FAMILY AFFAIR: James (left) and Ant Rountree may be the first father and son combo to hold respective Wanganui Motorcycle Club motocross titles in the same season. PHOTO/Blake Rountree
FAMILY AFFAIR: James (left) and Ant Rountree may be the first father and son combo to hold respective Wanganui Motorcycle Club motocross titles in the same season. PHOTO/Blake Rountree
A father and son have won their respective divisions in the Wanganui Motocross Winter Series that went right down to the wire in the fifth and final round at the weekend.
Ant Rountree won the veterans 35-44 age group title, while son James nailed the 13-16 85cc class to makehistory within the Wanganui Motorcycle Club.
It is understood to be the first time a father and son combination have held titles in the same season.
"Well it's the first time in the last 30 years anyway," Ant Rountree said yesterday.
"I've been riding since I was 18 and I'm 43 now and I can't recall it happening and neither can any of the older members. Who knows, it may well have happened further back."
Last Sunday was the fifth and final round of the club's motocross winter series with over 150 riders competing for the trophies.
Rountree senior rode a lot in his younger days finishing 8th in NZ 500cc class in 1999, but had a break from riding for nine years until hopping onto a bike again three years ago.
But James only took up the sport 30 months ago competing in the minis and getting last in most races before he moved up to his 85cc Kawasaki two years ago. He rose up through the ranks quickly.
The Year 10 Collegiate School teenager, who just turned 14 last month, is now moving up to the 125cc class and has his sights set on the New Zealand 12-14 years 125cc champs next April.
However, his closer goal is MX Fest in Taupo in October where he will get to grips with riding the bigger and faster bike.
His dad said many of the junior boys in the club had stepped up this year and were riding much faster thanks to a programme specifically aimed at the younger brigade.
"Credit must go to the professional coaching from Rhys Carter through the Balance Chartered Accountants' Junior Motocross Academy introduced this year," Rountree said.
