Category: FMX

Australian Motorcycle Festival Promises Non-Stop Entertainment

Wollongong is hosting the highly anticipated and action-packed Australian Motorcycle Festival, thanks to Troy Bayliss Events. Here’s what you need to know…

Australian Motorcycle Festival

Troy, the Australian Motorcycle Festival has everything in place to become an internationally renowned event. Why have you chosen Wollongong as the location?

Over the recent years manufacturers have provided positive feedback in the direction they would like to display their products; this new layout allows them to do this. We’ve also listened to patrons who critique shows for being in venues that often cost more to park or eat than the entry into the show. We believe the Australian Motorcycle Festival will tick all the boxes.

How does the Australian Motorcycle Festival differ from other motorcycling events, like the Sydney Motorcycle Show? 

Certainly, the atmosphere will be lifestyle-oriented – just like motorcycles are – with a huge range of new motorcycles, scooters, ATV’s, UTV’s E-bikes and jet skis, plus related products and services. There’ll be over 60 motorcycles available for licensed riders to test over the weekend. We actually know of people travelling from WA and Tasmania to the show to spend the weekend testing a full range of bikes to find what’s best for them. We’ll continue with live entertainment and that also includes activities such as Robbie Maddison riding the water bike. Jet ski test rides will also be available along with children’s petrol and electric bikes.

Sounds fantastic! Will this be an annual event?

Possibly, we believe it will be a big step forward to showcase the motorcycle industry to enthusiasts and the wider community. Wollongong Council and Destination Wollongong have been very supportive of the Expo and the Supercross taking place at WIN Stadium on the Saturday evening.

Robbie Maddison at the Australian Motorcycle Festival

Where in Wollongong will it be held?

Lang Park is the event hub with all the trade display and activations, while Marine Drive will host the test ride parking and Action arena featuring the stunt riders including the Hot Wheels team. Belmore Basin will also be used for the test ride departure and return location, plus as mentioned, some of Maddo’s stunts. The Supercross on the Saturday evening is next door within WIN Stadium.

What are the main events?

The features of the show are always the manufacturer bike displays. Visitors feel relaxed when able to walk from one display to the next and able to ask multiple staff questions of what bike may best suit their needs. The products and services on display are often either on a shelf in a shop or on a website, so to be able to touch, feel, try or have direct face-to-face contact with such services as travel companies is what really makes enthusiasts and future enthusiasts enjoy the atmosphere. The list is long for live entertainment – some we haven’t released just yet, but as mentioned the test rides, stunt shows, Supercross and multiple group rides going to and from the precinct will all make for a great weekend in Wollongong.

Supercross

Time to namedrop – what big names are coming to town?

To start with, every rider chasing the Supercross Championship will be onsite; Factory teams like Honda and Yamaha will be set up within the show. Visitors can meet riders such as Justin Brayton or the list of other Americans and Australians participating in the Supercross. There’s Craig Dack, Stephan Gall and this list goes on of past champions who will be around and always willing to meet fans. I have a few guests we will announce closer to the event but I’m sure everyone will enjoy it.

What are the best family attractions on the program? 

It’s the non-stop entertainment, bike displays, wheelie machines, Hot Wheels team, Stunt bikes, Maddo riding on water plus multiple activations such as the Harley Davidson Jumpstart where adults who don’t have licences can ride a motorcycle as you would on the road, changing gears and learning how to simply ride a bike all on the safety of a display. The Supercross stars will be happy to meet the kids, some Factory teams will do Factory race truck walk throughs. On Saturday night, Supercross, Freestyle Motocross, Speed & Style and the Hot Wheels off-road show will all take place between 6pm-9pm and that’s all family-friendly. Children can test ride Pee Wee’s or electric bikes all within the show, too. The Expo is designed for all ages.

Hot Wheels Street Bike Show

Do you expect any events to sell out?

Trade displays are almost sold out now. We have been overwhelmed with the response; there are a handful of smaller sites only available.

Tell us about the displays; what brands can people expect to see?

It’s a long list but I’ll give you a few examples: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Harley-Davidson, BMW, MV Augusta, Ural, Sherco, SWM, Royal Enfield, Benelli, Super Soco, Ducati plus many more. Products like Innotesco, Dunlop, Fly Racing, EarMold, Moto Smart, Quad Lock, Rocky Creek Designs, MotorEx, Shannons Insurance, motorcycle finance companies, Rev It, Clutch Moto, Hear Link, plus many more distributors and products. Tour companies such as Nevermind Adventures, Compass Expeditions, World on Wheels and more. Sorry for all the others I haven’t mentioned… it’s a big list. A full list of exhibitors plus schedules will be released on MotoExpo.com.au one month prior to the event. It is such a massive show!

