Battle For Motocross Glory Can Continue In Rotorua

FEBRUARY 18, 2021: The opening round of the 2021 New Zealand Motocross Championships at Woodville last month was simply sensational.

And now it's all systems go for more of the same at the second round of the series near Rotorua this coming Sunday.

Initially there had been fears that last Sunday's announcement by the Government of enhanced COVID-19 pandemic control levels, following concerns over a community outbreak of the virus in Auckland last week, would impact drastically on this weekend's event.

However, those fears evaporated late yesterday afternoon when restrictions were eased and, with the Auckland region at Level Two and the rest of New Zealand at Level One, Sunday's racing can now go ahead as planned.

"Please remember, though, that those attending from the Auckland area must observe Level Two requirements," said Motorcycling New Zealand motocross commissioner Ray Broad.

"We remind all to sign in and scan, and that includes mechanics and supporters. We all need to do our part and also support the host Rotorua Motorcycle Club," he said.

Bragging rights in the premier MX1 class were shared at Woodville, West Auckland's Hamish Harwood declared overall winner of the class but, with a different scoring format used to decide the winner of the coveted Woodville GP title, it was Taupo's Wyatt Chase who took that trophy.

It matters not, however, because there was really nothing between these two riders and they are separated by just six points at the top of the championship standings.

In fact, there are only seven points between the top four in this class, with multi-time former national MX1 champion Cody Cooper, from Mount Maunganui, and Hamilton's Kayne Lamont breathing down their necks.

No matter what happens on Sunday, those gaps are all likely to change, the steep course at Rotorua always offering up surprises.

And this means nobody can take anything for granted and this weekend's showdown at Phillips' farm property, just 20 kilometres south-west of Rotorua, on State Highway 30 at Horohoro, could be pivotal in terms of eventual title winners.

It's a little more clear-cut in the MX2 (250cc) class, with Mangakino's Maximus Purvis unbeaten in the 250cc races at Woodville. Even so, he is only six points clear of his nearest challenger, Oparau's James Scott, with fellow former Kiwi international Josiah Natzke, from Mount Maunganui, just four points further back.

The MX125 class is event tighter at the top, with Matamata's Brodie Connolly leading the way, but just two points clear of his nearest pursuer, Silverdale–based former Taihape man Hayden Smith. In third overall after round one, and just five points adrift, is Clevedon-based former Rangiora rider Cobie Bourke.

After Rotorua, the championships continue on at Pukekohe on Saturday, March 20, and the final round at Taupo will go ahead the following weekend, on Sunday, March 28.

The New Zealand Motocross Championships are supported by Aon Insurance, Kawasaki New Zealand, Pirelli tyres and Fox apparel.

Senior NZ Motocross Champs points after round one:

MX1 class: 1. West Auckland's Hamish Harwood, 47 points; 2. Taupo's Wyatt Chase, 41; 3= Mount Maunganui's Cody Cooper and Hamilton's Kayne Lamont, 40.

MX2 class: 1. Mangakino's Maximus Purvis, 50 points; 2. Oparau's James Scott, 44; 3. Mount Maunganui’s Josiah Natzke, 40.

MX125 class: 1. Matamata's Brodie Connolly, 47 points; 2. Silverdale's Hayden Smith, 45; 3. Clevedon's Cobie Bourke, 40.

Women’s Cup: 1. Motueka's Roma Edwards, 72 points; 2. Opunake’s Taylar Rampton, 69; 3. Hamilton’s Amie Roberts, 58.

Under-19 class: 1. Connolly, 50 points; 2. Tauranga’s Donovan Ward, 38; 3. Te Aroha's Luke Van der Lee, 36.

2021 NZ Motocross Champs calendar:

Round One: January 30-31, 2021 (in conjunction with the NZMX Grand Prix at Woodville). Manawatu-Orion MCC. MX1 (& 2T Cup), MX2 (& under-19), MX125 & round one of the Women's Cup.

Round Two: Sunday, February 21, 2021. Rotorua Motorcycle Club. MX1 (& 2T Cup), MX2 (& under-19), MX125 & MX3.

Round Three: Saturday, March 20. Pukekohe Motorcycle Club. MX1 (& 2T Cup), MX2 (& under-19), MX125 & MX3 (followed by Junior and Mini open at Pukekohe on Sunday, March 21).

Round Four: Sunday, March 28. Taupo Motorcycle Club. MX1 (& 2T Cup), MX2 (& under-19), MX125, MX3 & round two of the Women's Cup. Prize giving is arranged for that evening.

Credit: Words by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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