Welcome to the Hartwell Motorcycle Club
Welcome to the Hartwell Motorcycle Club, established in 1931, with a membership base around the 500 mark and still going strong. Predominantly a road racing club and catering for racers as young as 7 years old up to any age. The club is run by the club and is full of fun and passionate people. Several of our oldest active members are in their nineties, and their passion still shines bright for this club, which is a testament to the calibre of riders that stay within the club.
We have a large junior base, and it is great to see these youngsters progress and grow into great young adults who have learned great responsibility and respect not only for their machinery but also for their peers. This sport has many rules and regulations to abide by, and our juniors do so with ease and show a great keenness to learn. Many parents wish they had the same keenness for their homework!
Classes include Novices, Non-Experts, Experts, Juniors, Historic, Sidecars, Modern and Motards. If you have a bike, we are sure we will have a class for it.
With a fun and friendly atmosphere, professionally run events, Club Coach and Scrutineers to give you tips and be available to answer your questions and help with every bike aspect.
Normally, we run a 5-round series plus a Seniors race meeting for those riders aged 45 years and older. We have run at the Broadford State Motorcycle Sports Complex, Phillip Island, Winton and Mac Park (which is at Mount Gambier, S.A.)
Once per year, we honour one of our founding members, Colin Sampson, by running a trials event. This is a very low-key, no experience necessary, and bring your happy face event! It is more of a social event where we remember Col, have a BBQ lunch and watch a bunch of riders navigate a course of hills and logs in the bush in a controlled environment with many to cheer them on. One not to miss.
If you have any questions about entering this sport, we are only a phone call or email away, so please don’t hesitate to take that step. We are here to help with any questions. There’s no hard sell, just genuine enthusiasm, shared excitement, and the strong camaraderie that makes this sport special.
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Membership plans
Hartwell Club memberships all become due on the 1st of January. However, if you wish to join and pay from October 1, you will receive the balance of that year and the next for your money.
All memberships include access to all club events and club merchandise. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Social / Red Plate
- All club events access
- Club merchandise
- Monthly newsletter
- Access to the club permit scheme
Junior Race Membership
- All club events access
- Safety training included
- Includes auto-update membership in RiderNet
Family Race Membership
- Up to 4 family members (2 adults and children under 18) *
- All individual benefits
- Includes race membership
* Contact Us for any questions
Senior Race Membership
- All individual benefits
- Applies to members over 18 years
- Includes auto-update membership in RiderNet
First timers race membership
- Special discount for first timers with Hartwell MCC *
- Applies to members over 18 years
- Includes auto-update membership in RiderNet
* Management approval required
Our Club Merchandise
Men’s Classic Club T-Shirt
Our History
The Hartwell and District Motor Cycle Club came into existence in 1930, and despite many difficulties over the years, still flourishes as the largest and one of the most progressive in the State. As was the normal practice in the 1920s and 30’s most young fellows in the district rode motorcycles for the simple reason that they were fairly cheap to buy and economical to run.
At the Hartwell joinery works, located at 386 Camberwell Road, Hartwell, young Colin and Roderick Sampson worked for their father in the family carpentry business. After work was finished each day, mates of the Sampson boys gathered at the works to talk about their favourite subjects, with the most import one being motorbikes.
As their enthusiasm grew, so did the number of riders who came to gossip. In December of that year this avid group of enthusiasts decided to form a club, and after a formal meeting o the 18th of the month, the appropriate application was lodged with the Auto Cycle Union of Victoria (which later became Motorcycling Victoria)
At this first AGM it tells the story of what happened in those first 12 months:
18th December 1930
on the 18th December 1930 a meeting of those in the Hartwell District interested in motorcycling was held at 386 Camberwell Road, Hartwell. In attendance were: Messrs: J. Aud, J.R. Harris, C.L. Sampson, J Vines, R Vines, F Jennings, J Morrison, W Bradshaw, A Ramadge, C Morrison, T Johnson, E Teague, K Spence, R Sampson and V. Fisher.
It was decided to form a club known as the Hartwell and District Motorcycle Club. The first office bearers being: President: J Auld, Vice President J R Harris, Delegate JR Harris, Secretary and Treasurer CL Sampson. Committee: J Vines, F Morrison, F Jennings, W Bradshaw.
19th March 1931
The club also decided to apply for affiliation to the A.C.U.V. and the application was granted on the 19th March 1931.
The club formed a small track on property on Summerhill Road and may interesting albeit hectic Saturday afternoons were spent on it. The club has taken some months to get going properly and although progress has been a trifle slow and new members at the beginning scarce, the outlook at present is decidedly bright.
There being no fewer than eight members riding at some time or other at the Exhibition speedway dirt track meetings and also be represented in solo bending races at the above track by A Darling.
George Hannaford and Tony Du7nn were entrants from this club in the senior and junior Australia Grand Prix on February 1st last respectively and was not their own fault that kept them out of first place.
The social side of the club if anything is as good as the sporting side. Numerous house parties and socials have been held and in each case have been excellent successes both from the social and financial sides.
Another great point about the club is the financial side, although as you will see by the treasurer’s report is not a handsome balance. The club is financial with all debts paid right up, which is these times is really a great credit to the way the boys stick together as much as is possibly I their power. The club runs, although not of a great number, were all thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended.
17th December 1931
Mr. Cliff Wilson, the secretary of the A.C.U.V. attended the 1st birthday of the club held at the Pavilion, Burwood on the 17th December 1931, and an event which was of great importance in the club’s life.
26th January 1932
It was with deep regret that for a club so young we have lost two valuable members through bereavement. Alan Ramadge, one of our first members, died very soon after the club was formed and Bill Bradshaw on 26th January 1932.
This report on the past year’s achievements would not be complete without some reference to Mrs Morrison, Mrs Boyd, Mrs Kennedy, Mrs Horkings and Mrs Vines who lent their homes for our House Parties. Also Mrs Morrison and Mrs Hogan, who have made our pennants.
Our best thanks are due to these people for without their help the club could not have attained the good position which it is now in.
In closing it can be said with safety that notwithstanding the perhaps slow beginning on the showing of the past few months of the club, in the ensuing years should go ahead in such a way as to put itself right in the limelight in earnest.
Signed: Colin L Sampson, Honorary Secretary
Since that first AGM report, Hartwell have prided themselves in being an honourable and welcoming club, that follows the rules and keeps the riders at the forefront.
The Hartwell Club have seen many changes over the years and have participated in many activities other than racing. For example, there was a football team, there was a brass band and many community projects. During the 70’s membership rose to nearly 800 members and whilst today we don’t have the same membership base we feel we still honour the spirit and enthusiasm of our founders and hope we continue to do so for many years to come.
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