Image: Foremost Media.

Following a year’s absence, Western Australia’s Manjimup 15,000 is set to return on 2 June with an extensive All-Stars line-up featuring several ProMX regulars and a list of international riders.

The prestigious race was called off in 2023 after long-time promoter Willie Thomson continued his recovery from a near-fatal off-road riding accident, where he suffered a broken neck, torn aorta, and paralysed vocal cords amongst a list of further injuries.

Thomson returned to event promotion this year in what has been an incredible recovery, with the popular 15,000 race in Western Australia’s southwest at the forefront of his efforts.

“It feels like I’m back to where I should be,” Thomson stated to MotoOnline. “There were times there when I thought I would never be able to do anything again, let alone walk – my recovery has been quite remarkable even though I’ll never be the same again. To get [the event] where it is, is an achievement.”

The 2024 edition is set to feature one of its strongest rider line-ups yet, with Honda Racing fielding international Dean Wilson alongside its full domestic line-up, including current national MX1 and MX2 championship leaders Kyle Webster and Brodie Connolly.

Fellow teammates Noah Ferguson and Alex Larwood are also entered, while it’s understood two-time MXW champion Charli Cannon will also make her way to WA alongside younger brother Jake Cannon.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy duo Jed Beaton and Dean Ferris are amongst the ProMX regulars, joined by Brett Metcalfe (Penrite GO24), Matt Moss (Elliott Bros GasGas), Kayden Minear (KTM Racing Team), Ryder Kingsford (Yamalube Yamaha Racing), and WA locals Seth Shackleton (BCP Honda), Deacon Paice (KTM), and John Darroch (Yamaha).

AORC veteran Stefan Granquist (Husqvarna) will make a cameo motocross appearance, while internationals Lars van Berkel (Honda) and Todd Kellet (Yamaha) are confirmed amongst a contingent of local WAMX contenders.

“The calibre of riders this year is really good, I think everyone is pleased it’s back,” Thomson added. “I think the Europeans are going to be the dark horses, and Webster, Beaton and Ferris are going to be the favourites. We’ve also got Dean Wilson – so these guys alone are at the pinnacle.”

This year’s Manjimup 15,000 is also set to stage a four-cross mountain bike event on the Saturday night prior to racing, which will be led by multi-time world MTB champion and avid motocross enthusiast Sam Hill.