A CENTURY OF SPEED THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST AUSTRALIAN MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX IN GOULBURN

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY INDIAN Motorcycles and orchestrated by a dedicated team, the 100th anniversary of the Grand Prix was a resounding success in chilly Goulburn on the weekend of June 22-23, 2024.

The centennial chase: A century of Racing glory

In the heart of Goulburn, where the thunder of engines harmonises with the cheers of the crowd, the 100th anniversary of the Grand Prix unfurled like a tapestry woven with a hundred tales of racing glory. Picture this - With the sun rising over the iconic track, seasoned racers and emerging talents geared up for the ultimate test of skill and nerve.

Troy herfoss local legend

– The motorcycle dnA runs deep in this town!

Goulburn is hometown of Troy Herfoss, current record-holder on his Indian Motorcycle for King of The Baggers races. Troy couldn’t attend but he was cheering the event on from the USA.

Weekend highlights

Q Friday Night: A spectacular street parade featuring over three hundred bikes of all shapes and sizes enthralled the entire town, as locals gathered to cheer on the riders.

Q Saturday: A display day showcased motorcycles spanning from the turn of the century to the latest models. Enthusiasts and the public alike immersed themselves in Goulburn’s rich racing history, honouring a legacy of passion and perseverance on this storied circuit.

Q Saturday Night: A sold-out dinner event with guest speakers, panel interviews, auctions, and networking opportunities capped off the day’s festivities.

Q Sunday: Echoes of History: The Commemorative Rally: To commemorate the centenary, riders of all makes and models had the unique opportunity to join an escorted rally tracing the original 1924 route. Spanning 80 kilometres, the circuit featured motorcycles from every decade, from pre-1924 classics to the cutting-edge of today. Spectators lined the route, cheering as the bikes roared past, creating an unforgettable sight and sound. A great community outpouring of support with locals and property owners out on the road set up in back of Utes, camps chairs waving us on.

legacy and Inspiration

As the sun set over Goulburn, the 100th anniversary of the Goulburn Grand Prix faded into history, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of racers to come. The event also featured historical insights from Wayne Adams’ book “The Racing Boys,” displayed at the venue, offering a fascinating glimpse into the sport’s rich past.

“On a sunny autumn day in 1914, motorcyclists gathered in Goulburn, for the inaugural Tourist Trophy Race ofAustralia, marking the birth of a significant sporting tradition.A decade later, the First Australian Grand Prix would test riders over 200 miles of rugged country roads, solidifying Goulburn’s place in motorcycling history.”

With an outstanding display of machines, it is hoped that this event will become an annual one. Albeit with a new name. Keep a look out for that, Pack the thermals and head out to a beautiful historic town. Australia’s First Inland City - Goulbourn.

“Goulburn is the hub of classic motorcycle collectors “ Darrell Weekes committee president said. “A Red Indian is owned by a local girl, one of only six factory racers built by Indian and a ‘sister’ bike to the one that won the original race”.

“These were bikes built by the factory, they’re not bikes altered for racing. We have one of the biggest collectors in the world in Goulburn, Steve Hazelton. The number of classic bikes here is extraordinary.”

“They are works of art. They almost have a personality,”

This writer thoroughly enjoyed the event and camaraderie. It has been documented on her YouTube Channel –@thecreativecruiser www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Fm0y3Z7LX5Y

The photographs here only capture a small portion. There are many more on socials and website. The organising committee seen in one of the photos is left to right: Howard Kneebone, Bruce Tinsley, Mick Jackson, Daler Towel, Julie Kneebone, Darrell Weekes, Caitlin Muddiman.

Until next year… Keep those fires burning Goulburn. We all want to come back in 2025!