It may be a common occurrence in New Zealand (catered for by the non-championship MX3 class), but for the Australian nationals, it is a rare occasion that “local” club-level riders are able to race alongside the elite.

So it is an exceptional opportunity that will be given to competitors in Australia this weekend as the nationals reach the halfway stage of its 10-stop tour.

Local riders will have the chance to line up alongside some of Australia’s top motocross athletes, with the C-Grade Lites racing as the support class at round five of the 2016 Australian Motocross Championships at Wanneroo, Western Australia, this weekend.

With only the Thor MX1 and Motul MX2 classes making the big trip to the west for round five, close to 20 local riders will also have the chance to race on a nationally-prepared circuit on Sunday in the C-Grade Lites category.

Motul MX Nationals series promoter Kevin Williams (pictured above) says that it’s encouraging to see a solid contingent of locals committing to race on the National stage, and that while the C Grade Lites is a support class, that there is nothing like seeing the Western Australian riders racing in the sand!

“It’s fantastic to see a healthy number of C Grade Lites riders entered for our fifth round of the MX Nationals in Wanneroo this weekend,” Williams said.

“Every two years when we visit the venue we get a big crowd out there, and with quite a few locals entered to race in the support class, it should be another action packed weekend of racing in WA.

“The C Grade Lites support class really provides a great opportunity for riders who may have a full time job, or just race at a state level, the chance to come out and experience what our national level athletes race every weekend – and especially being a sand track, round five is going to put everyone to the test.”

Williams also shared that as well as fans having the opportunity to cheer on their local competitors, that on Saturday spectators will get the chance to meet some of the biggest motocross stars in the country at the Motul MX Nationals pit party.

“As well as all of the racing action on Sunday, on Saturday spectators can come along to the track and get up close and personal with the riders during the pit party,” Williams explained.

“The pit party is a great chance to grab an autograph, a photo, or simply ask riders questions ahead of the race day.

“The pit party is unique to WA, and we encourage anyone who has an interest in motorcycling, or those who enjoy sporting events to come out and take advantage of the rare opportunity to meet our riders in a relaxed and welcoming environment.”

Can’t be at the track this weekend? Watch all of the racing from Wanneroo LIVE via www.nrgtv.com.au

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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Championship standings after four of 10 rounds:

Thor MX1 Championship Standings

1) Kirk Gibbs – 252 points

2) Dean Ferris – 251 points

3) Todd Waters – 247 points

4) Matt Moss – 228 points

5) Brett Metcalfe – 225 points

6) Kade Mosig – 187 points

7) Dylan Long – 185 points

8) Daniel Reardon – 171 points

9) Jay Wilson – 152 points

10) Jacob Wright – 151 points

MX2 Championship Standings

1) Jed Beaton – 232 points

2) Nathan Crawford – 231 points

3) Jake Moss – 216 points

4) Caleb Ward – 212 points

5) Wilson Todd – 198 points

6) Jayden Rykers – 188 points

7) Kyle Webster – 174 points

8) Dylan Wills – 173 points

9) Richie Evans – 162 points

10) Hamish Harwood – 161 points