The 2022 New Zealand Mini Motocross Nationals
CAPTION: Expect high-intensity action such as this when the New Zealand Mini Motocross Nationals kick off on the outskirts of Tokoroa this weekend. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Don’t let the size of these racers fool you, their hearts are huge and their desire and determination perhaps even greater than that.
Run by the South Waikato Motorcycle Club and sponsored by Un4Seen Decals, the 2022 New Zealand Mini Motocross Nationals will be held at Lucas Oil Motocross Park, Moffat Road, Amisfield, on the outskirts of Tokoroa, this coming Saturday and Sunday and the tricky course will be sure to test even the most talented of youngsters.
The future of the sport will be on show here with a packed programme to occupy riders throughout the packed two-day programme.
Riders aged between four and 11 – and riding bikes with engine capacities anywhere between 50cc and 140cc – will bash handlebars in a series of high-intensity races and there is no doubt that some of the riders who feature this weekend will go on to carve national or even international careers for themselves in the future.
Some of the rising stars to look out for include Levi and Nico McMaster, Jesse Baird, Flynn Robins, Carter Grant, Kody McDermot, Jaxx Hunter, Kyan Cox, Charlie Hodgkinson, Carter Roberts, Trae Parkes, Finn Baker, Te Kaewa Bradley, Levi Jacobs, Hunter Cowie, Austin Vining, Vinnie Edwards, Charlie Purves and Colton Whibley, to name just a few.
Motorcycling New Zealand motocross commissioner Lindsey Heileson said he was really looking forward to the weekend.
“The mini nationals is a stepping stone for those starting out in motocross. It is great to see that record numbers will be turning up to this year’s event, with so many individuals listed for the first time.
“We can see there is a really good depth of talent in the mini ranks and this is where the sport begins. It shows the sport is in really good shape for the future.
“I’m sure it will be another great event.”
Current leading senior grade riders such as international star Josiah Natzke, from Tauranga, and Mangakino’s Maximus Purvis, Taupo’s Wyatt Chase and Hastings rider Jye Deacon, just to name just a few, can all trace their beginnings to the mini motocross ranks.
International pathways can certainly begin at the mini nationals.
Credit: Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
