony and he is at home, battered and bruised but on the mend. I havent spoken with Dennis Jones since Sunday but Vicky was also under close watch from injuries she sustained during the weekend. Accidents and crashes are part of this game unfotunately but well wishes to both Mitchell and Vicky for a speedy recovery.

The Australian Junior Dirt track Championship.
Thu 8 Jul 2010
There were many winners at the recent Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship and looking back I suppose the behaviour was really no different from any other title event. I was on hand to help and encourage riders that I have been working with for a couple of years now, even just to encourage other riders whose parents are my friends but I dont necessarily coach their kids. These riders include Hayden Stuart, Brad and Paul Keogh, Brendan Sharpe, Hayden Sudaric, Hayden, Connor and Tyler Spinks, Caleb Porter, Will Joice, Thomas and Pat Duggan, Brayden Elliott, Sam Noonan, Corey Briffa, Michael Blair, Robbie Menzies Sargent, The Feeney boys, Isaac Hawes, Lawson Walters and Josh Fletcher, Ben and Leigh Saggus, Pat Maglauglin, Ben and Zac Cook, Aubrey Faull, Max Whale just to name a few. Those riders and their parents have been utilising me as a coach, some of them for 4 years and some have just come back to me. They also know that I will stand up for them, for the sport and for any situation that arises, such as the situation at Kurri, where again the code of conduct was constantly breached. Sean McLellan had me in his corner on Saturday as his Dad was away himself working. Why break our routine, he had me again on Sunday. I watched most races when I could and the level of talent was good. There is no doubt that Sean McLellan stamped his name down as the fastest junior in this country, not only my opinion as everybody seen it. He already has a big enough target on his back, but for the 3.5 years he has been racing, just imagine what he would be doing to the competition and to those that believe they have far more skill if he had started when he was 4 years old as well. Maybe some personal expectations were far too big for the event, either way I will return with a wrap up from the event when I can put together words to reflect the racing.

The Australian Junior Dirt track Championship.
Thu 1 Jul 2010
I havent give this weekend a great deal of thought, actually I have give it no thought at all until now after calling in to have a look. Three days of intense Junior Dirt Track racing as the Nations best juniors all come together in various ages, shapes and sizes to contest the Australian Junior Dirt Track Championship. Since the AGM last year I have been nowhere near the place but I am excited for the riders that have called upon my trust and services with their own preparation in the lead up to the weekend. There are so many riders capable of surprises this weekend and it wont come down to expectations or who has cut more laps than anyone else around the circuit. Preparation for the biggest event covers so much area and fine detail. Involving the whole family in your goals, turning up relaxed and ready to go, knowing that you have covered everything before the event will have you turning up relaxed. Those that believe they have worked hard and those that know they have worked hard and can stay relaxed away from any bullshit will stay in the best shape prior to the finals. You dont have to explain victory and you cant explain defeat, Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, now is the time to think and focus, be prepared to stand up and be counted for your preparation and if you think you can, go and kick the arses of the competition and do it with a smile. All the best to the competitors during the next three days.

Greg and Glenn Scott visit The Complex.
Mon 28 Jun 2010
Former Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion and Australian 125 GP Road Race Champion Glenn Scott with brother Greg, made the short trip to the complex today. I contacted Greg some weeks ago and offered the track for a place to utilise for Glenns preparation with his current Road Race program. Glenn currently rides for BMW in the Super Stock series on a 185HP 1000cc Super Bike and is going really well. Considering he has had to adapt from a 125cc GP bike at 50HP. At the days end both Greg and Glenn love the place as the circuit is like nothing else in the country with the challenging nature of the twisting turns, especially on a 450 at race pace. It is awesome to have Glenn now utilising the complex and fantastic for the partcipants to watch this craftsman slice his way through every turn. Welcome mate and look forward to having you up again, anytime.

