In 1970, visionary promoter, Vince Tesoriero and his fellow Willoughby MCC members dreamed up the first Castrol 6-Hour and the annual event soon developed into world’s go-to production bike race.  

Such was its standing and prestige, manufacturers produced specific models, like the Honda CB1100R – solely designed for success in the Castrol 6-Hour with the old adage of “what wins on Sunday, sells on Monday” and sell they did! The CB was basically a race bike with a single seat and fairing, designed for the road and produced in limited numbers.  

The flip side of that was that entrants went to great lengths to take advantage of any loophole in the rules – sometimes exceeded the regulations. So Tesoriero and co came up with an idea; instead of endurance races for production bikes, what about sprint races for modified machines with the top riders of the day involved? The catch cry on one of the posters was “Super heroes on Super bikes”.

Get your tickets for this weekend here…

Making its debut on 18 February 1973 at Amaroo Park, the rules were fairly open for what was allowed on the machines. The four-round series was called the “Chesterfield 5000” – the “5000” signifying the prize money that was up for grabs. However, the concept lasted just three years.  

After a hiatus, Victorian clubs commenced their own competitions for modified big-bore, four-stroke machines and the southern state soon became the central powerhouse of Australian Superbike racing. The first Australian Superbike Championship was held in 1987. Since then, many riders have had their name etched their name on the trophy; Robbie Phillis, Malcolm “Wally” Campbell, Troy Corser, the late Kirk McCarthy, Anthony Gobert, Marty Craggill, former MA President, Peter Goddard, and ASBK commentator Steve Martin are just some pre 2000 Champions. 

The P5 ‘Unlimited Forgotten Era’ is for machines manufactured from 1973 to 1982. These are split into 2 classes; P5 Unlimited and P5F1 for aftermarket framed bikes like the Harris, Spondon and the GP-spec Yamaha TZ750 two-strokes. The P6 ‘New Era’ is open to bikes from 1983 to 1990 and are made up of Formula 750 machines like the Honda RC30 and P6 Formula 1300 – for machines such as the Yamaha FZR1000 and the CB1100R. 

Just a taster of the spectacular machinery on show will be XR 69, factory replicas Endurance racing specials fitted with Suzuki GSX 1100 Engines, the Harris Replica Formula 1 fitted with Z900-Z1000 Kawasaki Engines and a P & M Formula 1 – fitted with a Z1000 Kawaski engine. Some of the popular riders featured in the class include 3 x time Australian Harley Davidson Sporters Champion John Allen, riding the Terry McKinnon -C&M Motorcycles prepared Yamaha TZ750.   

In addition, multiple Island classic winner Scott Webster, will be riding the T&K Carney prepared Harris Suzuki XR69.  Webster is the only rider to represent Australia at every island classic international challenge and always rises to big occasions. Multiple Australian P4 and P5 Australian title winner, Craig Ditchburn, will be riding a homebuilt Yamaha TZ750 while on the same machinery will be 250 UK Production Championship Champion and 2 x British Endurance Champion, Jim Agombar.

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A change in the program saw racing commence after lunch on the Friday, providing additional events for the many keen racers as well as an even more action packed experience for everyone else. 

Special guests included Phil Read MBE aboard a Yamaha TD3, who stunned spectators with his riding skills at a ripe old age of just 75, before leading the Parade Lap aboard a Yamaha TZ750. He took third in the Post Classic 250cc category aboard his Yamaha TD3 proving that age is just a number. Maria Costello MBE, FIM Ambassador of Women in Motorcycle Sports was also present, racing on a Honda RS125, VFR500 and Norton 500 Manx.

In the Barry Sheene Memorial Race it was Cameron Donald and Michael Dibbs wowing the crowds, riding a 1981 McIntosh Suzuki 1135 and Honda F1 1150 respectively, with Donald setting a new lap record of 1:36:024 in the feature event. 

In the Trans-Tasman Challenge – now entering its fourth year, competition was fierce as was to be expected with 22 competitors from New Zealand joining the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed to put on a great show with highlights including Chris Swallow winning all his races, while Scout Fletcher finished third in her events. Despite their best efforts however the Kiwi’s lost Round One of the Challenge 228 to 343, with Australian riders redeeming themselves after just losing out in the previous years years BSFS.

The Barry Sheene Festival of Speed was also the first round of the Australian Formula 1 and Formula 2 Sidecar Championships, with the James’s taking victory for the round in the F1 points score, while the Beare’s took top spot in the F2 category.

