Family off and racing at motocross

Bundaberg Motocross stalwart Robert Anderson (centre) with sons Matt and Chris.

MOTOCROSS has been a lifetime passion for Bundaberg father Rob Anderson so it was no surprise when his sons followed him to the Bingera Weir starting gates.

Mr Anderson, 43, has had a 30-year association with local motocross.

He first earned his dirt-bike stripes on the old Kirby’s Raceway track in North Bundaberg as a teenager.

“I first had a go at it at about eight years old and took an immediate shine to it,” he said.

While Mr Anderson has backed away from the high-octane and high-risk open race categories, he still straps on the helmet once a month for a veterans’ clash with the Rum City Motocross Club.

“The veterans is more my pace these days,” he said.

“It’s still great fun but it doesn’t involve as many broken bones.”

His sons Matt, 19, and Chris, 21, have both impressed on the local circuit and race against each other in the Clubman Lights 250cc class.

“There’s a bit of healthy competition between them but I’m not concerned who wins,” he laughed.

“I just hope they manage to stay on their bikes so I don’t have to take them to hospital or fix their bikes.”

Despite hours spent tinkering in his shed and sitting in hospital emergency rooms, Mr Anderson said he would not have it any other way.

“There is nothing better than riding a dirt bike,” he said.

“The thrills, the spills; it’s simply great fun.”

Mr Anderson has been pleased to watch an evolution of the sport in Bundaberg and the rise of female racers.

“These days you even see fathers take their girls out for a ride which is great,” he said.

The Rum City Motocross Club will hold its second club championship this Sunday at the Bingera Weir Track beginning at 10am.

Organisers have been working hard to get the track dry and prepped for tomorrow.

A field of 100 competitors is expected.

Entry is free for spectators.