In 1984 reigning World Sidecarcross Champion from Switzerland rode the Western Classic. The ’82-83 World Champion retired from Grand Prix racing that year and toured Australia. South Australian passenger Russell Ellis swung for Emil on a 1000cc Yamaha EML down under.
The pair easily won the Western Classic with four straight wins and Bollhalder was a great ambassador for Sidecarcross while in Australia, generating wide publicity across Australia.
Emil Bollhalder spoke highly of Australia and opened the door for other international teams to compete here with German sidecar legends Josef Brockhausen and Hubert Rebele competing in and winning the ‘Classic’ in 1985.
Emerging champion Jeff Leisk
The Western Classic gave fans the opportunity to see a young Jeff Leisk in action before he became the runner-up World 500cc Motocross Champion.
Jeff Leisk won back-to-back Western Classics – in 1984 and 85 – before he left for America and Europe.
American Jimmy Ellis also won the event twice. And in the sidecars, after returning from racing in Europe, Cliff Cook and John Steyntjes completed a hat-trick winning in 1987, 88 and 89.
The Western Classic was a great event with riders and spectators getting to see annually international and national champions close-up and live in action.