During the middle of 2020 when the world was in lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic, people started reaching out to each other and connecting with past friends and acquaintances.

Having raced motocross for ten years between 1980 and 1990 in Western Australia, across Australia and in Europe, John Steyntjes started connecting with his past motocross friends and acquaintances.

It soon became apparent that the governing bodies were not maintaining or publishing the Australian and State Championship results and past riders were crying out for this information.

Following conversations with legendary Australian motocross photographer Peter Kitchingman and John’s cousin former State Sidecarcross champion Wayne Fanderlinden, John started the Australian Motocross History website.

Wayne had large collections of motocross photos and newspaper articles and Peter offered to contribute his motocross photos to the site.  

Peter also put John in touch with motorbike historian Rosco Holden, who manages the Australian Mr Motocross Legends and Stars Facebook social media group, which also aims to preserve Australian motocross stories, photos and videos.

The website started off as a potential retirement project and hobby.  

But it soon became clear that people were craving for this past information now with the site attracting up to 30,000 visitors a month.

So even though John still works full time, he now puts in considerable hours researching motocross history, sharing great stories and memories, plus making motocross video documentaries.

It’s success is due to the contribution of readers.  Thanks to your help, we now have a complete list of all the Australian Motocross Champions dating back to the very first National Championships in Victoria in 1953.