Dirt High bring back the glory days

history of MANJIMUP 15000 - chapter 4: DIRT HIGH PROMOTIONS BRING BACK THE GLORY DAYS TO COSY CREEK

Photos: [Left] Spectacular motocross action at Cosy Creek at the 2013 Manjimup 15000 hosted by Dirt High Promotions; and [Right] In 2019, 16-year-old Regan Duffy (WA) stunned the sport, becoming the youngest-ever winner, surpassing the long-standing record set by Jeff Leisk in 1984 – Dirt High Promotions.

A new Manjimup 15000 era begins under Dirt High Promotions

Willie Thomson - The driving force behind the event's revival

From 2009, a new era began. In partnership with the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club, Dirt High Promotions set out to restore one of Australia’s most iconic motocross events — and succeeded.

At the centre of the revival is promoter Willie Thomson. Much like Trevor Holm before him, Thomson has overseen the evolution of the Manjimup 15000, guiding it back to prominence as Australia’s premier one-day motocross event.

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Willie Thomson discovered motocross in the late 1970s before immigrating to Australia in 1982. Within days of arriving, he was racing in Western Australia — the beginning of a lifelong journey in the sport.

After rising through the motocross ranks, Thomson built a highly successful enduro career, claiming multiple Western Australian state titles and a national championship.

He later transitioned into event promotion, founding Dirt High Promotions and delivering major events including the Tumbulgum Natural Terrains and the Brookton Pony Express.

His vision helped redefine professional motocross and enduro events in Western Australia — with rider experience and event quality at the forefront.

Photos: [Top] Dirt High Promotion’s Willie Thomson; and [Bottom] Willie himself contested the Manjimup 15000, pictured here in 1987 with the Manjimup 15000 winner that year – Craig Dack from New South Wales (By Peter Kitchingman)

Manjimup 15000 revival begins in 2009

Photo: International flavour soon returned to Cosy Creek in the 2010’s with Britain’s Brad Anderson winning the Manjimup 15000 in 2010 and 2012 – By Peter Kitchingman

The revival began in 2009, with Matt Moss taking victory as more than 550 riders descended on Cosy Creek. The atmosphere echoed the glory days, with strong national competition and growing momentum.

International flavour soon returned. Britain’s Brad Anderson claimed victories in 2010 and 2012, while Jay Marmont added another title in 2011 — dedicating his win to the late Paul Broomfield.

The next decade ushered in a new wave of stars. Todd Waters emerged as a dominant force, securing three victories (2013, 2016, 2022), while Kirk Gibbs joined the elite ranks with wins in 2014, 2015 and 2017.
In 2018, international contender Dean Ferris added his name to the honour roll.

Then, in 2019, a defining moment — 16-year-old Regan Duffy stunned the sport, becoming the youngest-ever Manjimup 15000 winner, surpassing the long-standing record set by Jeff Leisk.

The Manjimup event endures after adversity

By 2019, the event had been firmly re-established as Australia’s premier motocross showdown. But like all great events, it faced adversity.

Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Manjmup 1500 had to be cancelled due to the travelling restrictions put on all Australians and State border closure enforced by the WA Government.

Then in 2023, for the second time under Willie Thomson’s watch, the event had to be cancelled when he had a serious off-road accident.

But fortunately, after months of rehabilitation, Willie returned to the helm and the Manjimup 15000 endured.

Manjimup 15000 partnership rolls on

In 2021, Luke Clout delivered a standout victory, continuing the event’s tradition of elite competition.

In recent years, Jed Beaton has stamped his authority on the event, claiming back-to-back wins in 2024 and 2025. On both occasions, he denied Western Australia’s Kyle Webster — the reigning Australian MX1 Champion — in fiercely contested battles. Webster, a key member of Australia’s Motocross of Nations-winning teams, remains one of the sport’s leading figures and continues to chase a breakthrough Manjimup 15000 victory.

Today, the partnership between the Manjimup Motor Cycle Club and Dirt High Promotions remains as strong as ever. By 2025, Willie Thomson has overseen 15 Manjimup 15000 events, contributing to a total of 36 editions — a remarkable achievement in Australian motorsport.

Few events endure without passion and commitment. The Manjimup 15000 continues to thrive because of both — carried forward by those dedicated to preserving its legacy.

Photos: Manjimup 15000 winners under Willie Thomson’s watch: [Left] Todd Waters (QLD) 2013, 2016 & 2022; [Centre] Kirk Gibbs (SA) 2014, 2015 & 2017; and [Right] Jed Beaton 2024 & 2025 – Dirt High Promotions

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.