CRAIGIEBURN’s Richard Collins only started competing in motocross at the age of 32, but says he hasn’t looked back after switching from drag racing.
Now 46-years-young, Richard, has been regularly competing in the Vets Over 40 class at the Victorian Senior Motocross Championships and will compete in the motocross season opener – the 2016 Shipwreck Coast 2-Day Open – in Warrnambool next weekend, January 23-24.
“As soon as I got on a bike, I loved it. I needed to find something else other than drag racing after having a bit of bad luck with a car and my brother got me hooked,” Richard said.
In 2014, Richard competed in the Northern Region Motocross Series and won the Over 45s class. “It was a fantastic feeling winning that class, that’s why I decided to compete in the Western Region MX Series last year.
“I was leading that class as well but I had to pull out of it due to family commitments,” Richard, a Bendigo Motorcycle Club member, added.
Richard plans to return to the Northern Region MX Series this year. “I’ve meet a lot of great people who compete in that series and have a lot of new friends who are all up that way.
Also the KTM 450cc that I’m riding is from AJ’s Motorcycles, and between them and Tune Tech Suspension, I want to be able to promote them in their area and do the best that I can,” Richard added.
Richard will use the 2016 Shipwreck Coast 2-Day Open as much-needed practice ahead of a challenging season. “I’ve hit it pretty hard this season. I want to give it a red hot go this year. I’m not getting any younger so I’m definitely going to have another crack at it,” Richard said.
Richard finished second overall in the Vets class at last year’s 2-Day Open, even after experiencing some bike troubles. “I love it at Warrnambool. That’s why I’m going back because the Shipwreck Coast Motorcycle Club puts on great events,” he said.
He’d like to thank to thank AJ’s Motorcycles, Tune Tech Suspension, Muskerry Moto Park, EZE Race Products, Park4MX, Craig Rutherford from Rudd MXC, and his wife Shirl and daughter Ava for all their support.
“I want to have fun next weekend and hopefully take out the Vets class, at least the Over 45-side of it anyway,” Richard added.
The 2016 Shipwreck Coast 2 Day Open takes place on Buckley’s Road, Lake Gillear in Allansford from Saturday, January 23. Racing starts at 9am. You can still enter the event online. For further information please visit www.motorcyclingvic.com.au.