The third day of competition at the 2011 Honda Australian Junior Motocross Championship has played out in South Australian in wet and muddy conditions, with rain creating a slippery track for riders.
Raincoats and umbrellas coloured the sidelines of the Monarto Motocross track as support crews and spectators braved the elements to enjoy a jam-packed day of Motocross action.
The mud flew as the riders battled it out in the last fourteen heats of the Championship, with some of the best Junior riders from Australia, New Zealand and the United States providing a spectacular showcase of talent as they locked in their finals appearances.
Western Australian youngster
Caleb Grothues finished the 65cc 9-U11 heat events as top qualifier followed by NSW rider
Riley Dukes (SS Racing) and Queensland rider
Mason Rowe.
Queensland rider and 2010 Champ
Hunter Lawrence (KTM Australia) had a strong start to his 2011 Championship campaign today, qualifying in first place for the 85cc 9-U12 final ahead of Queenslander
Isaac Ferguson (MX Race Prep) and NSW rider
Brendon Walther (Yamaha Junior Racing).
In the 85cc 12-U14 class heats, NSW rider
Dylan Heaton (Dirt Bike Factory, KTM) topped the field in front of Western Australia's
Jake Pruiti and NSW's
Egan Mastin (GRM Motorex KTM Racing).
2010 Champion
Scott Mann (GMR Motorex KTM Racing) impressed in the 150cc 15 years class, securing the highest qualifying score ahead of Victorian
Joel Milesevic (Yamaha Junior Racing) and New Zealand rider
Hamish Harwood.
United States rider
Jordan Smith roosted home to qualify first in the 250cc 13-U15 class, followed by Queenslanders
Joel Dinsdale (Yamaha Junior Racing QLD) and
Jesse Madden.
Today's closing heats were interspersed with nine finals events, including the Female 12-U16 85cc and 150cc and 13-U16 150cc and 250cc classes, and the 15 years 150cc and 250 classes.
The action will kick up another gear tomorrow when the Championship closes the door on heats and moves into finals mode, with 16 finals events scheduled to roar down the start straight on the fourth day of competition.
The finals will run from tomorrow to Saturday 8 October at the Monarto Motocross Track in South Australia.
For full results from the Championship to date, and for live results as they happen, visit
https://www.orion-timing.com/results.htm.
For more information on the event and for all the latest news and results make sure to visit www.mxjuniornationals.com or the event site at www.ma.org.au.
