2025 Mac Park Racing Wrap-Up

The Hartwell Motorcycle Club kicked off the season at the Mac Park – Mount Gambier Motor Cycle Club track which again turned on the heat with temperatures in the mid 30’s for the 3 days of action. Both clubs persevered through the weather and a plethora of stoppages due to some over eager riders who pushed a bit hard and tasted the grippy track surface. No major incidents or too much carnage but races were shortened due to the delays. 4 lap sprints made for frenetic racing and spectators who braved the warm weather got to witness some epic battles out on track.

250cc Production (1 competitor) Sponsored by N.R.L Building & Property Maintenance & Sand Soda Cerakote

1st Ethan Johnson (Honda CBR250RR #31) 100pts – Shoei/Dainese/AMX Superstores/Bridgestone/Penrite/Quinn Mechanical/Megacycle/The Grinning Dingo

Young gun Ethan Johnson was the only entrant in the class on his immaculately prepped MC22 but that didn’t stop him from mixing it with the 300cc Super Sport riders all weekend. Battling with the newer machinery and posting a very respectable time of a 1.22.7 showcases this kids talent. Big pat on the back to the whole Johnson family as Ethan was on double duties all weekend. Hopefully a few old MC22’s can be dragged out of the back of peoples sheds to give the lad someone to race against next round. Well that’s if they can keep up.

300cc Supersport (6 competitors) Sponsored by N.R.L Building & Property Maintenance /Sand Soda Cerakote

1st Flynn Jacobs (Yamaha R3 #323) 100pts -ENZED Adelaide/Yamaha World
2nd Phoenix Agar (Yamaha R3 #18) 74pts – Yamaha World & Royal Enfield/DFK Gray Perry
3rd Paul Valoudis (Yamaha R3 #21) 69pts – Georgias Cookies & Cakes

Six lads battled it out over the weekend with the top 2 dipping into the low 1.18s. There was a good battle for supremacy between the Yamaha mounted Flynn Jacobs and Tom Nicolson on his Kawasaki. Tom missed the final race but there was no catching the flying Jacobs who takes a handy lead going into Rd 2 at Broadford in early April. Its close between Phoenix Agar and Paul Valoudis who are filling out the podium rostrum at present.

600cc Non-Expert (6 competitors) Sponsored by Traralgon 4wd Centre/Waterjet Solutions/Thai on the Island/Quinn Mechanical Services

1st Luke Ereaut (Yamaha R6 #22a) 100pts – AJA Sharp Constructions
2nd Lachlan Mackenzie (Yamaha R6 #23) 76pts
3rd Arild Horgen (Suzuki GSXR600) 69pts – The Grinning Dingo/Bakery on Broadway

A number of these riders have stepped up from novice class in 2024 to continue with much success and fast lap times on their screaming 600cc machines. Luke Ereaut was a class above clean sweeping and dicing with the 1000cc boys. Getting down to the 1.13’s is flying around Mac Park so that is an awesome effort. Lachlan Mackenzie and Arild (Ari) Horgen had some good close battles to round out the podium spots.

600cc Novice (7 competitors) Sponsored by Quinn Mechanical Services/Traralgon 4wd Centre

1st Riko Kose (Suzuki GSXR600 #7) 85pts
2nd Harris Fisher (Yamaha R6#77) 75pts
3rd Erdem Ozturk (Yamaha R6#24) 72pts – Lean Motorcycles

In the Gixxer versus R6 battle Riko Kose proved that to finish on top you must first finish all races and he did so with 2/1/2/2 finishing spots compared to Harris Fisher who won 3 races and had a DNF. Harris can’t be missed on track on his bright pink R6 and he was part of the winning Games/Trivia night team so its safe to say he had a pretty good weekend. Trailing not far behind was Erdem who had some tight battles with Jay Van Hoof (Kawasaki ZX6) and Nathan Hillman on his Trumpy 675. Always good to see our novices smiling at the end of each race and most importantly, bringing it home in one piece.

