HAWKE'S BAY Motorcycle Club vice-president Daniel Gale gave the Ngaruroro Raceway the thumbs up after yesterday's first day of the national junior motocross champs.
"The track was technically demanding which is what the riders want. All we have to do is water it and we will be ready for the next two days," Gale said.
The Altherm JCR Yamaha-sponsored nationals continue today and tomorrow at Fernhill. The chance of Bay riders posting podium finishes remained high too. One of the host province's best hopes, Havelock North's Olly Ayre, had third and eighth placings in his 15-16 years 125cc class.
This week the 16-year-old Napier Boys' High School student who is riding a Yamaha YZ125 made no secret of the fact he wanted a podium finish and he was eager to capitalise on the home track advantage. The Hastings pair of Jye Deacon and Lachie Mills are racing in the same class as Ayre.
Deacon recorded sixth and fifth placings yesterday and Mills ninth and 21st placings. Napier's Jacob Beal finished third in his second race after posting a seventh in his first in the 13-16 years 85cc class. Should the Yamaha YZ85 rider continue this form today and tomorrow he will go close to a top three finish at the nationals where points are accumulated over seven races.