New competition to be unveiled at revamped track for the 29th Akubra Classic

As one of the longest running and most prestigious dirt track races on the state calendar, the event will host many of the best riders the sport has to offer as they race for the most coveted trophy of all, the Akubra Hat.

Amongst the strong field entered, the local riders will be hard to beat with two-time winner Jarryd Oram, James Chapman, Josh Scott and Sam Davies likely to be the favourites from the hometown contingent.

In the over 40's class and TT races, club veteran and seven-time winner Mick Booth will be out to ensure his presence is still felt by his competitors.

Other riders worth keeping an eye on will be Jordan Dall, Alec Hirst, Tom Donnelly, Boyd Hollis and Nick Lahey, who has been spending some time on the oil tracks recently and can't be discounted.

The junior classes will be strongly contested by Macleay riders and if the results throughout the season to date are anything to go by Jayden Holder, Jack Fritsch, Kristian O'Donnell, Mackenzie Booth and Thoren Openshaw will be riders to keep your eye on.

This year riders and spectators will get to race and watch the best of both worlds with the classic dirt track racing and the first glimpse of TT Flat Track racing at Greenhill speedway.

"This year we've added TT racing to the program which is bound to create some excitement for the fans with the addition of the new track section and TT Jump, it's going to be like what is currently being raced in the AMA Flat track in America. There will be a senior and Junior TT raced over three rounds of seven laps," Macleay District Motorcycle club president Trent O'Donnell said.

"It's an exciting time for our club and the sport as a whole.

"On a club level, Greenhill Speedway has undergone a once in a generation upgrade that will be unridden prior to the Akubra Classic event, including the addition of two new legs to the Greenhill Speedway track.

"We now have eight race layouts available providing a level of diversity that will be invaluable for our members development as they progress through the age divisions. None of this would be possible without the strong focus on growth and development from our current committee and the hard work of our members when it comes time to turn words into action and get the job done. Personally, I think you'd struggle to find a better venue in NSW.

"At a national level the track and dirt track disciplines within the sport are going through a period of review and some fresh new ideas are coming in to revitalise the sport.

"Motorcycling NSW are leading the way when it comes to trial programs and our club have been fortunate enough to be invited to participate in the three round Sultans of Slide Flat Track Cup series to be run in November and December. This series will be a trial of some of the new concepts and ideas and how they work on a race day.

"I'm particularly excited about the introduction of twin cylinder motorcycles such as the Indians and Harley Davidsons that are currently raced overseas. This will be something we haven't seen in Kempsey before.

"The club would like to thank all event sponsors for their continued support with special thanks to our major sponsor Akubra who have been by our side for the last 29 years and our presenting partner for 2019 the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club."

Gates open for the event at 8am with racing from 9.30am Entry is $10 for anyone over 12. Full canteen facilities available at the track.

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