FIM Oceania Supermoto Championships Wrap

It might have been Father’s Day, but the competitors of the Biogenetics Newcastle International SuperMoto were firmly focused on the green light of the start line.

The Postie Bike Challenge kicked off the day’s proceedings, proving that horsepower isn’t everything as the 1110cc machines negotiated the same track as their SuperMoto counterparts. Racing throughout the day was tight and fast, with the difference in the finish order often coming down to who made the least errors.

2017 FIM Oceania Supermoto Championships

Precision and concentration were essential on such a demanding track and a number of riders chose to sit out a race to avoid fatigue. Good starts were essential to avoid the crunch as the circuit transitioned from the speedway section to the tar via dirt stop-jump.

Adam Miller showed that his results the previous day were no accident and continued to control the FIM Oceania Championship races. American Gage McAllister had the speed but a poor start forced him to work through the pack for a second place in race two and cost him any hope of a podium in the championship.

Overall standings at the end of the day were Adam Miller – first, Ben Attard – second and Michael Kirkness – third.

Adam Miller

When asked about the win Miller had this to say “It’s an honour to take out the first FIM Oceania Championship. So many of the guys in the race are already champions in their respective disciplines so it was an incredible feeling to cross the line first. The crowd really helped, they were so vocal and it was a real experience to race in such an environment.”

For Gage McAllister, it was about finding the positives in a challenging weekend. “I’ve had a great time here in Australia, the riders are of such a high standard and the track really tested us out. I’d love to come back and race again next year. To be here with my Dad and to have been able to race against him in the Race of Champions is going to be a very special memory.” Neither McAllister is leaving empty handed. Gage claimed second place in the Race of Champions and Dad Brok secured first place in the over 50 Vets class.

Australian Dirt Track Champion Michael Kirkness competed in three classes and claimed a podium in each. First in the Race of Champions, second in the Newcastle International Pro class and third in the FIM Oceania Supermoto Championship. After taking the podium holding his two-week-old son, Kirkness said “This has been an incredible weekend, the calibre of riders and the track layout meant the racing was close and hard fought and it was great to be a part of it.”

Michael Kirkness

FIM Oceania Board Member representative Simon Maas was in attendance over the weekend. “The FIM Oceania racing was outstanding and showcased the best of a SuperMoto and we are proud to crown a new SuperMoto champion. It was great to see world champions and riders from around the world competing against Australia’s very best. There is no doubt that the SuperMoto is one of the most exciting forms of racing, bringing together the very best elements from road racing, motocross and dirt track. FIM Oceania is extremely proud to have worked with Boyd Events, the event partners and sponsors and look forward to working together for many years to come” said Mr Maas.

Riders were also overwhelmingly positive in their praise of the event and the work of the promoter, Boyd Events. But Graeme Boyd is already thinking of next year and the possibility of the current world champion competing. “The racing was excellent, the weather was perfect, it was a great way to celebrate Father’s Day!”

The FIM Oceania SuperMoto Championship has been secured for Newcastle, through the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.