''There's always a drama with the old bikes,'' said Allan ''Big Al'' Cox, who got his pre-1978 bike started and finished fifth, a result he was pleased with considering he had a few other issues.

''I didn't have fifth gear you see, I couldn't get fifth gear … it put me back a bit but it doesn't matter - there's always next year.''

Cox was one of five riders representing the Cowra Motorcycle Racing Club at the Pialligo track for two days of racing.

Riding in the pre-1978 250cc category for over 50s, the Bathurst rider was also happy to be going home in one piece.

''I've broken a lot of arms and legs and wrists and collarbones, it all goes with the sport,'' he said.

His biggest crash came soon after picking up his customised, one-piece racing leathers, which have obviously seen plenty of action.

''I picked them up in Gosford and the lady said, before you race, put them on and roll around in the dirt, it's good luck. I said, 'nah I'm not going to worry about that,' and one lap later, I hit the fence and broke my arm and leg, so I should have taken her advice when they were brand new,'' Cox said.

It's advice he now passes on to other riders and perhaps it paid off, there were no injuries at the track, which had dried out after Saturday's rain. Edmund Krizaic was the only local rider to finish with a championship. He took out the pre-1978 125cc title, adding to his second place finish in the pre-1975 250cc class for the under 50s.

Ashley Wilesmith of Temora, Dion Prowse of Brisbane and Peter Lee of Griffith will all go home grinners having claimed two classes each.

Kurt Close, Eric Smaller, Ray Stevens, Garry Lorenzi, Justin Burdus and Darren Druitt rounded out the winners' circle.