News

Brody Nowlan and Josh Pickering have now won half of the Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix events that have been staged so far, after winning for a fourth time last Sunday on the rain-soaked streets of Cessnock.

Nowlan set the fastest time in qualifying, and from a front-row start in their heat, they recorded a decisive win, finishing over one minute ahead of 2014 and 2015 winners Luke Richards and Marty McNamara – locking in another front-row start for the 90 minutes plus one lap Grand Prix race.

They became an even hotter favourite when defending champions Daniel Wicks and Boyd Hollis were hit with penalties after mistakenly using illegal tyres in taking the checkered flag in their heat. Wicks and Hollis were relegated to the last qualifying berth in the Grand Prix race, with them starting at the back of the 36-bike field. They carried a 30-second penalty into the race as well.

That decision set the stage for a most dramatic contest as Wicks and Hollis worked their way through the field to challenge Nowlan and Pickering. Theirr task, however, was made even harder when Hollis incurred a further 30-second penalty for overtaking under a yellow flag.

With just a few laps remaining, Hollis put the defending champion’s bike in the lead on the track, but ultimately not by enough time to erase the penalties incurred – leading to them being relegated to third place overall as Isaac Hawes and Caleb Clifton claimed second place for the second year in a row.

Despite the wet conditions, there were only a few accidents as the mixture of big-name performers from various disciplines of the sport did battle against plenty of weekend racers, with some of them undoubtedly fulfilling a bucket list event.

The SMW Drilling Services Cessnock Cup Consolation Race was won by young dirt track guns Cody Lewis and Brayden Gay, while Ainsley Childs became the first dual winner of the SMW Drilling Services Wine Country Cup Ladies’ Race.

 

Heat 1                                              Brody Nowlan / Josh Pickering                           1

                                                            Luke Richards / Marty McNamara                     2

                                                            Joel Sneesby / Sebastien Sneesby                     3

 

Heat 2                                              Isaac Hawes / Caleb Clifton                                 1         

                                                            Richie Nowland / Justin Girotto                         2

                                                            Kade Dorrington / Danny Anderson                  3

                                               

CESSNOCK MITSUBISHI AUSTRALIAN POSTIE BIKE GP

 

                                                            Brody Nowlan / Josh Pickering                           1

                                                            Isaac Hawes / Caleb Clifton                                 2

                                                            Daniel Wicks / Boyd Hollis                                   3

 

SMW DRILLING SERVICES CESSNOCK CUP CONSOLATION RACE

                                                 

                                                              Cody Lewis / Brayden Gay                                   1

                                                            Justin Bailey / Jarrod Hodges                              2

                                                            Ollie Hicken / Taylor Poole                                  3

 

SMW DRILLING SERVICES WINE COUNTRY CUP LADIES RACE

                                                            Ainsley Childs                                                          1

                                                             Brittany Sandall                                                      2

                                                             Kasey Cocking                                                          3

Australia’s best-attended motorcycle event that is free for spectators is on again this Sunday the 5th of November, with the eighth staging of the Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix around the streets of the Cessnock CBD in the Hunter Valley.

Staged on a 1450-metre circuit, the event allows fans to watch the action up close as big names from most disciplines of motorcycle racing together with weekend racers push the famous Postie bikes to their limits, and beyond. This has proved to be a great community event with Cessnock able to proudly boast its hosting claim of being the only street bike GP race in the country and the only street bike GP race on Postie bikes anywhere in the world. 

Riders to watch out for

Over 60 machines have entered with the usual mix of regulars from various disciplines, including a few big names from days gone by, and some well-credentialed dirt track regulars joining forces for this Sunday. Over the seven previous stagings of the event, there have been just four combinations who have stood atop the victory rostrum and three of them will be chasing further honours this weekend.

Luke Richards and Marty McNamara won in the first two years and have been competitive every year since, and they will be hopeful of no repeats of a troubled run from last year. 

The most successful team in the history of the event is the combination of former dirt track racer Brody Nowlan and Josh Pickering, with the latter who has just returned from another successful season racing speedway in Europe. They will be particularly fired up after what looked likely to be a fourth victory last year was snatched away from them when Pickering had a tumble late in the race.  That dramatic finale saw the team of Daniel Wicks and Boyd Hollis take the honours and they should again be prominent on Sunday.

Chris Watson Motorcycles has again filed several entries, including one for one of Australia’s greatest-ever motocross exponents Craig Anderson partnering Harrison Foster.

Riders with a dirt track background are again prominent among the entry list with the combinations of Cody Lewis and Brayden Gay, James Sawdy and Grant Charnock, David and Peter Smith, and Tom Donnelly and Blake Wilby all hoping to bring their dirt track success across to postie bike racing. 

Ainsley Childs will be the defending champion in the Female Cup.

