MORE than 60 riders made their way to McNamara Park to test their luck at Round 4 of the Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club’s motocross series on Sunday.
The bar-to-bar racing was some of the best in recent years, which kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Jarrod Reed and Connor Robertson put on a show in the MX1 Senior Open class, but it was the latter who claimed the overall win by a slim three points.
Reed was forced to settle for second place, ahead of Jake Brown in third.
The MX2 Senior Lites class fielded a large number of talented riders, which resulted in some tight racing.
Morgan McNicol had all the answers in the opening two races, but a mishap on the gate in the third saw him start the race half a lap behind.
He was able to power through and make a couple of passes, but not enough to save his overall victory, forced to settle for second place on a count-back.
The circumstances allowed Josh Andrews to take the win, while Jamie Kirna took home third.
The Women’s Class had one of its largest fields in recent seasons, with nine riders on the start gate.
Brooke Marcus took the overall win with a clean sweep.
Patrick White was unbeaten in the 100-150cc two stroke/200-250cc four stroke 13 to Under 15 class, finishing the day ahead of Travis Golding and Josh Amos.
Jack Knightly dominated the opening two races in the 85cc two stroke/150 four stroke standard/big wheel 12 to Under 16 Class.
However, a crash on the first corner in the final race forced him out of contention and handed the overall win to Kobi Buckingham.
Buckingham was closely followed by Marcus and Shem Wastell.
Despite entering in different age groups, Knightly and Thomas Lambert had some impressive battles throughout the day.
Due to having the same capacity motorcycles, the two classes line up on the start gate together, which showcased some close racing.
Lambert was able to take away the overall win in the 85cc two stroke/150cc four stoke standard 9 to Under 12 class victory with three race wins.
Zac Bowering was up with the best and took home second, followed by Tom Bowering – just two points behind – in third.
Lambert again dominated his 65cc 10 to Under 12 class with three wins from as many outings.
Bray Knightly trailed with three seconds, followed by Austin Holman and Hayley Pudney.
The 65cc 7 to Under 9 class was well contested with eight riders fighting for positions.
Tom Bowering won the overall honours with 100 points, while Brad Walkolm took home second place and Emily Lambert third.
Riley Bermingham was not challenged in the 50cc Division 2 7 to Under 9 class, claiming all three race wins to earn maximum points.
Nate Spencer finished second and Deegan Jackway third.
Blake Pudney won the 50cc non-competitive 4 to Under 9 class with two thirds and a second, while Kade McCourt took out second after finishing first in the final two races.
Xavier Hunter rounded out the placings in third, while Rubi Watson also put together an impressive performance.
With just two rounds of racing remaining at McNamara Park, Mount Gambier Junior Motorcycle Club president Damien Holman said he was pleased with the support each meeting was receiving.
“There was a good number of competitors, considering there were other events on the same day,” he said.
“There was also a good number of spectators, which was pleasing to see.
“The weather was perfect and the track was set and ready for some great action, which made it again another fantastic Sunday of racing at Mac Park.”
Holman said the bar-to-bar racing on the weekend was a spectacle.
“Two classes that were out to impress were women’s class and the 85cc,” he said.
“There was a good number of female riders out there, which made the races interesting to watch from the drop of the gate to the finish line.
“The 85cc class was another impressive number of riders and this group did not disappoint as they raced hard right to the end of the day, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats.
“All the other classes put on some good racing too, from the little ones on their 50s to the big boys on their toys.”
The track has again been worked in preparation for Round 5 this Sunday.
Sign in is from 8am, with practise expected to kick off at 9am, followed by racing shortly after.
