Broadford’s State Motorcycle Sports Complex has undergone major improvements with its motocross track and surrounding areas ahead of this weekend’s opening round of the 2011 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals on Sunday, 13 March.

The SMSC is Australia’s most comprehensive motorcycle sports venue with tracks suitable for Speedway, Road Race, Dirt Track, Trials, Enduro, Supercross and Motocross.

The complex covers approximately 420 acres in size and hosts over 70 events each year, from club practice days to state and national championships.

The motocross track will accommodate 13 official races for the round, including the Rockstar Pro Open final, which consists of four races of eight laps.

The motocross track has been upgraded with three inches of fresh dirt and mulch laid around the corners. Brand new tabletops have also been included.

The track’s sprinkler system has been updated in an effort to maintain the tracks surface integrity on race day. A new pee wee 50 track has also been built, whilst gutters, silt pits and drains have been installed to improve drainage.

Andrew Weiss, CEO of Motorcycling Victoria, the state controlling body that administers the motorcycle sports complex, is excited with the new developments at Broadford.

“We’ve employed a full-time track curator to prepare and maintain the motocross track to meet the venue’s high safety requirements,” said Weiss. “Broadford itself has just undergone a facelift with newly-painted buildings and new restroom facilities.

“Broadford also has a new manager in Martin Doxey who has years and years of experience in running safe and successful motorsport events.”

On Broadford, Martin Doxey, manager of the SMSC, said: “We’ve put in new flag points and have erected protective barriers for our flag marshals; we’re one of the first MX tracks in Australia to do this.

“We take safety very seriously here at Broadford. We’re looking forward to world-class racing this weekend here at Broadford.”