Shane Hurndell Expect Jason Scheele's engagement and 21st party to turn into a triple celebration at Otane tonight.
His younger brother Kieran has finally heard the words he's been waiting to hear since the end of March - he's been selected in the 10-strong New Zealand under-19 250cc class team for the August junior world motocross championships in Taupo.
"All of us in the training squad of 30 had had enough of waiting, so at our training camp in Taupo last weekend all the parents put pressure on the selectors to announce the team ... it was a great feeling to hear my name.
"We should get official notification in the post tomorrow," said Scheele during a break from his year 13 study class commitments at Napier Boys' High School yesterday.
Scheele, 17, has been attending training camps regularly in Taupo since recovering from a broken collarbone injury in February.
While none of the 10 riders have been told where they are ranked, Scheele , who rides a Suzuki RMZ 250, said he should be among the top seven.
"We've raced each other regularly at these camps and I've always been in the top five.
"I've just got to stay there and work hard," said the only Hawke's Bay rider who will be in action at the worlds.
"There have been a few events recently when I've beaten factory riders and that's been great for my confidence.
"It proved that spell I had when I was injured freshened me up ... and there's still plenty of time for me to peak yet."
Scheele had two third placings at last weekend's Hawke's Bay Magic Series meeting. He was racing with rib and back injuries collected at a national squad training camp.
"I wasn't going to ride ... but you know me I can't stay off my bike."
Scheele, who has been riding since he was seven, is receiving physio treatment and said he should be fully fit again by the time he tackles the Taupo Winter Series meeting on May 30.
Now his selection is confirmed he can focus on his sponsorship play for the world champs. Scheele needs $6000, the bulk of which will be spend on getting his racing motor up to standard.
Fivestar Suzuki have already provided him with two bikes - one for racing and one for training as well as a mechanic who accompanies him to events around the country.
"I've had a few mechanics and they've all been good. At the worlds I'm only allowed my mechanic and coach in the pits with me," said Scheele.
His coach will be national champion Damien King, younger brother of international stars Darryll and Shayne King.
At least five coaches will work with the riders in Scheele's class.
Scheele, who finished third at last year's national championships in the 125cc class and second in the 13-16 years 85cc class at the 2007 nationals, has been racing against his teammates for eight years.
He pointed out that, while team strategies may come into play at the worlds, riders "are very much racing for themselves."
"This is a big year for me. The worlds will help me decide whether or not I can make a career out of motocross.
"I'm even tossing up whether to take a month off school before the worlds so I'm fully prepared," said Scheele who is eyeing a top 10 finish at the champs.
If he doesn't secure a professional contract after the worlds Scheele will chase a builder's apprenticeship.
He has been getting work experience as a builder as a Gateway project through his school.
"The physical labour has complimented my training for motocross," said Scheele who has done a lot of gym work, run every day and spent up to two hours each day training on his bike since February.
He has a major meet at Tokoroa during Queen's Birthday and hopes to attract his New Zealand teammates to Magic Series meetings in Hawke's Bay between now and the worlds.
"Obviously we race each other a lot at training camps. But the more races we can get against each other at events will also help our buildup."
Scheele's looking forward to this weekend as it will be his last weekend off before the worlds.
In addition to tonight's triple celebration he had the Iona College Ball to attend last night.
Come August SportToday is confident Scheele will be in demand by fans wanting to hear about his feats at the worlds.
Scheele deal all go
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