He has ridden in the event plenty of times before, but this will be his first as a senior rider. 

“It will be a good experience ahead of the state titles though, riding against other senior riders for the first time,” Hawkes said. 

More than 200 riders will take part in this weekend’s event at the Lake Gillear track, the first race on the 2014 motocross calendar. 

Hawkes, who turns 17 next week, will ride his 250CC in the B Lights class and said he just wanted to get through the weekend in one piece. 

“Because this is the first event of the year, it attracts a lot of riders from all over the country,” he said. 

“It’s a chance to see how those guys ride. 

‘‘You don’t see them until you get to the state titles usually. 

“So it will be a good chance to see where I’m at against them.” 

The Illowa teenager said the Lake Gillear track was changed before this weekend season opener. 

He said that meant he wasn’t even sure what to expect from the course. 

“I’ve had a couple of goes on it, but it’s different to what I’m used to and it will be different after there have been a few bikes around it on the weekend,” he said. 

Event co-ordinator Alan Primmer said racing would get under way from 9am tomorrow with practice and two rounds. 

Racing continues from 8.30am Sunday with a further two rounds. 

“It’s free entry for spectators,” Primmer  said yesterday.  

‘‘We have a quality field of riders from all over Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.’’