With the weekend proving a great success for all involved the PCRA thanked officials and flaggies for all their integral help, as well as sponsors QBE Insurance, Penrite Oil, Honda, HART Honda, Adams Print, Hawkesbury Honda, Whites Racing Products, VJMC and HELD, as well as the trade stands and bike clubs for their presence, providing off-track attractions.

Special thanks were also given to those who provided bikes for guest riders, including Ken Lindsay, Richard Stain, Rob Frances, Steven Kairl and Marcus De Caux.

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There is just so much going on, it’s a must-see event that rivals the Phillip Island Classic in numbers despite being a celebration of classic motorcycling rather than a race meeting. Exact crowd numbers are unconfirmed but the 8,000 each year mark would be a good estimate. The numbers are high for a reason – there was something on offer for everyone!

With a road race circuit, speedway circuit, motocross track, dirt track and trials area at the Broadford complex, all disciplines of pre 1989 motorcycle were covered. There were also trade stands catering for all disciplines and clubs on hand for those wanting to join one and the pits were open to the public.

If you wanted to enter as a participant, all you needed was either an MA licence or a day licence and to either pre enter or enter your bike on the day. The classes were Roadbike, Road Racing Bike, Road Racing Sidecar, Dirt Track Solo, MX Pre 1980, MX Pre 1990, Dirt Track Sidecar, MX Sidecar, Enduro, Speedway Solo, Speedway Sidecar and Trials! Something there for everyone! The cost to ride was great value, only $120 at the gate, $100 early bird or $80 super early bird. A road circuit garage was $400 for the weekend but could be shared while pits in the off road area were $100.

Camping was allowed and only $10 per head, including motorhome or tent campers! Sidecar passengers only had to pay $50 and there were heaps of off road sessions all weekend, while tarmac riders got four 15-minute sessions per day – great value. The tarmac groups were split into Road Bikes Novice/Intermediate/Expert, Race Pre 63/75/89, 6 Hour bikes and Sidecars.

Arriving at the event was easy, although the line was huge, pre-entered people such as myself, or those who pre-purchased tickets, had express entry by waiving ticket at security on the front gate/road. Then it was a quick sign in at the main office, where bike numbers/stickers and wristband was collected and that was it for the weekend. 

Getting around was easy, you could ride your bike anywhere as long as you wore a helmet or drive your car, however, it was very crowded so driving and parking was an issue, riding was the better option or walking and taking in the surroundings, which was all a bit too much to take in at once sometimes! 

There was plenty of food available from various stands located around the complex, as well as drink stands selling soft drinks, tea, coffee and plenty of grog at reasonable prices too. BYO was also welcome, which was fantastic, even fires were allowed in steel drums! There was PBBB merchandise for sale as well and everyone got a free showbag on arrival. 

You had to have your bike scrutineered before riding and good riding gear to participate, however, jeans were allowed, which I highly disagree with personally. There was a rider’s briefing each morning at 8:30am to make sure everyone is informed of flag rules and other info and aside from that it was easy going, with plenty of announcements of each upcoming session. Shuttle busses ran throughout the complex from 9:00am to 4:00pm and there was even 24-hour security to ensure all is kept safe. 

On Saturday night there was a huge Gala Dinner with 100 limited tickets sold for $90 each. The dinner was a dress up event hosted by our own [RCBE] contributors Graeme Crosby and Sir Alan Cathcart, with the range of stars also there; it is no wonder it sold out. Renowned Goulburn Valley Chef Bernard Hayes served a 5-Star three-course meal with wines by Tahbilk. Tickets were $95, a great deal, and a great memorable night.

The event was sensational, walking around with the sights and smells of the classic era absolutely consuming. Everywhere one looked there were famous faces – Graeme Crosby, Murray Sayle, Kevin Magee, Shannon Johnson, Alan Cathcart, Steve Butler, John Warrian, John Woodley and even Cam Donald and many more famous racers floating around and riding their old bikes. There were plenty of original Castrol 6 Hour bikes and that was fantastic to see, a highlight seeing Kev Magee on his old Marlborough FZ750 though, for me, that was magical. 

Broadford Bike Bonanza Gallery

The Penrite Broadford Bike Bonanza this year was an amazing event with a great atmosphere and plenty going on… Words: Jeff Ware  Photography: Russell Colvin

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