With ominous clouds moving overhead and light drizzle sprinkling the track, with a sense of optimism, we set off.
A-grade
Kevin Laffy joined Nick Woods, Max Trewhella and Josh Thomson for 30 mins +3 laps in stifling conditions.
With strong turns on the front, it looked like Max would try to flex some muscle as the group set a hot pace.
In a rare sight, Kevin had a grimace on his face as he rose to bridge back onto the group.
At the bell it looked to be a race of two as Max and Josh moved to the front.
Down the back straight, it was Josh who had broken the race apart as he cruised to a comfortable victory from Kevin in 2nd and Nick Woods in third.
B-grade
Moving up to B-grade, perennial C-grade winner Billy Sutton joined John Brian, Scott Moller, Nick McNair and newcomer Chris Robertson.
Early in the race, all looked comfortable, Billy even tested the group with some strong turns on the front.
In a show of strength, it was Nick McNair and Scott Moller who broke away with Chris eventually bridging the gap to form a group of three.
With John and Billy out of calculations, the race would come down to this trio.
Into the final lap it looked as if Scott would be too strong with his track pedigree, but in the best finish of the season, a late throw by Nick made it a dead heat with Chris less than a wheel back on debut.
C-grade
Returning from injury, Claire Goodman was joined by Giant Echuca's Nathan Whitton in his first race for a couple of seasons, Dave Faulkner, Neil Thomson, Matt Dobeli and youngster Tom Cook on debut at EMCC.
From the gun it was Tom who took off at a tear leaving the group in his wake.
Eventually, Neil led the troops back across and Nathan and Claire looked surprisingly strong in their first race for a while.
Harking back to his motocross days, Nathan went off the track at one stage as the group waited for Tom's next onslaught, with Neil just trying to drain him by keeping him on the front.
Like a travel agency from the 80s, Thomas Cook went off the beaten track on the inside of the track, only to resume his place and continue.
Approaching the bell, it was Tom again who launched, with Nathan and Neil on his wheel.
In the throw to the line, it was Tom by a whisker to Neil, with Nathan a close 3rd.
D-grade
After a successful debut last race, Chloe Carr returned to racing against Paul Oman, Dave Oman, Ray Hamilton, Zenon Gawronski and Jerrod Davison coming off an arduous day of riding multiple repeats to and from St Joe's swimming sports.
Early in the race, the pace seemed cautious and the riders stayed closely bunched before Chloe, Paul, Dave and Jerrod took turns applying the blow torch.
Ray and Zenon were stretched.
Into the final few laps there was no clear favourite, and at the bell it was still anyone's race.
In a burst to the line, it was Paul Oman the victor from Jerrod Davison and Chloe in 3rd.
Thanks to those who helped Nick set up and pack up and to our race directors Joel Pike and Courtney Moller.
Great to see new and returning riders, we'll see you in two weeks.
35°C