Horsham Rural City Council has secured hosting rights for a national motocross competition to be held at Horsham Motorcycle Club's world-class track at Dooen next year.
Australia's best riders will return to the Wimmera over the first weekend in April for the second round of the 2024 Penrite ProMX Championship.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said Horsham was rapt to be hosting national-level motocross after a seven-year absence.
"It's fantastic that Horsham has been chosen to host the Penrite ProMX Championship. It's exciting to have worked with ProMX to bring elite riders and their teams to our city," Cr Gulline said.
"We can't wait to welcome the competitors and trust they will enjoy their weekend and get a taste of what our part of the world has to offer.
"We also look forward to the economic benefits that will flow from the event," she said.
Cr Gulline said Horsham Motorcycle Club, a small not-for-profit group, had worked hard to raise the profile of motocross in our region and across the state.
"The club has continually upgraded the quality of the motocross track and support facilities to a level that is suitable to host state, national and international events.
"You can't underestimate the value of an event like this for Horsham on both a national and international scale, providing nation-wide exposure for the region," she said.
Motorcycling Australia Chief Executive Peter Doyle said the announcement was not only a nod to the superb spectator, competitor and administrative facilities at the Wimmera complex but also to the challenging 1.7km layout, complete with a state-of-the-art in-ground watering system.
"I am thrilled that ProMX is making its first visit to Horsham in 2024. The town and its environs have always been huge motocross supporters, and I know the event will not only be superbly executed but the spectators will come out in their masses to support the event," he said.
"The 2018 world junior motocross title was a real showcase for what Horsham can deliver, and the new association with ProMX is another feather in its cap.
"Delivering such amazing events doesn't happen in a vacuum, however, and the support from the Horsham Rural City Council will help us to deliver a truly magnificent event," Mr Doyle said.
The Horsham circuit is already well-known to many of the top brass in Aussie motocross, including reigning MX1 and MX2 champions Dean Ferris and Wilson Todd who both claimed maximum points when the championship was last held there in 2017.
The event will be run by the Horsham Motorcycle Club, with Wonthaggi already announced as the season opener of the 2024 ProMX Championship on March 17.
