“Conditions were excellent. The track was prepped perfectly. There was heaps of mud and plenty of grip,” Moree Motorcycle Club president Matt Anderson said.

More than 150 riders flocked to Boolooroo Raceway for a shot at the NSW State Championships at Port Macquarie.

“Riders came from Melbourne, far north Queensland, Coffs Harbour, Cobar and Port Macquarie,” Matt said.

It is the first time Moree Motorcycle Club has hosted the large-scale event.

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“Moree has one of the best tracks and facilities in Australia. It is such a good sporting complex when it comes to Motocross,” Matt said.

Despite the world-class status of the racetrack, Matt admitted the less-than-expected turnout forced the original two-day event to be whittled down to one.

“There are six rounds in this qualifier. The first one was at Clarence. That race drew 300 to 400 riders. Moree held the sixth and final round. I think a lot of riders dropped out along the course of the qualifiers, which is why we got the numbers we did.”

Despite the dwindling numbers of riders, one thing remained unchanged: the $10,000 prize money up for grabs at the state championships. And there’s no reason why Moree doesn’t stand a chance to win the esteemed prize, after many local riders made it through to the final round.

Matt Anderson, Ritchie Hardman, Chris Thomas and Neil Loder qualified for the over 35 vets grade.

Max Anderson, Chuck Thomas and Ryder Evans will race at the Division Two 50cc event, and Ryder will take on the additional 65cc 7-9 years grade.

Kenji Thomas will head to the Division One 50cc event.

Cody Moore will race at the MX Two pro lights.

Tyler Johnson and Jackson Johnson will tackle the MX 1 grade, with Tyler to also take on the MX 2.

Shelby Thompson Graham will take on the 85 cc 12 to U14s.

Holly Vavegchell will ride in the 85cc girl’s 12 to U16s.

Jackson Gaiero will rip up the 250cc race, and Ellie Rae will confront the 100-250cc 4 stroke girl’s 13-U16s.

“I’m not going in there to win it,” Matt said. “The best riders in Australia will be competing at Port Macquarie. I’m one of the older riders, and this is a young person’s game. It will be good to experience the race on that calibre and show the kids what’s possible for motocross riders.”

Even though Matt has yet to race in the final round, he has suggested Moree is set to host the qualifier again next year.

“Nothing is definite, but there have been talks that the six rounds will be reduced to four and that Moree will host the first one. If this goes through, we can expect a lot more riders to come to Moree.”

The NSW King of MX State Championship will happen on between June nine and 11.