Shifting dirt in WA

DES LEWIS, who compiled our recent popular story on Michael Dowson, has been out and about with his camera and filed this story. It was a case of “go hard or go home” during the Vintage Motocross Club of WA’s recent scramble at Mill Farm, culminating in the coveted Dan Ferguson Memorial Handicap. This popular event, held on 16th September, attracted close to 45 riders. Numbers were down a little this year with 18 riders heading to Ararat for the National Motocross Championships. Despite this, competition was strong and everyone went home with a smile on their face after enjoying a brilliant weekend. “This was the 16th year of the Memorial Handicap and it’s always the number one event on our calendar,” said Club President, Gary Johnson. “It’s pretty special because it was (the late) Dan Ferguson’s dream to have a scramble on his farm. Tragically, Dan passed away before his plans came to life. His son Chad and wife Tyrell were determined to push ahead with his plans as a tribute to him and put in a lot of work to make it happen. A year or two later, the first Dan Ferguson Memorial Cup race was held, and it’s been our most popular event ever since.” In talking about the Club, he commented, “It’s a special club because it’s more like a really large family, which welcomes everyone and encourages young people to be involved. It’s as much about friendships and the social side of things, as much as competition.” He also paid tribute to the volunteers who helped organise and run the club’s events. With the Mill Farm weekend, he acknowledged the efforts of Mike Smith, Louise Ridgeway, the Brady’s, and the many others who pitched in. The Club caters for bikes pre-1975 and has around 100 members. It has a real diversity of machines and people, with the oldest rider being Bill Watson who, at 90, is still going strong. While the club’s main track is at Narrogin, events are held in a number of different locations in the south and adjacent Perth. The Dan Ferguson Memorial Handicap race was won by Adam Fanderlinden, riding a Honda XL420.

GRADE RIDER BIKE Vic James, who is “well into his ‘seventies”, enjoying himself on his Bultaco. Winner of the Dan Ferguson Memorial Handicap, Adam Fanderlinden. Sidecar winners Gary Johnson and Brad Green on their Wasp Yamaha XS650. Pre-65 winner Pat Smyth monowheels his Rickman Triumph.