Chris Watson heads Dirt Track cavalcade
The most successful rider in the history of Australian Dirt Track racing, Chris Watson, will star in a special celebration of that sporting discipline at the 2016 Penrite Oils Broadford Bike Bonanza. In a glittering career, Watson won 41 National Titles, and would probably have added to that tally but for a spate of injuries which curtailed his career. In addition to his legendary prowess on Dirt Tracks, Watson was a very successful Speedway and Long Track competitor both in Australia and overseas. He competed in World Long Track Championships in Europe and represented Australia in Speedway test matches. Chris was born into a motorcycling family, his father George also a successful Dirt Track competitor on both solos and sidecars. In recent years following his retirement from racing in 2004, Chris has become just as successful in business as he was on the track, operating a major motorcycle dealership at Cessnock NSW. “I have heard a lot about the Broadford Bonanza, “said Chris. “It seems to get bigger every year and I thought it was about time I tried it for myself. I still have a number of my bikes so we’ll get those going in time for Easter next year.”
The Dirt Track Spectacular will feature a huge variety of specialised solos and sidecars; from European Long Track machines to modified motocross bikes and US-style Flat Track racers. On the other side of the vast Broadford complex, the road race circuit will host a tribute to Australian Superbikes, with significant motorcycles from 1972 to more modern times featured. The line up will include some very famous bikes, such as the Kawasaki Z1R raced by Graeme Crosby and currently under restoration by its original owner, Ross Hannan. The 2016 Penrite Oils Broadford Bike Bonanza takes place at the State Motorcycling Complex on Easter Saturday and Sunday, March 26th and 27th.