whowasthatberntpersson

I wasn't including Arthur in the current crop mainly because of his age and the fact that speedway is not a prority for him at this stage. However it doesn't hide the fact that he can go to the UK and ride a 500 (at 13), whereas here in Australia we have a whole heep of very talented 15 year olds who cannot actually race a 500 until they turn 16. Our system seems to be working but I reckon it would work even better if the authorities were a little more flexible and allow the Under 16's that are capable permission to race with the big boys. For example; here is a list of 15 year olds who could easily step onto a 500 and race with adults now, there are more but these are the riders that spring to mind - Mason Campton, Nick Morris, Robert Branford, Bryce Johnson, and Brenton Barnfield. Interesting to see "Todd Kurtz" a 16 year old who I overlooked in the intial post (by mistake) score 10 points on his NL debut for Newport. Todd has only just come back from injury after breaking his ankle during the Aussie U21 Title. Another great talent who has a absolutely fantastic record in Dirt Track racing here in OZ.

Yes, its should be good for the sport. Although the big dufference with the young Aussies these days is that most have two years of 350 racing experience in them before they turn 16. This years Australian Under 21 Championship was full of 16/17 year olds, and they were really going for it.

In my opinion Australia is about to unearth the best crop of youngsters they and possibly other nations have seen in a very long time. There are so many talented teenagers about to be unleashed on the world stage. At this moment I'd say the pick of the bunch is Alex Davies, hot on the heels of Darcy Ward this kid is going to be very good, but there are many more. Tyson Nelson has only just turned 16 and looks an outstanding prospect, Taylor Poole, Sam Masters, and Michael Penfold all look like they could do very well in the sport and there are a few under 16's coming through too, thanks in no small way to the 125 and 350cc scene.

Why did Davey withdraw?

He must be about 18. Had some injury problems which have hampered his progress in the sport, but he did help Leigh Adams in this years Aussie Titles. Dakota has some catching up to do with all the talented teenagers currently in Australia, Id say he's way down the pecking order.

How do the Under 15's get into the Championship series? Are they selected? Do they nominate? or is it open to anyone? Is this the best Under 15 riders or the best without a league spot? Is it possible for someone to ride in selected meetings or do they have to do the whole series?

Thanks to Gavin Elmes Just a few days after his 16th birthday, Tyson Nelson faced the tough test of making his senior solo debut as a member of the Queensland team in an interstate match against New South Wales. At the Gladstone Showground on 16 May, Nelson not only won his first ever race at senior level, but went on to top score for the home side. However, his 10 points from seven riders were not enough to stop a comfortable win by the southerners, who were victorious by 52 points to 38. Gating was an all important factor on a track which produced fast racing, but little passing. Queensland got off to a bad start when Ashley Cathcart missed the start completely, with no green light in operation. Nelson had a shocker from the gate in his second outing. NSW's opening 5 - 1 was matched by a Qld 5 - 1 in Heat 2. But the "Blues" hit back with three successive 5 - 1's to lead 21 points to 9, and from then on, the home side was never really in the hunt. There were however, a couple of very exciting finishes, with three riders crossing the line in very close company. Cathcart and Nelson each registered two race wins, with Harley Horwood the only other race winner for Qld. Alex Davies starred for NSW, dropping just two points from six starts, for a total of 16. Scores: Queensland 38 - Tyson Nelson 10, Ashley Cathcart 9, Harley Horwood 6, Clinton Dennis 5, Steven Reid 4, Damien Koppe 4, Tim Murray 0. New South Wales 52 - Alex Davies 16, Michael Penfold 11, Sam Masters 8, Kurt Shields 7, Anthony Perks 6, Ricky Wallace 4, (Rider Replacement for James Bevan) Nick Morris took out a "Junior Double", winning the finals of both the 125cc class and the 350ccs. Junior Final - 1 Nick Morris, 2 Robert Gottardi, 3 Dylan Blain, 4 Matthew Day (dnf - broken chain at start) 350cc Final - 1 Nick Morris, 2 Jayden O'Malley, 3 Bryce Johnston, 4. Dylan Blain.

