Motocross: Schools battle for honours

Hundreds of riders will take part in the Schools Motocross Challenge today and tomorrow at the Rotorua Motorcycle Club. Photo / Stephen Parker

One of New Zealand's biggest school-age motocross events starts today at the Rotorua Motorcycle Club.

The Schools Motocross Challenge has been running for about six years at the motorcycle club near Horohoro.

It started as part of the Western Heights High School multisport festival and the Rotorua Motorcycle Club has decided to keep it going this year.

Club vice president Darrin Palmer said it was a great opportunity for kids to have a go at motocross.

"It is such a cool event for school kids. It's all about the novice riders, a lot of them will only race this event this year and it helps promote the sport as well."

He said racing would include a novice class and an expert class for riders in the 250cc, 125cc, and 85cc divisions.

"We have all the age groups and a women's only class, which is well supported."

He said today would see the secondary school riders racing before primary and intermediate-aged riders compete tomorrow.

About 250 secondary school riders will race on the track today and about 140 younger riders compete tomorrow.

Last year John Paul College won the secondary schools event and they will look to defend their title today.

Palmer said it was free to come and watch, with racing starting at 8.15am on both days.

"One of the best things you can watch is at the finish line, seeing these kids ride off," he said. "They have smiles beaming right across their faces."