Despite the threat of injury clouds, the entire six rider junior line-up of the GMR Motorex KTM Racing Team are planning to be on track at the Australian Junior Motocross Championships to be held at Murray Bridge circuit in South Australia, 1-8 October.
In the younger age-groups the team will see Callum Norton (VIC) and Reece Rayner (QLD) hitting the renowned circuit. Both riders will be showcasing their KTM65SX machines in the 9-u11 and 11-u13 year 65cc classes respectively, with both riders then lining up together in to contest the 9-u12 years 85cc class.
It has been a big year for the youngest members of the team, Norton scoring four State Championships while Rayner has recently returned from the FIM World Junior Motocross Championships in Italy where he impressed with a 5th in moto one, and ran 2nd in moto two until a hard-hitting crash ruled him out of a potential podium result in the 65 class. Both riders are keen to impress at Murray Bridge.
The KTM team has broad representation in the 12-14 years age group with Mitchell Evans (QLD), Egan Mastin (NSW) and Andy Dinciol (VIC) all ready to race the hotly contested age group.
Evans, Mastin and Dinicol will all be racing the 12-u14 85cc class. Team Manager Glenn Macdonald says "The 85cc big-wheel class is going to be exciting! Each rider brings something different to the track with completely different styles. I have worked with multiple team members in classes before and I am really looking forward to it."
Macdonald continued "Evans comes into the nationals with a very impressive resume of results and is looking fast and comfortable on his new 2012 KTM85SX. Mastin claimed the 2011 New South Wales 85cc Championship and Dinicol placed 3rd at the South Australian Championship round held at Murray Bridge and are both keen to finish their 85cc racing on a high note."
Mastin and Dinicol will also contest the 13-u15 years 100-150cc class on board the 2012 KTM150SX machines, both riders in their first season on the bigger bike.
Dinicol, who has been under an injury cloud has recovered extremely well from a nasty crash at the final round of the Victorian Junior Titles which saw a cart-wheeling bike of a fellow competitor slam into him on the blind side of a jump. Although Dinicol has been keeping focused on a modified off-bike training program until clearance was given, this past fortnight his focus has been on much needed bike time.
The oldest member of the junior contingent is Scott Mann (QLD) who will contest the 15 years 100-150cc and 250F classes. Mann, also suffering a shoulder injury throughout the season is looking to extend on his solid resume of results and dual National Championships from 2010.
Macdonald added "The six riders are looking forward to racing at Murray Bridge. It will be a big week for the team as we will be contesting seven Championship classes, on board 11 race team bikes.
'2011 was planned to be a building year, particularly for our newer team members, however all of our riders have really flourished and have achieved outstanding results to date collecting eight State Championship podiums, including five wins. The nationals are always tough, it's a long week and so many factors can play a part in the outcome. Our aim is to keep focus on each rider's own personal goals, enjoy the week together as a team and have fun racing. It's with this attitude we hope to see our riders flourish and achieve great results," Macdonald concluded.
