Collie Races

QEMSC Big Chill 2021 • 10-11 July, 2021 – Carnell Raceway, Stanthorpe Qld.

Despite earlier predictions of freezing temps and possible snow, the Queensland Early Motorcycle Sports Club’s 2021 “Big Chill” meeting at Stanthorpe was conducted under very comfortable conditions. Whilst a little chilly each morning, the days were warm and sunny – typical, perfect Queensland winter weather. With the slogan ‘Big Chill - Big Thrills’ and a full card of historic events for both solos and sidecars, an exciting weekend of entertainment for both riders and spectators was enjoyed.

In the pits, beautifully prepared race bikes added to the spectacle. These included John Wormald’s

1941 Indian Scout, two Manx Nortons (owned by Wayne Kenman and Jenni Larsen), a Laverda Mountjuic (ridden by Ian Morrison) and the gorgeous Greg Brillus Norvin. Now I admit that I’m a little biased when it comes to sidecars. However I must acknowledge and congratulate the Period 3 sidecar teams of Matthew Klein and passenger Damian Hoare (BSA A65), Rod Torr and daughter Jessie (Triumph) and Ross Kenman and Andrew Ireland (Norton). Their skill in mastering these early outfits, whilst battling for the lead around the tight Carnell Raceway circuit, was both entertaining and spectacular. Visitors from NSW, Rod Arnshaw and daughter Jemma Arnshaw, unfortunately encountered mechanical gremlins with their P3 Norton outfit and never completed a race. Thanks go to other NSW riders who also made the journey, including solo riders Geoff Martin and Dean Marsh.

Still on sidecars, Tim Hewitt and wife/passenger Karla made the journey down from Townsville with their Period 5 Honda outfit and were rewarded with winning the modern class. Tim, a stalwart of the Road Raceng Association of Townsville (RRAT), advised that work is progressing well on the new racetrack at Calcium, about 40km west of Townsville, and he is hopeful of a “low key” event later this year. It is anticipated that this modern facility will be fully operational next year; and RRAT looks forward to hosting major championship historic events in 2023. The well-designed 2.7km long track is 12m wide (15m wide on the main straight) and is licensed for camping – so it will definitely be worth the drive to North Queensland. Watch Old Bike Australasia for details of forthcoming events.

It’s encouraging to see new young riders joining our sport, so a very warm welcome must be given to the youngest rider on the weekend, Ethan Chandler, just 16. Ethan’s ride at The Big Chill was his third race meeting on his Honda CBR 250 RR.

TOP LEFT Close friends, Geoff Martin from Ballina on his 1969 Honda Drixton 500, Dean Marsh from Lismore on his 1972 Honda CB350, and Craig Piggott from the Gold Coast on his 1962 Honda CB72 250. TOP RIGHT The youngest rider at The Big Chill, Ethan Chandler and his 1990 Honda CBR 250. Ethan, who turned 17 a week after the meeting, has been dirt bike racing since he was five. This was Ethan’s third road race event with this bike as he follows in the racing footsteps of dad, Brett Chandler. ABOVE Tim and Karla Hewitt from Townsville had a very successful weekend aboard their 1972 MGF Special outfit with a Honda 750-4 engine. LEFT A first win for newcomers to the sport of sidecar racing, Ross Kenman and his cousin/passenger Andrew Ireland aboard Ian Milton’s 1962 Norton 750.