Young motocross riders raced full throttle on the last day of the 2023 MotoSouth NZ Junior Motocross Nationals held near Invercargill yesterday.
The event was hosted by the Southland Motorcycle Club and was run in conjunction with Motorcycling NZ.
Competitors could take part in nine classes during the three-day event, ranging from ages 8-16 and with bike engine capacities of 65cc to 250cc.
About 200 young riders travelled from as far north as Kerikeri to take part in the event, which was held at the Sandpit Motocross Track near Oreti Beach.
"The weather was on our side and it been absolutely magnificent.
"We’ve had great competitors and people who have travelled from right throughout New Zealand."
The Sand Track was one of top courses in the South and was a great facility to host the event, she said.
"This [track is] not for the faint-hearted, so you need good stamina and it is very demanding and it changes with every race."
"It’s been good, but a little cold," he said.
"It’s my dream to win a national title one day, but I’ve enjoyed the track, it’s been fun and rough."
Mikayla Griffiths travelled from Taupo to compete in the junior women 12-14 years 125/250cc class.
She said she enjoyed the atmosphere and seeing old friends.
"It’s been fun."
Co-event co-ordinator and promoter Mel Symon said it was great to be able to show some Southland hospitality to riders from out of town.
"That is definitely our point of difference."
It was "overwhelming" to see the event come to a close after countless hours of planning done by committee members, club members, sponsors, as well as the motocross community, she said.
"We are just delighted and pleased with how everything has run."
National winners were crowned at a prizegiving held in the evening at Ascot Park Hotel yesterday.
