Dubbo Dirt Bike Club’s Lindsey Rankmore has received the John and Nita McGrath award for his contribution to sport as well as a Motorcycling NSW Distinguished Services award for his dedication.

Mr Rankmore has dedicated more than 25 years to motocross through his volunteerism and coaching and is known as a strong advocate for riders in the MX community.

He has taught more than 500 children since he commenced his coaching journey.

“There’s no other sport out there like it, it’s the best sport in the world,” Mr Rankmore told Dubbo Photo News.

“One reason I really enjoy the sport, especially the coaching side of it, is the fact we are teaching children life skills at four years old.

“A child can be put on a motorbike and be trained to ride.

“This skill is something that will stay with them for life.

“There are few other sports where the skill you learn as a child will stay with you and can be enhanced throughout your life.”

Mr Rankmore said the inclusivity of the sport has grown, as it was once a male-dominated sport.

“A big change in MX is the number of girls entering the sport and are excelling at it,” he said.

“Unlike a lot of other sports, the boys and girls compete against each other as equals, there are however some events that have girls/ladies’ divisions as well.

“Female participation in MX and all disciplines of motorcycle racing in Australia has had a good push (in an effort to) promote more girls into the sport.”

Mr Rankmore said the motocross community is a family as there are often 40 riders travelling on weekends to compete for races together.

“It really is a family-orientated sport,” he said.

Mr Rankmore’s sons grew up in the racing community with one becoming a coach for the sport.

“We travelled for two or three weekends a month, coaching children anywhere in NSW and eventually made our way to northern Victoria,” Mr Rankmore said.

“We made hundreds of friends through that.”

He added that children and older people ride the same track.

“The older people give children tips, and they always help each other out,” he said.

“I feel honoured and humbled that I received the awards, I don’t do it for the recognition – I just love the sport so much.”