Sorry missed this thread Chopper. 350cc racing has proven to be very succesful in Australia, the riders progressing from juniors to the senior ranks are on the pace, due in no small part to the experience they gain on the 350's. The 350's are almost as quick as the 500's, possibly quicker at some places (don't quote me on that). As others have said, many kids outgrow the 125's in their early teens, my boy doubles up on both but he's getting too tall for the 125 now, and only does it for fun (not for too much longer though). The comparrisson between Justin Sedgman and Arthur Sissis is a good one, also Robert Branford and Nick Morris is a good example, I've got a photo of Rob and Nick standing side by side at last year's SA U16 Title and its David v Goliath. Prior to the 350's kids really had to continue on the 125's until they were way too big, at least now they can get on the 350's and continue riding, whereas previously I'm sure we lost riders because there was no competetive racing for them from 14-16. Here are some clips, one from the Aussie 350 Title and a couple from the last Gold Coast meeting Aussie Championship - Gold Coast 350's 18/4/09 - Gold Coast 125's 18/4/09 -

The second QLD v NSW State teams meeting takes place at the big Gladstone Showground venue next Saturday 16th May. These meetings showcase some of the best home based Aussie talent, and quite a number of riders in both teams look set to compete Overseas in the not too distant future. The last time these teams met was at at the Gold Coast last month where a very close contest ended all square 41-41. There was some great racing and no shortage of spills and contreversy. A couple of minor changes on both sides, with 16 year old Gun Tyson Nelson making his senior racing debut for QLD, Bundaberg rider Tim Murray also steps in for QLD who have lost Scott Smith from the first meeting (QLD also used RR for Sam Taylor last time). For NSW 23 year old Kurt Shields comes in to replace Taylor Poole who impressed at the Gold Coast. Daniel Begley is also missing from the NSW team. Also on the huge programme are Sidecars, and an impressive junior lineup which includes 8 350's and 16 125's, the 125's will be racing on the infield track and will kick off the programme in the afternoon. Gladstone will stage this years Queenslland Under 16 Championship later in the year so this is a good opportunity for the young guns to have a serious hit out on the relatively new junior circuit. Lineups QUEENSLAND: 1. Ashley Cathcart 2. Steven Reid 3. Damien Koppe 4. Tim Murray 5. Harley Horwood 6. Clinton Dennis 7. Tyson Nelson Team manager: Craig Hyde NSW-FARRELL TRANSPORT 1. Sam Masters (captain) 2. Kurt Shields 3. Alex Davies 4. Anthony Perks 5. Michael Penfold 6. Ricky Wallace 7. James Bevan Team manager: Peter White Under 16's - 350's Bryce Johston Jayden O'Malley Jake Moore Nick Morris Harley Brigden Dylan Blain Hayden Barr Glen Squires Under 16's - 125's Glen Squires Hayden Barr Zaine Kennedy Matthew Day Nick Morris Jayden O'Malley Brandon Coglan Dalton Nilsen Michael Detenon Harley Brigden Bryce Brigden Dylan Blain Scott Schofield Tyson Snow ??? Bates TBA

It was a very good meeting despite lots of crashes. The youngsters were going for it again. There were a couple of very serious looking falls, however no long term injuries. Danny Begley in particular is very fortunate, I was standing right by where he ploughed into the tyre wall at full speed. NSW were slightly the better team, but lost points due to engine mishaps and falls. I think Alex Davies stopped three times and was leading in at least two of them. A couple of changes to be made to both teams for the next meeting at Gladstone, a different format is being used, so six riders instead of seven, Queensland loose Scott Smith and I think Harley Horwood will be replaced too, he was very dissapointing at the Gold Coast and did himself no favours by clearly giving up and pottering round in a couple of heats. I think Kurt Shields comes in for NSW but I'm not sure who he will replace. Some good support racing on the night, with a couple of the North Queenslanders fighting for a team spot when the tour reaches their kneck of the woods. Shame we can't get SA and Vic involved in a series like this, during the off season.

