THERE was plenty to celebrate when the Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club held its trophy day at the Valley Lakes over the weekend.
After a year of great racing the motorcycling fraternity had many achievements to celebrate at both club and individual level.
Matthew Fox – grandson of the late founding member of the fraternity Laurie Fox – claimed first overall in the MX1 class after a stellar season, followed by Tom Jackway and Jake Brown.
Maddi Neale was unstoppable in the women’s class all season, while Jesse Heemskerk was consistent on both his 85cc and 125cc to earn the Laurie Fox High Points in seniors and juniors respectively.
Most improved senior rider went to Brown after a strong season in both the MX1 and MX2, while Abby Heemskerk took out the female honours after completing her best season to date, earning her third in the women’s class.
Brad Walkom finished second in the 65cc 7 to Under 9 years class and as a result his most improved junior rider trophy was much deserved.
Xavier Hunter completed his season in the Division 1 50cc demonstration class and impressed those watching on, as a result he was awarded the best first year rider.
The motocross club hosted a number of successful meetings over the 2017 season, including the Millicent Show Stadium Cross – one of the many highlights of the year.
Former Mount Gambier motocross rider and current professional Kirk Gibbs made his return to the South East and competed in the stadium cross event, along with fellow professional Jed Beaton.
The two “wowed” the large crowd with their speed and skill, as did the juniors and the remainder of the senior classes.
A number of riders also ventured over to compete in the Western Region Motocross series in Victoria throughout the season.
Neale continued her dominant form across the border and finished on top of the podium for the series in the ladies club women class, while Riely Knightly also claimed first overall in the 85cc Big Wheel B class.
Knightly was undefeated until the final round of the series where he was forced to settled for second.
However, his perfect record before the last round still allowed him to take the overall honours.
After a stellar season both locally and interstate the Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club members will now enjoy the off season before returning to racing early next year.
Results
MX1 – winner: Matthew Fox; second: Tom Jackway; third: Jake Brown.
MX2 – winner: Matt Scotland; runner-up: Jake Brown; third: Rhys Stuckey.
Women’s Class – winner: Maddi Neale; runner-up: Brooke Marcus; third: Abby Heemskerk.
Veterans – winner: Damian Dixon.
100-150cc two stroke/200-250cc four stroke Juniors – winner: Jesse Heemskerk; runner-up: Tane Wastell; third: Scott Golding. Competitors: Riely Knightly, Brodie Dixon, Zane Hayward and Jack Wilson.
85cc two stroke/150cc four stroke 13 to Under 16 years – winner: Jesse Heemskerk; runner-up: Jack Knightly; third: Brooke Marcus. Competitors: Shem Wastell, Josh Amos, Ry Van Den Haak, Kobi Buckingham, Patrick White, Henry Berkin and Jye Thompson.
85cc two stroke/150cc four stroke 9 to Under 12 years – winner: Bailey Marcus; runner-up: Thomas Lambert; third: Dave Gear. Competitor: Hayley Pudney.
65cc 10 to Under 12 years – winner: Bailey Marcus; runner-up: Thomas Lambert; third: Dave Gear. Competitors: Craig Baker and Danny Golding.
65cc 7 to Under 9 years – winner: Hayley Pudney; runner-up: Brad Walkom; third: Austin Holman. Competitor: Ollie Gear.
Division 2 50cc automatic – winner: Jordan Heemskerk; runner-up: Deegan Watson; third: Emily Lambert. Competitor: Riley Burmingham.
Division 1 50cc demonstration riders: Blake Pudney, Deegan Jackway, Xavier Hunter, Cooper Menn and Rubi Watson.
Most improved trophy: Jake Brown (senior rider), Abby Heemskerk (female rider) and Brad Walkom (junior rider).
Laurie Fox highest points trophy: Maddi Neale (senior rider) and Jesse Heemskerk (junior rider).
Best first year rider: Xavier Hunter.
Trevor Kilsby Trophy: Craig Baker.
Club award: Michael Thompson and Jodie Dixon.