Moto Expo

Can riders get involved?

Absolutely. Test rides will be popular and never done to this extent before. Group rides are being organised from Sydney, Canberra and the South Coast on Saturday and Sunday. Group rides will also leave and return to the precinct each day in fact I’m actually about to announce a ride that I’ll lead. Adventure tours will also leave and return from the precinct. Plus, patrons are welcome on all the activations over the weekend.

What local Wollongong businesses have you got on board?

Local companies have also confirmed participation with brands such as Clutch Moto and others. We’ve also secured the best food trucks, such as locals Two Smoking Barrels to ensure the food available onsite is quality. We’re also working in with venues outside the precinct such as the Illawarra Brewery who will host multiple functions along with many cafes.

Limited tickets are available for Round 3 of the Australian Supercross Championship. What kind of passes do people need to purchase for the Australian Motorcycle Festival? 

The Australian Motorcycle Festival is open to the public on Saturday and Sunday between 10am – 4pm. We’ve kept entry price at a minimum: $5 for kids (5-15 years) $10 for Seniors $15 for Adults – all single day passes. VIP and Premium Supercross Tickets also allow free entry into the festival, or if you want to go to the Supercross tickets start from $30.

Troy Bayliss Events

Do you have any special transport arrangements in place for the crowds?

We’re running buses free of charge from Wollongong to North Wollongong Train Stations with multiple pickup points along the way and drop-off just 50 metres from the event precinct. Three dedicated motorcycle parks will be available on Saturday and Sunday: one on Marine Drive and two on Flagstaff Hill. All details will be placed on the website one month prior to the event.

What a sensational program. This will surely be Australia’s greatest motorcycle spectacular to date!

Thanks for your time, City Coast Motorcycles. The team and myself are extremely proud to bring such a premium motorcycle event to Wollongong; the Festival will generate millions of dollars into the local economy and we can’t wait to welcome visitors from all over Australia to enjoy a full weekend in the Illawarra.

Connect with Australian Motorcycle Festival on Facebook
Connect with Australian Motorcycle Festival on Instagram

All images supplied and reproduced with permission of Troy Bayliss Events.

Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup a Winner!

Image by Josh Lynch – JL Photography

Pristine weather created the perfect scene for the Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup. Australia’s biggest and best two-banger race weekend has been growing rapidly since it began in 2016 and Event Organiser Shannon Ninness couldn’t be happier with the outcome:

“The pits were overflowing and there was more entertainment involving the spectators this year, like the Peg the Pirelli competition. Drag racing down the main straight was extremely well received.

“We had nearly 40 new riders experiencing Mt Kembla for the first time. We hit almost 250 entries coming from as far afield as Broome in WA.

“The trade alley was booming; this event gives good exposure and is a great platform for local businesses.

“We had live streaming for the first time which is really appealing to sponsors able to run ads on air plus have their track signage shown off. People who missed the event can still catch the action from the links of our Facebook page.

“The Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup is is now marked on the calendar for all riders and it continues to grow,” said Shannon.

Corey James – 2018 Winner

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles Corey James has been recrowned the Mount Kembla Two-Stroke Cup Winner, having also earned the title in 2016:

“The first lap’s always a bit hairy, but you know I’ve been at national level before and racing and so you sort of get used to going the first corner banging bars,” said Corey. Watch the full story on WIN News Illawarra HERE

Two-banger freak Justin “Bushy” Bush organised the freestyle motocross shows, juggled the mic and raced across the weekend:

“Props go out for all those involved, from the riders to the spectators and to all involved behind the scenes.

“A special mention to the FMX crew who put on some great entertainment and rode the nuts off their bikes. I can’t wait for next year,” said Bushy.

Organiser Shannon Ninness

Six months in the making, Shannon was excited to be given the honour in the main feature race:

“Waving the chequered flag was the icing on the cake after an amazing weekend of racing and fun in the pits.

“It actually wasn’t planned to have me do that job, but the flaggy who was allocated that Marshall spot came over to me during the last few minutes of the race and said ‘you should be doing this, you deserve it’.

“I was stoked and ran out to the finish line waiting for the winner. It was the best ending!” exclaimed Shannon.

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Australia’s Best 2-Banger Weekend is Back

Preparations are underway for the Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup. Australia’s one and only two-banger race weekend will be held on October 27 and 28 at Wollongong Motorcycle Club. City Coast Motorcycles has been supporting the event since it began in 2016 and has partnered with Yamaha Motor Australia to sponsor two classes. Here’s our Q&A with Organiser Shannon Ninness.