State Teams Racing comes to the Gold Coast Speedway this Saturday night. With some of the best home based Aussies taking part. Its Queensland v New South Wales, with seven man teams doing battle, they will be using the British 15 heat format. Also on the programme is the Barry Brigden Memorial for Under 16's, which will take place prior to the main programme (3-5pm) Preview Courtesy of the Gold Coast website http://goldcoastspeedway.homestead.com/ Interstate Match to End Season - Posted 6 April, 2009 by Gavin Elmes & photo by Shane Bell Queensland takes on New South Wales in a "State of Origin" solo clash on Saturday, 18 April. When the sides met last October, the home side scored a comfortable win, with Darcy Ward scoring double figures. This time Qld will be without Ward and two other local riders. More than half of the team comes from Townsville and Ayr. Scott Smith again captains Qld, with Sam Taylor and Harley Horwood the other southern based riders. Joining the team from the north are Steven Reid, Ashley Cathcart, Damien Koppe and Clinton Dennis. Sixteen year-old Dennis makes his Gold Coast debut on a 500cc machine, but has learnt the Gold Coast "ropes" on a 350cc. New South Wales also sport a rookie in 16 year-old Daniel Begley. It will be Begley's first time around the Labrador circuit. Promising Newcastle youngster Sam Masters captains the Blues and has put in some very fast times here in the past. Michael Penfold, Alex Davies and Taylor Poole are familiar faces who have knocked up many Gold Coast race wins and should notch up respectable scores. Tim Heffernan was a member of the last NSW team, and Ricky Wallace returns after his only appearance three years ago. Support solos on the main programme bring together Kurt Palmer and Mitchell Weismantel (both of Townsville), Todd Groves, Geoff Tomkins and Guy Mallett. Nick Morris will be out to maintain his winning ways in the 350cc division, with Jayden O'Malley, Jake Moore and Harley Brigden providing the opposition. Sidecars see the return of Darren Cafe/Don Morris from New South Wales, who face Silver Sash winners Ross Brown/Steve Kelly, Jeff Barth/Dave Oliver, Robbie Wilson/Cameron Bell, Paul & Daniel Newman, Peter Wilken/Kelly Cooper, Jason Kenyon/Jo O'Brien and Antony Schofield/Les Tighe. The afternoon programme starting at 3pm features the Barry Brigden Memorial Trophy for junior solos, encourage solos and evos. Main programme starts at 6pm. Admission $20 adults, $15 concessions, with free entry for children under 12.

Yes, no assisted passages this week BFD. Here are his races Where was the original Silver Sash held? The Gold Coast also has The Laurels, courtesy of Gavin's previous association with Wimbledon, we only need The Internationale and the Daily Express Spring Classic now..

The 350cc Title was run using a rather unusual format with the top 8 getting an additional ride, but instead of sudden death semi finals the extra ride couted on points. Qualifying positions for the semis in brackets 1st Semi Tyson Nelson 1st (Top Scorer) Bryce Johnston 2nd (5th) Brenton Barnfield 3rd (4th highest) Dylan Blain 4th (8th) 2nd Semi Mason Campton 1st (2nd highest) Nick Morris 2nd (3rd) Fletcher Tydd 3rd (7th) Robert Branford 4th (7th) So Tyson Nelson, Mason Campton and Nick Morris went straight to the final, with one spot being decided from the consolation final Consolation Final Bryce Johnson 1st Brenton Barnfield 2nd Robert Branford 3rd Fletcher Tydd 4th Final 1st Tyson Nelson 2nd Mason Campton 3rd Nick Morris 4th Bryce Johnston Some really fantastic racing, Branford and Barnfield had a reall neck and neck affair in the consolation race. Whilst in the heats there were some very close affairs. The final was probably the race of the night, a very even start saw Nelson ahead from gate 2, but Morris and Campton were right in amongst it, Morris swept round the boards from gate 4 passing Campton but Mason kept challenging until finally on the very last bend Morris made a mistake and left a big enough gap for Mason to creep under. A very good meeting with the biggest turnout of riders I've seen in a long time. Over 60 events and the meeting was still over at a reasonable hour.

Oakburn Park Speedway in Tamworth New South Wales will host the 2009 350cc Championships this coming Saturday 28th February 2009. There is also a massive support programme of 20 senior solos, 20 junior (under 16) solos, plus junior and senior sidecars. The 350cc Title will feature some of Australia's rising stars, with a field including the likes of Tyson Nelson and Nick Morris QLD, Mason Campton and local lad Bryce Johnson NSW, Robert Branford SA, and Brenton Barnfield Vic. The winner should come from those but there are plenty of others out there to make them work hard for their points. Last year's title was won by Todd Kurtz after a very eventful final which saw both Darcy Ward and Tyson Nelson excluded, after the two Queenslanders had topped the scoresheet in the heats, Alex Davies was the other finalist. Practice starts at 4.30pm with racing at 6pm.

