FORTY-EIGHT motorbikes whipped up the earth last month as they raced around a dirt track. But this was no illegal race held by renegades with no regard for safety or authority.

Rather, it was the inaugural event for Circuit@Tuas, Singapore's first purpose-built motorsports race track, off Tuas West Drive and opposite the bus interchange.

'We decided to go ahead and hold the event even though only the dirt portion of the track is ready, since there has been a buzz about the track for months already and bikers are eager to try it,' says Keith Karim, managing director of track owner EZ Motorsports.

Mr Karim expected only 20 riders to turn up, so he was gratified with the enthusiastic response. It looks like riders are comfortable with the $100 race entrance fee, which should stay the same for races held on the asphalt section of the track, scheduled to be ready about the middle of this month.

The debut weekend race involved motocross bikes, which perform jumps, enduros - where bikes stay on the ground - and small minibikes. The 1.08km asphalt section of the track, however, will cater mainly to so-called supermotard bikes, which are essentially motocross bikes shod with asphalt tyres, suspension and brakes.

The asphalt section, on the outside of the 1.2km dirt track, is designed specifically to challenge supermotard riders, unlike tracks that are more oriented towards road-racing such as the Johor Circuit in Pasir Gudang, Malaysia.

Yet the initially positive response the Tuas track has received does not guarantee its long-term viability. For that, more sponsors need to come on board.

'A lot of the sponsors are taking a wait-and-see approach, and are holding out until a few more events are held,' says Mr Karim, adding that no corners are cut in ensuring safety and legal compliance. 'This is unfortunate since holding races isn't cheap. An ambulance costs $800, sanctioning by the Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) costs $1,000, and then there's insurance.'

William Seah, club captain of SMSA, says: 'Now we finally have our own track, hopefully bike racing will see more support as people see that safety is our priority.'