Shannon Ninness 2 Stroke Cup
Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup Organiser Shannon Ninness

Now in its third year, the Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup has gone from strength to strength to become a national fixture on the MX Calendar. Why do people love it so much?

People love it because it’s not like any other MX race event. Nowhere else has a full weekend of only two-strokes. It’s open to everyone: pros, vets, vintage, women and juniors. People get so excited to see the old two-strokes rule out on the track and hear that sound; its sometimes like a secret society because four-strokes are so much more prominent on the gates today.

How much time goes into planning this event behind the scenes?

This year the Wollongong Motorcycle Club Race Committee started discussing how we wanted to tackle the event in March. By the end of April, we had a bit of a plan. During May I put out a letter announcing the event and to seek sponsorship to our previous supporters and it has spread to a lot of new supporters, too. I had all classes fully sponsored and locked in during July. We all have our tasks that we are working on for different parts of the 2 Stroke Cup, but I do a spend time working on it every night after dinner has been made for my boys. Lately I have been concentrating on submitting the supplementary regulations to MNSW for approval and getting the race order finalised, so competitors are aware of what they can enter when entries open. Things take a lot of time when working with my team, sponsors, suppliers, then rechecking with sponsors and my team, replying to suppliers, making changes, and it all goes around again. It’s all good though, I do enjoy this. I am just a little more under pressure this year as I will be away a few weeks right before the 2 Stroke Cup for a MX event in Tasmania.

MX Team City Coast Motorcycles
Image by Noel Downey

We know first-hand events like this don’t happen without the hard work of volunteers; how big is your crew?

It’s hard to put a number to it. There is only a small number of us that are really hands-on at the moment, but the crew grows immensely in the lead up with track prep, getting signage displayed, getting the trophies built, and of course paying the bills!

What is the secret to the Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup’s success?

Passion! The team are all moto enthusiasts and love riding. I think that with the team we have and the different strengths we all have, it all works in the end. We have been blessed the last two years with the weather so that is also a big help!

Spill the beans: do you have any big names coming this year?

Well so far I have heard we will see Kirk Gibbs, Jay and Ryan Marmont, Olly Malone, Dylan Long and Josh Brookes. I also expect riders from the YJR team to enter as well. We will see what happens once entries open.

Ryan Marmont 2 Stroke Cup
2017 Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup Winner Ryan Marmont is expected to return to defend his crown

What new things do you have in store for 2018?

We have added an additional 250cc class to the program. This class was in high demand last year and sold out early. It extends the day’s riding a bit but hopefully means the participants are happy and don’t miss out on being a part of the Cup. The Crew are discussing a few little extra fun things to do after racing on Day 1, but I cannot release any info yet. This year will see the event captured with live timing and track video footage thanks to Motowerx Live and I have also gained a videographer to record racing. We have our VIPs in Trade Alley and the fun in the pits over the weekend. Maxima Racing Oils will be in the pits with a lube station where riders can visit with their bikes. I’d particularly love to see some of the vets get out on the track for a display ride – think Anthony Gunter, Trevor Jordan, Paul Grant, Dean Burt, Lyndon Heffernan, Timothy Sim, Michel Constantinou – you know, all those who used to kill it in their day; the ones who rode before I was on training wheels! Surely there’s more guys I’ve never heard of!

Apart from some great 2-banger action, what else will be happening over the weekend? 

Bushy from City Coast Motorcycles is rounding up some sponsors to support the FMX show, plus we will have heaps of giveaways in the pits all weekend. Not just for riders, but spectators can get amongst it, too. A band will play tunes for the campers and the Willows Canteen will be open late for dinner. We unfortunately clash with the Moto GP this year, so we are working on getting a screen up to stream the racing for the GP lovers as well.

Justin Bush from City Coast Motorcycles is MC
2-Banger freak Bushy is back on the mic at the 2018 Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup.

The event’s open to the general public. What’s the best time for spectators to get to the track?

Ha ha if you want a park arrive early! On Saturday the 27th we will start with practice at 12pm followed with Round 1 of racing. FMX will finish the day (as well as another little project we are working on) followed by music, food and beers around the fire pits. On Day 2 racing will begin at 8am and will finish at approximately at 4pm for the presentation.

Who’s your tip to take the win?

Preferably my husband in the Vets class on his 5-hunny ha ha. But for the 2 Stroke Cup, it’s a 20 minute + 2 lap moto with $1000 up for grabs. Last year saw Ryan Marmont take the win, with young gun John Bova close behind. I am a big fan of John and I’d love to see him take it home this year!  It is a very exciting race. 20 minutes is a long time and anything can happen!

