In just over two weeks time, the hum of dozens of postie bikes will roar through central Cessnock as the Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix returns for its sixth year.
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A media launch for the event was held its major sponsor, Cessnock Mitsubishi, on Wednesday as excitement for November 10 event builds.
Hosted by Cessnock Motorcycle Club, the grand prix debuted in Cessnock in 2014 and was the first motorcycle street race in Australia since 1997.
It is held in the Cessnock TAFE grounds and surrounding streets, and has attracted crowds of up to 10,000 people in previous years.
Last year's event included the first running of what's believed to be the only dedicated all-female motorcycle street race in the world - and the organisers are excited that the all-female race will return in 2019.
Australian Postie Bike Grand Prix chairperson Dave Robinson said this year's event will be the biggest field yet, with 80 teams plus a waiting list.
"We had to apply to increase the track license, to accommodate the interest that is coming from all over Australia," he said.
Mr Robinson encouraged local residents to bring their families along and enjoy a great day out.
"There's plenty of space to walk up trackside, and see a truly world-class event," he said.
Mr Robinson thanked the event's major sponsors and supporters, including Cessnock Mitsubishi, SMW Drilling and Cessnock City Council, Peden's Hotel (where scrutineering of the bikes is held on the Saturday), and Cessnock District Rescue Squad (handing over a $1000 donation to the volunteer organisation).
"It's not easy to bring together a motorcycle street race in the CBD of Cessnock, and this event continues to grow because of the support of those companies," he said.
Cessnock Mitsubishi general manager Scott Harris said it is a privilege and an honour to be involved.
"We love that it's a free event, and that people can come along and enjoy with their families," he said.
At Wednesday's launch, Cessnock mayor Bob Pynsent granted permission for the event to use the streets of Cessnock.
Cr Pynsent congratulated to Cessnock Motorcycle Club on "maintaining the pace" of the event.
"It's grown each year, and that's so positive," he said.
"It's great for the community that Cessnock has a unique event - you can't go anywhere else in Australia to find that.
"Let's hope that November 10 when we hand the streets over to the motorcycle club and the postie bikes that we have a great day."
The action starts at 9am on Sunday, November 10.
Check out photos from last year's event here.