Locals to pursue state title on home track

The event will see 80 of the state's best dirt track racers battle it out to see who will be crowned the 2019 state champion.

Former state champions Michael Kirkness, Jarryd Oram and Marty McNamara will battle it out with the younger generation of riders James Chapman, Tom Donnelly, Josh Scott and Sam Davies in what will be quite possibly the best racing you will see this year.

In a first for the sport, a 19" flat track style support class has been included in the state title program which should provide some spectacular racing with all riders in the class utilising the American flat track style tyres instead of the traditional setups, as well as riding a different track configuration with longer races.

Macleay District Motorcycle Club president Trent O'Donnell admitted entries were lower than last year, but said there are plenty of quality riders making the trip to Kempsey.

"Although the entries are down, which appears to be the current trend within the sport across the board, the quality of the riders isn't and we will still see the very best the sport has to offer," O'Donnell said.

"It's always hard to look past local riders like Oram and Kirkness at these events but I think it's worth keeping an eye on James Chapman and maybe even Josh Scott or Tom Donnelly when it gets to the finals."

The event will also include the junior support races from the 50cc demonstration class through to the 250cc class, giving the future champions of the sport the opportunity to showcase their skills alongside the sports very best.

"The venue looks terrific which is testament to the hard work of the members of our club and the countless hours they donate to ensure it is always presented as one of the best dirt tracks in the country," O'Donnell said.

"Special thanks goes to Jason Loveday, Crag Gill and Marty Chapman, without their hard work we wouldn't have a venue like we do.

"The inclusion of the 19" flat track class in the event is going to provide some great racing.

"Although this is not a championship class, it is sure to provide some great racing.

"Michael Kirkness enters the meeting with far more experience than anyone on the tyres and setup following his time racing in the AMA series in America but local legend Michael Booth, who has stepped back from the main classes this year, will be trying his hardest along with a cast of riders from Sydney who have been the leaders in adopting this style of racing."

Gates are open from 7am with racing to start from 10am. Entry is $10 for adults and children over 12, with full catering facilities available at the track.

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