Motocross commenced in a serious way at Killarney in 1969, when Piet van Niekerk and team ran combined car and bike events. From then the sport has grown tremendously at Killarney, with Ronnie Scullard MX Chairman until the early 80’s, Adrian Pheiffer taking over the running of the MX at Killarney until the early 90’s. The big guy Gerald Bessesen ran the section for most of the 90’s until Garth Londt took over the reigns in late 1996, and has run the section with the help of the whole family since. With 2 WPMC MX competitors taking SA Championships, Mark Connelly taking the SA Junior Championship in 1976 and Mike Hopkins the 500cc Senior Championship the following year.
Killarney has also played host to several World MX Champions at its international series. Harry Everts arrived on our shores in 1976, and competitors could not believe what they saw. His smooth style, his speed, his neatness and the way he went over the jumps. Yamaha imported Japanese chief test rider Itoh Toa the following season, and with Everts they displayed their speed and styles to the local fans. Swede Hakan Carlquest raced at Killarney in 1978, and was World MX Champion in 1979; Hein Kinigadner also went on to be World MX champ after riding at Killarney. Kinigadner also compete in the Dakar before becoming KTM team manager, and then the Americans invaded SA.
First was "Rocket" Rex Staten, who taught local the importance of fitness at MX. I’ll never forget Rocket Rex and his one arm puss ups. Also taking both hands off the handlebars, awesome then, if only we knew what he was starting. The world freestyle MX is one of the fastest growing sports in the world now. Jim Tarantino was King of Saddleback Park Raceway in California and Larry Wolsick both still live in SA, with Jim importing all the major American MX brands and Larry Exporting African Curios. Other Americans to ride at Killarney in the international series were Brian Miaskov, Micky Dymond and the first African American Andy Jefferson. The year-end International MX series ran until the mid 80’s with various British juniors also racing at Killarney.
In 2003 multiple World MX Champ Stefan Everts and teammate Manique Bevoets spent a day at Killarney, on a 4-day promotion tour to SA. Other riders to visit Killarney on an annual basis are Paul Cooper, former WPMC minicross champ and multiple British MX Champ.
With Killarney hosting Internationals, Nationals, Regionals and now Club Championships for 50cc Auto clutch machines, we see a new era at Killarney.
WPMC CIRCUIT SCHEDULE
WPMC FORM
STREET RACING
