Motocross: Phillips brothers aim for big season

Rotorua brothers Mike (left) and John Phillips are gearing up for a big season on their bikes. Photo/Ben Fraser

The Phillips brothers have been ripping up on the New Zealand motocross scene for years and will look to challenge for national titles this summer.

The Rotorua brothers have been training on their family farm near Ngakuru and begin their domestic season this weekend at Summercross in Whakatane.

Following a season racing in Europe, John Phillips, 21, has his sights set on winning his first New Zealand title in the MX2 (250cc) class during the nationals early next year.

Older brother Mike Phillips said his younger brother needed to win the national title to keep up with his record.

"I won my first MX2 title at 21, so no pressure," he said with a laugh.

Mike has won the title twice - in 2007 and 2009 - and will go in search of his first national MX1 (450cc) title this season.

Mike struggled to come back from an injury in 2012 but feels he is riding much better now.

"I knocked my head and that dropped my confidence and put me on the back foot for the whole 2012 season," Mike said.

"My aim is the top three in the MX1 and I will definitely go out to win each race ... I want to be in the top bunch and push for race wins."

The nationals are held in February and March, with four rounds in the national series.

This year will see Tokoroa and Taupo both hosting a round each during the nationals.

Mike said his brother John was in great form to win the MX2 title at the nationals next year, following a season in Europe racing for motocross legend Ben Townley's Honda team.

"He is riding really well at the moment, he had seven months in Europe this year.

"With the backing from Ben he knows what is involved to win and how to win."

Townley, from Taupo, is a legend in the New Zealand motocross scene and won a world championship in the MX2 class in 2004.

Summercross this weekend is considered one of the biggest lead-up events to the nationals - Mike and John will both be riding their Honda CRF bikes.

Mike said he had spent a lot of time working on the Rotorua Motorcycle Club track this year, which is based on their farm on SH30 near Ngakuru.

He said they would like to host a round of the nationals there in the future.

Mike and John also coach a lot of children in the area with their motocross business Two Brothers Coaching. Mike thanked his major sponsor LakesHonda, from Rotorua, for their support.