Phoenix MCC’s 60th anniversary celebration on Sunday, February 2nd, was a tribute to the club’s extraordinary journey. Legendary figures like Jeremy Burgess, Gavin Porteous, and Jim Judd, alongside rising stars like Tara Morrison and Ryder Gilbert, came together to showcase the best of both the past and future of South Australian racing. With a string of awards and accolades celebrated, along with many stories from the past, it was the perfect way to honour 60 years of passion and dedication!

Phoenix MCC’s journey began in March 1964, when 84 members joined forces and affiliated with the Auto Cycle Union of SA (now Motorcycling South Australia). After a weekend ride attracted negative publicity, members were advised to formalise as a registered club to prevent future issues with authorities. They chose the name Phoenix, meaning “risen again from the ashes.”

In its early years, the club hosted four scramble meetings—a form of off-road racing where riders tackled natural terrain, including woods, hills, and rocky sections, within a set time. With support from Elizabeth MCC, Phoenix MCC gained financial stability and established its own scramble circuit at Brooks Gully near Tanunda. By the mid-1970s, the club had fully transitioned to road racing—and the rest, as they say, is history.

By 2014, after running separate club events, Phoenix MCC and Café Racers teamed up to create a single series where riders could earn points across all rounds. This partnership led to the CAFNIX Series, a key force in shaping South Australia’s road racing scene. After years of success, both clubs recently decided to part ways and focus on their individual paths, marking the next chapter in their storied histories.

Phoenix MCC has long been a key player in SA road racing, hosting SA Championship rounds—including the upcoming 2025 Championship opener from February 28 to March 2 at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park—while continuing to run its own club series. The club is also deeply committed to junior development, ensuring the next generation of racers has a clear path to success.

The club’s strength has always come from its dedicated committee members and volunteers. With President Gareth Deacon concluding his exceptional tenure, the club is preparing for new leadership and seeking passionate individuals eager to contribute to its future success.

Congratulations to Phoenix MCC on an incredible 60 years—here’s to many more!

 

Saturday, February 1st, marked Motorcycling SA’s Night of Nights, a celebration of the stories and achievements that define the sport, at the 2024 Night of Champions. Hosted by the exceptional Matt Bubner, the event featured a packed evening of festivities, with a comprehensive list of on-track awards recognising standout personalities and exceptional contributions to the sport, alongside community and volunteer award recognitions.  Join us in congratulating the deserving winners of the 2024 Night of Champions Awards and celebrating the remarkable 2024 Rider Award winners!

2024 Rising Star:

One of the most prestigious junior awards, the 2024 Rising Star Award, is always difficult to decide—and this year was no exception. Six outstanding finalists were in contention: Emily Lambert (Motocross), Archie Schmidt (Road Race), Darcey Timmis (Dirt Track), Ollie Gear (Enduro), Lucinda Cowan (Trial), and Harry Sadler (Speedway). In the end, Ollie Gear claimed the honour after an exceptional season competing in the Australian Off Road Championship and securing another SA Off Road Championship title. His performances have cemented him as a rising force in the sport.

2024 Rising Star: Ollie Gear

Junior Male Rider of the Year: Dylan Gromball

Junior Female Rider of the Year: Lucinda Cowan

Senior Male Rider of the Year: Connor Hogan

Senior Female Rider of the Year: Tara Morrison

International Recognitions:

The night not only recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of riders at home but also highlighted the talents and achievements of those who reached the peaks of Australian championships and competed internationally. 2024 was certainly a standout year filled with accolades. From Trials to Motocross, Road Racing, and Enduro, SA riders represented across the board. Join us in congratulating these exceptional jet-setters on a massive year of achievements!

• Cooper Sheidow (2024 Team Australia recognition – ISDE)
• Archie Schmidt (Asia Talent Cup)
• Rikki Henry (Asia Talent Cup)
• Teagan Pedler (British Women’s Speedway Championship)
• Connor Hogan (2024 Team Australia & Australian Champion recognition)
• Lara Wedge – 2024 Australian Championship recognition
• Brian Anthony – 2024 Australian Championship recognition
• Shaun Buckley – 2024 Australian Championship recognition
• Tyson Rohrlach – 2024 Australian Championship recognition
• Judd Plaisted – 2024 Australian Champion & MiniGP World Finale
• Ollie Gear – 2024 Australian Championship recognition
• Levi Rossi – 2024 Australian Championship recognition
• Rowan Pumpa – 2024 Australian Championship recognition
• Tara Morrison – FIM Oceania team, FIM Intercontinental Games
• Shane Schiller – Welsh 2 Day Enduro Championship, sidecar
• Davo Johnson – Isle of Man TT Races

Motorcycling SA extends a huge congratulations to all 2024 finalists and award winners! Your passion, dedication, and achievements are the backbone of motorcycling in South Australia, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

Photos thanks to LittleGem Motorsport Photography. 

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See The Night’s Off Track Community Awards