The first record of Beach Motorcycle Racing in Mackay was in 1926. When a group of friends with a couple of barrels decided to venture down to the Bucasia Beach. From here, it turned into a yearly social event, and was only ever suspended during the wars.
In the early 1950s, Mackay Motorcycle Club ran the iconic event at the Bucasia Beach as a charity benefit day. All profits from the event were kindly donated to the Crippled Children Foundation. Then, during the 1970s and 80s the club made the event an ambulance benefit meeting. It is no wonder the Beach Races have stamped themselves as one of the greatest family social events of the year.
From the beginnings of it all, one of the main cultures to stay prevalent is the community spirit and selflessness of the event organisers. Since 2016, each year the Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club divide the profits amongst many local non-for-profit community groups. Previous recipients of the generous donations from the club include the Lions Club, Sarina Junior Rugby League, SES and Sarina Men’s Shed.
The success of our event would not be possible without the help of our continuing major sponsors including Bullet Bikes Superstore Mackay, our club volunteers and the many non-for-profit groups that come together on the day. A special thank you to the Lions Club for providing food, the Sarina JRL for providing the bar and to all of our amazing volunteers.
The Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club has a strong history dating back to the early 2000s. John and Ann Hand, the backing of the club along with their family and valued club members, are renowned for running high profile quality events. At their home track, the club has previously successfully held Australian National Motorcross Titles, the Australian 4 Day Enduro and the Transmoto 8 Hour.
In the early 1950s, Mackay Motorcycle Club ran the iconic event at the Bucasia Beach as a charity benefit day. All profits from the event were kindly donated to the Crippled Children Foundation. Then, during the 1970s and 80s the club made the event an ambulance benefit meeting. It is no wonder the Beach Races have stamped themselves as one of the greatest family social events of the year.
From the beginnings of it all, one of the main cultures to stay prevalent is the community spirit and selflessness of the event organisers. Since 2016, each year the Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club divide the profits amongst many local non-for-profit community groups. Previous recipients of the generous donations from the club include the Lions Club, Sarina Junior Rugby League, SES and Sarina Men’s Shed.
The success of our event would not be possible without the help of our continuing major sponsors including Bullet Bikes Superstore Mackay, our club volunteers and the many non-for-profit groups that come together on the day. A special thank you to the Lions Club for providing food, the Sarina JRL for providing the bar and to all of our amazing volunteers.
The Gum Valley Veterans and Natural Terrain Motorcycle Club has a strong history dating back to the early 2000s. John and Ann Hand, the backing of the club along with their family and valued club members, are renowned for running high profile quality events. At their home track, the club has previously successfully held Australian National Motorcross Titles, the Australian 4 Day Enduro and the Transmoto 8 Hour.
|
|
|
Photos courtesy of Mark Lange.
Minister's Welcome Message
|
Message from the Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development
The Hon Kate Jones MP Welcome to Mackay for the 81st staging of Australia’s only competitive beach motorcycle race – a truly unique experience on the shores of the Coral Sea. Hundreds of riders will thrill thousands of spectators across 13 race classes including juniors, seniors, quad bikes and street bikes. The family friendly event also offers plenty of entertainment throughout the day for all ages. The Queensland Government is proud to support the Motorcycle Beach Races through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program because it brings visitors to the region and supports local tourism jobs. The event also contributes to the state’s It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar which will generate $800 million for Queensland’s economy in 2019. Congratulations to the event organisers, volunteers, and all of those who are involved in delivering the event. If you are visiting the Mackay region for the event, I encourage you to make some time to explore the diverse tourism experiences on offer – from the many sandy beaches, to the relaxed outdoor lifestyle and dining experiences of the city, to the lush tropical hinterland surrounding the region and the unique wallaby on the beach experience at Cape Hillsborough. The Hon Kate Jones MP Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development |
|