Schoolboys shine in dirt challenge

DOWNHILL MUDLARK: James Rountree competing at a muddy Rotorua course on Friday.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

THREE Whanganui motocross riders finished inside the top 20 of their deep divisions at the Rotorua MCC hosted Interschools Challenge on Friday and Saturday.

Around 10 locals attended the event amongst the 420 riders who competed over the two days, with age classes between 7-18 years.

Antony Rountree, father of competitor James, said the best result was Riki Wainhouse, who finished a creditable ninth place in the 10-12 Years 855cc class.

"Wainhouse, riding a [Kawasaki] KX85, loved the track.

"The track was very rutty on Saturday after a lot of rain on Friday, which suited Riki as he loves the mud."

On the Friday, older brother Joe Wainhouse finished 16th overall in the 15-18 years 250cc class, being on the pace in this last race with a eighth place finish.

James Rountree was at his first schools motocross event and had to qualify among 57 riders in his age group, coming 25th in the mud.

"He also finished 16th overall, but a DNF in this first race cost him a top ten finish as he hit a lapped rider and broke his clutch he was running 10th at that time," said Antony Rountree.

"He then went on to finish 13th in race two and 10th in race three."