01/06/2026
Kilcoy Motocross Club: A Brief History
The Kilcoy Motocross Club began in the early 1980s when a small group of local men and their sons, united by a love of dirt bikes, set out to create a place to ride and race.
The first track was established on the Sandy Creek property of Dick and Judy Hill near Kilcoy. As interest in the sport grew, John Hill worked with Mike Kennedy to secure access to land at Glenfern, where the track remains today.
The Glenfern site was part of a road reserve, previously used as a stock route, and local history recalls that American soldiers camped in the area during the war years.
Among the early riders and members were John Hill, Robin Stockhill, Euie and Neil Harrison, Gary Lowieke, Gerard Ringlestein, Barry McAlpine, Steven Cobbin, Aaron Pratten, Alistair McAulay, Kevin Wilks, Dale and Aaron Smith, and Alan and Greg Traves. In later years, riders including Casey Tones, Chelsea Baker, Shane and Ben Schodel, Chris McLeay, Shane, Glen and Aaron Davis, and Kevin, Trevor and Ricky Richards also became part of the club's story.
Through several venue changes, the club was sustained by the dedication of families, riders and supporters from across the district. Before Glenfern became the club's permanent home, informal tracks also operated on private properties around the region.
These included the Gablonski property at Glenfern, the Smith farm at Mount Kilcoy, and the Lois Davis property at Hazeldean. Mount Kilcoy also hosted Enduro and Pony Express race meets, with the pit area based at the Mount Kilcoy Hall.
When the club secured the Glenfern lease in 1985 for just $1 a year, members finally had a place they could call home. Although the lease came later, the club itself had been formed in 1981, laying the foundations for what would become a long-standing part of the local sporting community.
In its earliest years, the club operated as the Kilcoy Motorcycle Club, with Neil Harrison serving as President, John Hill as Secretary, and Grant Smith as Treasurer. Meetings were held at the Exchange Hotel, where many of the club's plans were first shaped.
Neil Harrison played a leading role in constructing the first track, using his father's machinery to help bring the vision to life. Many others also made significant contributions, often giving both their time and their own resources to support the club's growth.
Bob and Lyle Blunt worked on the track with their earthmoving equipment, while the Kilcoy Shire Council provided machinery and staff to assist. Sandy Wilks graded the flat track, and Peter Pratten contributed countless hours operating machinery. The club also benefited from sponsorship support, including from M&M Motorcycles through Mark Wallace.
Among those remembered for their commitment are Steve and Debbie Ann McLeay and their son Chris; Les, Marietta, Ben and Shane Schodel; Ray and Janice Davis and their family; Jon and Noela Cartwright; Alistair McAuley; Nugget and Roslyn Smith; Dale Smith; Mark Wallace; Kellie and John Tripcony; and John Peacock. Their efforts, along with many others, were instrumental in getting the club established and keeping it running.
Much of the club's success came from practical, often unglamorous work. Donna and Janice Davis were known for chipping weeds at the track, with Janice also running the canteen. After race meets, members shared whatever jobs needed doing, including maintaining amenities and cleaning up the grounds.
Following floods, large working bees were regularly organised to repair damage and restore the facility. That willingness to pitch in created a strong sense of community, and for many members the club became much more than a sporting venue — it became an extended family.
It is a testament to the hard work of the many volunteers and families who helped build and maintain it over decades.
This history has been informed by the generous contributions of Denise Modistach, a long-time supporter of the club and a valued source of local knowledge, and Judy Hill, who also provided important additional information.
Here’s to making many more memories at the club.
Feel free to tag and share your own memories!