Over 600cc Novice (7 competitors) Sponsored by Quinn Mechanical Services/Traralgon 4wd Centre

1st Justin Wilson (Ducati Panigale 1199 #61) 95pts – J. Wilson Electrical/Refresh Renovations/Skyline Constructions
2nd Robert Beswick (Ducati V4S #3) 85pts – Pelagic Pools
3rd Joshua Holmes (Ducati V4R #4) 71pts – Bluemarlin Pools/East Racing

This class will be re-named the Ducati Cup the way things are going. Fantastic to see our newcomers to the racing scene have expensive and impeccable taste as there is some serious coin being flashed around in this field. Good on them. If you are going to do something, go big or go home. The top 4 are all on Dukes with a Buell chasing them in 5th. This was arguably the best sounding class out there over the weekend. Good mates battling one another and getting quicker is what this class is all about. There isn’t much in the points after round one so we will see how things pan out once we get back into Victoria at the Broadford circuit.

Over 600cc Non-Expert (3 competitors) Sponsored by Traralgon 4wd Centre/Waterjet Solutions/Thai on the Island/Quinn Mechanical Services

1st Tim Pearce (Yamaha R1#33) 85pts – Royal Portland Hotel/Ledabuilt/Whites Racing
2nd Russell Crane (Suzuki GSXR1000 #63) 75pts – Beeline Carwash
3rd Ryan Widjaja (Honda CBR1000RR #91) 54pts

It was a bit of a war of attrition with Rusty Crane (Did not start race 4 due to a crash in the Greg Bailey Race) and Ryan Widjaja (DNF after a crash at T1) gifting the round win to a determined Tim Pearce on his immaculate looking R1. I am sure we will see some more entries in this class next round so watch this space. The battle to see who will be elevated to Expert is well and truly on.

Clint Farr Memorial 600cc Expert (4 competitors) Sponsored by Traralgon 4wd Centre/Waterjet Solutions/Thai on the Island/Quinn Mechanical Services

1st Matthew Senior (Yamaha R6 #32) 100pts
2nd Glenn Nankervis (Yamaha R6 #22) 78pts – Traralgon 4wd/Thai on the Island
3rd Robert Mackenzie (MV Agusta F3 675 #21) 55pts

A couple of level headed old timers lead this category with Mr. Senior taking a clean sweep from Mr. Nankervis and Robert Mackenzie. The R6 appears to be the bike of choice but its awesome to hear the screaming MV keeping the boys in front honest. Roll on round 2.

Over 600cc Expert (3 competitors) Sponsored by Traralgon 4wd Centre/Waterjet Solutions/Thai on the Island/Quinn Mechanical Services

1st Andrew Tenison-Woods (Yamaha R1 #54) 90pts –
2nd Matthew Rindel (Yamaha R1 #95) 90pts – Stay Upright/SBS/NG Brakes/The Grinning Dingo/DeWith Motorsport
3rd Wayne Kulmer (Yamaha R1 #68) 54pts

Only a small field but God did they put on some close racing. Andrew Tenison-Woods is a former Master of Mac Park winner so its safe to say he knows how to get around this track. Matty Rindel is the current Expert champion and is getting his head around the modern R1 very quickly. These boys were down into the 1.12s so they weren’t hanging around. It made for very entertaining racing. Wayne Kulmer pulled the plug on Sunday when he ran out of fresh rubber to stick with these boys. Lets hope Andrew can pop across the border and give the Victorian lads a run for their money for the rest of the season.

