Top class dirt riders head for Tokoroa
Many of the nation’s elite off-road motorcycle racers head to Tar Hill, just south of Tokoroa, this Saturday for the second round of three in the series and they know that the two men who dominated at the series opener last month won’t be there to stand in their way.
Former national enduro champion Jason Davis, of Whangamata, celebrated victory on the course at Ohakuri that day, surviving an exhausting battle with Auckland’s Chris Power, a duel that lasted right to the finish.
But both Davis and Power have since been struck down with injuries, turning the focus sharply now on to the man who was third at Ohakuri, Tauranga’s Reece Burgess.
But Burgess won’t have it easy, either, because Auckland’s Callan May, Masterton’s Reuben Vermeer and Marton’s former national cross-country champion Cam Smith will also fancy their chances on Saturday.
Carterton’s Luke Fisher won the senior intermediate grade at round one and he will be keen on Saturday to stretch out his points advantage over Ryan Scherer, of Putaruru, and Duncan McLaren, of Bennydale.
Top among the junior riders at round one and worth watching out for this weekend were Auckland’s Jake Wightman, Oparau’s James Scott and Havelock North’s Ben Hislop.
The series offers something for everyone, according to organiser Sean Clarke, of Tokoroa.
"The series is in its sixth year and has proved to be popular with a whole range of riders and families," said Clarke.
"The weekend starts on Saturday with the cross-country races. Starting at 9.30am is the racing for the junior riders, aged between seven and 15 years. Riders aged 7-11 have a three-kilometre course set out for them, and the riders aged 12 to 15 will race on a 10km course.
"These two races run at the same time and last for 90 minutes."
The senior racing gets underway at midday.
"The main senior race starts at 12 noon and this features a 17-kilometre loop in the forest and is suitable for anyone over the age of 15 ... as long as they have a reliable dirt bike and appropriate riding gear," said Clarke, a former International Six Days Enduro medal winner and multi-time former national enduro champion.
Clarke said the course at Tar Hill is "quite open and flowing".
Activity continues the next day, too, with a trail ride planned for the same venue on Sunday.
The third and final round, set for June 15, takes rider back to Ohakuri.
The series is sponsored by Michelin, Bel Ray, Axo, Renthal, Troy Lee Designs, DRC, Zeta, Kiwi Rider magazine, Sixsixone, TCX boots, Yoshimura and Suomy helmets.
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