Beach series podium spots to be decided

LOOK OUT BEHIND: ATV class rider Ian Newman (Suzuki 750-powered Honda) fires more than a few buckets of sand out the back of his machine. Newman has been supreme in this class over Gisborne Motorcycle Sports Club’s beach racing series. The third and final round is at Makorori Beach tomorrow, with racing from 1.15pm. Spectators are welcome. Picture by Liam Clayton

TOMORROW is the last chance to earn a podium place as Gisborne Motorcycle Sports Club wraps up its beach racing series at Makorori.

With it being the third and final round, you can expect plenty of hard and fast racing as riders compete for remaining points.

In the senior open class, Daniel Fogarty (Yamaha YZF450) has enjoyed a perfect season so far, racking up the maximum six wins.

Graham Wedlake (Honda CRF450), Peter Krinkel (Honda CR500), Nick Wilkie (Honda CR500) and Ben Delgot (Yamaha YZF450) are all in contention for a top-three spot. But the cat could be put among the pigeons by the return of road warriors Shaun Mitchell (CBRR1000) and Dylan MacGregor (Yamaha R1).

Wedlake is leading the 0-500cc class. with Wilkie not too far behind and Krinkel third.

The 0-250 class has proved the most competitive. Bryce Norman (Suzuki RMZ250) is the man to beat, while Jonathon Wilkie (Kawasaki KX250) is within striking distance.

Phil Scott (Kawasaki KX125) is a close third, with Ashley Andrews (Kawasaki KX250) and Wairoa’s Murray Swann (Kawasaki KXF250) capable of upstaging the top three on the day.

Ian Newman (Suzuki 750 powered Honda) has had a great season in the all-terrain-vehicle class, with six wins from six races. However, the battle for second will be all on between Wedlake and Alana Andrews, both on Suzuki LTR450s.

A hard-fought duelAlana Andrews is ruling the roost on her Suzuki LTR 450 in the women’s division. Behind her will be a hard-fought duel for second between Gabrielle Phillips-Irvine and Fritha Rau, both on Kawasaki KX85s.

Sisters Kenzie (Honda CRF150) and Taylah Mitchell (KTM125) will spice things up.

For senior riders just wanting a bit of fun, the senior 0-500 no-points class is ideal. Look for Ian Diack (Suzuki DRZ400) to feature.

The junior A (125) class has been a thrilling tussle between Troy Andrews (Yamaha YZ125) and Ben Logan (Honda CR125).

Andrews is just ahead on points but Logan has the top place in his sights.

Phillips-Irvine has set the pace all season in the junior B (85/125F) class. Sophie Peach (KTM85), Fritha Rau (Kawasaki KX85) and Riley Stanaway (Honda CRF150) will be going all out to spoil her party tomorrow.

Luka Fogarty (KTM65) has had a sterling season to date in the mini 65 class. Not far behind, though, is Emily Swann (Kawasaki KX65).

The trails class for new junior riders or riders on farm-type trail bikes will include Claire Ellmers on the sand for the first time on her APEX 100 ATV.

Lachlan Phillips-Crane (KTM50) has been unstoppable in the mini 50 class. Corbin Spencer (Honda CRF50) and Jonah Reynolds (Suzuki DRZ50) will be back for some fun and will be joined by newbies Gemma and Jade Ellmers, both on Suzuki LT50s.

Sign-on is at 12.15pm at Makorori Beach. Racing starts at 1.15.