Western Australian motocross champion Graeme Smythe announced himself in 1975 as one of the Nation’s top motocross riders when he contested the final round of the prestigious Mr Motocross series at Amaroo Park in New South Wales.   

He won the final leg and finished second in another – riding a borrowed Husqvarna and flying across the country – after locals at Bob Couzen’s Southern Cross hotel chipped in for his travel costs. 

Smythe was a serious challenger in the National Mr Motocross series in 1976 and 1979 when he contested the entire series.  

In fact, he led for most of 1979 on his Yamaha until the last four-lap race of the series – when he was pipped at the post by Anthony Gunter (NSW) who was riding a newly acquired works Suzuki.  

Smythe was at his peak during this period winning two Australian Championships, multiple State Championships in WA and NSW’s and other National events.   

After finishing in the placings in the Australian Championships at Wallan (CZ, VIC-1972), Mulbring (Honda, NSW – 1973) and Manjimup (CZ, WA – 1974), Smythe finally broke through on a Yamaha to win his first National title at the 1977 Australian 500c Championship at Acusa Park (SA).  

He finished ahead of Dave Fulston (SA, Husqvarna) and Mike Landman (VIC, Yamaha) in the 500cc class and was third in the Unlimited class behind Suzuki riders Anthony Gunter and New Zealand champion Ivan Miller.   

In 1978 Smythe won the Australian Unlimited title with Mike Landman (VIC, Yamaha) and Dean Vick (SA, Yamaha) in second and third place, respectively. 

For this win he was awarded the coveted Duke of Edinburgh Award.