FOR Keith Campbell historic road racing is not only about the gentlemanly competition of the sport – it’s also about the camaraderie of the people in the pits.
The multiple Australian and Victorian champion expects more of the same to be on show when the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford hosts the 2016 Shannons Victorian Historic Road Racing Championships on April 2-3.
“I love the sport. I love the fraternity. It’s a fabulous environment and it’s got a great atmosphere,” Keith said.
The 47-year-old from Armadale will be competing in no fewer than four classes – including the Period 3 up to 350cc, Period 3 500cc, Period 3 Unlimited, and Period 4 up to 350cc – this weekend at Broadford.
“I’m only riding four bikes,” Keith quipped. “It’ll definitely keep me busy.”
Keith started competing in the sport since 1995 after his Dad agreed to take him racing after a he purchased 1954 AJS 500 and started working on it with his Dad in his shed to make in an effort to make it a roadworthy bike.
“We almost had nothing left of the bike, instead of the motor, wheels and a frame basically, so Dad decided we should go racing rather than to try and fix it up,” Keith quipped.
Keith started competing against his father at an early age and one day, and after following him around and guarding his rear wheel for a while, he managed to pass him.
“Dad made a mistake, I managed to pass him, and I kept on going from there,” Keith added. “It’s been a fantastic adventure. The first meeting I ever did was the Island Classic,” he said.
“There are fantastic characters that are involved in this sport. There’s just a great bunch of people in the pits,” Keith added.
On the event on the weekend, Keith is hoping for a good showing and lots of friendly competition: “The main aim is to always finish every race safely.
“There’s as much fun had on the track, but one of the most important things to me is to have as much fun off the track at the end of the day,” Keith said.
Keith would like to thank his father George Campbell, mechanic Ed Lauder, and his sponsor Murrmmong Vineyard.
The Shannons Victorian Historic Road Racing Championships takes place at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex at Broadford on April 2-3. For further information please visit: hmrav.org.