The Albury-Wodonga Motorcycle Club will, for the first time, host the Victorian Motorcycle Speedway Championships for the under 21 (500cc) and under 16 (250cc) classes.

Club president Shane Clare yesterday said the long-term plan was to make it an annual event.

“This is as good a field as you will see anywhere in the country,” he said.

“Some of these boys race in the open classes, and some race internationally.”

Clare said Mansfield’s Max Fricke was the class act in the under-21s.

“He’s the consecutive Australian U21 champion and has just returned from a full season of racing in Europe which included winning the British Premier League title with the Edinburgh Monarchs team,” he said.

“Main competition for Max will come from 2012 British under-21 champion Robert Branford, who now lives in Adelaide, and Jack Holder, the younger brother of 2012 world champion Chris.

“In the under-16 250cc grade, Jimmy Jones, of Cessnock, starts as the most credentialled rider, having finished third at January’s Australian title. He recently competed in the world championship semi-finals in Poland.”

Almost 40 races will be held at the Diamond Park circuit on the Lincoln Causeway from noon on Sunday.

Gates open at 10am and entry costs $10 a person with children under-13 free.