Pre-Modern 2007 (5 competitors) Sponsored by AMX Superstores/Pedders Suspension & Brakes Shepparton Service Centre/RIGHTTEMP Refrigeration

1st Liam Luckett (Yamaha R6 #131) 100pts
2nd Chris Duffy (Yamaha FZ1 #36) 77pts – MT3/Bakery on Broadway/The Grinning Dingo
3rd Arild Horgen (Suzuki GSXR600 #16) 74pts – The Grinning Dingo/Bakery on Broadway

Liam Luckett rolled out his old R6 after binning his newer one at Tailem Bend the week before and took a clean sweep of wins over Old man Duff on his FZ1 nakedbike and young buck Ari on his Gixxer 600. Lap times were pretty even all weekend and it will be a battle that will hopefully go on all season.

Pre-Modern 2015 (8 competitors) Sponsored by AMX Superstores/Pedders Suspension & Brakes Shepparton Service Centre/RIGHTTEMP Refrigeration

1st Luke Ereaut (Yamaha R6 #22) 100pts – AJA Sharp Constructions
2nd Matthew Senior (Yamaha R6 #32) 74pts
3rd Ryan Widjaja (Honda CBR1000RR #91) 68pts

Luke Ereaut took another clean sweep in this category but he did have some stiff competition from young gun Harris Fisher who had 3 x 2nds placings and a DNF and was into the 1.13s with Luke. Matty Senior was Mr. Consistent as always with last years big improver Ryan Widjaja bringing home 3rd spot after he swapped out a crashed Blade for his spare one in the last race.

Period 7 (over 500cc) (1 competitor) Sponsored by AMX Superstores/Pedders Suspension & Brakes Shepparton Service Centre/RIGHTTEMP Refrigeration

1st Tim Pearce (Kawasaki ZX6R #33) 75pts – Whites Racing/Ledabuilt/Royal Hotel Portland

Not much to write about here. 3 wins and no need to race the final one of the weekend. Tim was mixing it up with the newer steeds all weekend and we hope somebody else can enter an older bike in this class to give him a run for his money next round.

Period 7 (up to 500cc) (5 competitors) Sponsored by Filter Makers/Weatherall Windows

1st Matthew Elith (Kawasaki ZXR400 #35) 74pts
2nd Jim Agombar (Honda VFR400 #33) 68pts – T.K. Carney
3rd Nicholas Leith (Kawasaki ZXR400 #14) 62pts – N.R.L Building and Property Maintenance

Matthew Ellis was the only one in this class to finish all 4 races and took home the silverware and bragging rights. The boys in this class are all good mates and I am sure their group chat will be full of excuses and banter. Roll on round 2.

Sidecars (7 competitors)

1st Terry Goldie/Matt Johnston (Honda CBR600 # 27) 100pts
2nd Jaysen Hammond/Rebecca Boggiano (Suzuki GSXR600 #22) 80pts – Hamilton Bobcat and Backhoe
3rd Michael Scott/Dwayne Scott (Triumph MRS 675 #97) 71pts – M.R.S Welding

Terry Goldie & Matt Johnston were the only pairing to go sub 1.20 over the weekend and hence claimed four wins from four starts. A healthy field of seven sidecars braved the heat and there was some close dicing down the field which is what it is all really about. Its nice to win but its even better if you can have a battle with somebody throughout the weekend. The combo of Jaysen Hammond and Rebecca Boggiano held out Michael and Dwayne Scott for second spot in the standings. 3rd to 6th spots are only separated by 22 points so there is still plenty of action and place changing to happen before the curtains are called at seasons end.

Thunderbikes (11 competitors) Sponsored by Pelagic Pools/Shannons Insurance/MT3

1st Justin Wilson (Ducati Panigale 1199 #61) 85pts – J. Wilson Electrical/Refresh Renovations/Skyline Constructions
2nd Robert Mackenzie (MV Agusta F3 675 #21) 70 pts
3rd Keverall Fry (Honda SP1 #13) 69pts – Axle Armor Tracksliders/RBT Suppliers

In what is one of the most eclectic fields in the Hartwell championships we have a real mixed bag of machinery battling it out in the Thunderbikes class. Top 6 place getters are all on a different manufacturer machinery (Ducati 1199 1st, MV Agusta 675 2nd, Honda SP1 3rd, Triumph 675 4th, Buell 1125 5th and a Kawasaki ER6 in 6th). This is why this class is one of the best ones to watch as a spectator. Add in a Suzuki SV650 in 10th and you definitely have some cool bikes to cheer on. Justin Wilson took the overall from Robert Mackenzie who had a DNF in race 1. Keverall Fry on his stunning SP1 rounded out the podium dias but there are a heap of Thunderbikes not far off the points and ready to pounce at Broadford in early April.

