A CHANGE to motocross track standards has meant Wagga Motorcycle Sports Club will need to raise an estimated $50,000 to upgrade its flat track at Yarragundry before events may be held again after July 1 this year.
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The change instigated by Motorcycling Australia relates to the need for safer protective barriers around the 800m track.
Currently, the track has a concrete wall that is now deemed unsuitable as the standards require two lines of protection between competitors, their machines and members of the public.
A safety fence (first line of protection) and spectator fence (second line of protection) are now required, Motorcycling Australia states in the standards.
It means the club needs to meet the guidelines before it may be re-licenced to host competitive events.
The club has has a 12-month plan to get the upgrade completed.
One of those tactics is creating a GoFundMe page to ask for donations from the community.
"We will no longer have access to our dirt track, long track or speedway events," the club said in a statement.
"To re-licence our track, we need to build a new fence.
"We are an up-and-coming club trying to keep the dream alive for all riders."
However, the need to upgrade the protection barriers does not impact on other events in other sections of the speedway.
These include motocross, stadium cross, training schools, burnouts and enduros.
"Please still come and watch our riders until we can get the flat track cracking again," the club said.
"Please jump on board and help support our local motorcycle club to get re-licenced and back up and running to continue bringing great entertainment to Wagga."
All donations go directly to the club's committee.
Club president Adam Beck said the need to upgrade the protection barriers came after an annual inspection.
Mr Beck said he hopes to have the track running again in 12 months' time for juniors.
"That's where a lot of juniors really thrive," he said.
"It's where they start and then they move onto motocross and other disciplines."
Meanwhile, Holbrook Motorcycle Sports Club president Murrary Jones said he would like to see the Wagga track "back up and running as soon as possible".
"It's great for kids getting into dirt bikes, helping them with cornering and building confidence," he said.
- To donate: visit GoFundMe.
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