Poole and Davies are 16, I think Masters is 17, Skidmore is about 18, not really 100% about the rest but Anderson is Under 21, Shields and Taylor aren't.

Since last weekends Aussie Under 21 Championships, there hasn't been much to write about re Aussie action. However there are a couple of good meetings coming up before the season really starts to wind down. Saturday 21st February - Dave Booth Memorial / Gold Coast, good field of seniors and juniors with the Under 16's going for the Dave Booth Shield on 350's, and possible junior teams racing (depending on numbers, as it looks like being a really big turnout, with around twenty nominations) Saturday 28th February - Australian Under 16 350cc Championships / Tamworth (with a big support programme)

I believe Ben and Kurt Shields have pulled out along with Cam Woodward, Taylor Poole, Samsurry Pigram and Ben Turner in

My Lad? Its nearly all 350cc stuff now, was hoping to do Gosford on the 31st but don't think his bike will be ready. Waiting to get confirmation of venue and date for the Under 16 350cc Title, looks like Tamworth on 28th Feb at this stage but thats far from definate.

The little pommy fella did a great job (Howard I mean), he's not bad at all. He did say at the end that his arse was hanging out because of the way they were pumping out the races, it was non stop all night but he was very professional, quite easy on the ears. The boys (Howard and Bryn) decided to go to Broadford on the Sunday, rather than stay in Shepparton for the pairs, so we missed his dulcet tones, it sounded like Keith Anderson on the mike on Sunday. Oh and I forgot to mention the flies....my god they are bad down there, don't bet on horse racing in Shepparton, the amount of flies on a nag could make the difference.