Historics (4 competitors) Sponsored by Pelagic Pools/Shannons Insurance/MT3

1st Adam Stockdale (Honda CBR400RR #81) 100pts
2nd David Ellis (Honda CBR400 #107) 76pts
3rd Brett Beecham (Honda VFR400 #26) 40pts – Dezzie Dynamics

Four competitors and they are all on Hondas. C’mon, there has to be some other brands out there willing to take it up to the Honda juggernaut. Racing against the Thunderbikes allows these older bikes to flex their muscles versus some newer toys. Adam Stockdale wasn’t troubled all weekend and takes a commanding lead into round two. David Ellis and Brett Beecham will need to find some seconds ASAP if they want to challenge Adam.

Juniors 150cc (one competitor) Sponsored by Civil Survey Solutions

1st Ryland Cole (Yamaha R15 #85) 100pts – S&V Earthworks

Only the one junior R15 rider ventured across the border and for a first time visitor to the challenging circuit, Ryland Cole had a ball learning from the Commuterlites boys and got to have some good battles as the weekend progressed. His old man Steve had some minor repairs to make after a little lie down on Friday, but all in all, it was a solid effort from a kid who is getting quicker every time he gets an opportunity to race. Well done Ryland.

Junior 85cc (one competitor) Sponsored by Civil Survey Solutions

Jackson MacDonald was a late entrant and had it all to himself in this class leading home the Commuterlites brigade in all but one of the four races for the weekend. Jackson had a small off at T1 in race two but to his credit, he dusted himself off, re-mounted and got back to 4th on the road as the chequered flag was waved. One more lap and he would have caught and passed everybody. His screaming little 85cc is a weapon of a bike and a real credit to the professionalism Dad Glenn brings to the paddock. Well done you guys.

Buckets 2 stroke (3 competitors) Sponsored by Civil Survey Solutions

1st Renee French (Honda H100 #88) 83 pts
2nd Andrew English (Honda H 100 #8) 75pts – Civil Survey Solutions
3rd Alan Nicolson (Honda H100 #7) 20pts

Renee French finished all four races for the weekend which can’t said for her fellow competitors. Andrew English failed to finish race three and poor Alan Nicolson only crossed the finish line once for the weekend. Two stroke old bikes can be a bit fickle it appears, but a big pat on the back to Renee for nursing her steed across the line in all races to claim the top spot. The old saying goes “To finish first, first you must finish” and it had proven to be the case in round one.

Buckets 4 stroke (8 competitors) Sponsored by Civil Survey Solutions

1st Adam Nicolson (Honda CB150 #67) 95pts
2nd Shane White (Suzuki GS125 #31) 76pts – Looks Fast Racing
3rd Mark Rindel (Suzuki GS125 #888) 69pts

Bryan Ortile kicked the season off with a win and a second to give Adam Nicolson someone to play with out there. Then he didn’t appear in the results for the final two races and gifted Adam the overall win from Shane White and Mark Rindel. A healthy field of 8 competitors on various makes and models ensures there is always some close battles going on, even if it isn’t at the pointy end of the field. It is still one of the most fun classes to watch and I am sure all those out there racing are grinning like Cheshire cats under their visors.

