SCRAMBLES/MOTOCROSS/
DRUMLANRIG

Drumlanrig Offroad Motorsport Festival

19-21 May 2023.

 

Our 2023 Drumlanrig Offroad Motorsport Festival proved to be a great success helped hugely by the warm, sunny, weather we experienced over the whole weekend. And what a weekend it was with an exciting and highly entertaining Friday evening grass track followed by two days of some of the closest and most exciting classic and twinshock motocross competition you could witness anywhere on the planet. Our decision to run two separate tracks for the earlier classic machines and the later twinshock ones really paid off and provided some extremely high-octane competition in all classes with some superb riding skills on display throughout the whole weekend. The riders seemed to really enjoy themselves as did the spectators who really appreciated what they were witnessing on the fast, flowing tracks in the shadow of the castle itself. What’s more, it’s pleasing to report that, in spite of the highly competitive, fast and furious racing we were treated to, that only a couple of riders received fairly minor injuries over both days.

​

Our Two-Day Trial didn’t disappoint either with the ‘feet-up’ enthusiasts enjoying a range of challenging and exciting sections suitable for all levels of rider on classic, twinshock and modern machines. What’s more, the hardworking trials team had spent time well in advance of the event plotting a proper trials loop of some considerable distance which took riders all around the grounds of the estate and high into the woods above the castle where they could enjoy the views as well as the sections.

And let’s not forget the Lawnmower Racers who put on quite a display of exciting four-wheeled competition enjoyed by a sizeable crowd of spectators many of whom were watching the ‘grasscutters’ for the very first time and vowed that they would be back again to witness more of the same. It really was great fun.

​

Away from the cut and thrust of competition there was plenty to enjoy. There were road-runs and a great display of classic and modern bikes on show as well as a farmer’s market and entertainment for the kids to enjoy. A good choice of catering was available including a bar and live bands on both nights provided some great music which everyone seemed to really appreciate.

​

Our Guest of Honour Neil Hudson who was 250cc World Motocross Champion in 1981 was yet another motocross hero whose presence at Drumlanrig was hugely appreciated and he spent a busy weekend mingling with everyone and endlessly signing autographs as well as regaling us with stories from his professional motocross career. In his interviews he revealed some previously unknown facts about that incredible 1981 season where the championship went right to the final round in Holland where he beat his arch rival Georges Jobe to become Britain’s first and only 250cc World Motocross Champion. It was good to have our other great motocross hero Graham Noyce with us once again and he spoke warmly and was most complimentary about his great friend and rival Neil’s ability and achievements in the sport.

Our Trials Guest was Yorkshireman Bill Wilkinson who was at the top of his sport throughout the sixties and seventies winning several of the most prestigious trials in the country and often securing a top ten finish in that most demanding of events the S.S.D.T. In his day he was a works rider for James, Greeves and OSSA. What’s more Mick represented Great Britain at the I.S.D.T. and came home with a Gold Medal on several occasions. He really enjoyed himself at Drumlanrig and kept us well entertained with his yarns. Mick really can tell a tale!

​

Now that the dust has settled on Drumlanrig 2023 Galloway MCC would like to thank everyone who helped to make it happen. To stage an event of such magnitude takes a lot of time, effort and of course money and without the generosity, enthusiasm and commitment of an awful lot of people it just couldn’t happen. So, enormous thanks go to all of our sponsors particularly our headline sponsor AMD Contract Services who have generously supported us since the event’s inception. Thanks also to our partners Dumfries & Galloway Council who have also been so supportive. And of course, our huge gratitude goes to Buccleuch Estates who allow us to stage the event in the spectacular grounds of the Castle itself. Thanks of course are due also to the many competitors and spectators who come to Drumlanrig year after year without whom this event simply couldn’t happen. A huge amount of time  and physical effort is required setting up so it’s a huge thankyou to absolutely everyone who assisted in any way at all such as club members, friends and competitors.

​

A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes prior to the event so thanks are due to the people handling entries, dealing with sponsors, creating the programme, attending meetings and numerous other tasks too many to mention.

​

We would like to thank the people without whose massive contribution over a great weekend of competition the event just couldn’t take place and that is our First Aid people, club officials and most importantly of all our track marshals and trials observers. Many, many thanks to you all.

Lastly, there is one individual who needs to be singled out for his contribution to our Drumlanrig weekend and that is our Event Director Kenny Harper without whose endless commitment, hard work and enthusiasm the event simply wouldn’t happen.

 

For further, upcoming events please visit Galloway MCC Facebook page or go to our website www.gallowaymcc.com