The 2025 Yamaha New Zealand Motocross Championship kicked off in style at Tauranga’s TECT Park, with riders setting the tone for the four-round season.
In MX1, Maximus Purvis was simply unstoppable, stamping his authority on the premier class with a perfect 1-1-1 scorecard. Topping qualifying and carrying that momentum into all three motos, Purvis left no doubt that he’s the rider to beat this year.
“It was a positive first round for me,” Purvis said. “I felt good on the bike all day, had some good starts, and won all my races. I can’t wait for the second round.”
Behind him, the battle for the podium was intense. Josiah Natzke finished runner-up in every race to claim second overall while reigning MX1 champion Hamish Harwood had to fight his way forward after struggling with starts. Harwood’s 3-3-4 results were enough for third overall, keeping him in the title mix.
The MX2 class saw a fierce fight for top honours, with Madoc Dixon and defending champion James Scott trading results across the day. The pair ended the round tied on points, setting up what looks to be a thrilling season-long battle. Dixon, returning from a year off due to knee injuries, was particularly pleased with his performance, capping the day with a last-lap pass on Scott and multi-time national champion Cody Cooper in the final moto.
“I threw all my cards on the table and managed to pass them on the last lap,” Dixon said.
Cobie Bourke, fresh off his MX2 victory at the Woodville GP, rounded out the podium, proving he’ll be a contender this season.
In the MX125 class, rising star Levi Townley dominated with a clean sweep of three wins, showcasing his talent and consistency. Hayden Draper followed with three runner-up finishes, while Phoenix Van Dusschoten, the 2024 Junior New Zealand champion, secured third overall.
Townley says it was a “very successful day” and he relished his home track’s conditions.
“It was very technical which helped me a lot,” he said. “I like it when it is hard and technical. I won all three races, got the overall and the points lead going into round two in Rotorua this weekend. I’d like to thank Altherm JCR Yamaha, Josh [Coppins] and my mechanic Luke for all the help.”
The Women’s class was all about Australian Taylah McCutcheon. The Queenslander was in a league of her own, winning all three motos to take the overall victory. Karaitiana Horne and Mikayla Griffiths rounded out the podium.
Motorcycling New Zealand Sponsorship and Media Manager Sarah Lindup praised event hosts Tauranga Motorcycle Club for delivering a well-run opening round.
Riders initially described the TECT Park track conditions as “technical and gnarly” after the first moto, but Club President George Millar noted that with ample water in the soil, the track improved as the day went on. Spectator numbers were also at an all-time high, reflecting motocross’s growing popularity.
With round two set for Rotorua’s Motocross Track on February 22, riders won’t have much downtime before they’re back behind the gate. The championship will then head north to Harrisville on March 8, before returning to Rotorua on March 15 for the final round and prizegiving.