Team Details

There are many special features of this event which only came about after the Cessnock Motor Cycle Club convinced police, local council, politicians, residents and local businesses of its merits. Various local businesses support the event and along with other fundraising initiatives, the club is able to cover the costs of turning the CBD streets into a race track, and keeping it free for fans to watch. Off –track, there will be plenty to see as well with market stalls, food trucks, jumping castles etc. and merchandise stalls.

View Track Map

Program

08.00am          Riders Briefing

09.00am          Parade Lap

09.20am:         Group A – 20-minute practice/qualifying.

10:00am:         Group B -20-minute practice/qualifying.

10:40am:         Ladies: 15-minute practice/qualifying.

11:20am:         Heat One of up to 36 teams 20 Lap qualifying race for Grand Prix

12:15pm:         Heat Two of up to 36 teams 20 Lap qualifying race for Grand Prix

1.00pm:           SMW Drilling Services Cessnock Cup up to 36 teams for one hour plus 1 lap

2.30pm:           Postie Bike Female Premiair Hire Wine Country Cup 12 laps

3.00pm:           Cessnock Mitsubishi Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix 36 teams for 90 minutes  plus one lap

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Report prepared by Peter Baker

Motorcycling NSW is now hiring for a Operations Manager – Commercial. As the Operations Manager – Commercial at Motorcycling NSW, you will not only drive the commercial aspects of the organisation but also lead efforts to enhance operational and procedural business improvements. 

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that optimise partnerships, sponsorships, and media opportunities, while streamlining internal processes and fostering operational excellence. 

This is a senior leadership position that demands a holistic approach to business management, encompassing commercial acumen, strategic thinking, and a focus on continuous improvement.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead negotiations and finalise partnership agreements that align with the organisation’s objectives and bring mutual benefits to both parties.
2. Oversee the development and implementation of sponsorship packages tailored to meet the needs and objectives of potential sponsors.
3. Create and execute a comprehensive media and digital communications strategy to elevate the visibility and coverage of Motorcycling within NSW across various media and communication platforms.
4. Drive revenue growth through innovative commercial strategies and creative approaches to attract new partners, sponsors, and media opportunities.
5. Oversee, and actively facilitate and administer motorcycling related advocacy, planning, consultation, administration and promotion, including extensive community engagement, stakeholder liaison, support and relationships. 
6. Oversee the preparation, review, and execution of partnership, sponsorship, and media contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements.
7. Develop and manage budgets for commercial initiatives, ensuring financial efficiency and measurable return on investment.
8. Conduct thorough assessments of existing operational processes, identifying inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
9. Develop and implement streamlined procedures and best practices to enhance internal efficiencies and reduce costs.
10. Lead, mentor, and manage the operational team, including partnerships coordinator, advertising specialist and administrative staff.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. 
2. Proven experience (at least 5 years) in a senior commercial management role, with a focus on partnerships, sponsorships, and media management/relations.
3. Demonstrated success in securing major partnerships and sponsorships within the sports, entertainment, or media industry.
4. Strong network of contacts in the corporate and media sectors.
5. Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to present ideas persuasively to stakeholders at all levels.
6. Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and executing successful commercial strategies.
7. Experience in budget management and financial analysis.
8. Leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide teams to achieve organisational objectives.
9. Proven experience in driving operational and procedural business improvement initiatives.

Passion for motorsports and a keen understanding of the motorcycling industry are advantageous. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven professional to contribute to the growth and success of Motorcycling NSW. Joining a passionate and dedicated team, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in elevating the organisation’s commercial endeavours, reinforcing its position as the premier state controlling body throughout motorcycling in Australia, and driving operational and procedural business improvements to ensure efficiency and excellence.

 

LOCATION AND TRAVEL

The role will be based out of 9 Cooper St, Smithfield NSW. Flexibility of working location will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with exceptional candidates. Travel throughout Metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW will be required from time to time to attend various meetings, activities and events.

 

HOURS OF WORK

This is a Full-Time position. Due to the nature of the motorcycle sport, many activities occur outside of normal office hours. Some night and weekend hours will therefore be required from time to time to ensure the key functions of the role are undertaken in accordance with Motorcycling NSW goals and commitments. To ensure an appropriate work/life balance is maintained, flexibility of working hours will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

 

REMUNERATION

An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be available to the successful candidate, negotiable depending upon skill level and experiences. At the time of applying, candidates are invited to indicate their current salary and salary expectations.

 

RESIDENCY AND IMMIGRATION

Candidates must be an Australian Citizen / Permanent Resident or have unlimited working rights within Australia to be considered for this position.

 

TIMELINES

Final interviews and the appointment of the Operations Manager, Motorcycling NSW are scheduled for late November 2023. The successful candidate would be expected to commence duties as soon as possible.

 

TO APPLY

Please submit your resumé and cover letter to dr@motorcycling.com.au.

Applications will close on Monday 27 November.

N.B Applications will be reviewed as we receive them, and if a suitable candidate is found applications may close earlier.

For any confidential enquiries please contact Daniel Rushworth via 0487 888 55