On 26-27 April 1997, the opening round of the 1997 Australian Motocross Championships got under way at Blackwood Park, located behind Penguin on Tasmania’s North West Coast.

This event for 125 and 250cc classes marked a significant milestone for both Motorcycling Australia and the Coastal Motocross Club.

It was a new National Championship series and the first to be managed by Kevin Williams’ Williams Event Management team.  For the Coastal MC, which had recently adopted its new name (previously Coastal Junior MCC), it was hosting its first senior national motocross round at its upgraded Blackwood Park facility.

The circuit was known for its challenging natural terrain, featuring a mix of loamy soil, technical jumps, and fast sweeping corners.

Heading into the season, Kawasaki riders Peter Melton (QLD) and Dale Britton (WA) were the reigning 250cc and 125cc Champions, respectively.  1996 Runner-up Australian 250cc Champion Craig Anderson was keen to dethrone the late Peter Melton after Team Castrol/KTM Australia rider Anderson narrowly missed the title by the narrowest of margins the previous year.

Team MSR Silkolene Suzuki riders Cameron Taylor and the late Andrew McFarlane were also keen to improve their performances in the 250cc title, with McFarlane keen to make amends for a disappointing 1996 season when he badly injured his knee at Crystal Brook.

Young NSW ace John Di Stefano, who was third in the 1996 125cc National title, sprung a surprise when he turned his back on the Team MSR Silkolene Suzuki to take up a privateer ride with Kawasaki Southside – moving up into the 250cc class.

In the 125cc class, Queensland Honda riders Troy Carroll and Michael Byrne would be Britton’s main threats, with Carroll – the 1996 runner-up National Champion – keen to go one better in 1997.  Supercross specialist CDR Yamaha’s Danny Ham was also a chance in this Championship.