The 2019 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship is set to be very special, with riders from across the country given their first opportunity to tackle the brand new 2.55km ‘long’ track recently licensed by Motorcycling Australia (MA). The event, running across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in WA and promoted by the Historic Competition Motorcycle Racing Club of WA (HCMC WA), will feature close competition from the racing machines of yesterday, set against the backdrop of the brand-new circuit and nearby historic town of Collie. With entries catering for every class of historic motorcycle and sidecar as defined in the 2019 Manual of Motorcycle Sport (MoMS), there’s every reason to take some time off and spend a weekend in WA’s beautiful South West region. 

The circuit, located two hours south of Perth in Western Australia, has recently undergone extensive renovations to bring it up to the current standard, including a track extension, resurfacing and safety improvements. Now the longest and widest sealed racing circuit in Western Australia, the new Collie Motorplex provides the Western Australian motorcycling community with another fantastic facility.

Paul Barfoot, HCMC WA Patron, praised the circuit for being a fantastic riders’ circuit. ”If you enjoy a challenge this is the place to be” he said. “The Collie Long circuit is an exciting blend of left and right hand turns, and will produce close racing that is exciting for competitors and spectators alike.”

“Starting from the grid you follow the short circuit before entering the first of two climbs on the new section.  A tight left hander sees you onto the cutting and climbing again before dropping onto a left bend, followed by a tight right then left.

“On the run back past the pits there is the chicane followed by a left hander, then another short straight then left again before the run to the line. Power is important, but so is good handling. This circuit has it all!”

MA President Peter Doyle urged the motorcycle community across Australia to take advantage of this fantastic new facility: 

“The improved Collie Motorplex is a wonderful sporting complex, and it’s a testament to the commitment of all involved with the project that the facility has turned out the way it has” he said. “We’re excited at the prospect of some fantastic racing at Collie, both for the 2019 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship and for future events at the circuit.” 

The Collie Shire council is also throwing its support behind the event, providing an evening of family entertainment on Sunday, 29 September and encouraging motorcycling fans from across Australia to come and experience the region. Shire President Sarah Stanley said the Collie Motorplex track extension was an exciting achievement for all involved. 

“The track extension has truly been a collaborative effort from the ground up, with support from all levels of government, generous financial support, and dedicated volunteers working together to make it a reality,” Cr Stanley said.

“We’re well on our way to establishing the Collie Motorplex as the premier attraction in regional Western Australia for motorsports enthusiasts. The Motorplex will now be able to attract more significant events, such as the upcoming Historic Nationals, providing economic benefits for the community and region.”

The 2019 Australian Historic Road Racing Championships takes place at the Collie Motorplex, Collie, WA from 28-30 September 2019 (Saturday-Monday) with optional practice on Friday 27 September. To stay up to date on all information relating to the 2019 Australian Historic Road Racing Championship, follow AHRRC on Facebook, or visit the HCMC WA Website.

Supplementary Regulations and Entries will open shortly. For information, including accommodation and attractions in Collie please see the HCMC and Shire of Collie Guide for AHRRC. For accommodation options please refer to https://www.collierivervalley.com.au/where-to-stay/

Competitors from outside of WA can contact HCMC President Bob Humphreys to apply for a travel subsidy to assist with container transport. There is $1000 available to each State/Territory. Email president@historicracing.asn.au.