Taranaki Motor Cycle Club, leaves the dust behind

The NZCT has awarded the Taranaki Motor Cycle Club in Hurworth, New Plymouth, a grant of $40,000 for a dust suppression system.

Club President Kelvin Gray said, "The purchase and installation of a dust suspension system (also known as an irrigation system) will help mitigate the dust caused by dry or windy conditions experienced three seasons a year. Currently part of the main track, approx. 10% only has a poorly conditioned system that requires replacing, the mini track has only about 60% cover and is of poor design and condition."

Currently, the track is watered partly by the current system and volunteers commit many hours before an event watering a large percentage of the track with a tractor and water cart. On average, this takes about 12-18 hours per event. The reach of the current irrigation system and tractor and water cart covers approximately 70% of the track, but the rest is not irrigated. A well-designed system will allow us to simply switch on the system for a couple of hours before an event, or at lunchtime during an event if the track has dried up.

The installation of the new irrigation system will help mitigate dust caused by both dry and windy conditions, making the track much safer for riders. It will also minimise the workload of the track team by reducing the many hours of volunteers’ time having to water the track with a tractor and water cart the week prior and on the day. They will now be able to push a button and watch the system do it’s stuff.

MotoX events can not run in dusty conditions due to the dangers associated with poor visibility. The new irrigation system will be designed and installed by a company specialising in irrigation. Having a purpose-built irrigation system on both the mini and main track will provide a world class facility for our members and visiting riders, enhancing our ability to host events to the highest of standards.

The Taranaki Motorcycle Club (TMCC) is the regional sports organisation for motorcycling sport in Taranaki. Our organisation is based on Barrett Road in New Plymouth. With a membership of 370, the club caters for all age groups, whether 4 years of age or 70, male or female anyone is catered for. TMCC is dedicated to fostering the sport of motorcycling, making it safe, fun and fair.

TMCC received national recognition from Motorcycling New Zealand as the most improved performance for 2023. In 2022, we held the National Junior Championships over three days, with over two hundred riders plus several hundred supporters from throughout New Zealand in support. In April 2024 we are holding the New Zealand Senior Nationals with similar numbers expected. We are also holding the New Zealand Mini Nationals later in 2024, which will bring large numbers to the region.

The installation of a purpose-built dust suspension system will further strengthen Taranaki as the preferred region and New Plymouth as a national venue for motorcycling events.