Beyond the world events in the 1990s

history of MANJIMUP 15000 - chapter 3: A NEW ERA BEYOND THE WORLD EVENTS IN THE 1990's

Photos: [Left] 1994 Manjimup 15000 winner Jason Marshall from Western Australia used his experience from the 1992 Motocross of Nations and World 125cc Motocross Championship to win his second title on a Kawasaki – up against a strong field from Great Britain and Australia – By Peter Kitchingman

Manjimup 15000 England versus Australia challenge in 1994

The Manjimup 15000 continues into a new era

After hosting rounds of the World Motocross Championship in 1992 and 1993, the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club faced a defining moment. With Australia not awarded another world championship round in 1994, the international spotlight shifted — and the club was forced to reassess its future. The decision was clear: the Manjimup 15000 would continue.

In 1994, international competition returned to Cosy Creek, headlined by a strong British contingent including former winner Rob Herring, alongside Justin Morris and Paul Malin. Despite the overseas challenge, Western Australia’s Jason Marshall rose to the occasion, claiming his second Manjimup 15000 title.

After winning his first Manjimup 15000 in 1992, the qualifier for the Australian Motocross of Nations team and also repesenting his country in the World 125cc Motocross Championship round at Cosy Creek in 1993, Marshall was so experienced at the circuit, he won the 1994 Manjimup 15000 despite strong company from the internationals. Great Britain’s Rob Herring guided the British team to third overall at the 1992 Motocross of Nations, so it was an incredible ride for Marshall to beat the British riders.

A year later, American expatriate Eddie Warren finally broke through after seven attempts, earning a popular victory.

Photo: Eddie Warren (Kawasaki USA) dicing with Rob Herring (Yamaha, UK). Both finished behind WA’s Jason Marshall in 1994, with Warrne going on to clinch his first Manjimup 15000 the following year in 1995 after years of contesting the event – By Peter Kitchingman.

KTM dominance and rising talent

Photo: 1997 Manjimup 15000 winner – Castrol KTM rider Craig Anderson from New South Wales.

In 1996, Jeff Leisk made a remarkable comeback to win at Cosy Creek — more than a decade after his earlier triumphs. However, the event was not officially classified as a Manjimup 15000 that year, denying him a share of the all-time record. Off the track, Leisk was equally influential, playing a key role in building KTM and Husaberg into major forces in Australian off-road motorcycling.

The late 1990s saw the rise of a powerful KTM presence. Craig Anderson delivered victory in 1997 after a dramatic countback with Lee Hogan, while Hogan returned in 1998 to secure his own breakthrough win — completing a three-year winning streak for KTM-backed riders.

The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1999 with a truly international field. That year marked the arrival of future star Andrew McFarlane, who claimed victory before launching onto the world stage.

McFarlane returned in 2000 and again proved dominant at Cosy Creek, although the event was not officially recognised as a Manjimup 15000. His fierce rivalry with Paul Broomfield delivered one of the closest finishes in the event’s history. However, the 2000 meeting was also marred by crowd unrest — a rare blemish in an otherwise proud history.

By 2001, McFarlane was competing in Europe with the factory Yamaha team, yet still returned to Manjimup — and delivered a commanding victory in the official Manjimup 15000.

Meanwhile, Jay Marmont established himself as a Cosy Creek specialist, winning in 2003 and again later in the decade. In 2004, Western Australia’s own Paul Broomfield thrilled local fans with a popular home victory, while American Tim Weigand restored international success in 2005 with a standout performance.

Photos: Manjimup 15000 winners at the turn of the century – Andrew McFarlane (QLD, Yamaha 2001); Jay Marmont (NSW, Yamaha 2003); and Paul Broomfield (WA, 2004) By Peter Kitchingman

Transition and change at Cosy Creek

Behind the scenes, sustaining the event was becoming increasingly challenging. After more than two decades of tireless work, the strain on the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club was evident.

Following the 2005 event, the Manjimup 15000 went into hiatus, with no races held between 2006 and 2008.

In a significant shift, the club handed over the promotion of the event to Dirt High Promotions — marking the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Photo: 2005 Manjimup 15000 startline, the last event run by the Manjimup MCC before the club handed over the reigns to Dirt High Promotions – By Peter Kitchingman

Magic Manjimup 15000 MX documentary

AMX History is proud to announce its latest documentary – Magic Manjimup 15000 MX: 40 years history in one hour. Watch the 60 minute movie here.