Exceeding all expectations.
Sun 27 Jun 2010
Opening up the coaching complex was extremely exciting for a few of us. Particularly Diggar, Mick Walters and I. Diggar was the first person I asked to help as I knew he would and we are great mates, at first he told me we would be wasting our time but eventually he came around. Mick Walters was the second as I knew he has always supported my ideas and also trusts me with his son Lawson. Chatting to Mick today, he asked me if there has been one day in the last 25 years where I havent woke up thinking of motorbikes. I can honestly say there was a period from 1996-2004 where I thought of everything else other than motorbikes. I did everything else,I ran and trained everyday, moved to Camden, entered in all the big run events around Sydney. I looked for other challenges, challenged myself to my own personal levels to find a new, deeper breaking point and along the way I really tortured myself. In those challenges I found that you cant break your own spirit, no matter how hard you try. I looked back on my own career at that time and took my frustration out on myself as I failed. Now I look at the complex and can reflect on those type of feelings in a whole new way. I can look at the complex and get a warm fuzzy feeling from the participants and the parents that have experienced the results of our work and my dream. This weekend was just another to file away in the archives as I watched the riders totally blow me away with the end result of a great system. I have every right to acknowledge this place as this has been a dream that I knew would deliver the best results for those that will have the opportunity to experience in their own careers. Greg Scott commented today if only we had this ten years ago. I loved watching and helping the riders with their preparation for next weekend, I loved watching them load up and get changed with big smiles, stuffed from a huge days riding and coaching of correction and trying, practising and never giving up. If their own personal goals are reached next weekend, fantasic and if they arent reached it wont be the end of the road. In my books they have already achieved great things. The courage to join the race for starters and wisdom to know the difference between making good decisions and not listening to some who wished they had that kind of knowledge to pass on. Congratulations to all the participants that have enjoyed CaslickClincs at West Maitland. Think and Focus.

Building an Engine.
Mon 21 Jun 2010
This is my engine room. It is a dust free environment, free from dirt and noise, nice and clean. It is littered with motivational posters and pictures from many of the worlds leading sportsman and former world champions. This engine room is for building the most important part of any motorcycle, however it costs nothing, just committment and dedication. With consistency and effort we can build engines capable of far more than the thousands of dollars some are willing to spend chasing that special moment or personal victory. It is my favourite room in the house and every time I step into it I know that I will step out in better condition than when I stepped in without spending a cent. Only problem is we need some senior meetings so we can try out the engine bits.

Awesome Advanced Coaching Sunday.
Sun 20 Jun 2010
What a day! I suppose you can judge a days success with the improvement in the riders and the smile on their faces as they load up from a huge day, stop to say thankyou and shake your hand in appreciation. The participants know you made a difference, they are the judges here and if they get nothing, you also get nothing in return. With the Australian Titles just around the corner, most of the participants today began their own preparation. It was good catching up with Taree President, Anthony Faull and his 3 boys, Bayley, Aubrey and Zane. The new NSW Junior 250 Champ, Brodie Magenniss also joined in and loved his experience for the first time. Birthday Boy Brendan Sharp arrived with his shiny new 250 and he looked fantastic on the bigger machines. We celebrated the day for him with a sausage sizzle and some cake at lunch time. Many first timers enjoyed the day and the improvement in every rider was extremely positive. I will be opening the gates next weekend for advanced on both Saturday and Sunday. Monday will be off and then we will be operating Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the lead up to the titles. Participants are beginning to register early so if you are interested give me call on 0418 666 096.

Advanced Coaching next weekend.
Wed 16 Jun 2010
How good is it to have a venue to practice, test, ride and receive quality coaching just 3 weeks outside the Australian Titles. With Kurri now on lockdown for the 21 day prior to the titles, Advanced coaching will be on again this weekend with a new level of exercises and plenty of riding time on the new circuit. Be early as it will fill fast and make sure to call as the first 15 riders will only be accepted.

NSW Junior Dirt Track Championship.
Wed 16 Jun 2010
More news filtering through from Kempsey and it certainly sounded like an entertaining weekend. Speaking with Brad Sharp in wrapping up the weekend and although dissapointing for Brendan, he said how good it was to see young Foster resident Brody Maguiness win the 250 4 stroke and the 150/85 13-U16 Divisions. I dont know Brody, actually have never seen him ride as his family only compete locally at Taree and Kempsey. Sharpy offered some words of advice, Brody took it on board and is now the Champion, congratulations Brody. Other winners from the weekend include Aubrey Faull, Kane Burns and Boyd Hollis that I am aware of. But from all reports the rider of the weekend was young Cowra gun, Jack Dawes who has never seen the track or ridden oil before. There is no doubt Jack is destined for great things and with his Dads knowledge and support I believe he will accumulate plenty along the way. Well done to all the winners.

