Scott Webster and his 1980 Moto Martin Kawasaki have enjoyed great success in the Forgotten Era Challenge over the past three years.By Marc McGowan
PAKENHAM’S evergreen motorbike rider Scott Webster has had his fair share of victories on the track, but his most recent triumph came this month after a twoyear dry spell.
Webster, 45, has raced his 1980 Moto Martin Kawasaki in the Forgotten Era Challenge for the past three years.
The motorbikes that compete in the vintage series must fit particular eligibility criteria.
Webster said the bike had to be available in Australia before December 1980, must be a fourcylinder fourstroke and with no more capacity than 1300cc.
“The modifications have to be within the period; you can’t put latemodel modifications in,” he said.
The local autoelectrician races in various competitions under the Forgotten Era brand and this month it took him to the esteemed Phillip Island track.
Webster raced alongside the World Superbikes in the Fergusson Winery Vintage Challenge and took the opportunity to display his vast skills.
A broken front sprocket ruined his chances in race one, but he began to heat up with a sixth in race two.
Webster then stepped it up a gear in race three to pip his rivals in a sensational performance.
“It was bloody good. That was a good race to win, I don’t mind saying,” he said.
“My last victory was at Winton a few years ago; they don’t come easy. It gives you a lot of relief for all the hard work you put in.”
At this stage of Webster’s racing career, wins are not of prime importance and his longevity has more to do with him still enjoying the sport.
“When you go to these vintage meetings, some people basically have to be carried onto the bikes and still manage to ride around,” he laughed.
“When all the work starts becoming too much; that’s when you know you’ve had enough of it.”
One cannot blame the local gun for pushing on with the consistently good results he is recording and the opportunities the sport has offered him.
Webster has represented Australia in the category several times over the past few years and has not missed a beat when doing so.
Australia has dominated in competition against England and New Zealand and he boasts a best result of fourth overall in 2004.
“It’s a real good feeling (to represent Australia). There is a lot of camaraderie, which is something we don’t normally have. It is usually an individual sport,” he said.
It is a long way from his days on his grandfather’s farm when he topped out at 50 miles an hour on a Yamaha AG100.
He now reaches speeds up to three times that and admits to a severe case of whiteline fever.
“I wouldn’t call myself a competitive person at all, which is a bit strange, but when the helmet goes on, it all changes,” Webster said.
