All eyes on Manjimup 15000

The attention of the motocross world turns to the South West this weekend with West Australian riders preparing to test their mettle against some of the world’s best at the 2014 Mobil 1 Manjimup 15,000.

Former MX2 world champion Ben Townley headlines the visiting internationals but the New Zealander will face stiff competition from Americans Brett Cue and AJ Catanzaro.

Sponsored by South West Yamaha, Catanzaro is in Australia for the first time to chase the $3000 first prize on board a 2014 YZ 450F in the All Stars class.

“The Manjimup 15,000 is a growing event and more and more people from outside Australia are taking notice so I’m very excited about the opportunity to take part, ” Catanzaro said.

The 19-year-old has ridden professionally for three years, competes in American Motorcycle Association supercross and motocross and has also plied his trade in Germany.

“I’ve scored numerous top 10 supercross finishes with my best being a fourth last year in Indianapolis and a fifth in St. Louis, ” Catanzaro said.

“I live about 10 minutes from where (American supercross champion and 1986 Manjimup 15,000 winner) Jimmy Ellis grew up and he has been on me about getting over to Australia and training with him.

“He’s a legend in the sport and I’m very lucky to have been given the chance to live with him and be taken under his wing.”

Ellis rose to fame when he won the 1975 AMA Supercross 250cc championship – the highlight a dominant victory in the series finale at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

The American now calls WA home and gained Manjimup 15,000 notoriety when he became the first rider to clear the tabletop, inspiring the naming of “Jim’s Jump”.

Ellis will mentor both Catanzaro and fellow South West Yamaha rider Brody Cassidy, who competes in the open All Stars class for the first time this year after winning the 250cc Lites class in 2013.