Broadford’s third round of the Rockstar Energy MX Nationals Australian Motocross Championship has former World Motocross runner-up Andrew McFarlane setting high hopes of history repeating itself this weekend, as he remembers great podium success on the world circuit when Broadford hosted two rounds of the 500cc World Motocross Championship back in 2000 and 2001.

Eleven years on and McFarlane is concentrating on the Pro Open title chase in Australia, riding for JDR Motorex KTM Racing on board the KTM 450 SX-F.

Commenting on his memory of the glory days and high hopes of a podium at Broadford McFarlane says he’s excited for Sunday’s action.

“In the year 2000 a round of the World 500cc Motocross Championship headed to Broadford in Victoria,” he reflected. “I entered the event with the confidence of showing the world stage that Aussie riders have what it takes to compete against the best of the best.

“At the time my bike was a 500cc two-stroke built by Rob Twyerould, who today is KTM Australia’s technical manager. I took the holeshot and led the likes of 1999 world champ Andrea Bartolini, plus Joel Smets and Marnique Bevoerts for 32 minutes until rain set in and I was passed by Smets and Bevoerts with two corners remaining. I still got a podium with third in Australia’s first ever world championship round.”

That result was the one that marked a revelation for the Queenslander, going on to international success the following year.

“My results saw me land a factory ride in Europe and when the World GP returned to Broadford again in 2001, this time I finished second to 10-time world champ and KTM rider Stefan Everts,” he continued. “I’ve now secured a third, and a second at Broadford on the world circuit, so it would be great to wrap that up with a first in the Australian championship.”

McFarlane currently sits fifth in the Pro Open class, entering round three at Broadford alongside teammate Tye Simmonds, who is riding Australia’s only KTM 350 SX-F motorcycle – which will be available in Australia this coming July.

Adding to JDR Motorex KTM Racing’s international experience will be PJ Larsen in the Pro Lites class, the Californian sitting second in the point standings ahead of fellow KTM factory Lites rider Ryan Marmont.

The racing format for both the Pro Open and Pro Lites on Sunday at Broadford will be one x 20 minute moto and two x 15 minute motos back-to-back.