BAY HOPE: Napier's Hadleigh Griffiths in the 14-16 years 250F class. PHOTO/Duncan Brown
BAY HOPE: Napier's Hadleigh Griffiths in the 14-16 years 250F class. PHOTO/Duncan Brown
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 thenext 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.
Napier's George Kerr, who is riding a Honda CRF150R, recorded two 32nds in the same class.
Experienced 11-12 years 85cc rider Luke Freemantle, who is riding a KTM85, recorded 11th and 18th placings. Like Freemantle, Alex Garland is a lone ranger for the Bay in his 8-10 years 85cc class where he recorded fifth and 12th placings. Two Bay riders are among eight starters in the 8-11 years 65cc support class. Max Train and Oscar Morice both recorded sixth and fifth placings.
In the 16-rider 12-14 years 125cc class Vincent Andersson of Hastings recorded ninth and 12th placings and Taradale's Ollie Mackie posted two 14ths. Napier's Hadleigh Griffiths is the sole Bay hope in the 27-strong 14-16 years 250F class. He recorded 12th and 10th placings. Three races are scheduled for today and two tomorrow.
