While the big-name Bay riders have been at the front as expected, Tauranga teenager Scott Barr-Smith has raced to prominence in the 125cc class of the motocross nationals.
Third in the 125cc standings after the opening round at Timaru, the Patetonga round went even better for the 19-year-old KTM rider who
has only returned to racing two months ago after shoulder surgery in July.
"I had six months off the bike and before that I was racing cross-country which is a different style to motocross," said Barr-Smith.
Barr-Smith led at some point of all three 125cc races while battling with series leader Ethan Martens (Waitakere). His three second placings put him second equal with Shaun Fogarty in the 125cc class and Barr-Smith also holds a clear second place in the under-21 Youth Class 21 points behind Martens.
"I'm pretty stoked with those results considering I'm riding with an injury," said Barr-Smith, who combines motocross with study for an accountancy degree.
Torn ligaments in his ankles have meant a conservative approach. "I have to be careful not to clip a rut. My goal is to be on the podium and, at the moment, I'm trying to keep safe, be consistent and keep on scoring points.
"It was great to be battling with Ethan on his home track. In the last few laps, I lacked a little bit of fitness but I'm going to work hard on that in the break before the last two rounds."
There were mixed fortunes for Tauranga teenagers Logan Blackburn (Yamaha) and Roydon White (KTM) in the 125cc races. Blackburn was delayed in a first corner tangle in race two and worked his way back to salvage 18th place and then matched his best result of the series with ninth place in race three.
White failed to finish the first moto with bike problems and then posted a 10th and 16th.
