S.I. junior moto-cross

Press, 14 December 1983, Page 50

S.I. junior moto-cross

Gavin Hayes, of Tawa, was a clear winner in the South Island junior motocross championships held at Fairhali’s Farm recently. He took three firsts, two seconds and two thirds on his Honda in seven races.

The 125 cc 12-to-15 years class had 17 entries, five of them from the North Island.

Two other local competitors, Wayne Marfell (Yamaha) and Zane Boyce (Honda) battled for second place over all. Both finished with equal points, but Wayne took the lead with two firsts over Zane’s one on a count back. Shane Johns, of Picton, rode steadily throughout the two-day event but was not placed. Leon Andrew (Kawasaki), of Longburn, had the hardluck story for this group. He won the first race on the first day comfortably, but mechanical trouble in the second race finished him for the day. In the first race of the second day he finished fourth behind Marfell, Hayes and Boyce after crashing three times. Injury to his ankle put an end to his racing in the championships, but not before he had gained enough points from his two races to give him eighth place over all. Mark Thorpe (Yamaha), of Christchurch, won the six races he completed out of seven in the 85cc 12 to 15 years class which attracted 25 competitors. The only race he failed to score in was one he raced on a borrowed bike after his own had mechanical problems. This 14 year old is in a class of his own and will be a names to watch for in the future.

Second place went to Mark Lyndon (Yamaha), of Christchurch, with Scott Milne (Yamaha), of Balclutha, taking third place. Among local competitors, Brendon Wadsworth had a

mixed meeting with three thirds to give him fifth placing over all. Chris McKendry took one second and five fifths, placing him sixth over all. Keiron Hebberd rode steadily throughout the meeting, but was unplaced in the final results. The 85cc class for eight to 11 years produced some exciting racing from young lads on powerful machines. Callum Reid (Suzuki), of Christchurch, rode in six of the seven races, taking five firsts and a third.

Second place went to Peter Aldridge who had the misfortune to crash heavily in the second race on the second day and was unable to finish after treatment for injury. Gary Smith (Yamaha) took third place. Results:

125 cc 12-15 years: Gavin Hayes (Tawa) 1, Wayne Marfell (Seddon) 2, Zane Boyce (Blenheim) 3, Steven Perry (Johnsonville) 4, Patrick Smith (Christchurch) 5, Kerry Reid (Ashburton) 6, James Lavender (Christchurch) 7, Leon Andrew s (Longburn) ’B, Darren Richardson (Greymouth) 9, Andrew Ruddenklau (Oamaru) 10.

85cc 12-15 years: Mark Thorpe (Christchurch) 1, Mark Lyndon (Christchurch) 2, Scott Milne (Balclutha) 3, Garry Gabites (Upper Hutt) 4, Brendon Wadsworth (Blenheim) 5, Chris McKendry (Blenheim) 6, Russell Ferguson (Christchurch) 7, David Clarke (Dunedin) 8, David Singer (Hokitika) 9, Geoff McNee (Hokitika) 10. 85cc 8-11 years: Callum Reid (Christchurch) 1, Peter Aldridge (Linden) 2, Gary Smith (Fielding) 3, Deane Turner (Karitane) 4, Carey Turner (Karitane) 5, Robin Garland (Christchurch) 6, Dean Cattermole (Amberley) 7, Warren Hughson (Upper Hutt) 8, Campbell Richardson (Greymouth) 9, Brian Fleming (Greymouth) 10.