Smile, because I can.
Mon 14 Jun 2010
You know the smile, the one that spreads across your face from ear to ear. The smile that is the result of completing something meaningful. If you are having trouble imagining that smile, you could think of mine at the end of a race or at the end of a successful coaching weekend. It comes with a lot of different emotions, happiness, pride, shock and amazement. I witnessed how it is also contagious as others around me, some I dont even know, reflect that smile because they see the investment that went into making it all possible. That smile on my face comes from so many things. Mainly it comes from making sacrfices along the way such as giving up precious hours of sleep to get up early and train when I would much prefer to spend some quality time with my family. The sacrifices I have made along the way only make completing the process or crossing the finish line that much sweeter. Those types of sacrifices make the smile genuine.So next time you see me smile it is only because my results reflect the sacrifices I make to achieve the results, on the track and with the riders I help. Probably also means I am pretty bloody happy with how everything has turned out with the riders I have been helping and the response from the complex!

Advanced coaching weekend, what a cracker!
Mon 14 Jun 2010
This weekend would have been one of the best coaching weekends I have experienced and I have been doing this for a long, long time. To see the changes in all partcipants made me realise how important not only quality coaching is but also the venue, the content and how it is delivered contributes to an extremely successful package. We had participants travel from Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney and around the Hunter Valley. The fence line at times was full of spectators, even people that have heard what is going on called in to have a look. The group of particpants were fantastic and extremely co operative. The circuit and the new surface is brilliant requiring water only once and a quick drag before lunch. Although allot of time was spent on developing bike control before we hit the track, the riders now fully aware of how important this development and how it is practised contributes to the overall package. The West Maitland complex is back in action and will be the number one facility for coaching and rider development in the country. This is the result of many hours of sacrifice and gut busting work from some volunteers that have put so much of their own time on hold to get this off the ground and number 1 here has been Diggar McLellan and his family. The complex transformation has been assisted also by Mick Walters from Lake Macquarie Welding Services and Mark Goldspring from Goldsprings Transport with the kind donation of his Backhoe whenever needed. To everyone that has helped, a huge thankyou, The dream is alive and in good hands!

NSW Junior Dirt Track Championship.
Mon 14 Jun 2010
The Lahey Constructions, NSW Junior Dirt Track Championship was conducted at the Greenhills circuit during the weekend. Although I dont know the full results, I do know that Hayden Stuart is now the new, 150 2 stroke NSW Junior Dirt Track Champion for 2010 and also backed up for a fine 4th on the 250 4-stroke. Spud and I are mates, I coach and help Spud, talk to him on a regular basis and make sure he is where he needs to be with his preparation, most of this lately is done by phone. He has been racing for 3 years and only picked up the 150 6 months ago, so his results are a reflection of how hard he has worked and how much he wanted this win. A combination of committment, dedication, focus and receiving the right information and putting that into pratice over the last three years has paid off and will continue to build momentum now Spud has collected his first Title. Congratulations my friend, well done Champ and now enjoy the occasion, you deserved the win mate.

Resurfacing completed.

Wed 9 Jun 2010
Today Hanson Quarries delivered the final loads of surface to the West Maitland Complex. We can now ride on the circuit in any condition, rain or sunshine, only common sense here will be a priority over stupidity. My Dad worked all day dragging the surface while Taddy (Digs Dad) worked on the old water truck for most of the day. The wind really howled through the venue and at times was really cold, but the positive being everything is drying out nicely. With only a little more dirt to spread we are ready to present the circuit in top condition for the riders on Saturday, it really does look good.

Quote for the Day.
Wed 9 Jun 2010
The Pain of Disciplne or the Pain of Regret....Take Your Choice.