Commuterlites (9 competitors) Sponsored by Civil Survey Solutions

This is an all new class for 2025 and the dominant bike of choice so far is the Yamaha R15. The current President Jayson Porter had purchased a number of the OJC ones and had he have had more he could have sold a heap of them over the weekend. Billed as a class that is cheap and allows competitors to run another bike that won’t break the bank, the bonus is a set of tyres will probably last you the whole season. The formula looks to be perfect for extra track time and for heaps of fun. Young gun Thomas Nicolson leads after round one on his Kawasaki green inspired R15. Recent ASBK 300 Supersport action meant he was on fire with 1/2/2/1 results for the meet. Jason Embley won races two and three but didn’t score points in the other races which sees him sitting in eighth spot in the overall standings. Chris Gilbee hired a bike off the Prez after he blew up his Aprilia and his 600 at Tailem Bend so he was super grateful to be able to ride and he had an absolute ball on the little blue beast. Rumour has it he even may have bought it so watch out for the rest of the championship. Robert Beswick swapped out his booming Ducati for the sewing machine sounding R15 and sits third in the title hunt. This will be a hotly contested title to see who gets their name engraved on the inaugural trophy.

Formula 400 Expert (5 competitors) Sponsored by Action Plus Photography & Roland Skate Mechanical

1st Adam Stockdale (Honda CBR400RR #81) 90pts
2nd Matthew Elith (Kawasaki ZXR400 #35) 71pts
3rd Nicholas Leith (Kawasaki ZXR400 #14) 55pts – N.R.L Building and Property Maintenance

Three different winners over the course of the weekend but the Honda mounted Adam Stockdale takes a handy lead into the next round. Jason Embley and Riley Beecham each scored an early race win but both failed to point score in the later races. That opened the door for the Kawasaki gang with Matthew Elith taking second after a race three DNF from Hartwell committee member Nick Leith. Old bikes sometimes give their owners grief but this crew all help one another out and they get them running again in no time. It’s a long season so expect plenty of paint swapping and changes in the point standings over the year.

Formula 400 Non-Expert (2 competitors) Sponsored by Action Plus Photography & Roland Skate Mechanical

1st Brett Beecham (Honda VFR400 #26) 75pts – Dezzie Dynamics
2nd David Ellis (Honda CBR400 #107) 40pts

A two-horse race in this class but these boys get to mix it up with all the 400 loose units and they get to learn from the expert riders who are not too far up the road. Neither Brett or David completed all four races so it may end up being a contest to see who fronts up the most throughout the season to see who gets the gong for outright honours later in the year.

Formula 400 Novice (1 competitor) Sponsored by Action Plus Photography & Roland Skate Mechanical

1st Ross Leslie (Honda RVF400 #68) 75pts – Jelly Bean Racing

The heat took its toll as the weekend came to a close, so Ross didn’t need to front up for the last race and wisely packed it up early ready to fight another day. Ross qualified with a 1.40 and although he didn’t replicate those times under race conditions as it warmed up, I am sure he will be happy to be making progress at one of the trickiest circuits we visit in the Hartwell championship.

George Carrick Memorial (3 competitors)

1st Ethan Johnson (Honda NSF250 #31) 95pts – Shoei/Dainese/AMX Superstores/Bridgestone/Penrite/Quinn Mechanical/Megacycle/The Grinning Dingo
2nd Jim Agombar (Yamaha TZ250 #33) 83pts – Contemporary Flooring Solutions
3rd Ralph Pink (Kawasaki KX450 #07) 74pts – Albury Steel Fabricators/Garoni Crane Trucks and Whitehouse Motorcycles

Three completely different machines but there isn’t all that much between them in terms of the points haul from round one. The young gun versus the old wily foxes is how this played out. Ethan took 3 of the 4 wins after Jim claimed the opening race. Mixed in with the 400 brigade, albeit on a split grid, makes for interesting racing to watch. We will watch closely as I am sure the old timers in Jim and Ralph have some tricks up their sleeves for the young fella. Round two will be interesting.

