Electric bikes shock at Manjimup 15000

Electric bikes sent shockwaves through the field at the recent Manjimup 15000 event, with a number of surprising results in the support classes.

Criminally underrated as one of Australia’s most iconic motocross events, the Manjimup 15000 first ran in 1980 and has called the Manjimup circuit at Cosy Creek home ever since.

But with electric motocross bikes becoming more popular, the 2024 event had a slightly different look, feel, and sound.

While petrol-powered machines dominated the premier MX1 All-Stars class, the new Stark Varg electric bike had some success in other classes.

Codey Rowe piloted his Empire Motorcycles Stark Varg to second place overall in the Pro/Expert Class, with a win and two podiums across three motos.  

And in the solitary MX2 Veterans 30-39 race, WA legend Dean Porter piloted his own Empire Stark Varg to victory ahead of Bryan Staring and Benjamin Gibbs.

Australian Stark Future rep Jeff Leisk posted about the success on social media.

"Super proud of the Empire team at the Manjimup 15000," he said. "Never dreamed of an electric bike winning at this beast of a track."

The main event was won by CDR Yamaha pilot Jed Beaton, who was racing in his first Manjimup 15000. He beat Kayden Minear and Kyle Webster across four races in front of an estimated 6000 fans.

Meanwhile, the MX2 All-Stars win went to Ryder Kingsford ahead of Jake Cannon and Noah Feguson, while Charli Cannon was almost unbeatable in the women’s class.

Electric bikes currently don’t run in the Australian ProMX national championship series, but the success of Stark at Manjimup will surely raise eyebrows amongst the motocross fraternity, with a premier class win against petrol bikes now not so unbelievable.