Bike racers ride tide of local support

LOCAL BACKING: Jayden Carrick and Glenn Hayden have teamed up for this season's Suzuki Series with the backing of Wanganui businesses. Pictured, from left, are Wanganui Toyota's Richard Nessling, Glenn Hayden, Blair Symes from Display Associates, Paula Heavey, Mischief on Guyton chef Sonya Mathias, Jayden Carrick and Conor Brodie ahead of the team's home race this Boxing Day.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY 221214WCBRCBIK01

THERE'S a new racing crew in town and this week they get to perform in front of their backers.

Jayden Carrick and Glenn Hayden have teamed up for this year's Suzuki Tri-Series and the Wanganui pair get to ride their home track when round three hits the Cemetery Circuit on Boxing Day.

Backed by several Wanganui businesses, Carrick and Hayden have both moved up a class this season, Carrick into the 1000cc series and Hayden into the 600cc class. Both have shown promise.

After a crash in the opening round at Hampton Downs, Carrick bounced back to finish in the top 10 at Manfeild earlier this month and was hoping for a top five this week.

He felt he was settling into the class well.

"It's not too bad, but a little bit harder fitness wise," he said.

Carrick won't talk himself up but his team reckon he'll impress in the top class.

"Jayden will go all the way, we want him to go right to the top," team supporter Greg Brodie said.

Meanwhile, Hayden is in his first season in the 600s, riding Carrick's old bike.

"I'm just trying to improve each race and get better as the season goes on," Hayden said.

"I was close to top 10 at Manfeild so top 10 would be good."

Hayden said he and Carrick have always helped each other out and teaming up would give them a chance to share tips and motivation.

They have also gained sponsorship, with Wanganui Toyota supplying a ute and Display Associates, Dyno Lab, Mischief on Guyton and Tiles UnLtd all backing the team.

The pair were looking forward to home track advantage and said Cemetery Circuit was an even playing field as no one had the chance to practise on the track before raceday.

The pair are treating this series as a build up for nationals at Hampton Downs and Taupo next year.