BMX titles quite a turn!
From : The SUN, March 12th, 1982.


HUNDREDS of people saw the thrills and spills of BMX bike racing in Notting Hill at the weekend.
Around 1100 BMX bikies from across Australia competed in the national titles at the Waverley track, Ferntree Gully Rd.

It was the first time the Australian titles had been held in Victoria.
The youngest rider was Danny Lynch, 4, of NSW, and the oldest, in the open event, was South Australian Des Fountain, 47.

The 17-years-and-over event attracted most interest and Jamie Hales, 19, of Blackburn, proved he could burn through the
350-metre track.
Other top riders were Chris James (NSW), Alistair Johnson (NSW) and Warren Cay (Vic.).
There were four classes for girls.

According to the president of the Victorian Bicycle Motocross Association (VBMXA), Mr David Shirley, the sport is
becoming increasingly popular.
“There are about 50 clubs in Victoria and most of them are represented here.” he said.
Despite the frequent spills and crashes, BMX racing was not dangerous, Mr Shirley said.
“You get a few bruises and a bone broken occasionally but not very often.”
The bikes can race at 50 kmh.

The only sour note during the titles was a mystery saboteur who undid Wheel nuts on some bikes, causing two races
to be re-run.

JAMIE HALES flies over a jump yesterday at the BMX championships at Waverley.
Jamie won the BMX plate in the open section.


BELOW: lts back into the race for No. 78 after a spill.

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