MOUNT Gambier motocross rider Maddi Neale has had her most successful season yet, finishing on top of the podium in various series across South Australia and Victoria more often than not.
Neale claimed the Western Regions Ladies Clubwomen title, the McNamara Park women’s class victory, while also taking out the Laurie Fox Highest Points Trophy at the local track, as well as the Hamilton Pony Express women’s class with Jade Tiller.
The endless success comes as a shock for Neale, who completed her first full season of motocross in 2017.
“I have raced at Mac Park for the last six years, but had never done every round, until this season,” she said.
“When I first started they did not have a girl’s class so I had to race with the boys, so it is much better now that we have our own class.”
Neale’s passion for motorcycles blossomed at just three years old after her father purchased a Honda 50cc for her to ride.
“Dad chased me around the yard on it, as I had not yet learned to ride my push bike,” she said.
“He said I could only have a ride if I rode my bike without training wheels, so I did one lap with no training wheels and have not looked back since.”
After years of learning, Neale tested her skills across Victoria in the Western Regions motocross competition, with the victory marking her best motocross achievement to date.
However, it was not without its fair share of challenges.
“The competition was pretty tight all season and came down to the last round,” Neale said.
“Some of the tracks were definitely more challenging than others, especially Colac because it is different to anything we have down here.
“It was definitely one of my biggest achievements.
“I did a few rounds last year, but not all of them, so this was my first full season.
“But I still think my favourite achievement was the Mac Park senior highest points scorer this year and receiving the Laurie Fox Memorial Trophy.”
With plenty of wins up her sleeve Neale has seen big improvements in her riding.
“In the last 12 months I have worked on improving my starts and trying to not get so stressed out and nervous before every race,” she said.
“My starts have definitely improved, but not so much not getting so nervous.”
Neale was clearly dominant in the Mount Gambier competition, powering her YZ250F to many victories.
However, she said admitted the lack of numbers throughout 2017 were somewhat disappointing.
“The competition at Mac Park has been good, although we had more girls last year,” she said.
“I think a lot of senior riders have been put off because of the fast approaching track closure.
“But putting that aside, Mac Park is my all-time favourite track and I think everyone will be very sad to see it close next year.”
Neale said she hopes the track can stay in its current location, but she is not counting on it.
“It’s really disappointing that it has come to us having to leave the track, but hopefully the club continues to thrive,” she said.
“We have a lot of junior riders at the moment and it’s really good to see girls getting amongst the boys, so hopefully us having to move does not put any of them off racing for the club.”
Tiller – despite currently residing in Adelaide – grew up at the McNamara Park track.
Both her and Neale tested their luck against the boys and have since become friends and fierce competitors.
Finally racing together rather than against one another in the Pony Express endurance event, victory came as a shock to both Neale and Tiller, despite their obvious talent.
“We were not sure who was entered when we got there and just wanted to do it to see how we would go,” Neale said.
“To do the Pony Express with Jade was great fun, whenever I ride with her it’s great fun.
“We’re very well matched riders so we always push each other and have so much fun doing it.
“It was good to be racing with her instead of against her for once and we were both happy to come away with a win after a long hot day.”
With the local track’s future in jeopardy, Neale said her motocross goals are on hold.
“If there is no track here, I will have to travel to Victoria more to race,” she said.
“So I will do Western Regions again and maybe the Victorian Titles.
“But my main goal will continue to love riding and have fun doing it.”
Neale thanked those who had supported her throughout the year.
“My parents have always been a great support but my partner James is the one who takes me everywhere and fixes and maintains my bike,” she said.
