Thousands head to Lower South West for return of Manjimup 15,000

Thousands of motocross fans flocked to Manjimup at the long weekend for three huge days of high-velocity entertainment. The 2021 Berry Sweet Manjimup 15,000, hosted by Dirt High Promotions, saw some of the biggest names in the sport compete at the Cosy Creek Circuit from Friday to Sunday. This comes following a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic cancelling last year’s event. Event organiser Willie Thomson said the weekend ran exceptionally well. “It was big, it was good, it was successful in every way,” he said. “The crowd was good, the racing was fantastic and the weather held out for us really for most of the weekend. “Facilities were all busy and everybody worked together and they were very accommodating and patient. “All weekend long it was just effortless.” Luke Clout, 26, claimed the overall top honours, his first victory at the event, finishing just ahead of West Australian and 2019 winner Regan Duffy in second and Aaron Tanti in third place. Thomson said the battle between Clout and Duffy was a joy to watch. “Luke’s riding ability in the last few years has just got better and better,” he said. “Maybe Duffy’s bike was under-powered against the Yamaha, the Yamaha went really well and suited the track. “Luke’s a very fit person and he’s a very calculated person so there was a time there when he just dropped behind Duffy and just watched his lines for a lap or two and then passed him. “It was almost like the master and the apprentice.” Thomson said next year’s event was already in the works. “We’re already planning it, I've probably made about 10 phone calls already for next year,” he said. “The Eastern States riders that came, we were probably at say 15 to 20 minimum, they all loved it and said they were back next year no matter what.” This year was also the 10th anniversary of the passing of well-known motocross rider, coach and journalist Paul Broomfield, who won the Manjimup 15,000 in 2004.