The Inverell Motorcycle Sports Club celebrated a special occasion on Sunday, as the brand new start gates were officially opened, honouring the memory of Scott Fermor.
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A huge crowd turned out for the occasion, and according to past club members it was the biggest club race day in more than two decades.
"We had a cracker of a day. It was awesome," Inverell Motorcycle Sports Club race secretary Bec Solomon said.
The new gates were made possible thanks to funds raised at Scott's memorial day in August 2018. Around $5,000 was raised on the day and Scott's family wanted that money to go straight back into the club.
The new gates - now known as the 'Scott Fermor Memorial Gates' - are handmade by club president Justin Solomon and the concrete slab was installed by Luke Holder and Jack Solomon.
A memorial plaque has been placed on the starter box, with Scott's racing number of 254.
It's a project that has been very close to Bec Solomon's heart, as she remembers her cousin.
"Scott rode the track for many years and spent a lot of time travelling around the countryside in NSW and Queensland racing at different places with his parents Meg and Colin by his side," Solomon said.
Following the opening, the races kicked off, with Scott's dad Colin getting the honour of the race gate drop for the opening race of the day.
120 riders took to the track, coming from right across the region including Armidale, Gunnedah, Quirindi, Willotree, Wee Waa, Walcha, Moree and Narrabri.
Solomon said it was great to get back out on the track, with motocross the only motorsport currently running in Inverell.
Riders from as young as four years old into their 50s took part.
"It was a great day, everyone had a good ride," Solomon said.
"We had a couple of crashes, but that normally happens.
"It's great we can still get out on the track and see riders doing a sport they love in a safe and controlled environment, making us all feel a bit normal in these stressful pandemic times."
Solomon said they also gained around 20 to 25 new club members.
There's been a number of changes over the last six months as the club continues to improve the facilities out at the track.
The canteen has been moved into the shipping container and the club also received a new barbecue from Bunnings.
President Justin Solomon wanted to thank all the volunteers and committee members who have put in plenty of time to the club, including Tony Williamson, Bec Solomon, Jack and Lochie Solomon, Darryl Lewis, Luke and Melissa Holder, Mick Cooper, Keenan Shepher, Vinnie, Nic and Ryan Trevithick and Tom and Georgie Oakes.
The club thanked its 2020 sponsors including Sapphire Wind Farm, Luke Holder Building, Sign Print Stitch, Peter Moodie Electrical, Roder and Ride, APS Mobile Welding, Enzo's Excavation and Bobcat Tipper Hire, Highstyle Kitchens and Waterfall Way Design.
