Report - 2011 NZ Junior Mototocross Championship

Monday 25 April: Sharon Cox filed this race report on the Easter event hosted by the South Waikato MC.

Massive congratulations to South Waikato Motorcycle club for hosting the 2011 New Zealand Junior MX Championship April 22 to 24. What would certainly be described as the most awesome track preparation, layout, planning of race schedule and total management of the 3 day event surpassed many expectations for all there. Racing was intense across all classes with stunning displays of skills, speed, technique and raw determination from title contenders.

Naming sponsor Leatt pledged their support of New Zealand’s top Junior MX riders who experienced top class racing over 5 motos.

Spectacular to say the least were South Islander title winners:

Hamish Harwood, taking overall in 14-16 years 250cc Class
Micah McGoldrick nailing the 15-16 years 125c Class
A sensational Courtney Duncan running away with 13-16 years 85cc Class.
James Ree of Rangiora claimed the overall win 9-16 years 150cc Class.

From the North Island:

Josiah Natzke raced a superb 1-2-1-1-1, for the overall 11-12 years 85cc Class
Maximus Purvis completed the 8-10 years 85cc with a perfect 5 wins.

With Tasman rivalry for all to see:

Australian Jesse Dobson KTM125 made his mark taking the overall 12-14 years 125cc Class.
Fellow Australian Hunter Lawrence finished a credible 2nd behind Josiah Natzke in 11-12 years 85cc.

Highlights:

Runner up and 3rd place podium highlights were Haki Waller and Brandon Tipene finishing respectively in 14-16 years 250cc Class.
Chase Smith 2nd overall 13-16 years 85cc Class
Hamish Harwood finishing 2nd in 15-16 years 125cc as well as winning the 14-16 years 250cc Class.

Acknowledgement must ultimately go to S.W.M.C.C for the hard work, effort and dedication to make 2011 NZ Junior MX Championship a success like no other. The club certainly accomplished that. If this is the standard of future NZ Junior MX Nationals it would most certainly be moving in an upwards direction. Awesome!

Edited copy: Sharon Cox Prize-giving thumbnail: MadMax Photography