Gilmore, 17, won a thrilling final from Mildura’s Jordan Stewart, who was victorious in the Victorian Under-21 title earlier this month, Queensland’s Zane Kennedy and another Cowra rider Zach Cook, who progressed from the B-final.

A two-time World Under-16 250cc champion, Gilmore had a sensational meeting winning four of his five heats and beating off a red-hot challenge from Stewart in the final.

“It’s awesome to win this. It’s my first title on a 500cc bike,” Gilmore said.

“I was gating really good and was able to lead in most of the heats and the final.

“It’s a big step up into the 500s and I’m wrapped with the win.”

The victory ensures Gilmore will get starts in the NSW open and Australian under-21 and open titles.

“I’m really looking forward to this year. I’ll try to go as well as I can this summer and have another year in Australia before hopefully heading overseas,” he said

Heddon Greta’s Josh Pickering was troubled by problems with his bike and then a fall, but a final heat win saw him qualify for the B-final.

Cessnock’s Josh Macdonald, who was runner-up to Stewart in the Victorian Under-21 title, started well but again struck problems including a fall in his last heat race. 

Queensland’s Keynan Rew added the 2017 NSW U/16 250cc Speedway title to his 2017 Australian U/16 125cc crown beating home Mildura’s Connor Bailey and Hunter duo Jack Miles and Bradley Page.

The Under-16 125cc NSW championship was won by Cowra’s Maurice Brown from Mildura’s Bailey second and Queenslanders Flynn Nicol and Cordell Rogerson.