Start your engines because there is just eight weeks to go until the inaugural Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix, which will be held right here in Cessnock. 

With all of the approvals in place, locals are gearing up for what is promising to be one of the biggest events of the year with some of the country and the world’s best riders already signed up. 

On Sunday, October 26 Cessnock will come alive to the sounds of dozens of Honda CT 110 ‘Postie Bikes’ that will be raced on a 1.5-kilometre circuit around the city. 

Organised by the Cessnock Motorcycle Club, the grand prix was officially launched on Monday with club president Dave Robinson promising an event run by the community, for the community. 

“This is going to be a very exciting event,” he said.

“We all know how amazing a place Cessnock is to work, play and live.

“This event is an opportunity to show the rest of NSW just what we have on offer here.”

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent will serve as patron for the event and joked that the eBay price for a postie bike has already doubled.  

“This event is already earning a name for itself,” he said.

“We always hear people saying, let’s plan an event for Cessnock – well now we have one.

“It is an honour to serve as patron and Cessnock City Council are very proud to support this initiative.”

The grand prix field will be limited to 81 teams consisting of two riders and two pit-persons, with the top 25 contesting the final following a series of qualifying rounds.

Organisers say that the entries are already piling up, including 2013 world endurance champion Alex Cudlin.

He will be joined by the likes of Cessnock’s Chris Watson, who has won more dirt track titles than any other person in history, as well as Mark Kirkness and Phil Lovett, who will be teamed up with his daughter Sophie. 

Renowned racing commentator Mark Bracks has also signed up to be the official commentator for the event and said that it he is very excited for what’s lined up. 

“It will have all the colour, excitement, pomp and ceremony of a Formula One or Motor Grand Prix,” he said. 

“The format will be perfect for a day out for the whole family and for those who love the iconic Postie bikes.”

The event will be free and there will also be a range of entertainment on the day, with the race starting and finishing on Darwin Street.