Huka Honda's Taupo ExtravaganzaWith 335 riders competing Mini’s, Juniors and Seniors produced quality racing with stand-out performances setting the standard for New Zealand’s 2011-2012 Motocross season.
SATURDAY Spectators got a first-hand glimpse of determination, focus and gutsy performances from Juniors on Saturday. Maximus Purvis proved what he is capable of going 1-1-1 in the 8-11 years on his CR85cc with Hamilton’s Josiah Natzke YZ taking 1-1-1 in the 12-13 years 85/150cc class.
The 15-16 years 125cc produced a class field with great racing from Rotorua’s Cameran Vaughan YZ winning the overall with Hadleigh Knight KTM and Chase Smith KTM CMR completing the top 3.
Showing talent, focus and confidence Dion Picard RMZ250 dominated the 14-16 years 250cc class going 1-1-1 with Micah McGoldrick KTM and Jacob Kneebone YZ taking 2nd and 3rd places overall respectively.
The all out performance of Saturday’s racing was Courtney Duncan. Racing 3 classes, that’s 9 motos out of 18 in one day, Courtney YZ85cc showed her class, skill and determination on the track. Winning the 14-16 years 85/150cc 1-1-1, finishing 5th overall in the 15-16 years 125cc and checking out in the Women’s going 1-1-1 CD # 151 thrilled all there. I caught up with Courtney briefly; Courtney: Racing 9 races was
tough I gotta admit. Still I managed to get away with 2 wins, yeah it was good. In a Commentary interview with Neil Ritchie Courtney gave a glimpse of the determination that has seen her take on the very best in the US at Ponca City earlier this year. Neil: What’s your dream, what’s your focus of where Courtney Duncan wants to be in the next while? Courtney: Ummmm, that’s a good question. I want to be the best, put
it that way. That’s what everyone wants to do and that’s what I want to be. I
want to be the best at Motocross. I’m putting in alot of effort and taking the
time to do that and that will take me where I want to go ... to race overseas and
race for a Factory Team and win races!
Courtney Duncan. Photo - Mad Max Photography.
Dion Picard. Photo - Mad Max Photography. SUNDAY
Senior racing upped the ante on Sunday with MX1, MX2 and National 125cc rider’s battling for the chequered. With track sections changed, Centre-Point in and the formidable sawdust section challenging as ever race results were far from predictable.
National 125cc class gave opportunities for Junior’s to step up with 15 year old Micah McGoldrick KTM CMR showing all the confidence needed to take the overall win. Jason Jones YZ displayed plenty of talent for 2nd with Cameron Vaughan completing the top 3.
Talent, skill and experience made for exciting racing in MX2. As the gates dropped, pressure was on for front positions, testing rider’s mental focus, fitness and bike skills especially through the sawdust. Darryll King, riding 2 classes, showed what it takes winning the overall with impressive performances from Moto City Suzuki Rhys Carter and Huka Honda Cam Dillon finishing with 3rd place.
MX1 showcased Cody Cooper RMZ450cc determination for top
results checking out for 1-1-1 including the Feature Race the Nicky Smith
Memorial. Nick Saunders KXF450cc and Brad Groombridge CRF450cc completed the
top 3 MX1 podiums. DK and Rhys Carter completing the top 3 of the Feature
Race. I caught up with Cody on how the day went; Cody: The tracks awesome, they’ve obviously put new sawdust in and moved the old stuff to the corners. The track’s the best I’ve ever seen it, ruts are forming up it’s awesome out there. I’ve got 2 holeshots hopefully I can finish the day on a high note. I’m actually feeling a lot better than I thought I would ... looking forward to Summercross at Whakatane, then on to NZSX and NZMX Nationals 2012.
Great event, huge props to Taupo Motorcycle club, looking
forward to New Zealand’s Motocross and Supercross season 2012. Sharon Cox.
Micah McGoldrick. Photo - Mad Max Photography.
Cody Cooper. Photo - Mad Max Photography.  Cody Cooper. Photo - Mad Max Photography. |