Hartwell Lightweights (6 competitors) Sponsored by Ricondi & Race and Road

1st Ethan Johnson (Honda NSF250 #31) 25pts – Shoei/Dainese/AMX Superstores/Bridgestone/Penrite/Quinn Mechanical/Megacycle/The Grinning Dingo
2nd Flynn Jacobs (Yamaha R3 #323) 20pts – ENZED Adelaide/Yamaha World
3rd Ralph Pink (Kawasaki KX450 #07) 18pts – Albury Steel Fabricators/Garoni Crane Trucks and Whitehouse Motorcycles

In what turned out to be shortened 8 lap feature race because of prior race incidents and the heat, Ethan Johnson took a commanding 11 second win on his immaculately prepped NSF250 Honda over the hard charging but ultimately out gunned pairing of Flynn Jacobs and Ralph Pink. It is a long season and there is plenty of time for the field to bridge the gap back to Ethan. Can the young fella hold on? We will wait and see with baited breath.

Supermono (3 comptetitors) Sponsored by Filter Makers & Weatherall Windows

1st Anthony Stephens (Kraemer #212) 100pts – Webber Family/Kev Stephens Racing/GMB
2nd Ralph Pink (Kawasaki KX450 #07) 78pts – Albury Steel Fabricators/Garoni Crane Trucks and Whitehouse Motorcycles
3rd Gary Brumby (KTM 690 #11) 74pts

All three competitors finished all four races so the big singles are proving to be realiable machines so far this season. Anthony (Kev) Stephens was dealing with a few mechanical issues and did enough to get the KTM engine in his Kraemer across for a clean sweep of wins. He is off to the Manx Grand Prix on this beast later in the year so seat time is gold for him as he prepares for his second visit to the Isle of Man. Ralph Pink kept him honest on his big ‘chook chaser’ and it was good to see Kev’s good mate Gary Brumby prepare a bike for himself to have a go at this racing caper.

Twin Sprint Sponsored (7 competitors) Sponsored by Filter Makers & Weatherall Windows

1st Flynn Jacobs (Yamaha R3 #323) 93pts – Flynn Jacobs (Yamaha R3 #323) 20pts – ENZED Adelaide/Yamaha World
2nd Paul Valoudis (Suzuki SV650 #21) 80pts – Soulas Cleaning Services
3rd Mark Fletcher (Kawasaki ER6 #71) 79pts

Flynn Jacobs took out three of the four races for the weekend to ensure he would be crowned the round winner from Paul Valoudis and race three winner Mark Fletcher. Three very different machines but very similar lap times made for some great racing all weekend. A healthy field of seven competitors meant there were dices going on all the way through to the wooden spoon dices for last.

Greg Bailey Sponsored (5 competitors) Sponsored by Ricondi & Race and Road

1st Andrew Tenison-Woods (Yamaha R1 #54) 25pts
2nd Matthew Rindel (Yamaha R1 #95) 20pts – Stay Upright/SBS/NG Brakes/The Grinning Dingo/DeWith Motorsport
3rd Matthew Senior (Yamaha R6 #32) 18pts

In what is arguably the most prestigious event to win in the Hartwell series, The Greg Bailey drew a small field but it was through the roof in terms of action on the track. Three 1000cc beasts versus a lone 600cc and an exotic Kraemer in the heat over 10 laps doesn’t sound that interesting on paper, but for those who were there, they saw a ding dong battle for top dog honours between the R1 boys in Andrew Tenison-Wood and Matthew Rindel and the Suzuki Gixxer mounted Rusty Crane. Matthew Senior and Kev Stephens rarely touched down their front wheels along the front straight so they were having fun watching the 1000cc boys disappear into the distance. The lead changed throughout the event, all clean and fair until on the last lap Rusty pushed a little too hard and tucked the front gifting Andrew the win from Matthew Rindel and Matthew Senior. He got up and was OK but it was curtains for his Suzuki for the rest of the afternoon. Congratulations boys for putting on a great show and not succumbing to the heat over the ten lap journey. It will hopefully be cooler next round with more entries predicted to spice it up a bit.