By CHRIS BRAMWELL in Taupo
Taupo's Digger McEwen Park was roaring over Labour Weekend with the sound of nearly 500 motocross riders from all over New Zealand.
They donned body armour and launched into the air for the Taupo Motorcycle Club's annual Energy Centre Point Motocross Extravaganza.
Saturday saw the mini-motocross riders compete on their own purpose-built track.
On the main track the juniors, vets, women and intermediate riders competed for Labour Weekend titles.
Yesterday the big boys came out to play on the high flying circuit, in their respective national and expert classes.
The feature, the Nicky Smith Memorial saw the top 10 from each class battling it out for New Zealand's richest motocross race.
Sunday's rain made conditions a little more difficult but certainly didn't put anyone off.
Taupo's Darren Capill said the trick in the rain was to get a good start and try to stay ahead.
"Vision is really hard on a day like today, so if you can get out ahead you can avoid a lot of the mud," he said. Capill has been racing motocross for 20 years said the sport has changed considerably over the years. "The bikes have changed a lot and there are a lot of really talented younger riders coming through these days," he said. Capill said he takes it a little easier these days and wasn't able to recall how many bones he's broken over the years. Capill remained in one piece in the Nicky Smith Memorial race, finishing 17th. A Taupo St John Ambulance spokesperson said that 13 people were taken to Taupo Hospital over the weekend with minor injuries.
Annual motocross event attracts the best
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