Action Jaxon leads Gizzy charge

Reward for consistency: Eight-year-old Jaxon Pardoe, above, was second in his class at the mini motocross nationals in Hastings last weekend. He had four podium finishes from his five races in the 6-8 years 50cc class. Pictures supplied

Gisborne riders were among the leading competitors at the mini motocross nationals.

Jaxon Pardoe was second overall in the 6 to 8 years 50cc class and Atawhai Wirepa-Hei was third overall in the 4 to 7yrs 50cc class at the nationals held in Hawke’s Bay last weekend.

Jaxon, 8, qualified third and he came third, second and second in his races on the first day.

“Jaxon’s expressive riding style made him a standout competitor,” long-time racer Brendon Fogarty said.

“Whether it was ‘scrubbing’ jumps or smashing berms, he rode consistently throughout the weekend.”

Day 2 in the event hosted by the Hawke’s Bay Motorcycle Club presented a wet track and Jaxon had a mixed day, finishing sixth and first.

“He redeemed himself in the final race of the weekend by hole-shotting the start and winning convincingly.”

His second placing overall was a good result in his last year in the class.

Atawhai, 6, was just a point off second overall in his class.

He rode his 50cc bike aggressively on the first day, finishing third, second and third.

He was fourth in his first race on day 2 and then a bad start cost him the last race in which he finished eighth, placing him third overall across the weekend.

“Atawhai’s dad, Jamie Hei, will have to change a few bent parts after Atawhai was sending the bike over the jumps, trying to make up time,” Fogarty said.

Lila Murphy, 8, riding in the 7-9 years trail class, had four eighth placings and one sixth to place eighth overall.

“Lila rode the wheels off her CRF70 but, up against much bigger bikes, the lack of horsepower cost her.

“Nevertheless, Lila came in with a grin on her face, wanting to get back out there for another crack.”

She was one point off seventh.

Jack Murphy, 6, made it through qualifying in the 6-8 years 50cc class.

He qualified 28th and finished 24th overall.

“Jack rode well in this tough and highly competitive class and is excited about having another crack next year.”

Jaxon allowed him to ride his practice bike for the last two races after Jack’s had clutch problems.

Fogarty said the Gisborne riders had a great attitude.

“It’s a punishing sport, both mentally and physically, and they gave it their all.”

Motorcycling New Zealand’s mini and junior motocross co-ordinator Michelle Davies said there was a striking contrast in conditions at Ngaruroro Raceway, on the outskirts of Hastings, over the two days.

“With the way the weather played out, the riders actually had two entirely different tracks to deal with over the weekend,” she said.

“On Saturday it was 20 degrees and the track was hard-packed and a little dusty.

“It rained overnight and on Sunday it was 13 degrees and the track was damp but perfect. It provided an extra challenge for the riders to learn how to adapt to changing conditions.”

Central Otago Motorcycle Club, near Queenstown, will host the mini motocross nationals next year.