2 Stroke Cup Shannon Ninness
Motomum: Mt Kembla 2 Stroke Cup Organiser Shannon Ninness with sons Brock and Kurt who will race in the 125cc and 85cc categories. Husband Alan is also competing in the Vets class.

When do registrations open?

Saturday the 8th September is the plan, or somewhere around that date. We will put a link to our event on our social media pages and HERE on the City Coast Motorcycles website.

Follow:
https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrokeCup/
and
https://www.instagram.com/mtkemblamx_2strokecup/

DOING FMX FOR THE KIDS!

City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam


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The City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam was back for its third year at i98fm Illawarra Convoy on November 19. Thousands massed to watch many of Australia’s biggest names in FMX throw down at the region’s biggest charity gig.

Just a day before the world class fmx stage was under rainwater, but Peter Yates and the Yatcon Civil crew pulled out all the stops to make sure the event went ahead for the kids.

Our resident FMX fanatic Justin “Bushy” Bush mastered the mic while the riders owned the arena. The talent list was on point with Robbie Maddison, Chucky Norris, Luke McNeill, Tom Robinson, Cory Bozzola, Alex Bucholtz, James Martin, Jake Bowen, Dylon Mcdonald, Scott Perry, Ben Richards, Tom Richards, Codie Rooney, Will Schwarz and Oliver Hutchinson.

Fans lined up to receive a personally signed copy of Maddo’s children’s book. There were Skullcandy giveaways, mini-bike races, a best whip comp and monster FMX moves. The energy in the crowd was electric, photographers took position and the riders delivered.

Robbie Madison returned for his second year to the City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam.
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam

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A day like this cannot happen without a huge team effort. City Coast Motorcycles would like to thank the performers, Pete and Shez Yates of Yatcon Civil, M J Rowles, Zach Hofer, Norm Rees, Brown’s Graffix, Skullcandy Australia, Yamaha Motor Australia, Fish Fingered, CMG Audio, Headstrong Films, Freerider MX Magazine, i98fm and the Illawarra Community Foundation.

City Coast Motorcycles also had its first Illawarra Convoy lead bike team and truck, raising a combined total of $18,842. Read our windup and view images HERE.

Maddo Returns for Convoy Jam

Local legend Robbie Maddison is returning for his second year to the City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam. He headlines with many of Australia’s top FMX performers, including Nitro Circus’ Chucky Norris, stunt rider Luke McNeill and Tom Robinson who created the famous “twist top” at Red Bull X-Fighters in Madrid.

Robbie Maddison City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
The freestyle motocross spectacle is one of the main events at i98fm’s Illawarra Convoy at Albion Park this Sunday November 19. It all starts at 8.30 with riders warming up, then three unforgettable shows throughout the day.

City Coast Motorcycles’ resident FMX fanatic Justin “Bushy” Bush has worked hard behind the scenes with Peter Yates from Yatcon Civil to unite world class performers on a world class FMX stage.

“This year we’ve got stacks up our sleeves to keep the kids entertained:  From FMX to scallywagging on minibikes to autograph signings to cool giveaways from Robbie Maddison and Skullcandy”, said Bushy.

The event is free and being produced with the support of Yatcon Civil, City Coast Motorcycles, i98 FM, M J Rowles Landscaping Supplies, Yamaha Motor Australia, Browns Grafix and Fish Fingered.

City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam

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City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam

City Coast Motorcycles Yatcon Civil FMX Jam
Image by Marc Jones Photography

Australia’s BIGGEST lineup of freestyle motocross riders is back at I98FM Illawarra Convoy: THE CITY COAST MOTORCYCLES YATCON CIVIL FMX JAM.

Catch our FMX Team including Nitro Circus performers, Freestyle Kings entertainers PLUS MORE world-class riders on Sunday November 19, Croome Road, Albion Park.

Chuckyfmx
Tom Robinson FMX
Luke McNeill
Cory Bozzola
Alex Bucholtz
James Martin
Jake Bowen
Dylon Mcdonald
Scott Perry
Ben Richards
Tom Richards
Codie Rooney
Will Schwarz
and Jake Smith FMX
Your MC: Justin “Bushy” Bush

It all starts at 8.30 with riders warming up, then three unforgettable shows throughout the day. Pack your camera, we’re #doingitforthekids

This event is free and being produced with the support of:
Yatcon Civil
City Coast Motorcycles
i98 FM
M J Rowles Landscaping Supplies
Yamaha Motor Australia
Browns Grafix
and Fish Fingered

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