2008 promises to see the most significant advancement in the Victorian Off Road racing scene in years with the introduction of transponder timing system for all riders.
After years of planning, research and funds building, and a last minute donation by a keen supporter, transponders will be introduced at rounds 1 and 2 at the Erica Enduro/ Sprint. Apart from the benefits of accuracy and simplicity the information available to riders, before, during, and after each event, the system will significantly assist both riders and officials.
In another leap forward in technology all riders will now enter for each event online, after registering their rider details in a one off series application and simply pay their entry for each event.
As Off Road events have become more difficult over recent years to obtain suitable land, permits and club volunteers to run the events these two advancements will allow clubs to place more emphasis on the physical running of events.
The racing calendar for 2008 promises a variety of events with the 3 disciplines of Enduro, Cross Country and Sprint receiving equal standings of events spread right across Victoria. New comers to this prestigious series for 2008, North West Victoria MCC will be conducting an event based at their motorsports complex near Mildura.
The NWVMCC has successfully run the Hattah Desert Race for many years, this event has attracted riders from all over Australia and we welcome them to our championship.
On the riders scene, things are also hotting up with young Blake Hore on his Christensen's Motorcycles Yamaha 450, out to defend his first ever Victorian No 1 plate. However the challenges will come from a hungry Jehi Willis who lost the title to Hore in 2007, and is now back to race for the title on a First Class Motorcycles Husqvarna.
New challenges to the throne will come from Todd Stephenson on a Husqvarna WR250, supported by Welshpool Motorcycles. Todd has had enormous momentum from junior competition and can now be considered a serious contender alongside Mark Portbury Christensen's Motorcycles Yamaha who is looking to improve on his 2007 fourth place.
With new initiatives for riders and recognition for finishing all events with out placing on the podium there is plenty of reasons to get registered and involved with an exciting year ahead.
With the national focus of the enduro scene centered around Warragul on 17th to 20th April for the Australian 4 Day Enduro, two rounds of the Yamaha Australian Off Road Championships at Wonthaggi and Broadford, 2008 promises to be a huge year in Victoria.
