By Sarah Schwager
EVERY man and his dog were out in Cranbourne on Saturday to watch thousands of motorbikes take off in the annual MRA Cranbourne GP Run.
Organisers were thrilled as the biggest crowds recorded in the event’s eight-year history turned up at Cranbourne, bikes and people packed into High Street as far as the eye could see.
About 12,000 people turned out to see former 500cc world motorcycle champion Wayne Gardner, with the crowd cheering loudly as he lifted the chequered flag to wave off the convoy, joined at the last minute by the City of Casey’s Young Citizen of the Year Shannon Barnes.
Shannon said she was overwhelmed to accompany Gardner in the cherry picker.
The crowd was buzzing with excitement as an estimated 6000 riders roared through town, with the younger onlookers waving tiny chequered flags and high fiving the motorcyclists as they passed.
Motorcycle Riders Association president Dale Maggs said the MRA was grateful to the City of Casey for putting on such a wonderful event.
At Mr Maggs’ request, the crowd held a minute’s silence to remember motor racing legend Peter Brock, who died two weeks ago in a racing accident.
“He was a great supporter of motor sports in Australia,” Mr Maggs said.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford was also thrilled with the event’s success and said the atmosphere on Saturday was amazing.
“The MRA Cranbourne GP Run spectacle is the biggest annual community event in Casey and continues to grow in popularity and prominence every year,” Cr Bradford said.
“With music, entertainment, stalls and even a mini-moto demonstration as part of the event, families and motorcycle enthusiasts packed the side streets of Cranbourne in anticipation for the wave-off.”
Cr Bradford thanked the event organisers, including Casey staff, the MRA, Victoria Police, Cranbourne Chamber of Commerce, media partner Star News Group and the many local businesses and community groups for contributing to the enormous success of this year’s MRA Cranbourne GP Run.
“The size and scale of this event requires significant preparation to ensure it runs smoothly and safely, and it simply would not be possible without the strong support of the event sponsors.” Cr Bradford said.
>>> For more stories and pictures on the MRA
Cranbourne GP Run, turn to pages 2-3 and a souvenir picture spread pages 24-25.