Just got back from the Under 16 Championships, my thoughts are below the report which I found on the Gillman Speedway website; Arthur Sissis Successfully Defends Australian Junior Championship Gillman Media posted Tuesday January 20, 2009. Arthur Sissis successfully defended the Australian Under 16 125cc Junior Speedway Championship at Undera Park Speedway in Victoria on Saturday night (17 January). As he did last season, Sissis went through the card unbeaten, and now becomes only the fourth rider to win the championship a second time. Other two times winners are Jason Hawkes (1987 when he beat Leigh Adams, and 88 when he beat Jason Crump), Russell Harrison (95, 97) and Mark Jones (99, 01). Interestingly none of the two-time winners went on to real high profile international careers and Sissis may follow the trend as he will compete in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup series in Europe this year so ultimately may be lost to a senior speedway career. Place getters behind Sissis on Saturday night were Nick Morris (Qld), Mason Campton (NSW) and Dane Cartwright (NSW). Cartwright (13) and Campton (12) were direct qualifiers for the final while Morris won an eventful semi-final. The first start was stopped for a first corner bunching, when Morris fell. In the restart, Robert Medson’s bike failed in the first corner, and then in turn three, Clinton Dennis moved up into Morris who fell, and the referee excluded Dennis as the cause. Medson was also excluded from the rerun as he was not under power at the time of the stoppage. A major disappointment for the Adelaide rider as he had been the fourth highest scorer in the heats. That left Brady Kurtz and Morris for the third start and this time Kurtz's bike failed in the first corner, leaving Morris to transfer to the A final. The final saw Sissis emerge in front from the first corner, and he led Morris and Campton to the finish line with Cartwright retiring with bike trouble. The following night Sissis made it a double, and Medson gained some compensation, when they teamed together for a near perfect score in the team (pairs) championship. Sissis and Medson dropped just one point when Mason Campton was able to split them in the opening heat. The South Aussie pair were so dominant they had the title wrapped up after the fifth of their six heats. Nick Morris and Clinton Dennis from Queensland finished strongly with first and second in their last three heats for 23 points and second place. Third place went to Mason Campton and Brady Kurtz from New South Wales, with 20 points. Brady Kurtz and Dylan Blain will both be in action in the junior events at Gillman Speedway this Saturday night. Riders are also reminded Gillman will be holding the Gillman Junior (125cc and 350cc, subject to nominations) Championships on 7 February as support events to the Gillman Solo Championship; and the Gillman Junior Sidecar Championship on 21 March (again, subject to nominations) as support to the Gillman Sidecar Masters. The inaugural Under 16 250cc Sidecar Championship was won by Shane Hudson/Sam Gilbert (NSW) from Ashley Duncan/Mitchell Duncan (Vic), with Dylan Blain/Robert Gottardi (Qld) spinning infield on turn 2. Ashley and Mitchell Duncan top scored in the heats with the maximum 12 points, with Hudson/Gilbert the other automatic qualifiers with 11 points. Blain/Gottardi (9 points after a first race exclusion) won the semi final, from Hayden Bond/Brady Cox (NSW, 10 points) and Jake Mitchell/Dakota Ballantyne (SA, 8 points). Results: Individual Solo Championship heat points: Arthur Sissis (SA) 15, Dane Cartwright (NSW) 13, Mason Campton (NSW) 12, Robert Medson (SA) 11, Brady Kurtz (NSW) 10, Nick Morris (Qld) 10, Clinton Dennis (Qld) 9, Cameron Heeps (WA) 8, Cooper Riordan (Vic) 7, Mathew Day (Qld) 6, Luke Mitchell (SA) 5, Dylan Blain (Qld) 4, Jack Fallon (Vic) 4, Max Fricke (Vic) 3, Braden Munro (Vic) 1, Ellis Perks (Qld) 1, Sam Anderson (Vic, reserve, dnr), Blake Russell (WA, reserve, dnr). Semi-final: Morris (W), Kurtz (B, ret), Dennis (Y, exc), Medson (R, ret) Final: Sissis ®, Morris (Y), Campton (W), Cartwright (B, ret) Solo Teams (Pairs) Championship heat points: SA 29 (Arthur Sissis 17+1, Robert Medson 12+4), Qld1 23 (Nick Morris 14+1, Clinton Dennis 9+3), NSW 20 (Mason Campton 13+1, Brady Kurtz 7), Qld2 15 (Dylan Blain 6+1, Mathew Day 9+1), WA 14 (Cameron Heeps 12, Blake Russell 2), Vic2 14 (Max Fricke 10, Braden Munro 4+3), Vic1 11 (Jack Fallon 6, Cooper Riordan 5). Sidecar Championship heat points: Ashley Duncan / Mitchell Duncan (Vic) 12, Shane Hudson / Sam Gilbert (NSW) 11, Hayden Bond / Brady Cox (NSW) 10, Dylan Blain / Robert Gottardi (Qld) 9, Jake Mitchell / Dakota Ballantyne (SA) 8, Rhys Madill / Scott Schofield (Vic) 8, Lachlan Schreurs / Jesse Hunter (Vic) 7, Jarrod Mitchell / Jordan Holmes (Vic) 6, Harley Blackwell / Dane Cartwright (NSW) 4, Kane Turner / Ryan Hatcliffe (SA) 4, Peter Blackwell / Bart Blackwell (NSW) 3, Sam Anderson / Talysha Dawson (Vic) 1 Semi-final: Blain (, Bond ®, Jake Mitchell (W) Final: Hudson (, Duncan ®, Blain (W, exc infield) Very eventful two days, prcatice was held on Friday night with racing on Saturday night and Sunday morning. The weather was all over the place, it was freezing on Friday night, cool on Saturday night and absolutely boiling on Sunday. Overall a good couple of days racing which had more than the usual ups and downs, dodgy decisions etc etc. The best man won, Arthur is a standout but there are a number of other very promising youngsters, apart from the teenagers who did well (Morris, Campton, Medson, Dennis, etc) a few new names stood out. Brady Kurtz was unlucky, he's a tiny little fella, who looks to have a big future, another very young rider who impressed was Max Frikke from Mildura. I think the pairs (teams event) has served its time, the only team riding was from Morris/Dennis and later on Sissis / Medson. Its great for the kids to get an extra meeting though and some of the kids showed what they are capable of, once the pressure is off. The club had their work cutout cramming in so many events and the track took a battering with the full sidecar and solo championships both on Saturday night. I think the 350cc Aussie Championships which is coming up soon will be a better guide for those wanting to know who the next lot of emerging Australian talent are.

