The eyes of the motorsports world will be on the Wimmera when Horsham hosts the 2018 FIM Junior Motocross World Championships.
Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren, today visited Horsham’s Dooen Circuit to announce an $80,000 Andrews Labor Government funding package had secured the globally-recognised event, likely to be among the biggest sporting drawcards the Wimmera has ever staged.
The FIM Junior Motocross World Championships attracts the best 200 fledgling riders from around the globe and is a renowned platform for emerging talent like Australian stars Jett Lawrence and Caleb Grothues, all wanting to be the next Chad Reed.
From 10-year-olds riding in the 65cc class to 17-year-olds in the 125cc ranks, it will be dirt bike racing at its best.
Horsham has hosted elite Motocross before, after staging the Australian Junior Championships in 2013 at the Dooen Circuit – one of the state’s best Motocross facilities, delivering the town’s economy a $3 million boost.
The FIM Junior Motocross World Championships are a key date on regional Victoria’s calendar of events, and a perfect opportunity to showcase the Wimmera’s strengths to competitors, spectators and journalists visiting from all over the world.
Victoria’s impressive list of major events are a key component of the state’s $10.9 billion regional economy, keeping visitor rates healthy and creating jobs for regional Victorians.
The Labor Government is committed to cementing the state as the major events capital of Australia, and included a $20 million annual boost in the 2015-16 Victorian Budget to strengthen the war chest used to secure events.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Tourism and Major Events, John Eren
“The FIM Junior Motocross is Horsham’s opportunity to shine on the world stage. This will be one of the biggest sporting events the region has ever witnessed.”
“Victoria’s major events stocks are strong under a Labor Government. A healthy major events calendar means more tourists. And that means jobs for Victorians and a stronger state.”
“The Horsham Motorcycle Club is a national leader when it comes to staging these great events. I congratulate everyone involved in securing this brilliant fixture.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020