Big money for Australia’s biggest Dirt Track event
Australia’s biggest Dirt Track title, The King of Nepean, just got bigger with organisers putting up an increased prize purse and the announcement of KTM Motorcycles as the event’s 2012 naming rights sponsor.
To be held over two days, Saturday and Sunday, 14 and 15 July, at the Nepean Raceway, Castlereagh, the new $1,000 first prize is guaranteed to attract the best riders in the country, including the defending 2011 title winner, Gunnedah’s Marty McNamarah.
Nepean Motor Sports Club Secretary, Greg Heatley, said securing KTM as naming rights sponsor had been a big deal for the Club as it works to cement the open title meeting as a premier motorsport event.
“We’re really starting to see Dirt Track take off here – it’s huge in other countries where it attracts massive crowds because it’s so entertaining,” Heatley said. “It appeals to so many people because of the speed, technical nature and closeness of the racing all done on dirt!”
“With almost $4,500 up for grabs in prize money we anticipate riders will waste little time in entering with a view to taking home the title of KTM King of Nepean.”
Heatley said traditionally speedway-type slider bikes had dominated Dirt Track but there was a definite move toward modified motocross bikes with the majority of competitors now taking to the track on MX machines.
“This is good news for us because the sport is more accessible and we’re seeing a lot more entries and some great talent coming through the ranks.”
Adding to the atmosphere of the 2012 KTM King of Nepean is the fact the Nepean Raceway (just seven minutes from Penrith in Sydney’s west) is Australia’s oldest dirt track venue and the only track of its kind in the Sydney basin.
“The venue is undergoing renovations following a change of management,” Heatley said. “The facility and the track promise to be in top shape for the KTM King of Nepean in just seven weeks’ time.”
As well as the KTM King of Nepean title, entries are open to nine race classes including Pro Lites, MX Open, Pro Open, Unlimited, Women’s Open and Sidecars, with support from five Junior classes including Nippers.
Entries for the 2012 KTM King of Nepean can be downloaded from the MNSW website or email [email protected]. More information can be found at www.nepeanraceway.com.au