GOZO MOTOCROSS ASSOCIATION
OFFICIAL FUEL PARTNER
THE FRANK BRUNO AWARD
1988 was the year where the motocross sport was born in Gozo.
Frankie Xuereb, known as 'Ta' Brunu', together with some other motocross fans, discovered an unworked land in the rural areas known as 'Ta' Xhajma' at the limits of Nadur, Gozo. Throughout the years, this area had always been left abandoned, with a lot of debris and rocks accumulating over the years; making it quite unusable.
Frankie, together with his motocross friends had shown great enthusiasm and determination, in a bid to the government at the time, to develop this abandoned land into a motocross track where they can start practicing this sport. During that time, local motocross fans did not have a place where they could enjoy such a hobby. Instead, every Sunday, one would find a numerous amount of riders practicing this sport by going up and down a hill known as 'Tan-Nuffara' in the limits of Nadur or in areas known as 'Ta' Laveċċa' between Għasri and Zebbuġ and 'Tad-Dabrani' between Marsalforn and Rabat. No competitive racing had ever been done at that time.
When the government at the time had issued the permit to develop the land into what would be the first and only motocross track in Gozo, the first design of the track at Ta' Xħajma had been commissioned. The design featured multiple turns and jumps suitably positioned to test the skills of the riders. The new track has also allowed local riders to enjoy this adventurous sport in an adequate and suitable place.
Mr. Michael Saliba was appointed the first president of the Gozo Motocross Association whom together with Vincent, better known as 'ÄŠensu Splott' and Ä orÄ¡ Xuereb, also known as 'Ta' Brunu', always strived and worked hard to push forward and improve the sport of motocross in Gozo.
Who Are We?
On January 3rd, 1988, the first and only motocross racetrack in Gozo race track was inaugurated with a series of motocross races. The races featured two classes; Class A and Class B, complemented with a numerous crowd that had gathered to watch the birth of this new sport on the island of Gozo.
In Class A, Mario Said placed first, followed by Frank Xuereb and Joe Debono while in Class B, Joe Portelli, Jesmond Bigeni, and Charles Mercieca placed first, second and third place respectively.
Trophies were presented to the winners by the then Minister of Gozo, Dr. Anton Tabone.
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Naturally, the dirt bikes used back then are not the same as those found nowadays. Dirt bikes were only available in 125cc and 250cc models, without any radiator and a suspension which was not capable of handling any sort of jumps or maneuvers required by this sport.
In the following years, the motocross sport had gained a lot of popularity in this small island of Gozo and everyone was eagerly waiting for the autumn season for the beginning of the local championship. Races were held on Sunday afternoons, with the track being jam-packed with riders and local supporters who would spend a few hours of their free time enjoying this exciting sport.
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Nowadays, the Gozo Motocross Association has developed into a dedicated Gozitan organization that provides fun and challenging races for the motocross racing fans through multiple competitions including the local Gozo Motocross Championship, flat-track racing, trials and enduro.
The association aims to bring together both young and veteran athletes to practice and enjoy their favorite off-road motorsport. The association also aspires to fortify this particular sport which will, in turn, enhance winter tourism to the island of Gozo. The Gozo Motocross Association constantly works towards creating more opportunities for its member riders by organizing overseas twinning with other associations abroad.
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The association is determined to constantly work harder and to be more diligent in the organization of motocross racing in Gozo. It encourages new and aspiring riders to join and form part of the association and to cooperate with the same association in order to help the sport grow and flourish in our beautiful island.
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