2011 is promising to become one of the most hotly contested WAMX Women's state motocross Championship series.
One rider in particular has her sights firmly set on achieving a massive goal. A familiar sight is the Kawasaki with the number 539. The owner Chelsea Bakers, who hails from the beautiful South West WA country town of Manjimup. The name Manjimup is world renowned with motocross having been the home of the historic Manjimup 15,000 event.
On the lead up to the Women's Australian MX Championships at Coolum in QLD this weekend Bakers who is extremely confident in her determined approach to 2011.
"I came into this round 20 points down on Courtney Hirst as I sat in second. But unluckily for Courtney injury has sidelined her. Jess Moore was back and has lost nothing on her speed from last year. I tried as best I could today and was happy that I matched Jess for her starts into that first corner. I had a bit of a tumble in the second moto but I am happy to come away with second for today and now lead the championships," Bakers said after taking over the WA state titles lead.
With the WA titles under control the 22-year-old's focus now shifts to this weekend at Coolum.
"This will be the adventure of a lifetime for me," Bakers enthused. "We are driving over and my dad is coming with me as my mechanic. We are stoked to get the support of City and Regional Fuels in assisting us with the trip, but also I get major help at the track thanks to Troy Carroll and the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team who have offered their mechanics, their truck and assistance for the weekend. So we will look factory pitting with the team and I cannot thank Team Manager Troy Carroll and the entire Monster Energy Kawasaki Team for their kind and overwhelming gesture, it is fantastic".
"This will be a great benchmark for me to see how I kind of stand in comparison with the best in Australia," she continued. "Obviously qualify for the event and do the best I can in keeping the bike upright and putting all my effort into this race meeting. The nerves are unbelievable already, I am just looking forward to the whole experience".
Bakers has some great support heading into her title tilt and is always mindful of the support team she takes with her.
"I have some amazing sponsors Kawasaki Country in Bunbury, the best Kawasaki Dealership in Australia for sure, PerthMX.com, Fox, Steve's Menswear in Manjimup, MX Weekly and Tint A Car Manjimup, City and Regional Fuels and now Monster Energy Kawasaki.
"My family are always behind me all the way Mum and Dad and the support from my boyfriend Daniel Woodward, without them all I wouldn't be doing this in 2011.
"Thanks to Linda Russell for her help, Chalky and Deb for their help in tyres and their unbelievable support, plus their belief in me! Plus all the girls and supporters out there that send me their support all the time. I thank them all so much for their support, it has been unbelievable".
Chelsea Blakers WA's Women's number 2 firmly has her sights on a successful season and this easy going, fun loving, down to earth rider certainly has all the tools at her feet and dedication to achieve her goals. On behalf of us all Go Chelsea!
Main Photo: Chelsea Blakers
Credit: Brett Morgan Photography