Only a few days before Arthur Sissis defends his Aussie under 16 Title. This time last year the likes od Darcy Ward, Justin Sedgman, Alex Davies, Todd Kurtz etc were all battling it out with the young guns. They are all 16 now and have stepped up to the 500's and are doing very well indeed. So who are the young guns? Obviously Arthur, he's a big chance to retail his crown, but there are quite a number of chances. Mason Campton 15 - His last 125cc meeting, he'll be 16 in October Doing very well on the 350, starting to get a bit big for the 125's but he's a chance Clinton Dennis 15 - His last 125cc meeting, he'll be 16 in February, another one who now looks uncomfortable on the smaller bikes but he's capable of taking it out Nick Morris - Was unlucky not to make the final last year, still only 14, has won all the biggies in Queensland since Darcy Ward stepped up, if luck is on his side he's a real chance. Brady Kurtz - The best of the younger riders, a little inexperienced and inconsistant but on his day he's capable Cameron Heeps - Classy rider but lack of competition in his home state will go against him Robert Medson - Steady performer but don't think he has the class to win it Dane Cartwright - A real spoiler Dylan Blain - Good starter but probably doesn't have the natural aggression to figure in the placings Don't know much about the local riders but you can never discount them. There are some good outsiders , a lot will depend on the draw as gate positions are vital on the 125's. Should be a cracking few days racing with the teams meeting on Sunday.

Motorcycling Queensland have just released this video clip. http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=yjFPoXI8VH0 Jason Crump talks about the sport and what you need to get into it. It features some great 125cc action, every motorcycle club should be showing this to their non speedway riding members.

Had a good chat to Vaclav Verner at Newcastle on Saturday night. He assures me that there will be a World 250cc Junior Speedway Championship in 2010. Already approved by the FIM. This begs the question; What will happen to the other forms of junior racing around the world. Australia has no proper 250 racing (350cc class is for 14-16 year old), Scandanavia and Poland currently has the 80cc two strokes, the UK (no actual structured junior scene that I know of), USA (does have 250's, could bring some of there kids into the reckoning) I know this has been discussed previously but it really looks like it happening, a good move in my opinion but I can see some countries being very reluctant to change from their current junior setups. Infact the Aussie kids will have to take a backward step as many of them are already on the 350's, likewise some Brit kids are on 500's.

Got back to the Western suburbs of Brisbane early Sunday evening after a fantastic few days away. My observations; Caught up with many BSF members and old faces I only seem to see at this time of year (Bryn appeared sober) I thought Gosford was the better meeting. Much closer racing and more emphasis on track craft rather than horsepower. Both meetings were very very lucky to survive the weather, rain was a very serious threat on both nights and it was rather chilly for those of us from the Northern Climes, BFD was wrapped up like a new born, Darwin never gets weather like that. A few track problems at Nwcastle, a few riders were having a real gripe about the track and just prior to the 350cc finals Davey Watt stopped proceedings, saying that track was far too dangerous/unpredictable for the kids to race on. This resulted in another track grade. The main focus of attention seemed to be the fourth bend. My first visit to Newcastle, I know the track is fast and exciting, but is this really good speedway? Hardly a pass all night and riders were getting completely filled in trying to change lines to make a move. Unlike Gosford where racing opportunities did exist, Darcy Ward in particular showed what could be achieved, and was involved in the best two races of the night. Michael Penfold blew an engine in practice at Gosford and Darcy Ward did the same at Newcastle, Darcy has spent the last two nights at Steve Kurtz place (the Australian GM dealer) in Cowra rectifying the problem and has both bikes ready for Mildura. I spent a very enjoyable few days staying the Hunter Valley area near kurri Kurri, what a hotbed, the likes of Richard Sweatman, The Shields Family , Kozza Smith, Sam Masters, all live within striking distance and there are tracks all over the place (hush hush type of tracks if you know what I mean) Had the opportunity to check out the work in progress at Kurri Kurri, what a fantastic venue this is going to be. Peter Campton (Father of junior rider Mason) is behind the project. The tracks are already in place with viewing mounds ready to be turfed. No stone seems to be left unturned and local businesses and speedway people are right behind the venture. Talk of the first junior meeting taking place before the end of summer. Track lengths are Senior - 320 metres and Junior 135 metres. Next biggie for me will be the Australian Junior Titles at Undera on the 17th and 18th January, back home for a week or so then a return visit to Gosford for the Australian Under 21 Titles (and 350cc supports)

Oakburn Park Speedway in Tamworth will host the 2009 Australian Under 16 350cc Championships on Saturday 28th February. This is good news for everyone who has been pushing for this event over the past few months. The first date selected was 21st Feb however this clashed with the re staging of the Dave Booth Memorial at the Gold Coast, another big 350 event, so the date was moved forward a week. With two great events just a week apart and not that far away distance wise, maybe this will entice the long distance travellers.